Protection of this area has been prioritised because:
- Barkers represents a unique, diverse and environmentally valuable coastal ecosystem that already includes a marine protected area – the Barkers Replenishment Zone.
- The system of coastal ponds and wetlands is a microcosm of the larger Grand Cayman land mass.
- Its cultural importance and aesthetic appeal create the ideal area for relaxation, recreation, education and conservation.
- Barkers is ideal for becoming the first National Park in the Cayman Islands as the peninsula is surrounded by water therefore no additional terrestrial buffer zone is required.
- The park’s land and sea components would preserve the full spectrum of the mangrove-sea grass-coral reef continuum.
- The area has sufficient infrastructure in terms of access and would require minimal enhancement.
- It has the potential to diversify Grand Cayman’s land-based tourism industry in terms of a nature tourism product.
- Seven Mile Beach is becoming increasingly crowded and existing beach access and public open space elsewhere are currently insufficient for the recreational needs of a growing population.
Environmental Features
Within the park boundary is a prime example of low elevation Caribbean beach ridge, a native and diverse coastal forest community of ironwood, wild coco plum, silver thatch and other species, which is rare within the entire Caribbean Region.- The ridge could have also provided burrowing ground for the planned establishment of the Blue iguana, one of Cayman’s most endangered species. (This is no longer as useful since the creation of the Eastern Blue Iguana Reserve and the infestation of green iguanas throughout the western half of Grand Cayman.)
- Its two ponds, Sea Pond and Palmetto Pond, provide feeding, breeding and migration grounds for many bird species.
- Offshore, the mangrove and adjacent sea grass beds are home to juvenile species of lobster, conch, and stingrays, as well as many fish species.
