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By Clive Petrovic
It’s easy to fall under the spell of the BVI's white-sand beaches, emerald-green hills and sunsets that defy description. Those images blend with the sounds of steel drums, the aromas of beach barbecues and the tastes of exotic cocktails. But there is much more to the BVI. The physical isolation of the islands created an environment more unusual and more special than you may realise.
Exotic Flora of the BVI
Most islands contain plants and animals that are unique and found nowhere else. These species are called endemics. The larger and the more remote an island is, the more endemics it has. As an archipelago of small islands that are somewhat remote, the BVI contains its share of rare and unusual flora and fauna.
Though some of the rarest of the endemic flora and fauna have gradually drifted off to extinction, many native plants may still be found in forests, along beaches and even next to roads and houses. Let’s search for a few of the special plants that grow in the BVI.
The best place to begin our quest for rare and unusual plants is the J.R. O’Neal Botanic Gardens in Road Town. Whilst featuring a wonderful collection of tropical plants from around the world, it also showcases some of the rare plants native to the archipelago. It’s the perfect place to see what the plants look like and learn about their distribution and survival requirements.
One of the rarest plants in the Territory is a small perennial shrub restricted to the hillsides surrounding and a few locations on St. John. W.C. Fishlock, a botanist working in the BVI, discovered the shrub, called Fishlock’s croton, or Croton fishlockii, in 1919. Though small and relatively nondescript, the shrub has lovely white flowers.
Quite a bit larger, but equally rare, is the Acacia anegadensis, a rare tree most common on the island of Anegada. Covered with formidable spines, the local name is poke-me-boy. When flowering, it is covered with lots of yellow blooms that resemble puffballs.
The black sage, Cordia rupicola, is well adapted to dry conditions. Only found on Anegada and Puerto Rico, this usually small shrub can grow to 15 feet and has small white flowers that produce tiny red fruit.
Several types of cactus are becoming increasingly rare in the Virgin Islands. Whilst habitat loss is part of the problem, the main reason is collecting for the ornamental plant trade. One such cactus is the barrel cactus, also known as Turk’s cap. When flowering, the “cap” is covered with bright pink blossoms that give way to equally pink fruit. The sweet, juicy fruit makes a delightful snack when hiking in the hot sun. Rarer still is the woolly nipple cactus, Mammilaria nivosa, a fuzzy, light brown cactus that seems to grow in clumps. It is most often found on outer islands where it clings to rocky outcrops.
The cowage cherry, Malpighia woodburyana, is sometimes aptly called the stinging bush or mad dog. Covered with sharp defensive spines, this bright green shrub with delicate white flowers should be viewed from a respectable distance.
Much more delightful are the several species of orchids with colourful flowers ranging from bright yellow to various shades of delicate pink. Whilst they occur on most of the islands, they are becoming increasingly rare due to development, grazing by livestock and even people collecting them as ornamentals. When you see them in their natural habitats, enjoy but don’t destroy.
PROTECTING OUR REEFS
In the BVI, like everywhere else, the demands of human activity impact nature. The islands are not immune to the problems of overdevelopment, pollution and even the impact of global climate change. Many individuals and organisations are concerned about the risks to our environment and work towards a future that's sustainable and one that will leave the natural treasures intact for generations to enjoy. Organisations like the National Parks Trust and the Conservation & Fisheries Department strive to safeguard the environment and make sure human progress does not damage nature's ecosystems.
A few years ago, the Association of Reef Keepers (ARK) was formed by community minded individuals as a non-governmental organisation to focus on issues related to protecting marine environments, particularly coral reefs. In 1997, the international organisation Reefcheck was formed to monitor the state of coral reefs throughout the world. Members of ARK seized the opportunity and cooperated with a reef monitoring protocol that continues to the present day. The local reefcheckers, as they're called, are documenting changes to coral reefs that are caused by global warming, sediment runoff from coastal developments, overharvesting of marine creatures and numerous events caused by humans.
ARK and Reefcheck rely entirely on volunteer non-scientists (with some expert supervision and guidance) to gather the necessary statistics. These enthusiastic divers participate in a vital mission. The ultimate goal of long-term monitoring is to recognise changes to coral reefs and provide governmental regulatory agencies with the data they need to make wise management decisions. After 13 years of continuous monitoring, the Reefcheck data can be analysed and trends can be described. With good data and management based on sound science, future generations may continue to enjoy the coral reefs that some take for granted today.
If you would like to participate in this worthwhile activity, simply look up Reefcheck BVI on the Internet and send an e-mail. Reefcheck is always looking for eager volunteers who care about the environment and are willing to lend a helping hand. It's a great way to spend part of your vacation underwater doing something that really makes a difference.
THE BVI IS GOING GREEN
In this day and age where concerns over energy independence, reliance on foreign oil, high energy costs and future sustainability are increasingly important, it's refreshing to see new projects and existing resorts that are implementing modern green technologies.
As part of the future development plans on Mosquito and Necker Islands, Sir Richard Branson has demonstrated a commitment to energy independence by using innovative designs and adopting green technologies in all phases of development. His projects offer high standards and many amenities whilst reducing the ecological footprint and reliance on fossil fuels.
Many resorts, and even a few private homes, are turning to sustainable practices that demonstrate social responsibility and concern for the welfare of our planet.
The Peter Island Resort recently installed two large wind turbines to reduce dependence on fossil fuels for power generation. More and more projects are turning to green technologies as part of their commitment to improving sustainable practices. Harnessing wind, solar and other forms of renewable energy is not only socially responsible; it makes economic sense. New projects are being designed with structures that are energy efficient and take advantage of local sustainable sources.
Fresh water is a precious commodity on most small islands and must be used efficiently. At many resorts, water is treated and reused to irrigate gardens and lawns. Extra care is being exercised during construction projects to help reduce sediment runoff from coastal areas and safeguard coral reefs.
There's a long list of initiatives that resorts are implementing. Green technologies make a lot of sense because they're generally cheaper, more reliable and better for the planet. These combined efforts help ensure a cleaner, healthier environment for residents and visitors to enjoy.
What would make your BVI vacation complete? Whether its boating, biking, hiking, team sports, horseback, surfing, snorkeling, diving, windsurfing, kayaking, kite boarding, sailing, fishing — get the 411 on who to contact right here.
Learn more about each island of the BVI and its beautiful pristine beaches, here.
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It’s easy to fall under the spell of the BVI's white-sand beaches, emerald-green hills and sunsets that defy description. Those images blend with the sounds of steel drums, the aromas of beach barbecues and the tastes of exotic cocktails. But there is much more to the BVI. The physical isolation of the islands created an environment more unusual and more special than you may realise.
Though some of the rarest of the endemic flora and fauna have gradually drifted off to extinction, many native plants may still be found in forests, along beaches and even next to roads and houses. Let’s search for a few of the special plants that grow in the BVI. 
Quite a bit larger, but equally rare, is the Acacia anegadensis, a rare tree most common on the island of Anegada. Covered with formidable spines, the local name is poke-me-boy. When flowering, it is covered with lots of yellow blooms that resemble puffballs. 
The cowage cherry, Malpighia woodburyana, is sometimes aptly called the stinging bush or mad dog. Covered with sharp defensive spines, this bright green shrub with delicate white flowers should be viewed from a respectable distance.
In the BVI, like everywhere else, the demands of human activity impact nature. The islands are not immune to the problems of overdevelopment, pollution and even the impact of global climate change. Many individuals and organisations are concerned about the risks to our environment and work towards a future that's sustainable and one that will leave the natural treasures intact for generations to enjoy. Organisations like the National Parks Trust and the Conservation & Fisheries Department strive to safeguard the environment and make sure human progress does not damage nature's ecosystems.
ARK and Reefcheck rely entirely on volunteer non-scientists (with some expert supervision and guidance) to gather the necessary statistics. These enthusiastic divers participate in a vital mission. The ultimate goal of long-term monitoring is to recognise changes to coral reefs and provide governmental regulatory agencies with the data they need to make wise management decisions. After 13 years of continuous monitoring, the Reefcheck data can be analysed and trends can be described. With good data and management based on sound science, future generations may continue to enjoy the coral reefs that some take for granted today.
As part of the future development plans on Mosquito and Necker Islands, Sir Richard Branson has demonstrated a commitment to energy independence by using innovative designs and adopting green technologies in all phases of development. His projects offer high standards and many amenities whilst reducing the ecological footprint and reliance on fossil fuels.
The Peter Island Resort recently installed two large wind turbines to reduce dependence on fossil fuels for power generation. More and more projects are turning to green technologies as part of their commitment to improving sustainable practices. Harnessing wind, solar and other forms of renewable energy is not only socially responsible; it makes economic sense. New projects are being designed with structures that are energy efficient and take advantage of local sustainable sources.
There's a long list of initiatives that resorts are implementing. Green technologies make a lot of sense because they're generally cheaper, more reliable and better for the planet. These combined efforts help ensure a cleaner, healthier environment for residents and visitors to enjoy.