Project Detail

The Effective Management of the Mankote Mangrove (Ramsar Site) to ensure the conservation and sustainable use of its natural resources.

This project will address some serious management issues associated with this marine reserve which was declared a Ramsar Site in 2002. The goal of the project is to: ""improve the management effectiveness of the Ma Koté Mangrove to support site conservation and sustainable use of resources". The objectives are to; "develop and begin the implementation of a five-year management plan which will serve as the basis for the sustainable management of the Ma Koté mangrove; (ii) identify economically viable and environmentally sustainable (new or alternative) livelihood activities, which will enhance business opportunities while simultaneously promoting the sustainability and conservation of the mangrove resource in Ma Koté Mangrove within five (50 years, i.e., December 2019; (iii) develop and begin the implementation of a five year strategic plan for the Aupicon Charcoal and Agricultural Producers Group (ACAPG) which will significantly augment their capacity to become active managers of the site; and (iv) develop and implement interim public education and awareness plan within the first six (6) months pending a more long term plan to be developed in the management plan". This project will contribute to the OP5 outcome of improving the management of a protected area using participatory and livelihoods approaches.

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Project Snapshot

Grantee:

Aupicon Charcoal Producers Group

Country:

Saint Lucia

Area Of Work:

Biodiversity
Biodiversity

Operational Phase:

OP5 (Extended Period)

Grant Amount:

US$ 42,936.00

Co-Financing Cash:

US$ 12,601.00

Co-Financing in-Kind:

US$ 34,736.00

Project Number:

STL/SGP/OP5/Y4/CORE/BD/15/09

Start Date:

12/2015

End Date:

1/2018

Status:

Satisfactorily Completed

Project Characteristics and Results

Inovative Financial Mechanisms

A multiplicity of means will be used as follows: (i) improvement in record keeping; and (ii) use of reports, brochures, newsletters, case studies, social media, mass media, and workshops & seminars.

Gender Focus

Charcoal production has traditionally been a man's job with women participating in the bagging, marketing and selling of the product. We do not see this traditional division of labour changing.

Policy Impact

No change in policy anticipated.

Planning gef grant

No plans at this stage.

Planning non gef grant

Not aware of this possibility.

Linkages gef projects

The OP 6 Medium GEF Project for Saint Lucia is expected to help upscale the project.

Capacity - Building Component

The group has several capacity deficits which include: lack of effective leadership; membership management issues; limited skills in conflict resolution; and limited project management capacity. These deficiencies will be addressed through a series of capacity development training sessions led by a mentor organisation and consultant/facilitators. A strategic plan will also be developed to assist the group in its development over the next five years.

Emphasis on Sustainable Livelihoods

The group will improve its charcoal production practices and complement this with other livelihoods options which will be identified. One objective of the project is to determine the viability of one other option and once determined fully develop it to a successful micro enterprise.

Replication of project activities

The project activities can be easily replicated because of the documentation and the opportunity to visit the site to see the results of the project.

Project sustainability

The project is sure to be sustainable because it has introduced one new viable livelihood option; improved an existing livelihood option; prepared a management plan for the mangrove; prepared a strategic plan for the group, trained the members up to the level of CVQ in sea moss cultivation; and improved their management responsibilities through extensive training.

Promoting Public Awareness of Global Environment

The project will help the grantee in developing a 6-month interim public education and awareness plan, which will be followed by a longer term plan, which will be part of the strategic plan.

Significant Participation of Indigenous Peoples

There are no indigenous peoples involved. All project activities will be carried on in two languages, Engligh and Kwéyol.

Notable Community Participation

There are no youth involved in this project. The grantee is a collection of middle aged men and women.

Policy Influence

There were none.

Project Results

This project has achieved many of its outputs as follows: (i) The Management Plan was completed and is ready for submission to the relevant Government Department for approval - the structure and programme areas are now well defined; (ii) The group has a Strategic Plan for the first time which lays a clear path for growth and development; (iii) Ten group members were trained in Apiculture which is a new income stream and their skills in sea moss cultivation were improved to the level of CVQ (Caribbean Voluntary Qualifications); (iv) The group was also trained in water quality monitoring, bio-physical monitoring, trail maintenance, conflict resolution, CPR, and membership management.

The new and improved livelihood options (goods) had brought in US$1886 by the end of the project and US$3780 (service) came from guided tours.

At the end of the project, the RAMSAR site had all the means to be managed sustainably and to improve management effectiveness. What is needed now is sustained membership commitment and application.

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