Protecting the Biosphere on Tropics Day

Dear Editor

Did you know that the Tropics host nearly 95% of the world’s mangrove forests by area and 99% of mangrove species?  The Tropics have just over half of the world’s renewable water resources (54%) , yet almost half their population is considered vulnerable to water stress.

The Tropics are a region of the Earth, roughly defined as the area between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn.  Although topography and other factors contribute to climatic variation, tropical locations are typically warm and experience little seasonal change in day-to-day temperature. An important feature of the Tropics is the prevalence of rain in the moist inner regions near the equator, and that the seasonality of rainfall increases with the distance from the equator. The tropical region faces several challenges, such as climate change, deforestation, logging, urbanization and demographic changes.

The International Day of the Tropics was initiated by the United Nations as an opportunity to celebrate communities in the Tropics and highlight the challenges they are facing. Observed on 29 June, the day offers a distinctive perspective on the region’s extraordinary cultures, biomes and ecosystems.

The day is set aside to increase public knowledge regarding the specific challenges faced by tropical areas, as well as the far-reaching implications of the issues affecting the world’s tropical zone, and the need, at all levels, to raise awareness and to underline the important role that countries in the tropics will play in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. 

The Caribbean is definitely in the Tropics. The region is nestled between the Tropic of Cancer and the equator, which gives it that signature warm, sunny, beach-perfect weather year-round. As a result, Caribbean governments should observe this important day. Regional curricula should be modified to reflect this international day.  The Caribbean is widely considered to be overly dependent on tourism. Tourism is a significant part of many Caribbean economies, contributing a substantial portion of their Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and employment.  While this dependence can bring economic benefits, it also exposes the region to vulnerabilities from external factors like economic downturns in source markets, natural disasters, and global pandemics. As a result Caribbean governments must strengthen their environmental protection frameworks to safeguard their biospheres.

The tropical region surrounds the equator, covering continents from Northern Australia to central Africa and South America.

The tropics also boast some of the most diverse and interesting cultures in the world. North Queensland alone is home to countless Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures dwelling in regional, remote and island communities.

Some other issues facing the tropics include higher levels of poverty and hunger, and a higher proportion of people living in slum conditions.

Get Involved  

Whether or not we live in the Tropics we all can play a part in obtaining knowledge and sharing same within our network.  There are numerous ways we can get involved in raising awareness concerning The International Day of the Tropics. Some of these include: sharing educational content about tropical cultures, ecosystems, and sustainable development on social media. We can also be intentional by choosing eco-friendly products and support businesses that prioritize sustainable sourcing from tropical regions. Thirdly, we can lend support to conservation efforts that protect rainforests, coral reefs, and indigenous lands especially since Tropical rainforests, such as the Amazon and Congo Basin, play a critical role in carbon storage and climate regulation.

On this International Day of the Tropics let us collectively continue to bring attention to both the promise and danger of life in these regions. The international community has a responsibility to encourage the need for sustainable practices, investment in education, healthcare, and global cooperation to protect fragile ecosystems and support tropical communities.

Wayne Campbell is an educator and social commentator with an interest in development policies as they affect culture and or gender issues. 

Yours truly

waykam@yahoo.com

@WayneCamo

#InternationalDayoftheTropics