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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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CSI papers 1
Sand Mining in Grenada: Issues, Challenges and Decisions Relating to Coastal Management
Crafton Isaac,
Fisheries Division, Ministry of Agriculture, Grenada
Abstract
Sand mining in Grenada has been identified as one of the main contributing factors to beach degradation. Beach sand accounts for 100% of the fine aggregate used for construction purposes. In recent years rapid growth in tourism, building of private homes and businesses and the laying down of new agricultural roads have generated a marked increase in the demand for beach sand. This increased demand for beach sand on the one hand and the heightened appreciation of the value of beaches as habitats, protective barriers and places of recreation among others have served to concentrate the attention of both resource managers and the general public on the urgent problems associated with beach degradation. This paper explores issues related to conflicts in uses, jurisdiction, legislation and education. While alternatives to beach sand exist, it is unlikely that they will be implemented soon. As an immediate strategy it is therefore recommended that the existing legislation be rigidly enforced.
