Abstract

The Baraderes-Cayemites Marine Protected Area is an ecologically diverse part of southern Haiti, which includes habitats like coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass beds. These ecosystems support diverse marine life, including a deep-water nursery for the critically endangered oceanic whitetip shark and nesting sites for the critically endangered hawksbill sea turtles, and are key natural environments for other endangered species such as sperm whales and spotted eagle rays. These ecosystems and species are at great risk due to a combination of unsustainable fishing and poverty, which has led to a significant strain on marine resources. The direct use of charcoal production is responsible for large-scale mangrove removal and degradation, which damages fish nurseries and feeding areas. To preserve, better manage and restore the marine ecosystem in the Baraderes-Cayemites MPA, we established a multi-level approach that includes conservation, education, research, and ecotourism activities involving locals who live in the targeted communities. These activities include education about the value of healthy marine biodiversity, training fishers to identify and document marine megafau-na through a monitoring network, and bringing local stakeholders together to develop a community-based management plan for the MPA. Through a realistic and holistic approach, we work alongside local community leaders, fishers, women, and children to facilitate community-led sustainable solutions that protect endangered marine megafauna and their ecosystems while empowering local communities and enhancing their quality of life. Engaging community members in these conserva-tion efforts help to increase their capacity, encourages environmental stewardship, and engages their long-term support for marine biodiversity protection.

PDF Preview