Nature Cayman
A true day in paradise includes waking to the sound of song birds out your window and the prospects of the beautiful plants and animals that await discovery. The sound of the Cayman Parrot making a ruckus in the sea grape trees, the iguana sunning poolside and the Green Sea Turtle hatchlings making their way into the Caribbean Sea all create the unique atmosphere the Cayman Islands has become world renown for.
The clear unpolluted water awaits, teaming with fish and critters to entertain and astound swimmers, divers and snorkellers alike; while the beauty of the inner island of Grand Cayman abounds with local flora and fauna on the Mastic Trail or at the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park.
Caymanians understand the importance of protecting the land and sea which also preserves their heritage. While the Cayman Islands has long understood the importance of protecting the environment a new push is being made to ensure the protection of Caymanian Culture as well. These one of a kind islands provide tourists and residents with an ideal nature based vacation.
Many wildlife residents are endemic. Some of these include the Red-legged Thrush, Blue Iguana, Cayman Brac Parrot and the Banana Orchid. The local government and residents have fought for legislation and public education programmes to ensure the Cayman Islands remain more then just another Caribbean island with pretty beaches.
Nature Tourism is becoming popular world wide in a recent movement to preserve the cultural integrity that makes each region and its contribution to the ecosystem unique. This new reason for travel promotes the environmentalist in each of us to protect the world around us and further educate others about the impact every country has on the fragile ecosystem we live in.
At each boat dock, launch or beach are signs reminding people about the various Marine Park Zones around the three islands. Strict enforcement of the conservation laws by the Department of Environment and Marine Unit of the Royal Cayman Islands Police ensure the quality of life for all marine creatures and the health of the fragile marine ecosystem.
The National Trust
The National Trust for the Cayman Islands Law of 1987 created the National Trust as a non-profit, statutory body which is
"responsible for the preservation of Cayman's historic, natural and maritime heritage; the conservation of lands, natural features and submarine areas of beauty, historic or environmental importance, and the protection of our native flora and fauna".
It's primary responsibilities are:
- Preserving the natural, historic and maritime heritage of the Cayman Islands through preservation of areas, sites, buildings, structures and objects of historic or cultural significance;
- Conservation of lands, natural features and submarine areas of beauty, historic or environmental importance, acquirable through gift, bequest, lease, purchase or other means; and
- The protection of flora and fauna.
The Trust's activities include protecting biological diversity; protecting public access both visual and physical-to the sea; protecting selected traditional footpaths throughout the islands such as the Mastic Trail; acquiring and maintaining structures of outstanding historical or cultural significance for which ongoing funding is assured, and facilitating the preservation of historic and cultural sites. For more information on the National Trust visit:
www.nationaltrust.org.ky
Nature Cayman
Cayman Brac and Little Cayman are the best pictures of Nature Tourism in the Cayman Islands. If Nature Tourism is what you seek, then a trip to the Cayman Islands is not complete until you have explored the exciting and beautiful Sister Islands. They provide an unspoiled experience where the natural and cultural heritages remain closely interwoven. You will find a safe, peaceful environment for walking, hiking, biking, taking leisurely drives or just relaxing in blissful solitude.
Little Cayman's surroundings are a nature lover's dream. Here you can uncover more than a dozen secluded beaches on a mostly undeveloped coastline, lagoons, mangrove forests, salt ponds and pristine wetlands strewn with orchids.
Savour the glory of Cayman Brac with its spectacular cliff walks on the 140-foot bluff that thrusts vertically from the sea floor. Have a close encounter with Brown Boobies and Magnificent Frigate birds held aloft by air currents rising from the sheer bluff face. For the more adventurous explore Cayman Brac's many caves each with its own story to tell.
For birdwatchers Cayman Brac and Little Cayman have almost 200 species of birds, including the endangered Cayman Brac parrot. Wetland ponds harbor a wide selection of herons and shorebirds, including the rare West Indian whistling-duck.
For more great information on Nature Tourism in the Cayman Islands visit: www.naturecayman.com
