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Environment and development in coastal regions and in small islands |
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Environment and development in coastal regions and in small islands |
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TECHNICAL PRESENTATIONS
Keynote addresses
Beach
management
Sand
mining
Beaches
and tourism
Panel
discussion: Regional initiatives relating to beach management and
coastal zone management
Coastal
erosion
Hurricane
impacts
Keynote addresses
Chairperson: Mr. Orris Proctor Rapporteur: Mr. Robert Bateson Dr.
Gillian Cambers discussed the importance of environmental
monitoring as a planning tool in the Caribbean Islands. The
methodology and databases developed by the COSALC program were
outlined. These databases now provide quantitative predictive
tools for normal beach changes as well as those resulting from
tropical storms and hurricanes. These tools provide vital
information for coastal development setback guidelines, thereby
ensuring that future coastal developments are sustainable and in
harmony with beach conservation principles. Against a background
of small islands with limited natural, human and economic
resources, Mr. David Robinson outlined several ways in which the
scientific collection of beach change information had assisted in
the determination of realistic answers to beach management
problems in Nevis. He emphasized that the application of
scientific data is one of the best ways to educate the political
directorate and the general public. Mr. Luthur Bourne presented a
historical background to physical planning in Barbados from its
inception in the 1950's to the present. He maintained that prior
to the advent of international tourism there were no beach
problems. Successful physical planning must be a dynamic process
capable of responding to constantly changing circumstances. The
adoption of Geographical Information System (GIS) technology can
assist in providing the rapid responses demanded.
Beach management
Chairperson: Mr. Alan Gunne-Jones Rapporteur: Mrs Patricia
Phillip Mr. Keith Nichols and Mr. Christopher Corbin advocated a
community-based approach to beach management. In St. Lucia an
action plan for the management of beaches and mangroves has been
developed and the government is in the process of establishing
Local Management Authorities (LMAs). These LMAs will consist of
government agencies and local coastal stakeholders who will
collect data, develop and implement management plans and provide
a mechanism for conflict resolution. It is hoped that the LMAs
will result in improved management of beach resources. The
question of whether traditional beach uses should be given
priority over 'modem' uses was discussed by Miss Cheryl Jeffrey
and Mr. Griffith Joseph. A case study at Lignumvitae Bay,
Antigua, was presented wherein the establishment of a major hotel
and marina had displaced the fishermen from their traditional
landing sites. While several proposals of solutions had been
tried, none had been successful. This paper raised important
questions concerning who should pay for the conflict-resolution
process. A regional assessment of beach management issues, based
on a 1996 questionnaire survey, was presented by Dr. Gillian
Cambers. This covered issues such as beach cleaning, user safety,
public access to beaches, user conflict and noise. Conflicts
between different user groups were common to all islands. None of
the islands surveyed had yet developed a comprehensive beach
management programme. Turning to the management of turtle nesting
beaches, Miss Kathy Hall described the natural and anthropogenic
threats facing sea turtles in the Caribbean Islands. These ranged
from poaching to the use of recreational vehicles on beaches.
While education has proved the best means to combat poaching,
other threats, such as those related to increased coastal
development, appear to be increasing. Mr. Trevor Barclay, in his
presentation, described some of the conflicts between different
user groups on the beaches in Grenada. Various groups such as
bathers, small boat operators, fishermen and beach vendors have
conflicting interests and needs. He proposed that a land use
zoning approach combined with community involvement is the most
feasible way to maintain the ambience of the beach environment.
Providenciales in the Turks and Caicos Islands has been
designated as the center for future tourist development. Mr.
Clyde Robinson and Miss Michelle Fulford described the problems
resulting from recent tourism developments, particularly at Grace
Bay. These included beach erosion, loss of public beach access,
pollution and environmental degradation. A programme combining
institutional support with the full integration of environmental
concerns into the planning process was proposed.
Sand mining
Chairperson: Dr. Edward Towle Rapporteur : Mr. Leonard Huggins
The construction industry in Puerto Rico could be facing a sand
crisis by the end of this century. In a presentation prepared by
Mr. Pedro Gelabert and given by Ms. Lisbeth Hyman, the existing
sand sources were assessed. These include rivers, beaches, dunes,
nearshore and offshore supplies, as well as importation and
manufactured sand. It was recommended that in the future offshore
sand reserves and manufactured sand should be promoted for
construction purposes. Figures relating to the volume of sand
extracted from the beaches of the British Virgin Islands were
presented and discussed by Mr. Bertrand Lettsome and Mr. Louis
Potter. The use of existing legislation had proved inadequate.
Application of the Mining Ordinance was proposed as a more
effective means of controlling beach sand mining than the Beach
Protection Ordinance. Mr. Crafton Isaac reported on the current
status of sand mining in Grenada. Despite several recent attempts
to address this problem by various agencies or ad hoc committees,
the problems resulting from legal and illegal sand mining
continued. Against a background of overlapping jurisdiction and
an absence of any clear policy, it is inevitable that sand mining
will continue. Recommendations were put forward to reduce the
degradation. Public awareness and concern about the sand mining
issues is increasing in Grenada; the task ahead is to channel
this support towards effective management of sand mining. The
problems resulting from sand mining in St. Vincent & the
Grenadines were discussed by Mr. Maxwell Porter. Sand consumption
figures doubled between 1985 and 1990. In December 1994 the
government announced that sand imported from Guyana would be used
for all government projects. This announcement was interpreted
locally as a ban on beach sand mining and resulted in a massive
stockpiling of sand throughout the country. While local residents
may not be prepared to pay for imported sand, they will
inevitably pay in the long term through remedial sea defence
works which become necessary as beach sand mining continues. Sand
mining practices in Puerto Rico were discussed by Mrs. Andrea
Handler-Ruiz. While it is policy in Puerto Rico to ban sand
mining from the beaches, very occasionally permits are granted
for beach sand mining at specific locations and short periods of
time. Most of the sand is extracted from the back dune, inland
and river bed areas. Mining practices and restoration methods
were described. In Tobago rapid development in the tourism sector
over the last twenty years has resulted in a shortage of building
aggregates and increased sand mining. In a presentation by Mrs.
Charmaine O'Brien-Delpesh it was shown that several beaches,
which had been heavily mined for sand, had failed to recover once
the mining had stopped. It was suggested that a cultural change
has to take place in order to resolve the problem of sand mining
since beach sand is regarded as a 'free resource'. Alternatives
to beach sand are available in Tobago although at a higher cost
to the consumer An effort had been made in Montserrat to use the
COSALC beach monitoring data to control beach sand mining. Mr.
Alan Gunne-Jones and Mr. Waiter Christopher described the system
whereby crushed rock had been substituted for beach sand, while
one east coast beach had been kept open for mining to provide
finer sand for plastering and finishing. This had alleviated
mining on west coast recreational beaches. However, the onset of
volcanic activity in July 1995 has confronted Montserrat with the
prospect of increased construction in the safe area while the
beach that is open for mining is in the unsafe area. This has
demonstrated the precarious nature of the control system. Dr.
Malcolm Hendry presented an evaluation of sand resources in
Anguilla. Cuffently dune sand is mined for construction and
reserves at the designated quarry will be depleted in one to two
years. The two main alternatives under consideration consist of
imported sand or dredged sand. A recent study has shown that it
is technically and economically feasible to none these offshore
reserves. The environmental effects of beach nourishment using
offshore dredge-based sand in Florida was discussed by Mr. Kenyon
Lindeman. Impacts on fish, particularly the early life stages,
and invertebrates have been documented and assessed. At one site,
dredge operations had significantly lowered abundances. The use
of techniques such as ecological risk assessment and decision
support systems was demonstrated. Mr. Jeremy Collymore described
some of the damage caused by hurricanes in the Caribbean Islands.
He presented some general recommendations for reducing coastal
vulnerability and pointed out that their implementation would
involve significant adjustments in policy development and
decision making.
Beaches and tourism
Chairperson: Mr. Louis Potter Rapporteur: Mr. Clyde Robinson
Examples of poor development practices in Anguilla, such as
lowering sand dunes, building on beaches and sand mining were
demonstrated by Mr. Orris Proctor and Mr. Roland Hodge. The
passage of Hurricane Luis in 1995 accentuated the impacts of
these practices. Anguilla is in the early stages of development
and while some of the beaches are degraded, this has not reached
a crisis situation and many beaches are still in the pristine
state. It was recommended that measures such as sound development
setbacks, dune conservation and the use of sand alternatives,
combined with the involvement of the general public, be
implemented to ensure the economic survival of Anguilla. Dr.
Edward Towle sought to address several newer categories of
generic Best Management Practices (BMPs) for beach systems. These
included: utilising a watershed management approach; a 'paired'
beach monitoring approach to evacuate the effectiveness of
various management practices; utilization of historical data to
develop new environmental baselines; risk assessment
methodologies; and the adaptation of system analysis models
tested elsewhere in the region. Examples of the various BMPs were
discussed. The view of the private sector was presented by Mr.
Wilbert Fleming. Persons from the private sector needed to be
fully involved in the management of beaches, at present this was
not the case. There was a need to 'translate' scientific
information so that it was understandable and relevant to other
sectors and the public. Furthermore the private sector needed to
be informed about possible solutions to existing beach management
problems such as erosion. Mr. David Simmons described some
planning guidelines for tourism development. These included the
management of solid and liquid waste and their impact on the
marine environment, examples were provided from Barbados. The
question of who should pay for expensive sewerage systems was
discussed. The ongoing OECS Waste Management Project may help to
solve the solid waste management problems in the Caribbean
Islands. The need to further involve the Caribbean Tourism
Organization in beach management was highlighted.
Panel discussion: Regional initiatives relating
to beach management and coastal zone management
Chairperson: Mr. Luthur Boume Rapporteur: Mr. Christopher Corbin
Miss Cheryl Dixon outlined the role of the Caribbean Development
Bank and highlighted the Bank's environmental policy whereby all
projects are screened for environmental concerns. Specific
environmental projects have been funded in the areas of watershed
management, solid waste management and protection of natural
habitats. Other specific areas that have received funding include
institutional strengthening and improvements to the regulatory
framework. The need for increased public awareness and valuation
of natural resources was discussed. The Caribbean Council for
Science & Technology seeks to act as a facilitator and
coordinator within the region particularly by providing for
technical cooperation between countries. Dr. Donatus St. Aimee,
in his presentation, emphasized the need for work at the
scientific level to be transferred to the policy making process
and the need for community involvement in the planning process.
Dr. Malcolm Hendry outlined the role of IOCARIBE. Their
coordinating framework and efforts to promote marine science
investigations, technology and related ocean services within the
region were outlined. Examples were provided of recent projects,
workshops and publications. IOCARIBE's interest in assisting the
region with the management of its coastal resources was
highlighted. Dr. Manuel Valdes Pizzini described the role of the
Sea Grant College Program. The three programme areas include
research, marine education and marine advisory services. Dr.
Vald6s made the point that there needs to be a long-term
collaborative relationship between Puerto Rico and the other
islands of the Caribbean. Mr. Claudio Volonte described the
'Caribbean: Planning for Adaptation to Climate Change' (CPACC)
Project. This project, which covers most of the CARICOM
(Caribbean Community) countries, is due to start early in 1997
and has eight major components : sea level/climate monitoring
network, database establishment, coastal resources inventory,
coral reef monitoring, coastal vulnerability and risk assessment,
policy framework for integrated coastal management, economic
valuation of coastal resources, and economic/regulatory
proposals. Past and planned activities of the Organization of
Eastem Caribbean States Natural Resources Management Unit
(OECS-NRMU) were outlined by Mrs. Patricia Phillip. The Unit has
adopted an Island Systems Management approach which is reflected
in the Coastal Resources Management Initiative. One of the future
activities is the preparation of detailed coastal inventories
which will provide a quantitative baseline measurement of coastal
resources for improved management. Dr. A1exei Suzyumov described
the holistic approach of UNESCO's CSI platform which seeks to
assist Member States in achieving integrated coastal planning and
management. Through four pilot project themes, CSI supports
cross-sectoral initiatives with environmental, cultural and
socio-economic dimensions. This includes: traditional resource
management practices; technical and scientific analyses;
training, community education and public awareness. Dr. Malcolm
Hendry described the role of the Marine Resource and
Environmental Management Program (MAREMP) at the University of
the West Indies, particularly the Masters programme and its role
in providing environmental training to professionals throughout
the region. Dr. Boris Oxman of the Puerto Rico Department of
Natural & Environmental Resources described the role of the
coastal zone management program and its close research linkages
with the University of Puerto Rico.
Coastal erosion
Chairperson: Mrs. Andrea Handler Ruiz Rapporteur: Mr. Arlington
James Mr. Hugh Thomas described coastal erosion and accretion as
normal processes within a geological framework. He described the
various geological and oceanographic processes causing beach
changes and pointed out that there is an equilibrium between
erosional and depositional forces. However, sand mining disturbs
this equilibrium by permanently removing sediments from the
coastal system. Mr. Robert Bascom outlined the development and
achievements of the Barbados Coastal Zone Management Unit from
its inception in 1983 to the present. Through a series of
diagnostic, feasibility and design projects, and with financial
assistance from the Inter American Development Bank, the Unit has
developed a coastal zone management plan for the south and west
coasts. Within the next two years this plan will be expanded to
include the entire island. Results from many of the studies are
applicable to other island states. Data showing beach erosion
between 1992 and 1996 were presented for three beaches in St.
Kitts by Mr. Bryan Farrell and Mr. Paul Lloyd. At the three
sites: Conaree, South Frigate Bay and Cockleshell Bay, the
erosion was mainly due to natural forces, especially the
hurricanes of 1995. Anthropogenic changes, primarily seawalls and
sand mining, had accentuated the natural erosion. A presentation
by Mr. Robert Bateson and Dr. Malcolm Hendry highlighted the
decline of west coast nearshore fringing reefs in Barbados.
Studies during the last twenty years showed that reef
calcification had declined whilst bio-erosion had remained
constant. Ibis imbalance had led to a decline in sediment
generation which combined with a loss of reef structure could
result in significant changes in the beach cells.
Hurricane impacts
Chairperson: Mr. Bertrand Lettsome Rapporteur: Mr. Robert Bascom
Recent hurricanes have caused significant erosion on the beaches
of Nevis. Mr. Audra Barrett and Mr. Leonard Huggins presented a
series of beach change data covering the period 1988 to 1996
which showed the -impacts of two major hurricanes. The hurricanes
caused permanent loss of land and it was suggested that existing
coastal development setbacks should be revised. The effects of
hurricanes in Dominica between 1979 and 1995 were discussed in a
presentation by Mr. Arlington James. The nine storms which had
affected the island over the sixteen-year period had all impacted
the island's beaches. In most cases erosion had occurred but at
least one beach had shown accretion. In view of recent
predictions regarding Atlantic hurricane activity, it was
suggested that it may be an opportune time to re-examine the
Beach Control Ordinance and to adequately enforce setback limits
for developments in the coastal zone.
