In February 2023, the SLUNCF executed a reconnaissance exercise within the Savannes Bay area in order to survey the extent of user activities within this critical coastal marine area. The SLUNCF invited several stakeholders to participate in this mission including officers from the Department of Fisheries and Forestry, Seamoss Farmers, Local town Council, Fishers, Conservation Officer from the Saint Lucia National Trust and Crown Lands office
Enhancing the Management of Savannes Bay within the Pointe Sable Environmental Protection Area (PSEPA
At the heart of the Pointe Sable Environmental Protection Area (PSEPA), the Savannes Bay Project is focused on improving local livelihoods and protecting the rich biodiversity of the area. With a commitment to sustainability, this project brings together detailed field reconnaissance, mapping, and zoning to create a better future for both the community and the environment.
Our Key Goals
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Sustainable Resource Management
We're improving the management of natural resources through advanced mapping and zoning techniques, ensuring a balanced use of land and water.
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Support for Local Livelihoods
By promoting sustainable seamoss farming and other local activities, we help the community thrive while protecting the environment.
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Biodiversity Protection
Safeguarding the area’s rich biodiversity is crucial. We focus on minimizing human impact while addressing safety hazards that could threaten local species.
A Look at Our Recent Fieldwork
March Reconnaissance: Laying the Groundwork
In March 2023, our team, together with experts from key local organizations like the Department of Fisheries and Forestry, conducted in-depth field visits. Here’s what we found:
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Community Insights
We identified over 130 seamoss farmers operating in the area, with a few farmers paused due to challenging conditions like strong currents. During our visit, we saw several farmers actively harvesting and drying seamoss.
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Environmental Concerns
While we saw minimal debris, the use of plastic materials (such as PET and HDPE) for floating seamoss plants and marking farm boundaries raised some environmental concerns.
May Fieldwork: Expanding Our Reach
In May 2023, we continued our efforts, covering a larger portion of Savannes Bay. This time, our team, along with representatives from local agencies, explored the beautiful but often overlooked cove known as "Bois Chadon."
New Discoveries - We found more farmers actively engaged in seamoss farming. However, some abandoned wooden stakes used for farming posed potential hazards to both seabathers and fishing boats. Coconut Bay Resort even reported an incident where a guest was injured by one of these stakes.
Historical Insights - Our team also came across the remains of an old seamoss processing settlement, which had unfortunately left behind debris and waste on the land. We are now working on ways to address these issues and restore the area.
Progress in Action: See for Yourself
Our fieldwork is backed by visual documentation. We've captured key moments and findings to provide a closer look at the impact and progress of our efforts. Check out the latest images from the field to see how we’re making a difference.
What’s Next for Savannes Bay?
The journey to better resource management and biodiversity protection is ongoing. Through collaboration with local stakeholders, we’re committed to addressing environmental concerns, improving safety, and ensuring the sustainability of livelihoods in Savannes Bay.
Stay connected with us for more updates as we work together to create a more sustainable future for this incredible ecosystem and its community.
Project Gallery
Capturing the Journey: Enhancing Savannes Bay's Future
Explore our visual documentation showcasing the ongoing efforts to enhance the management of Savannes Bay within the Pointe Sable Environmental Protection Area (PSEPA). This gallery highlights the dedication and hard work involved in supporting sustainable livelihoods, protecting biodiversity, and addressing environmental and safety concerns. Each image provides a glimpse into the field activities, findings, and the collaboration with local stakeholders that drive this vital project forward. Join us in witnessing the transformative journey of Savannes Bay.
