The 14th June marked the start up of a six months long project funded by the Global Environmental Facility Small Grants Programme (GEF/SMP). Entitled “Towards the Sustainable Monitoring and Management of Coral Reefs in St. Kitts and Nevis”, this project is being undertaken by members of the SNCT and marine resource stakeholders. The problem it seeks to address is the lack of data about the reef ecosystems around our islands while at the same time building capacity for reef monitoring and management in our community through the training, participation and sensitization of the population.

More specifically the objectives are:
1.   To establish and enhance, quantitative and qualitative databases for seven vulnerable coral reefs to inform their monitoring and management.
2.  To establish a fully functioning Youth Arm of the Saint Christopher National Trust (SCNT), two members of which will be trained in reef monitoring methodology.
3.  To build greater awareness among the population including young persons on marine resource conservation with particular emphasis on coral reefs, the life they sustain and their importance to the environmental, economic and social sustainable development of Saint Kitts and Nevis.

Taking advantage on the relatively good weather conditions several dives have already taken place and data collection is in progress. Leading this activity is Jason Phillip, a young man with a passion and experience in deep sea diving. Some quadrats have been laid on certain reefs and many pictures taken, some of entirely new species of sea creatures. This information is also being fed into an international data base. While it is a project that seeks to mainly involve young persons, it will involve several agencies including the Fisheries Department, Dive Boat Operators and fishers. This project will contribute to other internationally funded projects being undertaken by the Government towards the establishment of Marine Protected Areas in the Federation.

Public education will take place through the production of videos, posters and booklets and during community meetings, and of course with the posting of information on the SCNT website (www.stkittsheritage.com).

A Project Management Committee has been established and a Project Coordinator identified.