THE SOLUTION:
There are solutions to this problem which can reverse the damage that has been done to the system. Solutions require a strategic and systematic approach that is scientific and results based for successful regeneration of the area. UWI SODECO in association with international and local partners such as the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the United Kingdom Government, SCJ Holdings Limited, NEPA, Jamalco, and communities in southern Clarendon, has embarked on a program to restore, conserve and manage >3500 hectares plus >2500 hectares of Dry Forest adjoining the mangroves that stretches along some 40km of coastline between Milk River in the west and Salt River/Cockpit in the east.The value of the grant for this project is $2.45m with significant additional in- kind contributions from stakeholders amounting so far to US1m.
The actions required to fix restore the mangroves involve:
1. Assessing the conditions and characteristics of the Clarendon mangrove system to understand how the system works and what exactly has happened that altered how it currently functions. Hence a comprehensive and scientifically-based site characterization and assessment has been undertaken that has determined the goods, services and assets of the system, and identified the factors that have negatively impacted the functions of the mangroves. The report from this assessment outlines the possible solutions to reverse the degradation which involves a natural regeneration approach that helps the system heal itself by removal of the stressors that negatively impact the system – a nature-based approach to regeneration.
2. Implementation of the regeneration actions that will restore the damaged areas to full functionality once again. Preliminaries to intervention actions began in December 2022. Between now and when the first shovel is raised we will be continuing to effect all the necessary preliminary works and arrangements including in-depth community and stakeholder engagements and co creation of solutions.
3. We have already started the monitoring of the status of these mangroves, and the monitoring will be intensified and broadened in order to track conditions for regeneration as well as progressive regrowth of mangroves . Monitoring will be indefinite, allowing us to mount interventions whenever needed to maintain the health of the forest into the future.
4. Operating this site as a UWI SODECO scientific research domain designed to support programmed scientific and socio-economic research and applications that interact to drive innovation, as well as improving livelihoods within the area. This is the foundation of what is referred to as a Blue Economy.