Abstract

This article summarizes the results of a livelihoods analysis of the water taxi operators in the Grenadine Islands of Grenada and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The natural resources of the area, including the many beaches, reefs, and cays, especially the Tobago Cays Marine Park (TCMP) are the resource base for their operation. These resources form part of their natural assets according to the definition by the Department for International Development (DFID). Given the importance of the natural resources to the water taxi operators, their potential for environmental stewardship may be realized through the monitoring of the same yachts that they supply. They can ensure, possibly through co-management of the Park, that their natural assets are not undermined by a sector that is poorly regulated. The other livelihood assets are classified into the physical, social, human and financial. The vulnerability context and the livelihood strategies were also assessed. The results show that water taxi operators depend on fishing to supplement their livelihoods, both for subsistence and sale to yachts, especially the latter.  

PDF Preview