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Caribbean dream

October 13, 2015

The strip of Caribbean Ocean between St. Kitts and Nevis might be narrow, but is home to countless species. Because they have to share their space with fishing boats and tourists, there is plenty of scope for conflict.

https://p.dw.com/p/1Gn7N
Island in the background, sea with boats in the foreground
Image: Julia Henrichmann

Saving the Narrows - Conservation in the Caribbean

Project goal: Raise local awareness of the importance of biodiversity and coral reef protection, implement marine managed areas, (no-take zones for fishermen), improve long-term fishing prospects and protect biodiversity
Project size: Six Caribbean islands: Saint Lucia, Grenada, St. Vincent and Grenadines, Antigua and Barbuda, St. Kitts and Nevis, Dominica
Implementation: Workshops with stakeholders such as marine departments and local people, new mooring sites for dive and tourist boats, new biodegradable traps for fishermen, sustainable livelihood projects such as creating an alternative income through tourism
Budget: four million euros
The islands of St. Kitts and Nevis are just 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) apart - but however far, it seems there is always room for conflict. The area is filled with cruise ships, fishing boats and water taxis - although the shallow waters between the islands are also perfect breeding grounds for turtles, trumpet snails, lobster and grouper. In short, the fragile ecosystem is under threat. The Nature Conservancy, backed by the International Climate Initiative, has placed the area under special protection. The idea is to create a "no-take zone" in which priority is given to the conservation of the nurseries. Fishermen are allowed to work in certain areas and designated moorings help prevent dive boats from destroying coral.

A film by Julia Henrichmann