Description: The project aimed to enhance coastal and terrestrial biodiversity by reintroducing native trees in degraded areas across St. Maarten, fostering carbon sequestration, and engaging citizen scientists, particularly students. It targeted three distinct sites – Little Key (mangrove wetland), Sentry Hill (dry forest), and Cay Bay (coastal scrub). Activities included site assessment, invasive species removal, native species plantation using innovative methods, continuous site monitoring, and volunteer recruitment. Notably, it restored 5,700 m2 of habitat, planting 413 native seedlings and 249 red mangrove propagules, boosting species diversity by 10 (40%) at Cat Bay and 11 (26%) at Sentry Hill. Approximately 500 m2 of invasive plants were cleared, formal agreements were secured for long-term site management, and a Best Practices document was developed. Engaging 1,253 participants, including 50 individuals and 16 organisations, the initiative facilitated 435 volunteer days and educational sessions, nurturing skills in botany, restoration ecology, and conservation. It culminated in a nature trail establishment, strengthening NGO-community sites, and advocating for protected areas.
Duration: 9 months
