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Programme: BEST 2.0+

Using seed bombs for the ecological restoration of degraded mining sites

Written by Erwin on .

Description: The project aimed to restore degraded and threatened ultramafic environments due to mining activities, seeking to preserve their unique plant biodiversity characterised by an 82% endemism rate. Through innovative techniques involving seed coating with microbial biofertilizers using the seed bomb approach, native plant species tolerant to this process were carefully selected. Validation of this method occurred via a field test, concurrently integrating arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi inocula, developed through collaboration between the University of New Caledonia and Aura Pacifica, known for enhancing plant growth and metal tolerance. Baseline studies on 12 species across six treatments indicated a reduction in seed germination by 20-50%, yet the inclusion of bio-stimulants in the coating notably improved survival rates, cost-effectiveness, and plant density. Further field trials involved four selected species, refining germination rates, mycorrhizal frequency, and mitigating mold formation, thus advancing and optimising the seed bomb-based restoration techniques for degraded ultramafic ecosystems.

Duration: 19 months

Restoration of the Kamaka islet, refuge of the Gambier biodiversity

Written by Erwin on .

Description: The Kamaka islet’s biodiversity restoration project employed an innovative method involving the application of “rodenticide” pesticides via drones, a pioneering endeavour in French Polynesia. Its primary goal was the eradication of invasive rats, aimed at enhancing community food security, mitigating disease risks, and facilitating the recovery of native biodiversity. Notably, the initiative created a sanctuary for globally endangered species and strengthened local capacity for managing invasive species. The successful execution of two eradication campaigns, utilising both drones and hand-baiting, distributed 7,183.65 KG of bait at a rate of 30 KG per hectare. Subsequent assessments confirmed the absence of rats, leading to a notable resurgence in seabird species (N = 13) and a decrease in seed predation (averaging 14.33 intact seeds per plot post-eradication). Crucially, the protection of cash crops from rat attacks resulted in increased agricultural production, benefiting the community. Moreover, 21 individuals participated in capacity-building activities, underscoring the comprehensive success achieved in ecosystem restoration and community development.

Duration: 23 months

Protection of the coastline: My heart is with the mangroves

Written by Erwin on .

Description: The commune of Pwêêdi Wiimîâ faced extensive coastal erosion driven by climate change and rising sea levels, posing a threat to local residences and recreational zones. To counteract this, an integrated initiative was implemented, employing Nature-based Solutions including mangrove planting, strengthening shoreline vegetation, and multiplying seagrass beds to restore the deteriorating coastline. This project engaged the community in environmental awareness programmes, fostering active participation. Over 2,000 plants were cultivated across two nurseries, with 100 successfully planted across a 1-hectare area. Approximately 50 community members actively participated in the awareness programmes, contributing significantly to local involvement in combating coastal erosion. The project’s collaborative efforts aimed to restore and stabilise the coastline, preserving habitats and safeguarding against further erosion caused by rising ocean levels.

Duration: 15 months

Biodiversity conservation in the islets of North Wallis

Written by Erwin on .

Description: The project aimed to safeguard the North Wallis Islands’ biodiversity by preventing rat re-invasion, and preserving habitats for endangered species, particularly seabirds. It involved monitoring and supporting rat eradication by Wallis and Futuna’s environmental service. Subsequent surveys assessed bird, coconut crab, and marine turtle populations post-eradication. Stakeholders’ engagement targeted traditional chiefs, families, fishermen, and others to raise awareness about the islet’s biodiversity and rat prevention. Identified as critical biodiversity zones, the project focused on restoring the islets, especially areas with high marine bird concentrations. Notably, two rat eradication campaigns covering 0.49 km2 on two islets were completed. Validation of a seabird monitoring protocol and training of 17 members in bird monitoring facilitated comprehensive bird inventories for both islets. Twenty users were sensitised to biosecurity measures, ensuring comprehension of rat prevention strategies for the islets.

Duration: 19 months

Restoring and conserving Anguilla’s pollinators and degraded habitats to make them more resilient

Written by Erwin on .

Description: The project aimed to strengthen Anguilla’s pollinator populations and habitats, diminishing controllable stressors to enhance their resilience. Baseline data on bees, butterflies, birds, and bats facilitated a rapid assessment, leading to the formulation of a comprehensive National Pollinator Strategy. Stakeholder involvement drove the installation of pollinator houses and the initiation of an Anguilla Pesticide Policy, favouring bio-pesticides over harmful chemicals. The implementation of both the National Pollinators Strategy and Pesticides Policy, resulted on conserving key pollinator habitats such as ponds, mangroves, forests, and caves. Biodiversity assessments engaged locals, fostering the establishment of an Anguilla beekeeping cooperative and educational training sessions. Workshops convened to present and propose these strategies to the Government Executive Council for adoption. A detailed assessment encompassing 129 species culminated in five comprehensive pollinator status reports, complemented by outreach activities that reached 1,121 community members, while 100 individuals received specialised training in pollinator assessment, identification, and beekeeping.

Duration: 18 months

Larval propagation: an innovative technique to scale up Bonaire’s reef restoration programme

Written by Erwin on .

Description: The project aimed to restore deteriorated coral reef areas by employing active coral restoration techniques, primarily focusing on larval propagation to enhance genetic diversity and strengthen coral populations. Implemented within the Bonaire National Marine Park, the initiative sought to establish self-sustaining coral populations adaptable to changing environments. Notable achievements included constructing 24 functional nets for gamete collection and setting up a temporary ex-situ laboratory for spawning events. Over 8 million coral larvae were propagated, displaying an average fertilisation rate exceeding 80%. Additionally, 1,250 seeding units containing 22,500 settlers were successfully outplanted across a 1,200 m2 reef area. Introducing 24 new coral strains further enriched the genetic diversity within Bonaire’s nursery system. The project also facilitated the training of 39 individuals to support larval propagation fieldwork, fostering technical cooperation among experts. These efforts contributed significantly to the enhancement of coral reef health, function, and genetic diversity in Bonaire, solidifying the foundation for future conservation endeavours.

Duration: 17 months

Mangrove Restoration in Bonaire

Written by Erwin on .

Description: Collaborating with Bonaire National Marine Park’s management authority (STINAPA), Súchit Internos spearheaded a comprehensive initiative to conserve and enhance mangrove biodiversity. Focused on hydrological restoration, erosion control, and reforestation, the project strategically addressed the threats faced by the largest mangrove forest in the Dutch Caribbean. Efforts were concentrated on optimising water circulation through the clearance of existing channels and the establishment of nurseries for red and black mangroves, increasing over 105,600 m2 of nursery space equipped with adequate water flow. Noteworthy accomplishments included the maintenance of 3.5 km of channels, re-opening 1,600 m2 of stagnant pond channels, and the construction of five nurseries, resulting in the collection of approximately 5,600 propagules and seeds. Pilot studies encompassing 11,130 m2 and out-planting trials in six coastal locations exhibited a 39.7% survival rate for at least 10 out-planted propagules. Refinements in methodology from these trials substantially elevated the average survival rate to 77% for 240 out-planted propagules, marking significant progress in mangrove restoration and biodiversity enhancement within the region.

Duration: 19 months

BROOKTROUTSPM: Improving the knowledge of the threatened brook trout and its habitat

Written by Erwin on .

Description: The project focused on enhancing understanding and conserving the brook trout and its habitat in Saint-Pierre and Miquelon (SPM), renowned for its unique brook trout population. Insufficient knowledge regarding the species’ biology and ecology hampered effective management strategies. BROOKTROUTSPM conducted an extensive survey, analysing 300 brook trout across six target areas, covering 2.55 km2 of freshwater, unveiling critical spawning grounds. The findings revealed community interest in angling for brook trout above 40 cm, yet indicated limited potential for eco-tourism development. This grassroots initiative engaged local stakeholders, including anglers, students, and the public, offering essential data on brook trout biology crucial for understanding their life cycle and identifying vital conservation areas. Additionally, a detailed hydro-system classification of the archipelago was established, providing a spatial resolution of 5 m and 1 m, aiding habitat conservation efforts. The project’s outcomes laid the foundation for improved ecological connectivity, habitat restoration, and sustainable eco-tourism opportunities while addressing the scarcity of knowledge surrounding this species in SPM.

Duration: 19 months

Eradicating New Zealand Flax from Inaccessible Island World Heritage Site

Written by Erwin on .

Description: The eradication project targeted the invasive New Zealand flax on Inaccessible Island, aiming to ensure the sustainable recovery of two native species. Inaccessible island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, faced biodiversity threats from this invasive species, endangering the Island Cape Myrtle and unique bunting sub-species adapted to Phylica fruit. Removal efforts successfully eliminated approximately 3,226 out of 4,850 invasive flax plants, enhancing Tristanians’ capacity for rope-access removal techniques and facilitating eradication monitoring. This strengthened removal efficiency and empowered local capacity for future endeavours. Additionally, the project fostered collaboration and knowledge exchange with stakeholders from Saint Helena, engaging in effective strategies for invasive species management. These collective actions significantly contributed to conserving and enhancing the biodiversity of Inaccessible Island, mitigating the threats posed by invasive flax and securing the survival of endemic species, thus establishing a foundation for their sustainable recovery.

Duration: 18 months

Establishing a St Helena Biological Records System

Written by Erwin on .

Description: The establishment of the St Helena Biological Records System (SHBRS) was pivotal, introducing a web portal and app to increase comprehension, awareness and knowledge of the island’s biodiversity. Aimed at informing environmental management and ecosystem-level conservation strategies, the project prioritised invertebrates and plants initially, fostering local capacity in biological recording, data management, and analysis. Through a citizen science initiative involving identified species across diverse taxa, the system underwent rigorous testing to support targeted conservation and biodiversity efforts. This initiative facilitated unprecedented access to the biological records system via the iRecord St Helena web portal and app, garnering widespread adoption among stakeholder groups. By the end of the project timeline, the database comprised 2,948 species entries as a functional baseline, allowing continual inclusion of new occurrence records. This significant advancement underscores enhanced capabilities in biological recording and data analysis, empowering informed decision-making for sustainable environmental preservation and emphasizing the project’s crucial role in advancing scientific knowledge and conservation efforts in St Helena.

Duration: 19 months

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