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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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Dominica workshop papers
Coastal
Stewardship in the Turks and Caicos Islands
Ethlyn
Gibbs-Williams
In a country where tourism has
become the primary source of revenue it is the coastal areas, particularly the
beaches, that are most sought after by tourism related investment.
The indigenous population had
taken it for granted until now, that the coastal areas in the Turks and Caicos
Islands would always be there at their disposal. However, with the
ever-increasing development taking place on the north shore of the island of
Providenciales, islanders have validated concerns about coastal management.
Coastal stewardship in the Turks
and Caicos Islands involves protecting the natural havens, which provide shelter
for boats during storms; creating and maintaining public access to the beach;
development and implementation of a national coastal management programme.
Under the Coastal Resources Management Project (CRMP)
certain elements of a coastal stewardship programme are addressed. These include
a public awareness component to sensitise stakeholders and the general public
about the long-term benefits of wise practise and management of coastal areas.
The Turks
and Caicos National Trust, a non-profit organisation, whose mission is to
safeguard the cultural, natural and historic heritage of the Turks and Caicos
Islands, has been contracted to co-develop and implement the public awareness
programme of the CRMP.
Activities in the programme range from presentations to user groups and schools;
the preparation of interpretive and promotional signs; and the development of
educational materials. Although this particular project started two years ago,
there is still a long way to go in order to fully sensitise the public.
A committee, comprising
representatives of selected stakeholder groups, provides advice to the CRMP
management team. The CRMP
is a major undertaking by the Turks and Caicos
Government. As in most small
states, such ambitious projects often carry institutional issues. However, if
there is commitment and political will, these issues can be resolved over time.
Through collaborative
initiatives of the three primary entities, the Department of Environment and
Coastal Resources, the CRMP/National Parks Service, and the Turks and Caicos
National Trust, the objectives of a coastal stewardship programme can be
achieved.
It is noted and has been
accepted that there is need for more dialogue between the management bodies and
the public regarding beach management. A plan is underway to address this
concern.
Through the Physical Planning Board and Unit of Development Control, consideration is given to development proposals, which include corrective measures for beach erosion, particularly in Providenciales.
Where conflict exist between
resort managers and entrepreneurs who operate businesses from the beach, some
steps have been taken to get all of the concerned parties together to reach some
mutual agreement.
One concept, which is being
considered in the Turks and Caicos Islands, is to identify and select locations
on the north shore of Providenciales where vendors could operate.
This is perhaps one way of resolving beach management conflicts.
Another idea, which is being promoted by the Physical Planning Department and the National Trust, is the survey, registration and transfer of beach accesses to the National Trust.
