Carib Scope

分类： science

  • Project Launched to Protect Antigua’s Honeybees from Deadly Varroa Mite

    Project Launched to Protect Antigua’s Honeybees from Deadly Varroa Mite

    Antigua and Barbuda has launched a multifaceted conservation project aimed at safeguarding honeybee populations from the devastating Varroa mite parasite while promoting sustainable beekeeping practices across the twin-island nation.

    Initiated in 2023 with funding from the Global Environment Facility’s Small Grants Programme (GEF SGP) implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the project represents a collaborative effort between the Antigua Beekeepers Cooperative and the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries and the Blue Economy. Under the supervision of Project Coordinator Mr. Brent Georges, the initiative incorporates several strategic components including extensive planting of bee-friendly vegetation, specialized queen bee breeding programs, and comprehensive hive inspection protocols.

    The project recently gained significant expertise with the February 6-16 visit of Mr. John Frederick, an accomplished queen bee breeder and apiary consultant from St. Lucia. Mr. Frederick conducted intensive field work with local beekeepers, sharing critical knowledge on advanced apiary management techniques and specialized methods for early detection, mitigation, and eradication of Varroa mite infestations.

    The Varroa mite, recognized globally as one of the most dangerous threats to honeybee health, is a parasitic pest capable of decimating entire colonies within three to four years if left unchecked. Its presence poses existential threats to both bee populations and the broader beekeeping industry.

    The engagement culminated in a highly interactive February 15th discussion session that extended well beyond its scheduled duration, demonstrating strong local interest among both established and prospective beekeepers. This enthusiastic participation underscores the project’s significance in building resilient agricultural systems and protecting vital pollinators essential for ecosystem health and food security.

  • Onderzoek naar mogelijke cassaveziekte in Marowijne na melding landbouwer

    Onderzoek naar mogelijke cassaveziekte in Marowijne na melding landbouwer

    Agricultural authorities in Suriname have initiated a comprehensive scientific investigation following reports of a potentially devastating disease affecting cassava plantations in the Marowijne District. The Directorate of Agricultural Development (DOAB) and the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries (LVV) are leading the emergency response to address the agricultural threat.

    A specialized team led by DOAB Director Hermien Pavion conducted field visits to affected areas, accompanied by agricultural experts from both agencies and a research scientist from the Center for Agricultural Research in Suriname (CELOS). The interdisciplinary approach underscores the seriousness with which authorities are treating the potential crop epidemic.

    Prior to the field assessment, officials consulted with District Commissioner Marvin Vyent, emphasizing the critical need for enhanced monitoring systems and strengthened reporting capabilities within the administrative service. Commissioner Vyent acknowledged the particular significance of cassava as a staple food throughout the district, pledging close oversight of developments.

    One affected farmer reported losing approximately three hectares of cultivation after initially detecting symptoms. In a remarkable development, the grower claims to have independently developed an experimental treatment that reportedly restored diseased plants to healthy growth within three weeks. The farmer has temporarily declined to disclose the composition of this apparently effective treatment.

    Research teams have collected samples from both infected and treated plants for laboratory analysis. Scientists aim to identify the pathogen responsible for the disease while simultaneously evaluating the efficacy of the farmer’s unconventional treatment method. Authorities have committed to maintaining vigilant monitoring and will provide public updates as investigative results become available.

  • Archaeologists discover 13 human skeletons at Pueblo Viejo in search for cacique Enriquillo

    Archaeologists discover 13 human skeletons at Pueblo Viejo in search for cacique Enriquillo

    A significant archaeological breakthrough has emerged from the Dominican Republic, where researchers have unearthed 13 complete human skeletons at the Pueblo Viejo archaeological site. The discovery forms part of the scientific initiative “Following the Remains of cacique Enriquillo,” which builds upon over a decade of multidisciplinary investigation combining historical documentation and archaeological fieldwork.

    Under the technical coordination of Dominican archaeologist Kathleen Martínez, the project has implemented rigorous international standards previously absent at Pueblo Viejo. The excavation process involved technically complex stratigraphic recording and comprehensive documentation of ruins, significantly advancing the scientific understanding of the site.

    While definitive conclusions remain premature, the research team has initiated sophisticated analysis protocols. Spanish forensic specialist Víctor Barrera Alarcón is leading anthropological examinations to determine sex, age, and physical characteristics of the unearthed individuals. The investigation will employ ancient mitochondrial DNA analysis through laboratories in the Dominican Republic and potentially Costa Rica to establish lineage and ancestry patterns. Carbon-14 dating methodologies may supplement stratigraphic findings where necessary.

    The project represents a collaborative effort supported by the Macarrulla Foundation and the General Directorate of Strategic and Special Projects of the Presidency (PROPEEP), highlighting its national scientific importance. Beyond the specific objective of locating remains associated with cacique Enriquillo, the initiative aims to preserve and enhance the entire Pueblo Viejo archaeological site while facilitating knowledge transfer to Dominican professionals through internationally recognized methodologies.

    Local community engagement has been instrumental in the project’s advancement, with academic results expected to contribute to both domestic and international scholarly discourse regarding the region’s historical and cultural heritage.

  • Jamaica boosts coastal disaster assessment skills through TNC workshop

    Jamaica boosts coastal disaster assessment skills through TNC workshop

    KINGSTON, Jamaica—In a significant capacity-building initiative, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) convened over 60 government officials and environmental specialists for a comprehensive science workshop on February 9-10. The event, held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, focused on leveraging geospatial data for detecting changes in vulnerable coastal ecosystems.

    The intensive two-day program addressed the critical need for advanced monitoring tools as Caribbean nations face increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. Participants engaged with cutting-edge remote sensing methodologies using PlanetScope and Sentinel-2 satellite imagery to evaluate hurricane impacts on marine and coastal environments.

    Under the guidance of Dr. Steve Schill, TNC’s Caribbean Lead Scientist, and other technical experts, the workshop blended theoretical foundations with practical applications. Day one established core remote sensing principles, including assessment requirements and software options ranging from proprietary to open-source platforms. Attendees gained proficiency in field data collection techniques and learned to access satellite imagery from both public and private sources.

    The training featured demonstrations of cloud-based analytical tools, notably Google Earth Engine, showcasing how integration of satellite data with field observations enables rapid, precise change detection. “Remote sensing allows hurricane impact assessment within days, while drones can map damage once weather conditions stabilize,” Dr. Schill explained.

    Day two progressed to hands-on image processing using industry-standard software including ArcGIS Pro and QGIS. Non-governmental organization representatives additionally trained with Kobo Toolbox and Google Earth Pro, analyzing sample datasets to evaluate ecological changes in mangrove forests, seagrass beds, and sandy shorelines. These practical sessions were specifically designed to enhance skills applicable to both immediate post-disaster evaluations and sustained coastal monitoring efforts.

    Donna Blake, TNC Jamaica’s Program Director, emphasized the critical importance of reliable environmental data: “Timely information is essential for transforming post-disaster assessments into informed policy and investment decisions. Building technical capacity ensures our restoration efforts remain evidence-based and aligned with national resilience objectives.”

    This capacity-building initiative ultimately strengthens Jamaica’s ability to monitor and report on climate commitments related to coastal ecosystems while significantly improving the efficiency and accuracy of environmental assessments following major disturbances.

  • Staatsolie financiert nieuw archiefgebouw GMD

    Staatsolie financiert nieuw archiefgebouw GMD

    In a significant move to preserve Suriname’s geological heritage, Staatsolie Maatschappij Suriname N.V. has committed over US$230,000 to construct a state-of-the-art archive facility for the Geological Mining Service (GMD). This initiative aims to safeguard historically vital drill cores and samples that form the foundation of the nation’s geological knowledge.

    The current GMD archive building, which partially collapsed and became non-functional, posed serious safety risks including fire hazards and unauthorized access by homeless individuals. For more than two years, Staatsolie has maintained security patrols to mitigate further dangers to these invaluable geological specimens.

    Following a comprehensive inventory assessment conducted by GMD in collaboration with Professor Salomon Kroonenberg, the decision was finalized to proceed with new construction. The modern facility will ensure the preservation of precious geological materials and maintain accessibility of existing data for future scientific investigations.

    The majority of these subsurface samples originate from the 1970s and have been instrumental in developing Suriname’s geological mapping framework. These core samples provide critical insights into subterranean composition and potential natural resource deposits, serving as essential reference materials for ongoing exploration and research initiatives. Drill cores and samples are extracted during geological surveys to analyze stratum composition and identify potential mineral resources.

    The project aligns with Staatsolie’s commitment to sustainably strengthening national institutions and preserving crucial knowledge about Suriname’s geological composition. The new archive is scheduled to become operational before the end of the current year.

  • Learning How to Care for Cows and the Planet

    Learning How to Care for Cows and the Planet

    BELIZE – In a significant stride toward sustainable agriculture, Belize has launched an innovative training program aimed at transforming conventional cattle farming practices. The University of Belize Central Farm Campus recently hosted an intensive workshop that brought together the nation’s cattle farmers and agricultural extension officers to pioneer regenerative farming techniques.

    The comprehensive initiative, spearheaded by Belize’s Ministry of Agriculture in collaboration with The Nature Conservancy, University of Belize, Belize Livestock Producer Association, and Belize Maya Forest, represents a paradigm shift in livestock management. Principal Agriculture Officer Belarmino Esquivel emphasized the program’s critical importance: “We are fundamentally transforming our cultural sector from traditional methods to practices that are productive, competitive, sustainable, and resilient with a regenerative focus.”

    Over a six-month period, 25 extension officers received extensive training in advanced agricultural methodologies, including rotational grazing systems, integrated tree pasturing, enhanced animal nutrition, and comprehensive soil management strategies. The curriculum featured international expertise, with Dr. Martin Battaglia providing specialized instruction on regenerative agriculture principles.

    The program’s second phase involves practical implementation across five model farms and 50 satellite farms, where trained officers will directly mentor farmers in adopting environmentally conscious practices. Luciano Chi, Regenerative Agriculture Specialist for The Nature Conservancy, highlighted the collaborative nature of the endeavor: “This represents a unified effort among multiple stakeholders committed to transitioning Belize toward a sustainable regenerative livestock system.”

    Participants received specialized equipment kits designed to ensure both animal welfare and practitioner safety. The kits include protective gear, veterinary supplies, and demonstration tools for sustainable fencing systems. Daniel Juan, Livestock Lecturer at the University of Belize, explained: “We’re ensuring that personnel have the proper equipment to safely implement husbandry practices while safeguarding both human and animal wellbeing.”

    The initiative particularly emphasizes soil health as a cornerstone of regenerative agriculture. Technicians received soil augers and analysis tools to help farmers implement data-driven soil amendment strategies, including the use of native cover crops and legumes to enhance soil fertility naturally.

    This groundbreaking program positions Belize at the forefront of sustainable livestock management in Central America, potentially serving as a model for other nations seeking to balance agricultural productivity with environmental stewardship.

  • International crew set to dock at space station Saturday

    International crew set to dock at space station Saturday

    CAPE CANAVERAL, Florida — A new era of international space collaboration commenced as SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket successfully delivered the multinational Crew-12 astronauts to the International Space Station on Saturday. The meticulously orchestrated docking procedure concluded at approximately 3:15 PM Eastern Time (2015 GMT), marking the beginning of an extensive eight-month scientific expedition orbiting 250 miles above Earth.

    The diverse crew comprises NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Jack Hathaway, French Space Agency representative Sophie Adenot, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev. Their arrival reinstates the station’s full operational capacity after several months of reduced staffing. Commander Meir, during the ascent phase, reflected on the profound perspective space travel affords: ‘Viewing our planet from this vantage point makes our interconnectedness undeniably clear—we are one humankind.’

    This mission represents a significant recovery operation for NASA, replacing the previous Crew-11 team that executed an unprecedented medical evacuation from the orbital laboratory in January. While agency officials maintained strict confidentiality regarding the specific health concerns that prompted the early return, the successful deployment of Crew-12 demonstrates remarkable operational flexibility in human spaceflight contingencies.

    The scientific agenda for this expedition includes groundbreaking research on physiological adaptations to microgravity, with particular emphasis on developing advanced medical diagnostic capabilities for extended space missions. Astronaut Adenot, who has made history as France’s second female space traveler, will spearhead innovative trials involving artificial intelligence-enhanced ultrasound technology that enables self-administered medical imaging.

    Notably, this mission occurs against a complex geopolitical backdrop where the ISS remains a bastion of international cooperation despite terrestrial tensions. The crew composition itself reflects diplomatic nuances, with cosmonaut Fedyaev joining after the unexpected reassignment of originally scheduled Russian crew member Oleg Artemyev. As the ISS approaches its planned decommissioning in 2030, each successive mission contributes valuable data toward future deep space exploration initiatives.

  • High-Resolution Data training at PRAIS 4 Workshop in Grenada

    High-Resolution Data training at PRAIS 4 Workshop in Grenada

    Environmental specialists and Geographic Information System (GIS) professionals from Caribbean Small Island Developing States (CSIDS) have completed an intensive capacity-building program focused on advanced data methodologies for land degradation assessment. The specialized training, conducted in Grenada, equipped participants with cutting-edge tools for the 2026 Reporting on Performance Review and Assessment of Implementation System (PRAIS 4).

    The week-long workshop, concluding on February 6, 2026, in St. George’s, was orchestrated by the Partnership Initiative for Sustainable Land Management (PISLM) with multilateral support from the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification Secretariat, financial backing from the Global Environment Facility (GEF), implementation through the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and technical delivery collaboration with APACHETA.

    Suriname’s PRAIS Reporting Officer Zylenna Darson emphasized the transformative impact of moving beyond generic global datasets. “This initiative enabled crucial validation of our national environmental data,” Darson noted. “Previously dependent on default information that frequently misrepresented actual conditions, we can now achieve substantially more accurate depictions of land degradation.”

    The training facilitated cross-border knowledge exchange, allowing professionals from multiple Caribbean nations to develop collaborative strategies for sustainable land management. St. Kitts and Nevis GIS Officer Ayodele DeCosta highlighted how the workshop addressed the historical generalization of small island reporting, enabling more precise monitoring of environmental challenges.

    Haiti’s UNCCD Focal Point Eder Audate connected the training to recent national advancements, stating that the recently completed soil survey combined with these new capabilities would significantly enhance land degradation combat efforts.

    Bahamian representatives Latonya Williams and Jenny Morris expressed confidence that the high-resolution data methodologies would directly inform future environmental policies and project development.

    PISLM leadership encouraged participants to extend the application of these tools beyond immediate reporting requirements, emphasizing their potential to strengthen regional environmental policies, accurately document national achievements, and promote sustainable development resilience throughout the Caribbean region.

  • VIDEO: DFC final press conference for Carnival 2026

    VIDEO: DFC final press conference for Carnival 2026

    Groundbreaking findings from NASA’s Perseverance rover have provided definitive evidence confirming the existence of ancient lake sediments within Mars’ Jezero Crater. The robotic explorer’s sophisticated radar instrument has penetrated beneath the Martian surface, revealing geological layers that unmistakably formed through water deposition.

    The research, published in Science Advances, demonstrates how subsurface radar imaging (RIMFAX) captured detailed cross-sectional views of sediment deposits resembling those found in Earth’s dried lakebeds. These sedimentary formations were transported by water and accumulated within the crater environment billions of years ago, during a period when Mars possessed a substantially warmer and wetter climate capable of sustaining liquid water on its surface.

    UCLA planetary scientist David Paige, the study’s lead author, emphasized the significance of these discoveries: ‘The radar images provide unequivocal evidence that Jezero Crater once hosted a substantial lake. We can now observe the geological history written in the rock layers beneath the surface.’

    The findings validate scientists’ initial hypothesis in selecting Jezero as Perseverance’s landing site – that the clearly visible geological features including an inflow channel and delta formation indicated ancient aquatic activity. The rover’s ongoing mission has now physically confirmed these theories through direct subsurface observation.

    This discovery substantially enhances the potential that microbial life may have developed within these ancient waters, making the collected sediment samples prime candidates for detecting potential biosignatures when eventually returned to Earth through the Mars Sample Return campaign.

  • Jamaica to produce avocados year-round with new grafting process

    Jamaica to produce avocados year-round with new grafting process

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica stands on the precipice of an agricultural revolution as advanced tree grafting techniques promise to transform the nation’s avocado industry. Through a strategic collaboration between the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining and the Trees that Feed Foundation, researchers have successfully introduced three innovative avocado cultivars specifically engineered to eliminate seasonal production gaps.

    The groundbreaking horticultural work, currently underway at the Bodles Research Station, represents the culmination of extensive international scientific cooperation. Over more than twelve months, researchers navigated complex quarantine protocols and coordinated with agricultural experts from the Dominican Republic to secure these specialized varieties.

    This scientific breakthrough carries significant implications beyond mere seasonal availability. The initiative fundamentally strengthens Jamaica’s food security infrastructure while providing substantial economic opportunities for local farming communities. By developing agricultural resilience through these improved cultivars, Jamaica positions itself for enhanced export capabilities in international markets.

    The research foundation emphasized that following successful completion of the current experimental phase, these innovative avocado varieties will be distributed to agricultural producers across the island. This dissemination strategy ensures that both small-scale farmers and larger agricultural enterprises can benefit from these scientific advancements, potentially transforming Jamaica’s agricultural landscape and economic prospects.