| dc.description.abstract | Abstract: In 1994, Ashton Lagoon in St. Vincent and the Grenadines was the site of a 300-berth marina development. After a year of construction, the development was abandoned, leaving the community of Union Island to clean up the ecological and economic losses. The construction left a causeway through Ashton Lagoon to nearby Frigate Island, which left coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangroves to suffer as water flow became heavily restricted. Through the work of Sustainable Grenadines Inc. (SusGren), the restoration of Ashton Lagoon has already begun, and this case study will be used for the next phase of the Ashton Lagoon Restoration Project. Based on community interviews and a review of literature, recommendations for next steps in this restoration project will be developed using ecosystem-based management and sustainable livelihoods as a framework. Based on initial findings and interview feedback, the development of small-scale eco-tourism activities like kayaking, bird watching, nature walks, and community environmental monitoring programs can help to bolster local pride in the area and promote livelihood opportunities for local community members while preserving ecological integrity. Legally enforcing the previous designation of Ashton Lagoon as a Conservation Area will also strengthen the restoration efforts and allow for any development of Ashton Lagoon to be regulated and sustainable. This case study will demonstrate the ecological, social, and economic importance of Ashton Lagoon and the need for legal protection of this area from future harmful development in order to allow for sustainable use of the area.
Keywords: ecosystem-based management, ecotourism, sustainable livelihood, Marine Protected Area, sustainable development, community engagement, St. Vincent and the Grenadines | en_US |
