Ecotourism and Ecological Restoration in Union Island, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Abstract

Ashton Lagoon, located in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, is examined as a case study, where an abandoned marina development left significant changes to the marine and coastal environment. For over 20 years, the lagoon has been left in this state, until the proposal for its restoration was approved and initiated in 2015. Part of the Ashton Lagoon Restoration Project involves introducing ecotourism as a means of sustainable livelihood development. Residents of Union Island were interviewed to reveal local perception of ecotourism’s ability to contribute to ecological restoration projects and community capital. The relationship between tourism and forms of capital (natural, economic, human, physical, social, and cultural) is described, and barriers to ecotourism development and management options are identified.

Keywords: ecotourism; sustainable tourism; ecological restoration; Small Island Developing States; sustainable development; community capital; Grenadines