Sustenance of monitoring, maintenance and operation of the Pointe Sable Environmental Protection Area (PSEPA) and the Pigeon Island National Landmark (PINL) impacted by COVID-19
PROJECT FOCUS
ENHANCED MONITORING OF THE COASTLINE
Raising Awareness
Building A Community
Thanks to BIOPAMA, rangers patrol the beaches, mangroves, and offshore islands collecting valuable data to assist in our conservation efforts, whilst also ensuring the illegal, or unsustainable use of resources within PSEPA is stopped.
The public does not always see or hear of the threats to our environment, but they are very real. We try to highlight these phenomena in a way for all to understand. We all need to take action now! "Knowing your environment is knowing how to live better".
Working with the people who depend on these natural resources. Helping them understand sustainability, and conservation, whilst enabling them to gain a livelihood. Also educating the public across all levels building a positive mentality towards environmental protection.
TURTLE MONITORING
For more than 100 million years sea turtles have covered vast distances across the world's oceans, filling a vital role in the balance of marine habitats. Locally they are under threat from habitat loss and destruction, hunting for turtle meat and medicine trade, beach compaction and erosion. Thanks to BIOPAMA we are able to continue with the monitoring and data collection of nesting turtles within PSEPA . The funding has allowed for the protected area to once again be patrolled by rangers who gather necessary and vital information on nesting turtles, as well as serving as a deterrent to any and all illegal activity within PSEPA.
OFFSHORE ISLAND MONITORING
CONTINUING THE ONGOING PROTECTION OF RARE AND ENDEMIC SPECIES FOUND NOWHERE ELSE IN THE WORLD!
MARIA ISLANDS
One can stand in awe to learn that the Maria Islands Nature Reserve (1982) are home to 5 endemic reptiles; one being the World’s Rarest Snake, the Saint Lucia Racer! The second noteworthy one being the Saint Lucia Whiptail Lizard, a ground lizard which bears the striking colors of our national flag! The Worm Snake or Thread Snake, the Pygmy Gecko and the Rock Gecko are the three other endemic reptiles. The Maria Islands are also they breeding grounds for many sea birds from May to August annually.
Through funding from the Biopama grant the Saint Lucia National Trust can continue its conservation efforts of species population surveys, biosecurity monitoring, invasive control and eradication, all in a bid to keep the Maria Islands biodiversity safe.
