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Programme: BEST 2.0

NERESIS: Conservation of the Fairy Tern

Written by Erwin on .

Description: New Caledonia, known for exceptional biodiversity, faced conservation concerns due to unique species concentration and threats. The Fairy Tern project aimed to counter invasive rodents and human disturbances, striving to enhance nesting conditions and species viability. Strategies were implemented, refining protocols, tools, and monitoring while addressing reproduction challenges, including community engagement and a sanctuary establishment at a key breeding site. Actions also included investigating additional predation, all to deepen ecological insights into Fairy Terns. Community involvement and cultural significance were focal points. Initiatives involved strengthening naturalist monitoring, volunteer training, and reinforcing environmental protection measures. Continuous communication played a pivotal role in encouraging broader community participation, showcasing the importance of sustained outreach for successful conservation efforts.

Duration: 12 months

Necessity of safeguarding the terrestrial environment of Rapa

Written by Erwin on .

Description: The project was initiated to safeguard Rapa’s terrestrial ecosystem by controlling invasive species and addressing natural forest degradation. The approach involved implementing biosecurity measures against black rats, safeguarding key forest zones, expanding grazing-excluded areas, and eradicating invasive plants like guava and pine, while also empowering Rapa’s inhabitants to actively preserve their environment. Significant efforts were made, including training 2 employees and 1 volunteer in biosecurity and conducting 3 workshops, leading to enhanced local capabilities in ecosystem conservation. Noteworthy outcomes encompass achieving a rat-free status on the island for 6 months, establishing a crisis committee for rapid responses, outlining a contingency plan, identifying nine vital forest areas, fencing 0.87 hectares against grazers, removing 80% of invasive plants, and refurbishing a plant nursery for forest restoration. These combined actions aimed to reverse forest deterioration and reinforce sustainable conservation practices for Rapa’s terrestrial ecosystem.

Duration: 12 months

Strengthening the participative and integrated management of the UNESCO property in Touho

Written by Erwin on .

Description: The project in Touho municipality aimed to protect biodiversity and ecosystem resilience against climate change effects. Initial field studies, post-UNESCO recognition in 2008, updated knowledge of the ecosystem, identifying mangrove species and degraded areas for restoration while ensuring cohesive ecological actions. The vulnerable mangrove ecosystem, sensitive to human activities and climate change, played a crucial role as a buffer zone and filter for the lagoon. Activities included establishing nurseries, planting, community awareness campaigns, specialised training, field surveys, and continuous mangrove growth monitoring. The project significantly contributed to preserving Touho’s UNESCO heritage and training Hô-üt members in species identification and planting techniques. Observations during planting allowed the identification of adaptable species despite varied environmental conditions, successfully meeting the training objectives of the Hô-üt association members.

Duration: 12 months

Securing pockets of paradise in the Caribbean: Building capacity for invasive alien species management within UKOT-based organisations

Written by Erwin on .

Description: The core aim of the project was to reinforce the management capacity for invasive alien species (IAS) in 4 territories by implementing targeted public awareness campaigns, fostering regional cooperation, and delivering training on IAS management approaches within 4 key biodiversity areas (KBAs) while developing specific national protocols for the British Virgin Islands (BVI) and Montserrat. This encompassed inter-territory and inter-regional experience sharing, coupled with practical actions against invasive species. Noteworthy, was a significant cross-UKOT workshop on vegetation monitoring, conducted during the project’s second year, engaging representatives from Anguilla, Cayman, Montserrat, and the BVI. RBG-Kew’s support significantly enhanced Montserrat’s Department of Environment’s vegetation monitoring capacity. The project’s impact extended to acquiring new data, analysing oceanic ecosystem biodiversity, and promoting biodiversity awareness among younger generations, although adverse weather conditions hindered expected sample collection during scientific cruises and seabird tagging, substantial progress was made in scientific data acquisition.

Duration: 36 months

Enacting a new regional recovery plan for the Lesser Antillean iguana: An endangered ecological keystone species

Written by Erwin on .

Description: The project targeted the conservation of the Lesser Antillean iguana through the establishment of a sub-regional recovery framework. It aimed to enhance population data, reintroduce the iguana in Anguilla, implement bio-security measures, and increase awareness. Utilising national policies, biodiversity strategies, and scientific data, it ensured sustainable management within Key Biodiversity Areas across 3 island territories. Educational programmes facilitated species differentiation for the public and officials. Conservation agencies enforced legal protections through reintroductions, habitat restoration, and awareness campaigns. Collaboration among islands maximised shared experiences and networks, garnering global interest for a sub-regional action planning workshop. This comprehensive effort, drawing upon varied expertise and experiences, significantly contributed to the species’ conservation in the region.

Duration: 21 months

Understanding the East Caicos KBA’s corals and coast: A key to safeguarding TCI’s future

Written by Erwin on .

Description: The project focused on enhancing East Caicos’ coral reef ecosystems’ climate change resilience through strategies that improved long-term conservation and sustainable utilisation of biodiversity and ecosystem services. Collaborative workshops involving the Turks and Caicos Islands Department of Environment and Coastal Resources (DECR) and local stakeholders led to the establishment of conservation zones, determined through multi-criteria evaluations. Post-project, regular monitoring protocols were devised in conjunction with DECR and disseminated through diverse media channels. Addressing management and monitoring deficiencies, the initiative developed recommended conservation zones and protocols, strengthening coral reef resilience against climate change. It involved comprehensive steps such as GIS mapping, qualitative and quantitative field studies, stakeholder workshops, and specialised training sessions. Accomplishments also encompassed the creation of 16 permanent reef monitoring sites and 5 patch reef monitoring sites, covering an area of 78 km2. Ongoing monitoring every two years ensures continued progress and adaptive management. Furthermore, the project facilitated staff training in GIS mapping and provided reef monitoring expertise to 10 individuals through specialised workshops.

Duration: 12 months

Pop-up nursery and coral restoration

Written by Erwin on .

Description: The project aimed to restore Elkhorn coral populations within a low-biodiversity area of the Bonaire National Marine Park (BNMP). Using a “pop-up” coral nursery, 700 corals from 14 genotypes were propagated within eight months for subsequent transplantation. A 500 m2 restoration site was monitored employing advanced 3D modelling technology, allowing non-intrusive assessments of coral growth, abundance, and health. Data and protocols were shared with the BNMP and Caribbean coral restoration projects to establish standardised monitoring methods. Elkhorn and Staghorn corals, once pivotal in constructing Atlantic/Caribbean reef structures, experienced steep declines due to diseases, climate stressors, and local factors, resulting in their Critically Endangered status. Project phases involved site selection, coral collection, nursery rearing, on-site transplantation, and comprehensive data collection. Public engagement included press releases, social media dissemination, and an informational video. Participation in “Reef Futures 2018” elevated project visibility. The out-planting of 769 genetically diverse colonies bolstered Elkhorn corals within the BNMP, potentially aiding future larval dispersal to rejuvenate nearby damaged reefs.

Duration: 12 months

Evaluating the effectiveness of lionfish traps in preserving biodiversity through the management of invasive populations

Written by Erwin on .

Description: The project aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a novel lionfish trap design, developed by the U.S. National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA), within lionfish hotspots in Bermuda. Through comprehensive surveys assessing fish community composition and lionfish density, it compared the trap’s efficiency with previous removal methods conducted by technical divers (BEST 2.0 project, 2016). Results were intended to inform resource managers about the most efficient approach for biodiversity preservation and establishing a cost-effective supply chain for lionfish in markets. The invasive lionfish, Pterois volitans and P. miles posed significant threats to native species in the Caribbean and Western Atlantic, impacting reef health, fisheries, tourism, and public health. The project objectives included establishing baseline reef fish biodiversity responses to removal efforts, determining optimal trap catch rates and soak times, and disseminating findings to stakeholders. Initial collaboration challenges with commercial fishermen were overcome, leading to cooperative efforts in deploying scientific equipment on their traps and sharing lionfish catch data within their finding areas. Despite lower-than-expected lionfish catches during the study, government support for lionfish-specific traps persists, considering the minimal by-catch associated with the non-containment trap design, especially following Bermuda’s ban on fish traps (pots) in 1990.

Duration: 16 months

Where are they right now? Right whales in the South Georgia marine ecosystem

Written by Erwin on .

Description: The project centred on evaluating South Georgia’s right whales within the SGSSI marine protected area and the Antarctic krill fishery. Its focus encompassed summer baseline surveys to scrutinise prey sources, habitat utilisation relative to krill fishing, genetic diversity, population connectivity, and health status assessment. Leveraging satellite, acoustic, and oceanographic data, it pinpointed critical whale habitats and foraging patterns. These findings served to inform reviews of the SGSSI MPA, contributed to CCAMLR discussions on krill fishery management, and explored migratory connections with calving areas off Argentina and Brazil. Capacity-building initiatives involved engagement with Antarctic tour operators and distribution of photo-ID placards in the industry. Although some goals faced limitations due to data constraints, notable achievements included confirming migration to South Atlantic calving grounds, establishing whales’ good condition, and amplifying species visibility among stakeholders and the wider public.

Duration: 24 months

Trails and interpretation improvements in the Peaks National Park, St Helena

Written by Erwin on .

Description: St. Helena’s Peaks National Park recently underwent a major eco-tourism development project focused on enhancing trail facilities while preserving its fragile cloud forest ecosystem. This initiative involved installing 49.5m of boardwalks, 157m of stairs, 26m of handrails, and a hiking shelter, complemented by clearing overgrown trails spanning 8,000m. These improvements were constructed using high-quality materials to ensure durability, with regular maintenance incorporated for longevity. The primary goal was to facilitate safe visitor access while minimising disruption to the ecosystem. A concerted effort was made to raise awareness of conservation efforts through online articles, local newspapers, and a dedicated Nature Day event display. The upgrades not only provided safer access but also protected rare habitats and endemic plant species from disturbances, fostering a more immersive experience for visitors. Employing Fibergrate surfaces offered cost-effectiveness and extended lifespan compared to traditional wood. Overall, the project significantly improved trail infrastructure, amplifying eco-tourism and conservation initiatives in St Helena’s Peaks National Park, while safeguarding its delicate ecosystem.

Duration: 15 months

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