GULLY REHABILITATION & CONSERVATION PROJECT

Gully The Commission presently sits on the Gully Rehabilitation and Conservation Project Committee which was formed to develop a strategic plan and guidelines on how the gully system of Barbados should be rehabilitated, conserved and sustainably used.

The objectives of the Committee includes the following.

  • Identification of gullies which could be developed as nature trails.

  • Identification of gullies for watershed management.

  • Identification of gullies which should be protected.

  • The replanting of cleared gully areas with local species to protect the soil, facilitate infiltration of water, and reduce flood risks.

  • The reintroduction of local species into gully areas where they are no longer found, in an attempt to conserve the natural heritage of Barbados.

  • The removal of refuse and solid waste from gully areas to reduce risks to critical groundwater resources.

  • The development of a public awareness, education and community involvement programme, with respect to the conservation and protection of the gullies.
Gullies form a significant component of the natural landscape features of Barbados. It is for this reason that there is need for every citizen to develop at least a basic understanding and appreciation of their origins and general characteristics.

Of greater importance is the recognition of the relationship between gullies, ground water quantity and quality and the provision of drinking water, as we are classified as a water scarce nation, which is particularly vulnerable to episodes of drought.

Since gullies act as primary relief routes for storm water flows, their management (or lack thereof) may have a profound effect on the quality of the ground water resource.
Issues such as illegal dumping of solid and liquid waste, the indiscriminate removal of vegetation, in addition to the excessive use of pesticides and fertilizers on adjacent agricultural plots are matters of grave concern, especially when one considers that the pollutants are likely to be delivered more rapidly to the drinking water source through the gully floor.

Consequent to the above, the Government of Barbados is currently in the process of negotiating with consultants to undertake a study of the gully ecosystem in the island.



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