Florida Everglades Back on UNESCO's Endangered List

As a native Floridian I was appalled when I read the day's environmental news. While the Galapagos Islands were removed from UNESCO's "World Heritage in Danger" list, it would seem as if the Florida Everglades are once again receiving the title.

The Florida Everglades were first placed on the list in 1993 after Hurricane Andrew had plowed through South Florida and caused major damage to the region. Further devastation to the delicate ecosystem continued in the 1990s as eco -crimes in the area, such as pet owners releasing exotic animals or people feeding alligators, increased. In response to the ecosystem's destruction, tremendous efforts were made to restore the region and as a result the Florida Everglades were removed from UNESCO's list in 2007.

However, according to UNESCO the Everglades must once again be considered a "World Heritage in Danger". The Everglades were put on the list per the request of the United States government because of "serious and continuing degradation of its aquatic ecosystem."

Management of the Florida Everglades will remain in the hands of several U.S. entities that already oversee its protection. However, in accordance with the national park's renewed endangered status, the U.S. will now be required to provide regular reports on the conservation status of the Everglades.

Affectionately dubbed as the River of Grass, the Florida Everglades is the only ecosystem of its kind. The National Park alone houses several different habitats that range from pineland to the Florida Bay. Additionally, the Florida Everglades are home to 56 different endangered species of animals. Of these 56, only 22 reside in the National ark, four National Wildlife Refuges, and one National Marine Sanctuary. The Florida Panther, for instance, is one of the several species that have been severely affected by the destruction of their habitat with only 80 to 100 living today.

As a native Floridian, the Everglades have practically been in my backyard all my life. As a kid, elementary school field trips consisted of going to the national park and learning about alligators. As an adult, my college experience allowed me to explore the Everglades even further through biology classes and eco-trips. While park rangers and activists are doing all they can, they still need help in helping the Florida Everglades recover from the widespread devastation it has undergone .

UNESCO's decision to deem the Everglades as a "World Heritage in Danger" is meant to raise awareness and get the Florida Everglades the help it needs.

Tim Bradman, head of the World Heritage at the International Union for Conservation of Nature puts it best when he states "It's about international support and the Danger List mechanism signals a concern about an international issue that is affecting the sites."

Sources:

TreeHugger.com
Xinhuanet
Environmental Graffiti