Community Based Restoration and Management of the Mangrove of Woburn Bay MPA

Mangrove Restoration, Ecosystem, Bird Watching

 

In early 2009 GFC signed contracts with GEF-SGP, Barbados and the OECS and The Nature Conservancy (Eastern Caribbean Program) to implement a jointly funded US $106,000.00 mangrove restoration project, “Community Based Restoration and Management of the Mangroves of Woburn Bay MPA”.

 

The Woburn/Clarke’s Court Bay Marine Protected Area is located on Grenada’s south eastern coast, and is recognized as one of the most important spawning grounds for commercial fish species harvested in the OECS. The project was implemented in partnership with the Woburn Woodlands Development Organization (WWDO), an active CBO which spearheads community and development initiatives in the area, and the Government of Grenada, through the Fisheries Division and the Forestry Department.

 

Technical assistance was provided by the University of New Hampshire, USA, through the Office of Sponsored Research and the services of Dr. Gregg Moore, a renowned Wetland Biologist who has extensive experience leading mangrove restoration efforts in the Southern Grenadines. 

 

The project among other things included the following components:

 

• Replanting a 5 acre area of destroyed red and white mangroves, within a larger 10.7 acre plot

 

• Carrying out a comprehensive public awareness campaign about the benefits and importance of mangrove ecosystems

 

• Development of associated tourism related livelihood opportunities, such as crafts production and tour guiding 

 

• Provision of small business training to residents

 

• Erection of a 40 foot boardwalk and viewing platform to facilitate access into the system, for bird-watching and other activities

 

It was anticipated that the project would create over 40 part-time jobs over its life span.