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Chapter II - Government policy relevant to natural and cultural areas protection

Goals of tourism policy
Goals of forest, soil and water conservation policy
Purpose of national park and protected areas system policy
General policy and principal goals
Specific national park and protected areas system objectives
Categories of protected areas
Forest reserves
Managing the national parks and protected areas system
Scope
Methodology

No formal Government policy exists on the establishment and management of a system of protected areas. Various policies are, however, directed towards the objectives and goals of Government in the area of conservation and protection of natural and cultural resources.

The following national policies provided the basis for the draft policy for National Parks and Protected Areas.

Goals of tourism policy

The policy statement on the tourism sector (May, 1985) includes the following key goals:

1. To further integrate tourism with agriculture, handicrafts and fisheries.

2. To create and promote Island-wide historical and environmental attractions.

3. To diversify the industry to cater for international, regional and local clientele, as well as high, medium and low income persons.

4. To strive for an appreciation by visitors of the authentic Grenadian culture.

5. Improvement in the Quality of Life. Standards of physical and mental health require adequate recreational opportunities be created for the positive use of leisure time.

6. The Generation of Employment. Employment generation is critical and policies must emphasize growth in activities such as tourism with employment multiplier effects. The capability for foreign exchange earnings is an added bonus.

7. Reduction of Geographic Inequity. The development of tourism attractions through the establishment of a system of parks and protected areas can assist in integrating peripheral areas into the urban centered national growth process, and improving regional/rural economic conditions.

Goals of forest, soil and water conservation policy

The state Forest Policy of Grenada (Forest, Soil and Water Conservation Ordinance/Amendment 1984) includes the following key elements:

1. To protect tree cover on such land as required for the prevention of erosion and flooding and the protection of water supplies.

2. To effect the permanent reservation as forest reserves such areas of land as may be required to ensure the continuous supply of forest products.

3. To maintain the level of forest growing stock, to ensure sound silvicultural practices are employed and to direct harvesting such that this growing stock is not reduced.

4. To protect such areas as may be required to provide a natural and undisturbed habitat for flora and fauna of Grenada.

5. To encourage and assist owners and managers of forest, woodlands and plantations whether they be on private or Crown Lands.

6. To create areas within the forest to satisfy needs for recreation within a peaceful natural environment.

7. To encourage the fullest development of the productive forests.

8. To encourage the establishment of appropriate forest industries.

9. To protect the consumer by ensuring well manufactured forest products are supplied in conformity with market demand.

10. To extend educational and training opportunities at the professional, technical and vocational level to forestry personnel.

11. To initiate and conduct forest research necessary to ensure fulfillment of this Forest Policy.

Purpose of national park and protected areas system policy

The purpose of the park policy statement is to provide a definite course of action for programmes concerned with the protection and use of the country's natural and cultural heritage. It integrates the intent of Government policy in conservation, forestry. land-use, tourism and recreation as it relates to natural and cultural area management.

This policy provides the basis for the enactment of the legislation necessary for the Government of Grenada to manage units of the system.

General policy and principal goals

The policy of the Government of Grenada will be to protect in perpetuity those areas which represent significant examples of the country's natural and cultural heritage, to encourage public understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of that heritage in ways which leave it unimpaired for future generations, and to guarantee a continual flow of social and economic benefits for the country and its people. Management and development of the protected areas system and the consequent production of goods and services will be conducted in an appropriate manner within the cultural context of Grenada. In the context of national development policy, the goals of the national park policy are:

1. Development of a high quality living environment in a context of effective resource development which whenever possible retains the aesthetic value of the landscape.

2. Contribution to economic welfare and development through the establishment of productive sector links with protected areas, in order to maximize the availability of natural goods and services to the nation.

3. Allocation of lands to optimum use - and in particular to preserve those areas with fragile ecosystems in which fewer development alternatives exist.

4. Development of environmental awareness and appreciation in the general population.

Specific national park and protected areas system objectives

Areas will be established within the National Park and Protected Areas System to meet one or more of the following objectives:

1. Maintain in a natural or near natural state areas that constitute examples of the country's terrestrial and marine ecosystems, landscapes and geological formations, in order to guarantee the continuity of evolutionary processes and their existence for future generations.

2. Provide and protect natural resources for outdoor recreation needed by the citizens of Grenada.

3. Protect, manage and improve the natural and cultural landscape of the country in order to maintain the visual quality of the environment.

4. Stimulate national and international tourism potential and revenue for the country.

5. Preserve genetic materials as elements of natural communities, minimize the loss of any plant or animal species and maintain biological diversity.

6. Protect and manage fish and wildlife resources in view of their important role in environmental regulation, sport and recreational activities and as producers of protein and other products.

7. Provide area for research, formal and informal education and the monitoring of environmental processes.

8. Protect and improve watersheds and water courses to maintain high standards of quality and quantity; control of erosion, sedimentation and flooding; protect downstream investments that depend on water supply, such as reservoirs and irrigation projects.

9. Produce timber, other forest products, forage and/or marine products for the benefit of the population and to decrease dependency on foreign imports.

10. Protect sites and objects of cultural, historical and archeological heritage as a basis for educational tourism.

11. Stimulate rational use of marginal areas and environmentally sound rural development.

Deforestation on steep slopes adjacent to inland bays can cause sedimentation of the marine waters which can have detrimental effects on the coral reefs.

Categories of protected areas

National parks
Natural landmarks
Cultural landmarks
Protected seascapes
Multiple use management area

The Government will protect and manage natural and cultural resources in five managements categories:

National parks

Purpose

The protection of outstanding natural and scenic areas of national or international importance. The national park should provide recreational, scientific and educational activities.

Criteria for Selection

National parks are relatively large land or water areas containing a complex of ecosystems. They should include the most outstanding natural areas of the country, be under strict Government control and conform to international standards.

Management Objectives

To protect natural resources through a zoning system which will ensure the provision of strict protection in some areas and intensive recreational and educational uses in other areas without disrupting the long range objective of ensuring the area is available to future generations.

Examples

Grand Etang, Levera Pond and Archipelago, and High North National Park.

Natural landmarks

Purpose

To protect natural features of a unique character such as outstanding waterfalls, cave systems, geological features and distinctive landmarks and to ensure that these features do not lose their unique characteristics.

Criteria for Selection

Size is determined by the specific feature and the surrounding area necessary to ensure its protection. The features should be distinctive, and in a near natural state. Generally, these would be small areas rather than complete ecosystems and provide opportunities for recreational activities.

Management Objectives

To provide public access for recreational users but respecting the characteristics of the feature. These uses may be intense provided they do not destroy the basic feature protected.

Examples

Lake Antoine, Marquis Island, and Fossil Beds at Grand Bay.

Cultural landmarks

Purpose

To protect cultural features of a unique character such as old sugar and rum mills, military forts, great estate houses and their surrounding grounds, churches and Amerindian sites.

Criteria for Selection

Size will often be determined by the ownership status and by the specific features. The features should have potential for helping Grenadians and visitors understand the cultural and historical heritage of the Island.

Management Objectives

To provide public access for educational and recreational uses related to the characteristics of the feature. These sites will be developed with the collaboration of the National Trust, the Historical Society and other agencies, and if the areas are privately owned, in conjunction with the owners.

Examples

Fort Frederick, Carib's Leap, and Thiboud-Limlair Estate

Protected seascapes

Purpose

To protect outstanding littoral mangrove and island habitats, beaches and coral reefs which possess special aesthetic and ecological qualities. Life styles which have traditionally utilized marine and terrestrial resources can continue to co-exist. The boundaries of these areas will be set to include land adjacent to the shorelines and coral reef systems.

Criteria for Selection

The size of the area will depend upon special arrangements with owners, since State land only extends to the high water mark.

Management Objectives

To ensure the ecological integrity and scenic quality of seascapes is maintained for demonstrating the harmonious interactions of man with the sea, while providing opportunities for recreation, tourism, education and research.

Examples

Calivigny Harbour, the North Eastern coastline, and White/Saline Islands.

Multiple use management area

Purpose

To manage natural resources and ecological processes to contribute significantly to the economic needs of the nation. The multiple function of these lands and waters can provide sustained yields of natural products and conserve genetic diversity. Private lands needed for inclusion within the National Park System will be acquired under the provision of Land Acquisition Ordinance which allows for the acquisition of lands for public purposes.

Criteria for Selection

These will be large areas suitable for sustained production of water, wood products, wildlife, forage and/or marine products and for outdoor recreation and education. Ownership of all or most of the land should be by the Government.

Management Objectives Sustained production of water, fibre, other wood products, wildlife, forage and/or marine products and outdoor recreation and education should all be ensured. Conservation of nature will be primarily oriented to the support of economic activities but zones also may be established for nature protection.

Examples Annandale Watershed and Concord Watershed

The isolated St. Margaret or Seven Sister Falls within the Forest Reserve is an invigorating hike through banana and nutmeg plantations.

Forest reserves

Additional categories
Non-state ownership

One Forest Reserve, the Grand Etang, exists in Grenada and two areas in Carriacou. These areas will be utilized as is indicated in the Forest, Soil and Water Conservation Act.

The view from the Forest Centre of the Grand Etang is considered one of the most interesting and beautiful in the Caribbean.

It is conceived that certain key watersheds such as the Les Avocats will be managed with input from both forestry and national parks.

As other watersheds become important in the future, the Forestry and National Parks staff in conjunction with Land and Water Resources and The Central Water Commission will manage the areas to avoid erosion or water pollution within these watersheds. As the overall forestry and protected areas program evolves, new areas may be recommended for Cabinet approval. In the event that private ownership threatens the integrity of a critical watershed area, the Cabinet may opt to purchase the property, as has occurred in the Annandale Watershed. Recreational hunting will be permitted in the forest reserves and multiple-use management areas. The Hunter's Association understands the need for areas where hunting is prohibited to ensure the continuance of biological diversity.

Additional categories

Government may also consider the possibility of including areas in two categories which form part of international conservation programmes: Biosphere Reserves which are part of the Man and the Biosphere Program (MAB) and World Heritage Sites which are part of the World Heritage Program. UNESCO is the secretariat of both programmes and the latter would require that Grenada become a signatory to the International Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage. The former would require establishment of a National MAB Committee. In both cases the Country would have to nominate areas it considers appropriate for inclusion in either international program. Figure I describes those categories in more detail.

Non-state ownership

Regulation of land uses on private lands adjacent to protected areas may be necessary to ensure that actions on these lands are not detrimental to fulfilling the objectives for the units of the system.

With the development of Levera as a National Park, handicraft shops, restaurants, and taxi drivers will receive increased business thereby contributing to their economic well-being.

Although areas of outstanding national significance, in general, should be the property of the State, areas which are important but do not warrant acquisition for inclusion within the system may be managed by individuals or by private non-profit organizations. In such instances Government may provide financial and technical assistance and share certain costs of development of the area once the manager is willing to undertake the operation and protection of the area and when the planned uses of the area are deemed appropriate. The Hotel Association is an excellent example of a qualified private group with whom relationships of this nature could be shared.

Managing the national parks and protected areas system

Protection of natural resources
Outdoor recreation
Information, interpretation and education
Facilities and services
Research
Interagency co-ordination and collaboration
Land ownership
State ownership

Functions:

The National Park System will be managed to carry out a variety of functions as indicated below. Specific policies for each management category are detailed in Appendix II.

Protection of natural resources

The protection of those natural resources which have led to the establishment of each unit within the system will be a primary consideration of management. Factors which could threaten the resource will be analyzed and appropriate protection methods implemented and, when appropriate, measures will be taken to enhance degraded resources.

Outdoor recreation

The System will be managed to provide opportunities for a wide range of recreational activities. The system is not intended to provide for all of the recreational needs of the Country but primarily those that cannot be met in areas not containing outstanding natural or cultural resources.

Information, interpretation and education

The Areas within the System will be managed to provide visitors with an understanding of the natural and cultural resources in such a way that it enhances their enjoyment and appreciation of the area.

Information relative to the programmes, activities, plans and recreational opportunities of the various areas will be given the widest distribution to ensure that the public, and in particular schools are properly informed of the opportunities available.

Facilities and services

Areas within the System will provide facilities and services necessary for public access, recreation and understanding of the area. The type and location of the facilities will reflect the resource, management category and expected use and will be undertaken in accordance with the site plan.

Certain facilities and services may be provided by the Government or by private concessionaires. The type and quality of service and maintenance standards will be set by the responsible management agency.

Research

Research concerned with understanding the natural and cultural phenomena and processes, and the protection and use of the areas within the system will be encouraged. Emphasis will be given to undertaking research essential for management purpose but basic research which will expand man's knowledge of the natural environment and cultural resources will be permitted. The nature of the research will vary with the type of area and its objectives and be regulated to ensure the protection of the resources, and safety and enjoyment of the visitors.

Interagency co-ordination and collaboration

The National Park Unit will ensure that there is proper co-ordination between the various agencies of Government and others whose activities could affect the resources, or aid in the management of the system.

The National Park unit will be responsible for providing technical information and assessing areas proposed for inclusion within the System. Once included, areas may be excluded from the system only by special law or transferred from one management category to another by direction of Cabinet.

Land ownership

State ownership

Areas established and managed as part of the National Parks and Protected Areas System shall be the property of the State or managed in coordination with the Government. When lands are formally included within the System all powers of ownership should be transferred to the National Park Unit of the Forestry Department.

A provision should be made to encourage private land owners to deed a portion of their land or the management thereof to the State for protection in perpetuity while receiving special rights to continue living on adjacent parcels, but under strictly established management regimes.

These provisions for strict State ownership or control should apply to all units classified as National Parks and Natural Landmarks and the majority of Cultural Landmarks. In Protected Seascapes and Multiple Use Management Areas most of the land and water should be under Government ownership or strict control in perpetuity. In certain specific cases Cultural Landmarks may remain under private ownership but only if specific covenants with the state establish clear management guidelines.

The National Parks Program hopes to increase environmental awareness and give students a better understanding of natural processes.

The National Parks Program hopes to increase environmental awareness and give students a better understanding of natural processes.

Scope

The National Parks System Plan includes areas of national, natural, cultural and historical value. Areas which are critical to water quality and supply are also included for protection. Areas which provide important economic and natural services such as beach erosion control, protection of fishing nursery grounds, or productive ecosystems were also selected for inclusion within the system.

Methodology

The process utilized in recommending areas for inclusion into the National Park and Protected Areas System involved a systematic identification and analysis of those areas which best represent the natural and cultural heritage of the country. The inventory phase of the planning process included field trips, overflights, literature review and extensive interviews with knowledgeable individuals. A matrix was designed analyzing the full range of marine and terrestrial ecological zones, vegetative communities, wildlife, geology and geomorphology, and cultural and historical data. In addition consideration was also given to the education, tourism and scientific potential of proposed areas. Based on this analysis, a series of overlay maps were prepared to help ensure that all areas judged to be important were included within the system. Subsequently this information was correlated with national land-use priorities to minimize conflicts between critical agriculture or forestry areas and activities proposed for the park system. For example, the national land-use capability map identifies lands in classes I - IV as having potential for agriculture or agro-forestry. Combining this information with soils data, Grenada's most productive lands can be isolated. The national parks inventory was done in a similar fashion using the above mentioned criteria in order to determine those areas offering the most important examples of a particular natural or cultural phenomenon. Another area may have been selected due to its outstanding recreation or education potential. A series of these exercises leads to a completed system of national parks and protected areas providing a range of benefits to the country.

Most of the terrestrial areas proposed are in capability classes V - Vie, on poor soils and on slopes of greater than 30 percent. All mangrove areas are recommended for protection.

LAND CAPABILITY CLASSES*

* From Soil and Land-Use Surveys No. 9 Grenada.

I. Level land with deep soil and no factors limiting the use for agriculture.

II. Land suitable for cultivation with moderate limitations. The risk of erosion is the primary factor limiting development.

III. Land suitable for cultivation with strong limitations must be cultivated carefully to prevent erosion of the soil.

IV. Land marginal for cultivation due to extreme danger of erosion. Improved grassland, or tree crops should be established on this land.

V. Land not suitable for cultivation. Tree crops, food or forest trees should be established on this land.

VI. Land not suitable for cultivation. Very steeply sloping land that should never be cleared of its natural vegetation.

VII. Land not suitable for cultivation due to a combination of adverse factors.

CATEGORIES OF PROTECTED AREAS AND THEIR CORRESPONDING CONSERVATION OBJECTIVES FOR GRENADA

Primary Conservation Objectives

National Park

Natural Landmark

Cultural Landmark

Protected Landscape

Multiple Use Area

Forest Reserve

Biosphere Reserve

World Heritage Site

Maintain sample ecosystem in natural state

1

1


2

2

2

1

1

Maintain ecological diversity and environmental regulation

1

1


2

2

2

1

1

Conserve genetic resources

1

1


2

3

3

1

1

Provide education, research, and environmental monitoring

2

1

1

2

2

2

1

1

Conserve watershed condition

3

3



3

2

3

3

Control erosion, sedimentation; protect downstream investments

3

3



3

2

3

3

Produce protein and animal products from wildlife; permit sport hunting and fishing


2


3

1

1

2


Provide recreation and tourism services

1

2

2

1

1

3

3

1

Produce timber, forage, or marine products on sustained yield basis




2

1

1

1


Protect sites and objects of cultural, historical, and arqueological heritage

1

2

2

1

3


2

1

Protect scenic beauty and open space

1

2

2

1

3


2

1

Maintain open options; manage flexibly; permit multiple use




3

3

2

1

1

Stimulate rational, sustainable use of marginal areas and rural development

1

2

2

1

1

1

1

2

NOTE:

1 = Primary objective for management of area and resources.
2 = Not necessarily primary, but always included as an important objective.
3 = Included as an objective where applicable and whenever resources and other management objectives permit.

Participants of the first Environment Education Workshop held in the Grand Etang Forest Centre drew up an interpretive plan.

Participants of the first Environment Education Workshop held in the Grand Etang Forest Centre drew up an interpretive plan.

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