Earth Today | Spare a thought for Melissa’s ‘silent’ victims

THE ENVIRONMENTAL Foundation of Jamaica (EFJ) has urged attention for the ‘silent victims’ of the devastating Category 5 hurricane, Melissa, which battered Jamaica last month, leaving in its wake a trail of destruction and entire communities reeling from the devastation.

“In its wake, not only were homes and roads destroyed but the island’s wildlife and habitats also suffered severe damage. Experts note that a storm of this strength puts wildlife ‘in crisis’, stripping animals of food and shelter and disrupting vital ecosystems,” the EFJ noted in a release shared with the media.

The hurricane packed winds of up to 185 miles per hour and brought with it catastrophic storm surges and life-threatening floods. It was the first Category 5 system to hit Jamaica, breathing life into the long-warned-of extreme hurricane events as a risk of the changing climate.

“Hurricane Melissa is a stark reminder of how climate change intensifies natural disasters. Now, as the nation rebuilds, more attention is turning to these silent victims. From tiny bees to native birds, we all can play a role in helping them recover. Strengthening ecosystems, from mangroves to pollinator habitats, is essential to Jamaica’s climate resilience,” it added.

The EFJ is a non-profit organisation, providing the largest pool of grant funding dedicated to supporting environmental conservation and child survival and development initiatives in Jamaica. Established in 1992, the entity has since funded more than 1,600 projects to the tune of more than $3.25 billion, toward the promotion of initiatives in the environment and child sectors.

According to the EFJ, Hurricane Melissa destroyed “tens of thousands of bee colonies across western Jamaica, wiping out hives and the flowering plants they depend on”.

“Beekeepers have warned that surviving bees are now at risk of starvation with so much of their forage flattened. This is cause for great concern because bees are key pollinators for many of Jamaica’s crops and fruit trees. One aid organisation has stressed that these ‘small but mighty’ insects are crucial for the island’s recovery, and warned that food security will suffer if pollinators disappear. In response, a few international charities, as part of their aid and relief efforts, have teamed up with local apiculturists to provide emergency sugar syrup and pollen substitutes to sustain remaining hives,” it added.

Members of the Jamaican public are now being encouraged to provide sugar mixtures where possible, in order to help to keep the island’s bee populations alive “as this will be critical for agriculture to rebound alongside natural vegetation”.

Birds have not been immune.

“The hurricane toppled countless trees, destroying natural food sources and nesting sites for avian species. With forests stripped bare, many birds are now venturing into yards and public spaces in search of food and shelter,” the EFJ said.

“Jamaica’s national bird, the hummingbird (doctor bird), is suddenly finding far fewer blossoms to feed on. As these struggle to survive, officials have urged Jamaicans to offer temporary nourishment to these birds until nature regenerates. A little backyard assistance can go a long way until the island’s trees bloom again,” the non-profit said.

Among the EFJ’s recommendation to help wildlife recover is to leave out fruits for birds and to set up hummingbird feeders with a white sugar-water solution. “Also, put shallow dishes of water in safe areas for parched animals to access,” the entity noted, citing the recommendations of environmental authorities.

Further, they encourage persons who may observe displaced bees gathered near their homes to “not spray them with chemicals” and instead to “them undisturbed or call a local beekeeper for safe relocation”.

“These pollinators are vital and will move on once wild food sources return,” the EFJ said, adding that wild birds should also never be captured or caged.

“If you find an injured animal, contact the National Environment and Planning Agency for guidance rather than intervening yourself. These small acts, multiplied across communities, can significantly speed up nature’s rebound. Rebuilding ecosystems hand-in-hand with communities will help Jamaica heal and become more resilient against future storms,” the EFJ added.

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