BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, MAY 14TH 2014 (CUOPM) – The Frigate Salt Pond has been declared a protected area and is to rehabilitated for eco-tourism and educational purposes.
The declaration of the Frigate Bay Salt Pond and its environs as a protected area has been made under section 9(1) of the National Conservation and Environmental Protection Act of 2006.
“This decision is in keeping with the vision of the National Physical Development Plan of St. Kitts that recommends that this area be zoned and developed for recreational purposes,” said Minister of Information, Sen. the Hon. Nigel Carty.
He pointed out that the Protected Areas Systems Plan for St. Kitts and Nevis recognizes the fact that the Frigate Bay Salt Pond is located in an area that supports a number of bird species and is linked to the breeding of three such species.
“The Protected Areas Systems Plan envisages the rehabilitation of the area under consideration for eco-tourism and educational purposes,” said Carty, who further informed that the designation of the Frigate Bay Salt Pond and its environs as a protected area will allow the continued use of the area as space for recreation by nationals, residents and visitors without the threat of development in the area.
“Protection will preserve this area as a green space for environmental, aesthetic and other purposes and lead to the establishment of a management framework to oversee the activities conducted in the area,” Minister Carty said.