Caribbean Rapid Response Grant

Building community resilience and preserving the marine ecosystem of the Baraderes/Cayemite area

Marine Protected Area

Management effectiveness Governance of protected or conserved areas

Local Communities Indigenous People Farmers/Fishermen

Management Plan Livelihoods/ Alternative economic activities Ecosystem/habitat restoration

49,722 EUR Haiti, Caribbean June 30, 2021 – June 29, 2022

Protected and conserved area(s) concerned

Baraderes-Cayemite Managed Natural Resources Protected Area

The BIOPAMA AC Objectives addressed

Enhance the management and governance of priority areas

Priority need addressed

There is a critical need to sensitize the communities within the Baraderes/Cayemite Marine Protected Area (MPA) on the importance of preserving their natural resources, restoring, and better managing critical habitats, encouraging the sustainable use of the natural resources, and exploring other income-generating opportunities that will support the lives and well-being of Haitians impacted by COVID-19 long term. The proposed interventions to be carried out will be monitored and measured collectively by stakeholders to show positive conservation impacts to people and nature. If these issues are not tackled in the immediate future, there will be irreparable damage and lasting negative impacts on biodiversity in the area.

Project activities

The project will first aim to increase marine education and awareness and local capacity by conducting seminars and trainings in the fishing communities. Trainings will focus on the importance of protecting the ocean and coastal resources, marine life including endangered marine species, the benefits these resources provide, and mangrove restoration and management. We will distribute fishing closed season calendars and brochures which describe conservation rules and regulations for the MPA.

The project’s efforts will support improved management of the MPA and it natural resources by training locals in data collection, effective management measures including proper handling of critical species, marine habitat, and species protection, and sustainable fishing practices.

Local fishers will be trained in boat outings to various sites where they will be part of a monitoring network of high-priority species (marine mammals, sharks, sea turtles, stingrays). This network provides opportunities for fishers to assist with the documentation of areas where fishing-related activities are causing the most harm to these species. We will work with the government to ensure our efforts align with the government’s goal to better manage and protect marine biodiversity and to sensitize beneficiaries and local decision-makers on natural resources management and governance reinforcement.

The change the project implementation will bring for the protected area(s)

The overarching goal is to increase knowledge relating to marine megafauna ecology and conservation issues throughout communities to address and establish realistic management regulations and provide data for policymakers and future management, thus helping to reduce pressure on local populations. Our goal is to protect and restore mangroves, which have immense value to local communities while developing a solid community resilience plan. This will not only create opportunities for the community members to learn and be engaged but also for them to feel a sense of ownership, to encourage and promote long-term continuity and preservation of the gains from this project. We would set up an ongoing program involving marine education/outreach activities so community members of all ages and fishers are trained and engaged in conservation work to ensure positive impacts are lasting.

Through these conservation initiatives, we will acquire valuable data and information and document any lessons learned. Completion of these activities will provide a clear understanding and overview as to how to effectively manage this area, and how to derive sustainable, biological, social, and economic benefits from this renewable aquatic resource. These activities will include the importance of community engagement to ensure effective and long-lasting conservation impacts.

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Building community resilience and preserving the marine ecosystem of the Baraderes/Cayemite area

Protected and conserved area(s) concerned

The BIOPAMA AC Objectives addressed

Priority need addressed

Project activities

The change the project implementation will bring for the protected area(s)

Implementing organisations

Photo credits: © Eladio Fernandez

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