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Programme: BESTLIFE2030

Restoration of the seasonal evergreen forest in the Caribbean Mountains: Combating invasive alien species and restoring the ecosystem – Municipality of Gourbeyre

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The project aims to restore the seasonal evergreen forest of the Caribbean Mountains on a plot of land in the municipality of Gourbeyre that has been degraded by agricultural activities, which have encouraged the establishment of invasive alien species (IAS). Following the feasibility study carried out in May 2019 by an environmental consultancy, several habitats were identified. Two areas are considered priorities due to the presence of IAS such as bamboo (Bambusa vulgaris) and Guinea grass (Panicum maximum), the proliferation of which threatens the vegetation cover comprising remarkable trees. This project forms part of three local public policy documents: the Monts Caraïbes management plan launched in 2019; the 2020 agreement implementing the Guadeloupe National Park territorial charter; and the action plan that enabled the renewal of the ‘Territoire Engagé pour la Nature’ (TEN) designation in 2023.

The aim of this project is to implement an intervention strategy to combat the spread of, and eradicate, invasive alien species with a view to restoring the affected ecosystems. To this end, priority will be given to natural regeneration and the reintroduction of native species present on a neighbouring plot.

Par ailleurs, le projet a pour ambition de sensibiliser et former l’ensemble des habitants de la commune de Gourbeyre notamment les usagers des Monts Caraïbes mais également les jeunes du Régiment du Service Militaire Adapté (RSMA) de la Guadeloupe afin de faciliter leur réinsertion dans le milieu socioprofessionnel. Il comprend aussi la réalisation d’un guide de réplicabilité permettant de dupliquer l’initiative sur la commune et l’ensemble de la bande intertropicale. Ce guide présentera principalement le protocole innovant d’élimination de l’herbe Guinée, Panicum maximum.

Duration: 36 months

Study and collection of metal waste on 8 reef sites in Reunion Island

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As is the case worldwide, the issue of waste is a pressing concern in Réunion. There is much talk of plastics, but other types of waste exist, such as metal items. From a chemical point of view, the latter are said to be even more dangerous than plastics. Furthermore, all these materials are highly oxygen-consuming, as they continuously produce oxides, which can be harmful in an environment where oxygen deficits are common during the hot season at low tide. Water quality is, however, essential for the preservation of aquatic ecosystems.

Following a call for proposals launched by the Ministry for Ecological and Solidarity Transition, a pilot project was carried out in 2020 to collect submerged metal waste, with the aim of determining its nature, quantity and distribution. During 26 cases, a total of 937 items weighing 250 kg were removed from the lagoons in the west of Réunion, including 35 kg of lead. The majority of these items were made of iron. They are all corroded, often sharp or pointed, and pose a real physical danger to bathers. In 2023, a new campaign was launched with more substantial resources. Over the course of 35 cases, a total of 1,377 items weighing 1,220 kg were removed from the lagoons in the west of the island. These surveys merely confirmed the significant quantity of metal objects present along the beaches.

The aim of this project is to survey new sites, continuing to focus on metal objects – which are often hidden or buried in the sediment – to understand their nature, quantities and the most affected areas, and finally to remove them permanently from the environment and process them. This new campaign has been developed by building on previous experience to tackle new areas that are more difficult to explore.

Duration: 18 months

Improving populations of rare and threatened native plant species in Guadeloupe

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Guadeloupe is home to around 2,400 native plant species, representing 7% of the country’s flora and 20% of the Caribbean’s flora. Of these species, 196 are endemic to the Lesser Antilles and 14% are threatened, including 79 that are critically endangered. Given Guadeloupe’s regional and global responsibility for the preservation of this flora, the ARB-IG Botanical Conservatory division proposes to take action to conserve at least five species from among some twenty rare and threatened plant species that have been shortlisted, by strengthening their populations in situ.

The project is based on improving the status of populations through planting to bolster existing populations or establish new ones, or, where appropriate, through passive conservation measures (establishment and monitoring of sites hosting rare species). The project encompasses all operations necessary for the conservation of the pre-selected species: a precise assessment of the status of populations and their sites, the collection and cultivation of reproductive material, analysis of potential reinforcement sites, selection of improvement methods and sites, followed by planting, maintenance and monitoring. At the end of the project, the enhancement operations will be subject to a review to establish future strategies for the conservation of these species and to facilitate the replication of this type of operation for other species.

For this project, the Botanical Conservatory proposes to work on a broad selection of 24 pre-selected species, as this allows resources to be pooled across species, and enables action strategies to be adapted in response to the results of, on the one hand, the analysis of populations and their sites (particularly land tenure and ecological conditions) and, on the other hand, the collection and production phases. This approach ensures that populations can be improved for at least five species whilst maximising the number of species potentially covered.

Duration: 36 months

Restoration of ecological continuity – Development of the TVB strategy and its application across the territory

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Natural areas in Guadeloupe have declined significantly due to agriculture and urbanisation. Forests are the natural environments most affected. Large biodiversity reservoirs are now highly fragmented and isolated. The main divide concerns inland reservoirs and coastal environments. The main challenge is therefore to maintain, restore, or recreate ecological continuity between these reservoirs.

In the municipality of Saint-Claude, a priority axis has been identified where ecological functions are degraded and in fair to poor condition. The project therefore aims to restore the ecological functions of the forest sub-network on the municipality’s main priority axis between two major reservoirs in Guadeloupe, the heart of the Guadeloupe National Park and the coastal environment.

An assessment was carried out on the plots located on this axis as part of the Saint-Claude Municipal Biodiversity Atlas (ABC). This led to the selection of three plots (one public and two private) located in the heart of the municipality, in a highly anthropised environment, on which the local authority wishes to undertake restoration work.

To achieve this, the project will:

  • create/restore areas conducive to biodiversity and its movement;
  • increase the surface area and quality of natural areas across the territory;
  • protect new natural areas through, for example, the integration of the project into land use planning policy;
  • take action on the green and black network.

Duration: 30 months

Concerted construction of an approach around the protection and enhancement of Mont Mahury

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Mount Mahury is an iconic site in French Guiana, covering more than 900 hectares on the island of Cayenne in Rémire-Montjoly. It consists of a ring of small hills and a peak rising to 162 metres, on which there are small artificial lakes (Lake Rorota, Lake Lalouette, Lake Rémire). It receives abundant rainfall, promoting forest vegetation with species that have disappeared from the surrounding plains. It is also home to abundant wildlife, including some species that are emblematic of French Guiana.

Mont Mahury also has a rich historical heritage, with pre-Columbian (engraved rocks) and colonial (Loyola and Le Diamant dwellings) remains, as well as military structures. Due to the richness of this heritage, it was classified as a picturesque site in 1982 (law of 1930), and certain areas, such as Fort Diamant and the polishers, are listed as historic monuments.

This area faces numerous pressures. The lower areas are particularly affected by increasing urbanisation and coastal erosion. At the same time, the presence of illegal farmers clearing several hectares on the upper and lower parts of the mountain is disrupting the soil, biodiversity and hydrological dynamics. These impacts threaten the ecological continuity of this remarkable site.

In this context, the Conservatoire du littoral wishes to initiate a consultation process to protect and enhance Mont Mahury. The land on the mountain is currently shared between the Collectivité Territoriale de Guyane, the Conservatoire du littoral and private individuals. It is therefore essential to establish a shared territorial approach and consultation with all stakeholders. This consultation will aim to establish a common strategy focused on several areas: protection through land management, site management, consideration of illegal farmers, restoration of degraded areas and opening the site to the public through the development of an educational trail.

Duration: 36 months

Restoration of the floristic biodiversity of the Perle-Rifflet coastline in the municipality of Deshaies, in a context of receding coastline

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The project aims to combat biodiversity loss in the coastal habitats that make up the Perle-Rifflet coastal area. Located in the municipality of Deshaies, on the leeward coast of the Guadeloupe archipelago, the site identified as part of the coastal ecological restoration project is highly attractive. This is particularly evident in the number of visitors attracted by tourism and recreational activities, which rely heavily on the remarkable but highly fragile natural and landscape heritage.

As a result, a significant erosion of biodiversity and habitats has been observed in this area, impacting the quality of ecosystem services and the ecological functions of beach ecosystems. This phenomenon appears to be exacerbated by the development of human activities in this area and the effects of climate change. The coastal retreat affecting this site directly undermines the ecological and socio-economic issues identified in the coastal strip and its surrounding areas.

The proposed approach therefore aims to draw on nature-based solutions and envisages a cross-cutting approach involving all relevant stakeholders. It also involves participatory and awareness-raising actions among coastal zone stakeholders, in order to promote greater ownership of biodiversity restoration and conservation issues and to encourage the sustainability of the actions implemented.

In addition, the development of a methodology based on the expertise of the project partners, both in terms of the plant production protocol and the protection, management and monitoring of measures, should facilitate the exploitation of results and the replication of this initiative at other sites in the municipality.

Duration: 24 months

EXPRIM – Post-fire ecological regeneration pilot project at Maïdo National Botanical Conservatory of Mascarin

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The Maïdo, located in the heart of the National Park at an altitude of 2,200 metres, is an iconic site on Réunion Island offering breathtaking views of the Mafate cirque. This site is home to a tropical high-altitude habitat that is unique in the world, but unfortunately seriously threatened by the spread of an invasive exotic species that is transforming the landscape, the European gorse, Ulex europaeus. This species is one of the 100 most invasive species in the world and is listed as an invasive exotic plant in Réunion by the Mascarin National Botanical Conservatory and on the list established by the IUCN French Committee. Nevertheless, in the extension of Maïdo, within an area called ‘the Bénares triangle’, it is still possible to observe this exceptional habitat untouched by any disturbance.

Maïdo (from the Malagasy word for ‘burnt earth’) is repeatedly affected by fires, and this risk is likely to intensify in the coming years with the consequences of climate change. However, burnt land is favourable for the spread of European gorse, with a risk of this species spreading towards the Bénares triangle. It therefore seems worthwhile, after a fire, to implement measures to help the high-altitude environment regenerate and to limit the spread of gorse towards the sensitive area of the Bénares triangle.

Therefore, based on the latest fire at Maïdo in November 2020, it was proposed to carry out a ‘post-fire ecological regeneration pilot project at Maïdo’, with three complementary objectives:

  • To experiment with methods of regenerating the environment in order to develop a post-fire intervention protocol and thus improve responsiveness in implementing control and restoration actions after a fire in sensitive areas (particularly the Bénares triangle and gorse invasion fronts);
  • Increase the pressure to combat European gorse in order to improve the heritage value of the iconic Maïdo site;
  • Mobilise civil society around the challenges of preserving Réunion’s high-altitude heritage in order to raise awareness of the exceptional and fragile nature of this unique biodiversity.

Duration: 24 months

CoJaG – Coexisting with the jaguar in French Guiana

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The gradual transformation of the Amazon rainforest into urban and agricultural areas is leading to the loss and fragmentation of feline habitats in French Guiana. The increasing anthropisation of the territory is bringing these predators closer to local populations, which is intensifying conflicts, particularly with livestock farmers. Since 2018, the HISA association has recorded around 100 attacks each year and has observed that more than half of French Guiana’s livestock farmers are affected by these interactions. Lacking the means to protect their herds, farmers often resort to retaliatory shooting.

In 2020, in response to the emergency, HISA deployed several protection measures on various farms in French Guiana, such as lighting devices (Foxlight), electric fences, and the acquisition of Kangal guard dogs, through the COFEEL (COexistence FElins-Eleveurs) project.

Although the effectiveness of Kangal dogs in protecting livestock is widely recognised in various regions of the world (Namibia, mainland France, Turkey), a lack of financial resources has limited the acquisition of these dogs in French Guiana. This has hampered HISA’s ability to conduct a rigorous statistical assessment of their impact. Nevertheless, initial observations made among volunteer farmers, who are very satisfied with the scheme, are promising.

The project, led by the HISA association, aims to evaluate the effectiveness of this protective measure in order to offer it more widely to farmers in the region. Twelve puppies will be acquired and trained by pre-selected volunteer farmers. Rigorous evaluation protocols will be put in place to measure the effectiveness of the method, while closely monitoring the environmental impact of the dogs. Exchange workshops will also be organised, bringing together Guyanese and foreign farmers in the region who have already adopted this measure, thus creating a valuable opportunity to share expertise and feedback on the implementation of this measure.

Duration: 18 months

Restoration of the ecological continuity of the mouth of the Vieux-Fort River in Saint-Louis de Marie-Galante

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The Vieux-Fort River marsh is a beautiful site with remarkable flora and fauna that must be preserved. Despite the presence of a road and its riprap, which have a significant impact on the environment, the site has been little affected by human activity. However, this environment, which consists mainly of a mangrove ecosystem, is facing an imbalance caused by desalination of the environment.

A preliminary assessment carried out in March 2024 showed that the salinity of the mangrove at several measurement points is mostly close to 0‰. However, salinity values below 5‰ are attributed to freshwater environments.

This situation is mainly due to the disruption of ecological continuity between the sea and the river caused by the presence of a coastal road and riprap. Although part of the river mouth has been preserved, the presence of these structures prevents connection between the environments, particularly due to sediment accumulation at the mouth. This initial disruption could be compounded by an excessive inflow of freshwater from urbanised and agricultural catchment areas. This imbalance results in a decrease in the resilience of the mangrove and the competitiveness of mangrove trees in relation to the barrel vine, which proliferates in the environment to the detriment of mangrove trees. In fact, under salinity conditions favourable to mangroves, the barrel vine, a native species dependent on coastal environments such as transitional ecosystems, is in equilibrium with the mangrove and does not spread to the detriment of mangrove trees.

In addition, the softening of the environment could allow the establishment of new freshwater species, including some invasive exotic species that border the site.

The main objective of the project is to restore the ecological balance of the environment by promoting an increase in salinity in the mangrove.

Duration: 24 months

LAPWENT LOKAL, the Caribbean nursery

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The LAPWENT LOKAL project, ‘The Caribbean Nursery’, aims to address biodiversity issues in the municipality. The transformation of this area in less than a century has severely degraded ecosystems and increased the city’s exposure to natural hazards. Today, biodiversity is in danger, and some species are threatened with extinction. For these reasons, the city of Pointe-à-Pitre must strengthen the current vegetation network and contribute to the restoration of ecological continuity identified on the archipelago, by acting on various existing or future green spaces. Among these, the Darboussier heritage site offers the possibility of recreating a wooded park that combines educational interest in promoting local flora with ecological functions.

Currently, the city of Pointe-à-Pitre is a member of the Cap Excellence urban community, which does not have an inter-municipal nursery. This is why the city wishes to create its first nursery, so that it can control plant production and begin restoring degraded sites.

Duration: 36 months

Reclamation and resilience of the Port Cohé mangrove

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The project aims to support the natural resilience of the Port Cohé mangrove, located in the municipality of Lamentin, in order to enable the natural reclamation of biodiversity. The presence of an informally developed marina in the heart of the mangrove has caused deforestation in several areas. It also suffers from a multitude of pressures caused by limited compliance with current environmental protection regulations (pollution, waste).

An assessment of the ecological state of the site will be carried out after the pressures have been eliminated, in order to determine the feasibility of active restoration. Next, red and white mangrove seeds, collected during the flowering period, will be grown in an on-site nursery to expose them to tidal conditions and variations in salinity. Once they have reached maturity, they will be planted in the areas to be reforested. Post-planting monitoring will then be put in place to track their successful development in the environment.

During the project, members of the association, CACEM agents and the Lamentin municipality involved in the project will be trained in plant cultivation, planting activities and post-planting monitoring.

‘Reclamation and resilience of the Port Cohé mangrove’ will involve the population, schoolchildren and local residents. They will be invited to participate in the various stages of the project, which will raise their awareness of the mangrove and the project. The aim of the co-construction of the project is to make the population active participants in the protection and enhancement of their natural heritage and to ensure the long-term sustainability of the project’s results in order to preserve the mangrove in the long term.

Finally, communication around the project will ensure transparency and promote better coordination of its implementation, while aiming to disseminate the knowledge acquired.

Duration: 36 months

Construction of a concerted management plan for the Kali’na Collective Use Rights Zones of Kourou and Lokono of Matoury

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Since 1990, collective use rights areas (ZDUC) have enabled the indigenous populations of French Guiana to benefit from a specific land tenure system that guarantees their free use of the land necessary for their subsistence activities. However, some of these ZDUCs are located within the State’s Permanent Forest Domain (DFP), a vast area of 2.4 million hectares created in 2008 and subject to the Forest Code. In accordance with this legal framework, the ONF is required to draw up forest management documents for these areas, despite the prior existence of these ZDUCs. This overlap creates ambiguities in management guidelines. To overcome this problem, the ONF wishes to initiate a dialogue between Amerindian communities and institutional actors in order to promote consultation on the participatory management of forest areas.

This project, which is at the heart of this approach, targets the Kali’na communities of Kourou (Kuwano and Kourou villages) and Lokono of Matoury (Sainte-Rose-de-Lima and Cécilia villages). It will be rolled out in four phases:

  1. Presentation of the project and recruitment of representatives from these communities, with the support of traditional chiefs
  2. Collective consolidation of the intervention logic, methodology and modes of intervention
  3. Co-organisation and co-facilitation of three participatory thematic workshops and two field visits per village, to identify the issues specific to each use and establish a management plan that reconciles the Forest Code with customary laws and rules
  4. Drafting of sustainable forest management documents

To ensure a balanced exchange of expertise, ONF advisors and project managers will undergo joint training in participatory consultation methods and will work closely together throughout the project. The project will culminate in the development of a charter of commitment to the sustainability of traditional uses. Beyond this project, the aim is to maintain a lasting and concrete relationship with the communities.

Duration: 36 months

RESTOCOR – Restoration of the habitat and populations of Cotylopus rubripinnis in the waterways of Mayotte

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Cotylopus rubripinnis is an amphidromous fish, endemic to the Comoros archipelago, protected (Decree No. 361/DEAL/SEPR/2018), classified as Vulnerable (IUCN), and a key species for ZNIEFFs (Natural Areas of Ecological, Faunal, and Floristic Interest) and for key biodiversity areas defined in the 2017 Indian Ocean Ecosystem Profile – Indian Ocean Region of 2017. In Mayotte, its numbers are rare and scattered (observed in one-third of waterways).

Several pressures are exerted on Mayotte’s waterways: more than 330 obstacles to ecological continuity, numerous domestic uses that disrupt water quality, and the omnipresence of surface water catchments that do not respect sufficient minimum flows to preserve aquatic species.

These pressures threaten the completion of the life cycle of C. rubripinnis: colonisation of waterways by post-larvae for growth, access to river habitats for reproduction, and downstream migration of larvae to the ocean.

This project aims to restore the habitats of C. rubripinnis in terms of habitat quality (physico-chemical, physical), ecological continuity, and quantitative resources. It focuses on the following phases:

  • Identification of priority watersheds and associated managers;
  • Management and restoration of watercourses: referencing and removal of obstacles to continuity (weirs, log jams, scour holes);
  • Targeting of actions to control illegal fishing;
  • Targeting of educational outreach actions;
  • Environmental education and awareness: visits by different audiences (elected officials, schoolchildren), brochures,
  • signs;
  • Monitoring of species and the environment, in connection with restoration actions: evolution of flow patterns and substrates (spawning grounds), monitoring of C. rubripinnis populations (juveniles, adults, and downstream flow of pro-larvae).

These actions will make it possible to target and pool the efforts undertaken by local actors, while involving the population.

Komo maite

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Traditional life on the atolls of the Tuamotu Archipelago did not rely solely on marine resources; terrestrial resources on the emerged coral crown were also utilised to ensure a continuous and diverse food supply. One of the most emblematic ancient practices was the use of cultivation pits (maite). A cultivation pit is an excavation dug by the community using pearl shell shovels to reach the top of the freshwater lens. The principle is to allow the planted crops to access freshwater through capillarity. The vegetation cover maintained above these maites helped limit evaporation, while fallen leaves and branches were collected to serve as compost. Birds nesting in large native trees also contributed fertiliser in the form of guano. Remnants of these pits still exist on many atolls, although the memory of their function has been largely forgotten. Rehabilitating the maite would enhance food security on these remote atolls while reviving traditional agricultural techniques through a nature-culture approach.

Duration: 24 months

Ecological restoration of a new area on the Te Mehani rahi plateau, Raiatea Island, French Polynesia

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The project aims to restore the exceptional vegetation and forest in a new high-altitude area among the least degraded zones of the Te Mehani rahi plateau on Raiatea Island and to partially reassess areas already managed since 2018. The control of invasive plants will be carried out using only manual removal and/or stump removal with a crowbar. The evolution of vegetation, the impact, and the effectiveness of management measures will be evaluated through an initial assessment of these headwaters, a mapping of native plants, the establishment of a new permanent plot, and monitoring a network of about twenty plots, along with permanent plots installed since 2018. Collateral damage related to removals and trampling within the project will be estimated by assessing areas of green waste and eroded zones. This project also aims to continue raising awareness about the necessity of protecting biodiversity through an annual event, public conferences, interventions, and workshops in schools.

Duration: 25 months

Rori Ma’ohi

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The Polynesian sea cucumber farming project aims to develop an inclusive industry that offers a sustainable alternative to lagoon fishing, supporting the conservation of lagoons. It will focus on the lagoons of Tupai and Tahiti. This project addresses the need to protect sea cucumbers, particularly Holothuria fuscogilva, which was listed under CITES in 2020 due to overfishing. The goal is to offer an alternative model to poaching in the Pacific by making this sustainable industry viable. In Tahaa, the project aims to enhance the lagoon through sea cucumber farming. In Tahiti, farms are being developed in rahui zones, where a future fishermen’s cooperative will be trained. It proposes an innovative aquaculture model and examines the ecological benefits of this extensive farming. Experiments in Tupai and Tahiti will assess the impact of sea cucumber farming on the ecosystem (hydrology, sediments, micro- and macro-biodiversity, particularly coral development). This project represents an opportunity for lagoon conservation and sea cucumber protection in French Polynesia.

Duration: 31 months

Tetiaroa Atoll seabird restoration – Protecting oceanic biodiversity while building ecosystem resilience to climate impacts

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Tetiaroa Atoll is recognised as one of the most important seabird breeding sites in French Polynesia, hosting eleven breeding species, including three IUCN locally-threatened species. However, many additional seabird species are absent because of invasive rats that prey on eggs and chicks. With the eradication of rats and other invasive species from Tetiaroa, an important opportunity exists to restore lost seabird species through established seabird social attraction techniques, and provide an example for using this conservation approach on other islands. Restoration of seabirds is not only important for species conservation but also to strengthen the key roles seabirds play in atoll ecosystems. The Tetiaroa Atoll Restoration Programme (TARP) has been underway since 2018 and has removed invasive rats and yellow crazy ants and is now monitoring responses to these conservation interventions across terrestrial and marine ecosystems. The project proposes to use social attraction methods to re-establish populations of lost seabird species, starting with wedge-tailed shearwaters.

Duration: 36 months

Conservation of the Maraeti’a natural forest – restoration of plateau vegetation

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Maraeti’a is a small plateau of about twenty hectares located between 700 m and 800 m in altitude in Tahiti. It features an original and diverse natural forest, including numerous rare and protected endemic plant species listed on the IUCN Red List. However, the environment is heavily impacted by introduced animal species (pigs, rats, etc.) and plant species (Passiflora maliformis, Tecoma stans, Rubus rosifolius, etc.).

The programme aims to conserve the natural forest of the plateau and restore the heavily impacted areas in the medium to long term. In this context, the current project proposes the following actions over the period:

  • Continue managing invasive plants within the fenced area;
  • Set up an in-situ nursery to produce fast-growing indigenous or even endemic plants;
  • Plant these seedlings in heavily impacted areas to quickly restore vegetation cover;
  • Continue promoting natural seedling recruitment by managing invasive plants in less impacted areas;
  • Continue rat control operations across the plateau.

Duration: 24 months

The IMPACS Project: Knowledge and conservation of hawksbill turtles in the South Pacific

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This project aims to create a knowledge-sharing initiative on marine turtles (with a focus on hawksbill turtles) between two French territories in the South Pacific: Wallis and Futuna and French Polynesia. It also seeks to develop a joint scientific programme dedicated to the protection of hawksbill nesting sites. Globally classified as critically endangered, the hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) is protected under the laws in force in both territories. However, it still faces occasional poaching in these islands. The first objective of the project focuses on the collection and sharing of traditional, cultural, and scientific knowledge about marine turtles and their nesting sites. The second objective is to conduct a broad training and citizen science campaign to create a network of local observers. Then, the project will aim to formulate suitable and harmonised management and conservation measures for nesting marine turtles by collecting scientific information through the establishment of a network of trained referents across both territories.

Duration: 18 months

AIPANEMA – Artificial Intelligence and Passive Acoustics for NEw Management Actions

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The AIPANEMA project offers immediate support for the extension of marine reserves decided by the New Caledonian government (GNC) in October 2023. AIPANEMA aims to deploy a complementary monitoring solution over two years in these areas to continuously and systematically assess multiple components of their marine ecosystems. On the rise, passive acoustic monitoring coupled with Artificial Intelligence now allows for the simultaneous assessment of reef ecosystem dynamics and populations of whales and sea turtles frequenting these areas, while also measuring local pressures (noise pollution, illegal activities) affecting them. By analysing these dynamics, their interactions, and the effects of local and global pressures (thermal stress), the AIPANEMA project will produce unprecedented data and knowledge that will inform the development of innovative management actions. The results will feed into management strategy development throughout the project and lay the foundation for the sustainability and extension of the acoustic monitoring network in New Caledonian waters.

Duration: 33 months

Illuminated and concerted construction of island management (CONNECT’Îles)

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The CONNECT’Iles project aims to implement sustainable solutions to mitigate the impacts of human activities on heavily visited islets outside of reserve areas, where management actions are currently sporadic and non-permanent. Due to their location, these islets are in close proximity and easily accessible from the main launch sites in New Caledonia’s most populated areas. The CONNECT’Iles project aims to implement localised operational co-management to increase the resilience of islets to climate change, human pressures, and the impact of invasive alien species. This will involve establishing shared governance and assessing the vulnerability of the islets. The planned actions will focus on restoring islet vegetation, combating erosion, preserving and managing seabird nesting sites, implementing ecological monitoring, and conducting awareness campaigns.

Duration: 24 months

Ma’oCycling – Behavioral monitoring of sharks following the gradual cessation of fish by-product discharge from offshore fishing in French Polynesia

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French Polynesia is characterised by significant offshore fishing activities, which generate large quantities of fish by-products. 3 tonnes of fish waste per day are dumped at a specific location off the coast of Papeete. This consistent food source attracts predators to the dumping area, including many sharks. Several species gather in the zone, some of which are globally recognised as having concerning conservation statuses according to the IUCN Red List. Starting in 2025, a reduction and eventual cessation of these discharges is planned. This must be technically supported to ensure that the ecological and behavioural impacts of such a halt do not lead to significant consequences on the ecology of sharks involved in this aggregation and on the risk of shark bites to ocean users. This project will support French Polynesia in optimising the management of the phase-out of fish waste dumping practices, aiming to minimise environmental risks—particularly concerning tiger and silky sharks—and human safety concerns.

Duration: 24 months

Te Ma Tairoto: Implementation of a lagoon restoration plan through the removal of pollution caused by pearl farming waste

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Pearl farming, the second-largest economic sector in French Polynesia, is an activity deeply rooted in local culture, relying on the cultivation of pearl oysters. It takes place in the lagoons, particularly in the Tuamotu archipelago, using submerged structures on which the oysters grow. For over 40 years, these plastic structures have degraded, becoming unusable and often left in the lagoons due to the challenges of removing them from the water and the lack of enforcement of regulations. Today, the ecosystems in the pearl farming lagoons are dying due to thousands of tonnes of macro-waste, which degrade into microplastics and remain trapped in the lagoons. Researchers from the University of French Polynesia have shown that all species, including some protected ones, are threatened by this pollution, which endangers their ecological continuity and the sustainability of the black pearl resource itself. This project aims to partially clean the Takaroa lagoon by implementing an efficient and replicable mechanical method for waste collection.

Duration: 18 months

OceanIA

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OceanIA aims to reduce biodiversity loss due to collisions with cetaceans, which is the leading non-natural threat to these animals, by developing new technologies. It enhances the presence of marine mammal observers along the route between Tahiti and Moorea, further anticipating collision risks. The Oceania subpopulation of humpback whales, including those in French Polynesia, is listed as “endangered” by IUCN. To mitigate collision risks, the project is developing a multimodal observation platform at two high-risk collision sites. This system will detect cetaceans and ships within a 2 to 3 km radius in real time using two cameras continuously transmitting images to an artificial intelligence system, which will automatically detect the presence of whales and ships. Captains will be alerted in real time to the presence of whales, thus preventing collisions. In addition to this system, awareness campaigns will be conducted to encourage the use of the WhaleAlert app by sea users and ship owners.

Duration: 20 months

Protect rare species and restore degraded ecosystems at Pic N’Ga de Kwényï (Isle of Pines)

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This project proposes to implement priority actions for the conservation of rare and threatened forest species and the ecological restoration of their ecosystems. In particular, this project focuses on the Isle of Pines (Kwényï), an island located in the south of New Caledonia, often recognized for its natural beauty and exceptional biodiversity, but where forests are declining due to fires, deforestation, and invasive species. In collaboration with customary authorities and local populations, this project aims to implement a series of coordinated, emblematic actions focused on the collection and propagation of rare and threatened species, as well as ecological restoration. It is planned to plant 2,000 seedlings of 12 specific species.

Duration: 24 months

CaledoClean

Forests in the city: Let’s cultivate nature

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The Nouméa Dry Forest Restoration Project aims to transform the city’s unused natural spaces into a rich botanical heritage, enhancing biodiversity while engaging the community in a participatory approach. The dry forests of New Caledonia are among the richest in native species and have the highest rates of endemism among the Pacific islands. In collaboration with the City of Nouméa, the project seeks to convert these underutilised areas into true ecological gems—urban refuges for the territory’s endemic forest. This project aims to plant 6,000 dry forest seedlings over two years, with 3,000 planted annually on these fallow plots located on land owned by the City of Nouméa. Awareness-raising actions will also be carried out, engaging local communities in the preservation of forests.

Duration: 24 months

I FEEL GOULD

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The Gould’s petrel Pterodroma leucoptera caledonica is a rare and threatened species classified as “vulnerable” according to IUCN criteria, and its population is in decline. Currently, only two colonies are being monitored, and conservation actions are still underdeveloped. In 2023, a new breeding colony was discovered. During their presence on land for their breeding cycle, predation by introduced species (e.g., rats, feral cats, pigs) represents one of the main threats to Gould’s petrel. I FEEL GOULD aims to gather new data to better understand the conservation status of Gould’s petrel and to protect existing breeding colonies by intensively combating introduced predators. Regular monitoring of breeding will be conducted at both sites to assess population status, determine reproductive success, and evaluate the effectiveness of conservation actions. This project also seeks to be a driving force for effective and concrete management that will ensure the long-term maintenance and protection of Gould’s petrel, benefiting the biodiversity of New Caledonia and local communities.

Duration: 24 months

Klein Bonaire: Building climate resilience through sustainable use and habitat restoration

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To protect and restore Klein Bonaire’s unique and fragile ecosystem, STINAPA is prioritising sustainable resource management, ecological restoration, and strengthened conservation efforts. By carefully monitoring natural resource use, STINAPA ensures that visitors can enjoy the island while minimising their environmental impact. This includes visitor impact assessments, strategic management practices, and outreach initiatives to promote awareness and responsible tourism.

Ecological restoration efforts are underway, incorporating reforestation and rewilding techniques to enhance habitat quality while controlling non-native species to support the growth of native flora and fauna. To further safeguard the island’s biodiversity, STINAPA will establish a watchtower at No Name Beach, ensuring a full-time ranger presence.

Through these initiatives, STINAPA remains dedicated to preserving the natural beauty of Klein Bonaire, fostering ecological resilience, and securing a sustainable future for generations to come.

Duration: 18 months

Syntropic Agroforestry Farming Pilot Project for Sint Eustatius

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The primary goal of this project is to alleviate the pressure on St. Eustatius’s natural environment caused by conventional grazing. It will introduce syntropic agroforestry techniques and establish a holistic, sustainable agricultural community that fosters biodiversity and enhances food security. Farmers will receive education and training from Curaçao-based Cijntje’s Organic Farm. Statiagov will allocate a 2,000 m² plot for a model farm on the island. The main target audience is the St. Eustatius Farmers’ Cooperative. No non-native species will be introduced into the island’s ecosystem, except for those that have been naturalised for hundreds of years.

Duration: 18 months

Marine Elasmobranch Nursery Area Assessment (MENAA): Establishing Sint Maarten’s coastal habitat and wetlands as a shark and ray nursery area

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This innovative project combines several research techniques to investigate how many, and in which ways, shark and ray species behave in the coastal waters of St Maarten. The information gathered in will be used to aid Sint Maarten’s government in effectively implementing the marine component of their Nature Policy Plan. At a transboundary level, it can facilitate the inclusion of Sint Maarten into the Yarari Sanctuary for marine mammals and sharks.

Duration: 18 months

Nature-based Solutions for sediment stabilisation and erosion control

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The proposed project addresses environmental degradation in the catchment areas of Lac Bay and Lagun, both significant bay areas on the east coast of Bonaire. Land degradation here is caused primarily by overgrazing by free-roaming goats and donkeys, and by land development. The resultant high erosion rates contribute to significant sedimentation in the backwaters of the mangroves, leading to the alarming loss of this vital ecosystem on the island. The project also includes coastal restoration through mangrove outplanting. Expansion of mangrove areas along the coast will provide a line of coastal defense and increase the habitat for coastal flora and fauna as well areas for fish to reproduce. Moreover, the expansion of the mangroves will increase the carbon sequestration capacity of the area.

Duration: 18 months

Species and habitat-based biodiversity restoration on Sint Maarten, Dutch West Indies

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This project will restore breeding habitat for Least Tern (Sternula antillarum) and Caribbean Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis occidentalis). Efforts focus on two sites. The first is the Fort Amsterdam protected area, which is a recognised Key Biodiversity Area and Important Bird Area. It is home to a pelican nesting colony. After the removal of invasive plant species, native tree and bush species will be planted. The second site is the Simpson Bay Lagoon where mangroves will be planted. This wetland is one of the largest inland lagoons in the Antilles and a crucial nursery for reefbased species, particularly the Mullet Pond section, a Key Biodiversity Area and Ramsar site. Within the Lagoon, a nesting platform will be established, including attraction devices, for a colony of Least Terns, which currently lacks a safe nesting space due to numerous hazards, including airplane strikes, habitat disturbance, and introduced predators.

Duration: 18 months

Optimise the production of the juvenile Queen Conch of the Curaçao Queen Conch Hatchery

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The Curacao Queen Conch hatchery focuses on releasing cultured 1-year juveniles in selected areas, creating nursery grounds with dense populations. In the current Resembid project “Pilot outplanting cultured juveniles in Curacao and Bonaire”, it was planned to release up to 10,000 juveniles in 2023 and 2024. Programmes such as the Queen Conch Restoration programme on Bonaire are preparing to outplant 5,000 or more cultured Queen Conch per year in the depleted natural population of Lac Bay and 3 other suitable bays on the island. In this project the production of 1-year cultured juveniles will be optimised through designing new culture protocols and test these protocols in a scientific way.

Duration: 20 months

Combating Invasive Plants in Greenland/Kalaallit Nunaat – CIPKaN

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The project aims to persuade the Greenlandic Government to regulate the import of seeds and plants, preventing future issues with invasive species and protecting native vegetation. It supports the UN Global Biodiversity Agreement and the EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030. The initiative will address invasive species like the Nootka Lupine through targeted removal efforts and engage the Nuuk community and schools.  

Key results include:

  • Reducing invasive plant populations without pesticides;
  • Raising awareness among Nuuk citizens and stakeholders about invasive species and the importance of protecting unique ecosystems;
  • Developing educational materials on the impacts of invasive plants;
  • Creating resources for schools; and
  • Organising a competition to propose Greenlandic names for unnamed plant species.

This multifaceted approach aims to foster community involvement and enhance environmental stewardship in Greenland.

Duration: 26 months 

Exploring biodiversity implications of bycatch in the West Greenland lumpfish fishery 

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Seabird bycatch is a global issue, particularly in gillnet fisheries, with over 400,000 birds caught annually. In the North Atlantic lumpfish fisheries, diving sea-ducks like common eiders, king eiders, and long-tailed ducks are frequently entangled. Greenland’s bycatch of common eiders is estimated between 10,000 and 20,000 annually, but accurate data is lacking.  

This project will quantify bycatch using research sampling and interviews with local fishers, providing the first nationwide estimates for the lumpfish fishery. It will assess the impact on seabirds, especially eiders and long-tailed ducks, as well as on mammals such as ring seals and harbor porpoises and fish such as spotted wolffish and Atlantic halibut. Additionally, the project will establish a North Atlantic geographical baseline of trace elements from feathers to identify which common eider breeding stocks are impacted and propose management actions to reduce sea duck bycatch. 

Duration: 24 months

STOP Predators

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This project focuses on reducing the impact of invasive predators on seabird populations in Madeira. Using modern monitoring techniques, it aims to gather data on predator interactions and improve conservation efforts to protect endangered seabird species.   

Duration: 36 months 

Stream Ecosystem Recovery Using Potential Sentinel Species Cardamine Caldeirarum 

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This project focuses on the recovery of stream ecosystems in the Azores, using the endemic plant species Cardamine caldeirarum as a sentinel. It aims to assess current threats like habitat contamination and invasive species, using genetic tools to guide conservation strategies for these unique ecosystems.   

Duration: 36 months 

Ecological restoration of the riparian forests of the Bouyouni River

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The Bouyouni River is one of the main permanent rivers in Mayotte. It plays a key ecological role on the island. It serves as a habitat for many endangered amphihaline species, forms a corridor linking the lagoon to the summit of Mount Majimbini, and feeds several water catchments for human consumption. Like all rivers, its hydrobiological functionality is closely linked to the state of conservation of the riparian forest on its banks. The latter acts as a natural barrier, filtering sediments, nutrients and pollutants, thus helping to maintain water quality. The roots of riverside trees and plants also help to stabilise the banks, reducing erosion caused by the river current and limiting downstream sedimentation (watercourses, mangroves, lagoons).

The riparian forest along the river is now severely degraded and only partially fulfills its ecological role. This situation has significant repercussions both on the conservation of species dependent on the river and on the maintenance of the quality of water intended for human consumption, a resource that is currently under pressure in the department.

The project focuses on the ecological restoration of the river’s riparian forest through the planting of plant species native to Bouyouni and thus has a threefold environmental objective: to improve the quality of aquatic habitats, to conserve the animal and plant species associated with these environments, and to strengthen river continuity. The project is part of a comprehensive approach to restoring natural habitats and associated functions at the watershed level and is based on an ecosystem approach to the interdependence of the ecological components of the territory.

Duration: 30 months

Pêche-Rec-Run

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Since 2007, specific fisheries regulations have been in place within the Réunion National Marine Nature Reserve (RNMR), setting out the rules governing both commercial and non-commercial fishing activities (including traditional recreational shore fishing). Fishing rules of varying degrees of restrictiveness are defined according to the level of protection (strict protection zones, high protection zones, general perimeter).

In order to assess whether the RNMR is achieving its objectives for the protection and restoration of reef ecosystems, specific long-term monitoring of fish and benthic communities was carried out on three occasions (P0 in 2006–2007, P1 in 2013–2015 and P2 in 2021). With regard to fish communities, an increase in biodiversity and biomass was observed in the high-protection zones between P0 and P1. Between P1 and P2, biodiversity and, in particular, biomass have declined sharply in the high-protection zones, with the exception of the northern zone of the RNMR. The particularly sharp decline in biomass observed for species of fisheries interest suggests that fishing plays a predominant role, despite increased monitoring and control of fishing activities since 2007.

Whilst the RNMR has established monitoring schemes for traditional recreational fisheries, some fishing activities remain unknown. As part of its objective of sustainable management of fishery resources, the RNMR wishes to expand its understanding of the various fishing activities in order to assess the pressures (fishing effort) and impacts (catches) these exert on exploited resources, and thereby better define its areas of focus (raising awareness amongst fishermen, regulatory developments, control and surveillance strategies, and the protection of currently unprotected areas). Whilst the RNMR has established monitoring schemes for traditional recreational fisheries, some fishing activities remain unknown. As part of its objective of sustainable management of fishery resources, the RNMR wishes to expand its knowledge of the various fishing activities in order to assess the pressures (fishing effort) and impacts (catches) these exert on exploited resources, and thereby better define its areas of focus (raising awareness amongst fishermen, regulatory developments, control and surveillance strategies, and the protection of currently unprotected areas).

Duration: 24 months

SAMEM – Conservation of endangered species in an arboretum on Réunion

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The project aims to establish two conservation arboretums: one in Saint-Pierre in partnership with Armeflhor (the Réunion Association for the Modernisation of the Fruit, Vegetable and Horticultural Sectors), and the other at La Plaine des Palmistes in partnership with Réunion National Park. These new arboretums will enable the inclusion in the collection of specimens of threatened species from populations not currently represented in the collection.

The new Red List of Réunion’s vascular flora reveals that 41 per cent of the 962 native species assessed are threatened. In light of this, the Mascarin National Botanical Conservatory (CBNM) has developed an ex situ conservation strategy, one of the objectives of which is to establish a network of conservation arboreta across the island in order to build up a stock of traceable seed sources for ecological restoration and the reinforcement of populations of threatened species. To this end, 23 ecological conservation zones have been defined by cross-referencing catchment areas and vegetation zones. Each zone must host at least one arboretum to accommodate representatives of the wild seed sources of the zone’s threatened species.

This project will therefore contribute to the implementation of the ex situ conservation strategy by establishing two new conservation arboretums. To this end, a campaign will be launched to collect diaspores from wild seed trees at risk of extinction. The collected diaspores will then be grown, and the resulting seedlings will be planted in the two arboretums. Strict traceability from collection to planting will be ensured in accordance with the CBNM protocol. A precise map of the plants will be drawn up to ensure their traceability over time, as well as their monitoring and maintenance. Upon completion of this work, a guide to the establishment and monitoring of a conservation arboretum will be produced so that the method can be replicated in future arboretums to be established.

Duration: 36 months

Conservation strategies for sharks and rays in the Canary Islands: A scientific approach and stakeholder review

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This project aims to develop conservation strategies for sharks and rays in the Canary Islands. It focuses on collecting data about these species, many of which are threatened or lack sufficient data for assessment. The project promotes stakeholder collaboration and public education to foster a better understanding of the role of sharks and rays in marine ecosystems.   

Duration: 36 months 

MARVEL – Madeira: Advancing in Regular Vigilance of the Environment and Legislative Compliance

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The MARVEL project in Madeira focuses on the protection of marine vertebrates, such as monk seals, cetaceans, sea turtles, and seabirds, through vigilant environmental monitoring and legislative enforcement. It builds on historical data to improve conservation strategies, engages local stakeholders, and educates the public about the importance of marine ecosystem protection.

Duration: 36 months 

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