The document summarizes a study of the Fond D'Or Mangrove site in Saint Lucia. The study aimed to understand the ecosystem health, services, current uses, and development pressures of the mangroves. Methods included mapping, water quality testing, vegetation studies, and stakeholder interviews. Key findings were that the mangroves are currently in a transition with unclear management, contain three mangrove species and unique trees, and are used for crabbing, fishing and beach access. Recommendations included further study, establishing conservation boundaries, identifying managing agencies, and community participation.
1. Fond D'Or Mangrove Study Site
By:
Nathaly Agosto Filión
& Ted Ortiz y Pino
CDAE 195/295: Sustainable Development in Island Communities
2. Map of Project Location
GEF-IWCAM Demo Site
aims to address water supply
and quality issues through
demonstration projects and
community participation
3. FOND D'OR BAY MANGROVES PROBLEM
STATEMENT:
- in transition from historical
management
- little is understood about:
- ecosystem health
- ecosystem services
- extent of current uses
- poor water quality
- facing possible development pressures
4. Mangrove Services Worldwide
- vital fisheries habitat
- sediment trapping and erosion control
- reduction of nutrient loading
- flood control
5. 1) Basic Understanding
- ecosystem health
- extent mapping
- current uses
2) Recommendations
- sustainable uses
Project goals:
6. Objectives and Methods
- determine health and extent:
- mapping perimeter and waterways
- water quality testing
- study woody vegetation
- field observations
- determine use:
- stakeholder interviews
- make recommendations:
- managing for sustainable use
- future areas of study
7. Study Area:
- approximately 5 acres along Fond D'Or River outlet to sea
- contains all three spp. of mangrove (red, white, black)
- home to unique swamp bloodwood tree (awaiting confirmation)
- used mainly for crabbing and fishing and as cut-through to beach
- managing agency unclear
8. Water Quality Testing Results
Green = good/acceptable
Yellow = borderline
Red = bad
Gray = missing data
9. • Preliminary: healthy mix of large and small
trees, low diversity
– South side: Red mangroves, almond,
bloodwood
– Northern side: Bloodwood, lots of black
and white mangroves.
Transects
10. Community Perspectives
Interviews with stakeholders indicate:
- Many (50+) crab
hunters
- Recreational fishing
- Cut through/beach
access (esp.
weekends)
- Little wood extraction
or charcoal
production
- Unregulated access
11. Recommendations
- further study
- clean up!
- set preservation/conservation boundaries
- identification of managing agency(ies)
- community participation/organizing local users
- communication of results with allied agencies
