The World Resources Institute in Reefs at Risk in the Caribbean identified that two thirds of the Caribbean?s coral reefs are at high risk from anthropogenic threats such as sedimentation from deforestation, coastal development, dredging, pollution from agricultural and industrial development, untreated wastewater discharge, fishing related activities and climate change. Caribbean coral reefs face a stark reality: ecological collapse within a human generation unless humanity reacts swiftly and decisively to act both locally and globally to mitigate against these threats.

The coastal marine ecosystems of Speyside on the northeast end of the island of Tobago (Trinidad & Tobago) remain robust and healthy, and offer hope that through continued community-led ?reef guardianship?, these reefs will not only serve the socio-economic needs of the Speyside community, but also act as an important trans-boundary corridor for reef connectivity and rejuvenation in the eastern Caribbean.

The SMACMP is a locally-managed, locally-owned and locally-led project that continues to enhance the current protection of these regionally and globally important reefs. This was achieved through the establishment of a community-managed, integrated ?ridge to reef? approach to marine protected areas, along with the development of a master plan for the development of environmentally sustainable and economically viable, community-owned and operated recreational scuba diving opportunities.

The objectives of the project were:
1) To facilitate and promote community participation in the review and execution of the Management Plan for Speyside Reefs Marine Park, which will offer an integrated approach to coastal zone management and log-term, viable and sustainable community livelihoods for the Speyside community.
2) To build local capacity to support livelihood needs, aspirations and opportunities, through relevant community training scholarship programmes.
3) To enhance community awareness of marine ecology and coastal zone management through a broad range of educational activities, public events and participatory GIS.
4) To develop a database of the natural resources of the Speyside Marine Area to facilitate local and national management needs.