Grant Period: 2 years

Project Overview

In Barbados, wetlands now cover less than 3% of the coastal zone due to ongoing agricultural and commercial development and ecological degradation. Yet these ecosystems, particularly mangroves, are essential for biodiversity, storm protection, and climate change mitigation, with the ability to sequester over 400 tons of carbon per acre. The Walkers Institute for Regeneration Research Education and Design Inc. (WIRRED) Long Pond Wetland Restoration Project aims to restore this vital ecosystem by reintroducing native vegetation and protecting rare, endemic, and threatened species, laying the groundwork for a healthier, more resilient coastal environment.

This project serves as a prototype for cost-effective mangrove restoration that balances ecological restoration with economic and social needs. By integrating efforts from the extractive industries, community-based ecotourism, and conservation initiatives, this approach promotes a sustainable model that can be applied across Barbados.

Project Goals

• Assess Current Wetland Conditions: Conduct a comprehensive study of the existing ecosystem to establish a final restoration plan with clear, actionable targets.
• Engage Stakeholders: Understand the values, perspectives, and interrelationships of various stakeholders to ensure their needs are considered in the restoration process.
• Improve Ecological Health: Implement and monitor restoration actions to track improvements in biodiversity, water quality, and overall ecological health.
• Raise Public Awareness and Youth Participation: Promote conservation efforts among the general public and encourage youth involvement to foster a sense of responsibility for Barbados’ natural heritage.
• Enhance Livelihood Opportunities: Develop sustainable ecotourism and agricultural opportunities within the wetland to support local communities while preserving the environment.

WIRRED’s Wetland Restoration efforts at Long Pond Estuary have yielded significant environmental benefits through mangrove restoration and ecosystem protection. WIRRED’s partnership with BECT has facilitated the generation of a broad assessment and situational analysis of the Long Pond floodplain in 2022 as Phase I of project. This delivered extensive  information on the status of species populations within the Long Pond wetland, indicated the level of plant and animal diversity within the floodplain and identified areas threatened by anthropogenic and natural stressors.

Update: February 2024 – Present

Following the completion of this assessment, the project entered Phase II the development of an Immediate Action Plan for the conservation of the wetland ecosystem at Long Pond inclusive of the invaluable mangrove habitat. 

Alongside these targeted initiatives, our ongoing restoration work has created sustainable positive environmental impacts through carbon sequestration, shoreline protection, and increased biodiversity. Regular water quality monitoring and biodiversity assessments have been implemented to track the wetland’s health, with probes continuously recording essential parameters like pH and conductivity. The project has also integrated community involvement through capacity-building initiatives and a community-based ecotourism programme, establishing a model for sustainable wetland conservation that can be replicated throughout the Caribbean. This comprehensive approach to wetland management not only benefits the local ecosystem but also contributes to climate change mitigation efforts while creating opportunities for environmental education and research.