Bio-diversity

The coastal resources and habitats of Laborie are important, and they are representative of the biological diversity of coastal areas in the Lesser Antilles, including coral reef formations, sea grass beds, beaches and two small mangroves. The nearshore reefs and surrounding marine habitats support both trap and line fishing, and the harvesting of edible seaweeds, sea urchins and conch. The main sources of impact on these resources include nutrient (nitrates & phosphates) pollution, as indicated by extensive seaweed growth, and faecal coliform bacteria, primarily from domestic sources, sedimentation, and over-harvesting of locally important species. The challenge that this project seeks to address is the search for institutional arrangements, technologies and approaches to coastal development that optimize the contribution of coastal resources to social and economic development, through equitable and sustainable uses, and that provide effective and lasting solutions to the environmental problems faced by coastal communities in the Caribbean, especially those that stem from pollution. Laborie is a community of approximately 9000 people on the southern coast of St. Lucia, an island in the Eastern Caribbean. The community has a relatively youthful population with over 50 % of its citizens under age twenty and ten percent over age sixty. Traditionally, the main economic activities in the community have been farming, fishing and service provision but a significant number of persons now find employment in many of the small industries and commercial businesses that have emerged in the south of the island. Numerous issues that span economic, social and environmental dimensions influence sustainable development on the island of Saint Lucia, and the community of Laborie like many others on the island has been affected by these issues. The Strategic Development Plan for Laborie compiled in 2001 has identified the critical need for building institutional capacity at the community level and among other issues. The expected results and deliverables of this project are: Increased capacity of local organisations (e.g. Laborie Fishers and Consumers Co-operative) and resource users to manage resources in the Laborie Bay; Increased public awareness of the status, importance and management requirements of marine resources in the Laborie Bay; An established management plan prepared through a participatory process; Integration of resource monitoring and other sustainable development concepts and activities into the curriculum of local schools; Established and effective mechanisms to address land generated pollution; Greater collaboration among stakeholders in all aspects of coastal development and management; Greater predictability of the availability of resources for harvesting; Personnel with data gathering and analysis capabilities and the ability to monitor marine resources; Increase in the level of contribution of marine resources to local livelihood and economy; Development of new and marketable products in fisheries, tourism, aquaculture and handicraft; Reduction in the levels of marine pollution in the bay; Employment creation in the marine and hospitality industries; A set of lessons learned and available for documentation and sharing nationally and regionally.

Barbados