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Project Plan North East Coast, St. Lucia Feria Narcisse-Gaston Forestry Department, St. Lucia St. Lucia Iguana Iguana iguana (Photo by Liz Corey) Feria Narcisse-Gaston Forestry Department, St. Lucia January 2008 TABLE OF CONTENTS Theory of Change 4 Introduction 7 Country Profile Population Topography Climate 8 8 8 8 St. Lucia Parrot Campaign Summary 9 Project Site Focus Summary Introduction to the North East Coast Geology and Soils 10 12 Biodiversity Forest eco-system Mangrove eco-system Marine/Coastal eco-system Wildlife Conservation requirements of endemic wildlife 15 15 15 15 16 Land Use Current Land-use Policy Human Induced Threats Potential Impact Policy, Legislation and institutional responsibilities 18 18 19 20 21 Stakeholders Matrix and Narrative Stakeholders Matrix Stakeholders Narrative Concept Model Stakeholders meeting photos 22 22 25 27 Focus Group Summary 28 Summary of Survey Questionnaire Sample Population Sample Questionnaire 32 33 Summary of Survey Results Respondent’s Sex, Occupation, Age, Education Media Preferences Knowledge & Awareness Attitude & Behavior Flagship Species 39 41 45 51 59 Description Distribution Social Behavior Biology Reproduction Threats Lifestyle Diet 60 61 61 61 61 62 62 62 Threat Ranking Revised Concept Model 63 63 Work Plan 65 Monitoring Plan 92 Project Timeline 103 Appendices 106 Theory of Change for St. Lucia “Iyanola” Pride Campaign North East Coast, St. Lucia The north east coast of St.Lucia is characterized for its high rate of endemism and great biological diversity. This site is the last refuge for the endangered St.Lucian Iguana. It is also an important habitat for the endangered white breasted thrasher bird and leatherback turtles. The goal of the “Iyanola1” Pride Campaign is to “increase public environmental knowledge and build community support and action for the conservation of endangered species population island-wide, with a focus on the North East coast of St.Lucia.” The Iyanola Pride campaign will increase knowledge of the uniqueness of the North East coast and its biodiversity and the threats it faces, including invasive species – cats and dogs (which predate on the iguanas) and rats (which are encouraged by littering), sand mining (which impacts nesting sites of iguanas and leatherback turtles) and hunting. The campaign will enhance local ownership amongst the communities of the North East Coast, with the philosophy of “Keeping it Green”. This approach will encourage positive community-led action to protect nesting sites by preventing sand-mining vehicles from accessing the beaches, encouraging men to stop hunting iguanas, changing pet owners behavior to stop dogs and cats from predating on iguanas and turtles, initiate regular litter collection (to reduce rat predation of iguanas and turtles) and by enabling greater enforcement of legislation (through increased Forestry Office patrols). Messages will be spread through a range of activities for community members including – the creation of neighborhood watch patrols, football competitions, an Iyanola Festival, billboards, printed materials such as posters and fact sheets, beach cleanups, and economic enterprises such as craft making. To support these conservation initiatives the Pride Campaign will “Show the Value” by creating an Iyanola Eco-regional brand – through a national awareness-raising campaign, by using media such as radio, television. In the end, the campaign will be seen as successful if there is an increase in the population of the iguana from less than 1,000 to 1,500 by the year 2020. Development Iyanola means “the land of iguanas” and is believed to be the name used for St. Lucia prior to European colonization. Since the iguana is restricted to the tropical dry forest of the north east coast, Iyanola can provide both the basis for the eco-regional brand, as well as the “flagship” species to capture the uniqueness of the area. 1 “Make it green” (Encourage green and low-footprint” development) What do we know? Development is an important process within any economy, as is the case of St Lucia where tourism has become the main foreign exchange earner. The government favors large developments and therefore is against small investment hotels/resorts that offer a low impact on the environment. There is no known zoned land-use plan, signed up to by the National development Planning Committee (NDC), Tourism and Economic Planning, not just Physical Planning. St Lucia boasts a “Simply Beautiful” island offering a fulfilling natural experience. The island has developed over the years as a premiere tourist destination, where the tourism sector has become the main income earner. Therefore, development has focused mainly on the improvement of this sector with very little regard to maintaining its rich natural beauty. The Iyanola pride campaign recognizes the need for development in Saint Lucia, the need for enhancing livelihoods for the people and the vital importance of maintaining and benefiting from the islands natural resources: plants, animals, and ecosystems. This process of development is without a doubt an integral part of improvement for our local economy. However, a small developing nation like ours requires that we not only focus on methods of promoting economic growth and structural change but also on improving the potential for the mass population given our limited resources. Thus, the Iyanola Pride Campaign seeks to guide the development process utilizing multiple approaches in a time where so little of our natural environment remains unblemished by the economics of change. A strong focus will be placed on the primary approach which will incorporate social and political factors to devise particular plans that will be based on the fundamentals of increasing awareness on the positive and negative impacts of habitat loss through development, what habitat loss is and actually results in. This will involve interaction with both policy makers and the general public in the current environment that is rich with appropriate developmental opportunities and a where there is growing relationship and interest among all the stakeholders involved. This interaction will be facilitated by the creation of the Iyanola Eco-regional brand through a national awareness-raising campaign which will lead to the realization of positive developmental outcomes that are essential if development is to be successfully sustainable for generations to come. The Iyanola Pride campaign will also allow for the improvement of current methods and mechanisms that aid in the determination of the types of policies and practices that guide the entire development process. Targeting the policy makers, this will involve influencing the restructuring of development incentives that encourage small green/low footprint development, using improved methods for project monitoring and enforcement of a strengthened environmental impact assessment process. Also, it will involve a mixture of methods to encourage better investments that will safeguard the natural beauty of our unique island. This mixture of methods should be part of “St. Lucia’s plan” for investment that includes zoning, wildlife conservation, sustainable development and which recognises the north east coast as the most threatened wildlife area on St. Lucia apart from our already well protected natural rainforest areas. Although the concept of sustainability is often included in many forums for development, the outcomes are rarely visible in the implementation of local projects that have demonstrated very little regard for the environment. The Iyanola Pride campaign believes that a sustainable approach to development is one which takes account of economic, social and environmental factors to produce projects and programmes which will have results which are not dependent on our finite resources. A tourism sector which is sustainable will not use more natural resources than the local environment can supply; more financial resources than the local community can sustain; and will have the necessary support from the community, government and other stakeholders to carry on indefinitely. However such is never the case in the ideal world and due to many factors the norm is to always increase foreign investment so that small nations can compete and face the growing challenges of globalization. Notwithstanding, the Iyanola Pride campaign will promote “green development” as it follows a growing world movement and should be seen as a welcomed trend that will only increase our development potential. Understanding what we have will be the first step to considering how important what we possess is to us. Helping the population and more importantly the decision makers appreciate and consider these areas as assets to positive development will ensure that St. Lucia remains simply beautiful for generations to come. INTRODUCTION Country Profile The island of St. Lucia is situated between 14’ 05’ and 13’ 07’ latitude, and between 60’ 53’and 61’ 05’ W longitude. It is the second largest island of the group with an area of approximately 238 square miles (616 km2). The closest neighboring countries are Martinique, 20 miles (32 km) to the north and St. Vincent, 25 miles (40 km) due south. (St. Lucia Environmental Profile) Population The population of St. Lucia was estimated to be 157,490 in 2001. The census revealed that the total population of St. Lucia has reached 156,635 inhabitants. (St. Lucia Government Statistics Department) This total comprises 77,664 males and 78,971 females. The population is unevenly distributed, with a major concentration found in the districts of Castries and Gros Islet situated in the North West of the island. Topography St. Lucia has a mountainous topography dominated by a central main ridge running almost the length of the island. The valleys between are broad and flat. These valleys (mainly Cu-de-Sac, Roseau and the Mabouya) together with the area around Vieux-Fort in the south, account for most of the flat land areas on the island. The highest peaks occur in the southwestern portion of the country with Mount Gimie being the tallest at 3,117 feet (959m) above sea level. The two famous peaks, Gros Piton and Petite Piton, are also situated along the western coast in the south with a height of 2,619 ft (798m) and 2,461 ft. (750m) respectively. Climate December- May is the driest and coolest time, with day temperatures in the 70- 80 F/23 - 32 C and night temperatures in the 60- 70 F/15- 27 C. During the hottest time of year (June-August), daytime temperatures can reach the 90 F/32- 37 C. The rainy season is June-November, but don't expect a constant downpour. Rather, there are numerous short but incredibly intense showers. Trade winds provide breezes year-round, regardless of the season. St. Lucia Parrot Campaign Summary “In Saint Lucia, there is the mounting pressure on the natural environment particularly on the land resource base (the forest). As a result the department experienced a dramatic decline of our parrots (Amazona versicolor). The Forestry Department is charged with the responsibility to protect and manage all wildlife species; how was that done? In 1978, a local campaign was conducted on saving the St. Lucia’s parrots followed by the Pride Campaign in 1991. This campaign educated every school child, community groups, housewives and the man on the street. The parrot locally known as “Jacquot", became a household name, “Save the Parrot”. This could be seen on billboards, posters, in schools, banks and churches just to name a few. The laws were changed and the parrot was made the island’s national bird in 1979; a source of national pride. The parrot also features on the coat of arms and is also an important flagship for St. Lucia’s Rainforest biodiversity”. Although there are grounds for cautious optimism about the future of the St. Lucia Parrot, based on the research to date and the sightings of birds in areas never seen before, the department must now take into account that it has been over ten years since the parrot success has been around. It is time for a new flagship species to emerge as eco- tourism is the buzz word of the nation. The Tourist Industry has now become the main economic stay of the Island as an alternative for bananas. Hotel development (The North East Coast) has taken the spotlight; the dry forest habitat is now under attack, releasing the pressure from the central rain forest. Another important and rare species, the St. Lucia Iguana is now under threat as a result of the proposed development along the North East Coast. (Michael Bobb, Deputy Chief Forest Officer) North East Coast Project Site Focus The project site i.e. from Grande Anse to Fond’or stretches for approximately 73 sq km along the east coast of the island. It is estimated that the area comprises approximately 7271 hectares and it is owned by government crown lands, Louvette estate (500+ acres), Grande Anse Estate (2000 acres), private land owners and a few individuals. (Forestry Department, Mapping Unit 2007) The north east coast has a number of unique features which includes archeological and historical sites, low-lying areas rolling hills, steep cliffs, deep embayment which are the most important turtle nesting areas in St. Lucia. The north east coast is also characterized for its high rate of endemism and great biological diversity. This area is listed as a proposed national park under the Systems Plan of Protected Areas. The nearest human settlements to the project site focus are Desbarras, Garrand, Boguis, Aux Leon and La Perlle. Census from the Government Statistics Department reveals that these communities have a total population of 3,992 representing 1,940 male and 2052 female. Infrastructure has been developed to service the communities including roads, electricity and water. The area as a whole is remote and access to these undeveloped areas has been limited to rugged roads which can be transverse by the use of a four wheel drive vehicle and hiking trails. There is also an elaborate network foot path throughout the project site. The northern part of the project site is accessible by way of the Desbarras-Grande Anse road, while the central part is accessible by the Aux Leon-Louvette road. Figure 1 illustrates north east coast settlements. Geology and Soils The soil of the area is of several types. According to Stark et. al. (1966), five major soil types predominates in this area; Anse Clay, Falaise Stony Loam, Franciou Stony Clay, Delomel Clay and Latille Clay. Falaise Stony Clay and Falaise Stony Loam are said to have a very high erosion hazard, while Anse clay and Delomel have a moderate erosion hazard. Latille Clay Loam is considered to be one of the best soils for agricultural land use in St. Lucia because of the topography on which it is located, effective soil depth, texture, structure and other physical parameters. The main characteristics of these soils are presented in table 1. Table 1 Dominant Soils and their Characteristics in Dennery north to Grande Anse (Stark et al 1966) Soil type Drainage Through Soil Moisture Supplying Capacity Factors Erosion Natural Any special Limiting Harzard Fertility Soil Management Root Problems Penetration ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Falaise Rapid Poor AgglomerHigh to Low Erosion control Stony Fair ate at very slightly should not be cultivated Loam 15” – 20” high acidic ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Franciou Rapid Poor AgglomerHigh to Low Erosion control Stony ate at very neutral to stoniness little Clay 12” – 24” high slightly agricultural use acidic ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Anse Clay Slow Good Mottled Moderate Low Drainage erosion Subsoil clay very control. Low fertility. below acidic 6” – 12” ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Latille Moderate Good Almost High Almost none. Nil acidic ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Delomel Slow Fair Compact Moderate Medium Erosion control Clay to mottled acidic difficult soil to work. very slow clay 8” – 15’ Drainage in wet periods BIODIVERSITY A number of ecosystems occur in the area namely: Forest ecosystem, Mangrove ecosystem and Marine/coastal ecosystem. These ecosystems have unique functions that sustain livelihoods, species survival and conservation. (St. Lucia Biodiversity Country Report) Forest Eco-system The forest vegetation of the project site is very diverse with a total of 50 tree species. The trees vary in height and size with the largest trees reaching a maximum height of 15 to 18 meters and a diameter of 30cm dbh (diameter at breast height). The trees along the coast line are stunted with flat windswept crowns. The development of the trees increases further from the coast line where the effect of the wind and sea blast is reduced. The forest type of this area as described by Beard in 1949 comprises Rain Forest, Montane Thicket/Elfin Woodland and Dry Scrub Woodland. Rain Forest: These forests are typically three-tiered with a scattered main canopy at 80 – 130 feet (24 – 40 meters) a secondary layer of specific species and a scrub layer. The ground layer is moderately dense and consists of semi-shrubs, seedlings of the main dominants and ferns. Epiphytes, lianas and climbers are common throughout the main canopy due to the relative openness of the stands. Montane Thicket/Elfin Woodland: Montane thicket is found on the prominent mountain peak of La Sociere and on some of the higher ridges and usually merges with lower montane rain forest at lower elevations. The elfin woodland consists of gnarled, low growing tree species heavily covered with mosses and epiphytic plants. Dry Scrub Woodland: The north east coast has extensive areas covered by xerophytic vegetation. This vegetation is typically scattered , low growing and predominated by Logwood (Haematoxylum campechianum) and some Acacia (Acacia nilotica) Mangrove Ecosystem The Mangroves protect the coastline, support the reefs and seagrass beds and serve as vital habitats. The plant type in this mangrove is dominated by the red, white and black mangrove. These mangrove plants have adaptations which enable them to tolerate salt in their tissues. Major threats to the mangroves include deforestation for charcoal production and poor land use. There are five mangroves situated within the study area namely, Grande Anse Beach, Anse La Sociere, Anse La Chaloupe, Anse Louvet and Trou Hal Hal. Both Grande Anse and Anse Louvette mangroves are designated marine reserves under the Fisheries Act No, 10 of 1984. Deforestation and poor land use is severely affecting the Grande Anse Mangrove. The three other mangroves occupy small areas but are important in performing vital functions. (St. Lucia Biodiversity Country Report). Marine/Coastal Eco-system The sandy beach of the north east coast is subjected to a number of degrading activities such as sand mining and garbage accumulation. This area plays a critical role in providing a habitat for a wide range of invertebrates and nesting sites for leatherback turtles and iguanas. The reefs off the east coast are less diverse than that of the west coast. These reefs have a comparatively higher algal cover and coral colonies are generally small. Larger and denser seagrass beds are found off the east coast and like coral reefs, these habitats have been subjected to stress resulting from silt laden waters due to poor management of human and natural resources. Wildlife Species The north east coast vegetation has undergone significant changes primarily due to impacts associated with agriculture and development. The results of these impacts have resulted in several endemic species now considered threatened or endangered. Some of these species and sub-species are of scientific interest as well as a source of our natural pride. Prominent among these is the St. Lucia Parrot, which as the national bird has become a state symbol. (D. Anthony, Forestry Department). Status and conservation requirements of Endemic Species of Wildlife on the North East Coast Birds Species Scientific Name Population Estimate Widespread and locally common Common Legally Protected Yes St. Lucia Oriole Contopus oberi St. Lucia Pewee Icterus laudabilis St. Lucia Blackfinch Melanspiza richardsoni Widely distributed Yes St. Warbler Lucia Dendroica Dendroica delicate Yes Lucia Camprimulgus otiosus Widespread and common in all habitat types. A rare species occurring mainly in the north-east St. Nightjar Yes Yes White Breasted Thrasher Ramphocinclus brachyrus About 1100 Yes St. Lucia Wren Tryglodytes aedon Restricted to specific habitats Yes Over 800 in the wild Yes St. Lucia Parrot Amazona versicolor Conservation Requirements IUCN Conservation Status Threats include brood parasitism by the shiny cowbird Continued protection Near threatened (2000) Habitat management to ensure the presence of dense vegetation and thick cover where species occur. Continued protection Habitat protection and predator control. Requires dry scrub woodland in coastal areas. ----- Endangered Least concern (2004) Critically Endangered Habitat protection and predator control. Protection of scrub habitat lining dry river valleys between Petite Anse in the north to Louvette. Habitat protection. Restricted to coastal shrub along the north east coast between Louvet and Marquis. On the pitons in Soufriere and under threat by habitat clearance. Habitat protection. Restricted to rain forest areas with lush habitat. Endangered (2005) Conservation Requirements IUCN Conservation Status Habitat control Endangered (M. Morton, Durell Wildlife Preservation ------ Vulnerable (2000) Source: Donald Anthony, Forestry Department WWW.IUCN Reptiles Species St. Iguana Scientific Name Lucia Iguana iguana Population Estimate About 1000 Legally Protected Yes protection and predator Trust 2004) St. Lucia Anolis St. Lucia Pygmy Gecko St. Lucia Worm Snake St. Lucia Boa Constrictor St. Lucia Viper Anolis luciae Sphaerodactylus microlepis Leptotyphylops bilineata Constrictor oraphias Abundant everywhere Common in rain forest Widely distributed Common in some areas Bothrops caribbaeus Common in some areas Source: Donald Anthony, Forestry Department IUCN Red List No ----- No Not assessed No Need legal protection ----- Yes Continued Education Not assessed No Continued Education Not assessed Land Use The North East Coast has been and still is utilized by people of the surrounding communities for a number of reasons including charcoal production, broom making etc.; these uses are summarized in Table 3 (appendix). Many of the land uses are traditional and have been under an open access system that led to excessive exploitation of the natural resources, including the forest and forest products. This trend has continued on the north east coast for centuries, where lands are de-surfaced of forest vegetation for many reasons bringing out a change in the vegetation type or change in the use of the land. (North East Coast Draft Report 2007) This type of action has affected the habitat of wildlife and impacted on their population. This is evident in this area where three (3) species of birds, the St. Lucia Nightjar (Caprimulgus otiosus), the St. Lucia Wren (Troglodytes aedon), the White- Breasted Thrasher (Ramphocinus brachyurus) and the St. Lucia Iguana (Iguana iguana) were common and are no longer well distributed. These species are only found on the north east coast, where they occupy this limited habitat and are considered endangered due to habitat destruction. Current National Land Use Policy The island economic development is integrally linked to the use of its natural environmental resource base. Land in particular has been and continues to be the platform for all human activities, linked to their economic, social and political well being. Until recent years, agriculture has been the major source of economic development and this has been based on its use of the natural resource base. With the expansion of tourism, construction and other economic activities in the last decade, this has been linked to exploitation of the resource. The strategy for more efficient use and management of the islands natural and environmental resources need to be designed within a larger sustainable development framework. This requires a multi sectoral and multi-institutional approach to policy and strategy. A sustainable development approach is an appropriate strategy for minimizing policy conflicts and provides a balance between the need for a long-term development perspective and the right to a safe and protected environment. (Forestry Department, 2007) Human Induced Threats A wide range of human activities directly impact the north east coast. Some of these activities may be officially authorized, while some are done illegally or as a result of ignorance, for example indiscriminate setting of fires. Pollution: The high use of ago-chemicals produces contamination of ground water and soil which can adversely affect the marine eco-system. Indiscriminate disposal of garbage along the coast are major sources of pollution. Shifting Cultivation: The communities on the north east coast carry out shifting cultivation. This is compounded by the use of fire as part of the land clearing process. The most immediate effect of shifting cultivation is the destruction and fragmentation of habitat types and forest. These areas have extremely fragile soils and if they are not managed properly will lead to severe erosion problems and habitat destruction. Sand mining: The north east coast is a prime target site for illegal sandmining because it is located in remote areas and this makes surveillance by relevant authorities difficult. Efforts have been made to reduce sandmining practices such as importing sand and alternate aggregates e.g. pumice. Invasive Alien Species: Invasive Alien Species (IAS) in the terrestrial environment represents one of the greatest threats to the island ecosystem and the biodiversity contained therein. Along with the over exploitation of natural resources, marine pollution and the physical alteration or destruction of habitats, IAS are causing impacts to the environment, global industry and human health. However, unlike many other types of impacts, invasions are largely irreversible and eradication extremely costly. In the area under study a number of IAS have caused the decline of many indigenous and some endemic species. Listed below are the known invasive species found in the area. Red Palm Mite Varroa Mite Giant African Snail Cane Toad Mongoose Scinax Rubra (South American tree frog Added to this are domesticated species such as goats, pigs and cats that have gone feral. Poaching and Illegal Hunting: A moratorium on turtles was declared by the Department of Fisheries in 1996 as a result of high levels of illegal slaughtering and harvesting of eggs mainly on the Grande Anse beach. The Department of Fisheries in collaboration with the Naturalist’s Society (SLNT) conducts a number of turtle watch monitoring activities and there has been an increase in the number of nesting turtles observed for Grande Anse. However, illegal slaughtering and harvesting of eggs is difficult to control since this is a remote area. Firewood and Minor Forest Produce: The collection of firewood and minor forest produce within the natural forest causes destruction of the habitat. This activity is done illegally with no consideration for regeneration of the resources. Potential Impact A proposed development of the north-east coast which will include road construction, hotel development and building new communities could impact negatively on the fragile ecosystems at Louvet and Grand Anse. These activities may result in degradation and/or destruction of the critical habitat of the threatened and endangered animal life. Some of these species for example the St. Lucia Iguana are found almost exclusively in this area. Table 3 (Appendix) summarizes the negative and positive impacts and the possible mitigation of the north east coast proposed development. Policy, Legislation and Institutional Responsibilities A number of policy and legislative instruments relating to conservation of biodiversity exist in St. Lucia. Responsibility for implementing the provisions of these instruments and the management of forest and terrestrial water eco-systems are shared by a number of public sector agencies including a quasi-government institution and a non-governmental organization which is the St. Lucia National Trust. Wildlife Protection Act (1980) No. 9 of 1980: Provision of conservation of wildlife and recommendations for designation of wildlife reserves, enforcement of hunting regulations. The Forest Soil and Water Conservation Ordinance (1946) as amended in 1957 and 1983. Management of forest; establishment of forest reserves, protected forest soil and water conservation programs to protect forested areas. Fisheries Act (1984) Fisheries Regulation SI (No. 9 of 1994): management and use of fisheries and marine resources. Beach Protection Act (1967) amendment No. of 1984: Protection of beaches through permitting system for beaches. Parks and Beaches Commission Act (1983) No. 4 of 1983: Provision for the management of public parks, garden and beaches. St. Lucia National Trust Act 1979 (No. 16 of 1975): Provision for the preservation of buildings and objects of historical and architectural value and areas of natural scenic importance. Land Development (Interim Control Act, 1971): Regulation of unsustainable land development. STAKEHOLDER MATRIX Forestry Department St. Lucia No. Participant Description/ Position Sector: (Private, NGO, Government, Individual, etc.) 1 Government Name/Position Donald Anthony David Lewis Ananias verneuil Key Issues of Organization/Per son Protection of ecosystems in critical forest habitat Policy 2 Forestry Dept, Min. of Agriculture Ministry of Agriculture, Biodiversity Unit Government 3 Fisheries Dept, Min. of Agriculture Government 4 Agriculture (Farmers) Unit Government Adline Eudovic Farming practices 5 Ministry of Planning, Sustainable development Ministry of Planning, Physical Planning & Environmental Unit Ministry of Planning, Physical Planning Government Caroline Eugene/Sus Development Officer Donnalyn Charles/Sus. Development Officer Christopher Williams/ Planning officer 8 Ministry of Tourism Government 9 Ministry of Education, Desbarras Primary School Government Alicia Vallace 10 Ministry of Education, Aux Lyon Primary School Government Priscillia Monlouis 6 7 Extension Government Government Anita James/ Biodiversity Coordinator Daniel Medard/ Fisheries Assistant Marine Reserves Stakeholder Contribution (what the stakeholder may bring to the meeting) Technical Knowledge Advising Stakeholder Interest (what the meeting can give to stakeholder) Natural Resource management/educati on Awareness Technical Assistant on turtles, sand mining and mangroves Knowledge on farming practices Resource management Sustainable Development Sustainable Development Plans for development/infra structure Eco-Tourism Program School curriculum, educational tools and material Future development plan for area, e.g. zoning Future development plan for area, e.g. zoning Plans for development of infrastructure Interfacing with other stakeholders Interfacing with other stakeholders Plan for area and species present Tourist Potential School curriculum, educational tools and material Education methods and designing appropriate activities Promoting ecotourism/marketing Environmental education activities and to be able to incorporate env. Edu. in the syllabus Environmental education activities and to be able to incorporate env. Edu. in the syllabus Education methods and designing appropriate activities Cooperation in project implementation 11 Crown Lands Department Government Jamie James Management Public Lands 12 Ministry of Social Transformation Government Jahto Mahal Community Development 13 UNESCO Government P. Turmel-John/ Secretary General Education conservation and 14 UNESCO Government Bernice Marcellin/ Documentalist Education conservation and 15 Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust Researchers Mathew Morton Conservation 16 St. Lucia National Trust NGO Policy Advocacy 17 Individual, Broom Maker Individual Bishnu Tulsie/ Director Paulina Ferdinand 18 Individual, Farmer (Desbarras) Individual Terrance Volney Farming 19 Individual, Farmer (Aux Lyon) Individual Vincent St. Marthe Farming 20 Individual, Fisherman (Desbarras) Individual Julian Louis Fishing/Craftstman Land Use and the status of species on farm lands Land Use and the status of species on farm lands Knowledge of Land 21 Individual, Private Land Owner (Desbarras) Individual George Jules Management Private land of Status of species private lands on 22 Individual, Private Land Owner (Aux Lyon) Individual Alan George Management Private land of Status of species private lands on Important issues and knowledge 23 Individual, Representative Sand Miner Individual Mathew Francois on Individual Romiel Antoine Knowledge community Sand Mining Potential for community to support the project How livelihood will be affected Information on threats Possible alternatives that exist and the change to more sustainable practice 24 Community of Potential acquisition of Grande Anse Social aspects of area Discuss the man and biosphere concept that will contribute to conservation and protection Discuss the man and biosphere concept that will contribute to conservation and protection Technical Assistant/biological data Advocacy/Influencing Policy Opportunity to articulate their stake Broom Making Information for acquisition justification Opening avenues i.e. eco-friendly ways for employment Information on the various resources that need protection. Information on the various resources that need protection. Species Conservation/effect on species Justification for policy advocacy How the project will positively affect their livelihood Important issues and knowledge Important issues and knowledge Positive effect of project on their livelihood Important issues and knowledge 25 Desbarras Turtle Representative 26 Watch Group CBO Fendley Estaphane Turtle Watching Oleon Development Committee CBO Philbert Antoine Community development Improve turtle watching, using conservation to improve livelihoods Knowledge on community skills, issues 27 Caribbean Network Environmental Youth NGO Crisy Darcheville Environmental related activities Participating in environmental activities 28 Maybouya Club Valley Environmental CBO Mallines Herman Environmental related activities Participating in environmental activities Provide opportunity for Networking and re-enforcement. Community Project planning and implementing Volunteering services Volunteering services Initial Concept Model and Narrative The stakeholder’s meeting was held on Thursday October 4th 2007 at the Forestry Department Conference room with a total of twenty three participants. The target condition for this concept model is the North East Coast Forest and Wildlife. A number of threats which directly impact the target condition were identified including sand mining, top soil removal, poor agricultural practices, pollution, physical development, deforestation and bush fires. Poaching seems to be a serious threat. Although persons may be aware of the laws, this illegal continues because of person’s apathetic attitude and the demand for the product and lack of law enforcement in this area. Species targeted by poachers include the St. Lucia iguana and the leatherback turtle. The north east coast has been and still is used by Saint Lucians for many purposes. Many of these land uses are traditional (Latanye’ harvesting for broom making etc.) and can be sustained if managed effectively. On the other hand some extractive uses such as sand mining and top soil removal cannot be sustained and are a serious cause of concern. Likewise driving vehicles on the beach sand destroys nests and seems to be a serious threat. Stray animals are a direct threat to the target condition. These stray and feral domestic animals such as cows, goats, pigs, dogs and cats, destroy vegetation and habitats. There is also direct predation of nesting birds and nesting iguanas. Pollution is also noted with the large group of pigs. Another direct threat is the proposed development on the north east coast. This development is being proposed by private land owners, namely the Grande Anse & Louvette estate owners. This proposed development will result in extensive forest clearing for road and hotel construction. This activity will have a negative impact on the ecosystem and will also result in the destruction of the habitat of many of the endangered and threatened wildlife. Lack of discussion with the community has led to the insufficient understanding between resource conservation and sustainable livelihood. There is the urgent need to engage the public regarding the future vision for the land. Iyanola is the proposed name for the iguana flagship mascot for the Pride Campaign. It symbolizes St. Lucia and it means “the land of iguanas” believed to be widespread on the island before European colonization. Since it now seems restricted to the tropical dry forest of the north east coast, it can provide us with a “flagship” that will capture the uniqueness of this area which is of great biodiversity. Land Acquisition Challenges Lack of Land use Plan Limited Financial, Institutional, Technical and Human Resources Squatting Poverty Unemployment Lack of Discussion with Stake Holders Insufficient Understanding between Resource Conservation and Sustainable Livelihood Pollution Poor Agricultural Practices Road Development Deforestation Tourist Development Lack of Awareness Population Hunting Poaching Physical Development Topography Driving on Beach Sand Sustainable Livelihood Attitude Climate Change Bush Fires Greed Lack of Enforcement Political Business Cycle Indirect Factors Contributing Factors North East Coast Forest and Wildlife Top Soil Removal Inadequate Resources Direct Factors Natural Disaster s Sand Mining Increase Apathetic Stray Animals Location Accessibility First Stake Holders Meeting Photos