The University of the West Indies Discovery Bay Marine Laboratory (UWI DBML) in partnership with Sandals Resorts International (SRI) and Sandals Foundation (SF) will engage the community and other key stakeholders to aid in the protection and reduction of mangrove forest loss by the development of conservation/ restoration plans. In addition, this projects seeks to implement community environmental educational engagement, solid waste management and recycling measures along with the construction of a Mangrove Boardwalk thereby promoting Ecotourism in the area. This will provide a source of sustainable income as the community continues mangrove conservation after the life of the project. This project will support the conservation of the Salt Marsh mangroves which began in 2017, when UWI brought the informal development to the attention of the NRCA and NEPA, who recently confirmed their intent to purchase the land for conservation purposes and to partner with the UWI’s DBML to achieve same. By adding 24 hectares of protected mangrove forest (Jamaica’s National Strategy and Action Plan for Biological Diversity of Jamaica 2016-2021; Target 5 and 15) to Jamaica’s inventory and developing an eco-friendly destination for local and international tourism. This aligns with Jamaica’s National Vision 2030 goals 3 and 4 (prosperous economy and advocacy towards a healthy natural environment).

This project has multiple objectives which include:

• To investigate and develop Conservation/Restoration Plans for over 150 hectares on North coast 
  mangrove forests identified, which are in eminent informal development threat.
• To implement a Conservation Plan for the “Szmurak” lands section of the Salt Marsh community 
  through mangrove rehabilitation, conservation, proper solid waste disposal and recycling.
•  To increase the environmental education of the community through collateral development and 
  children specific engagement.
• To design and implement an Ecotourism Mangrove Boardwalk to engage the community in 
  activities that will provide a sustainable mechanism for income, while protecting the mangroves.
• To develop a management and eco-tourism operation plan(s)? based on data collected from the 
  impact and forest assessment surveys and other local and government stakeholders.
• The management and operational plan will ensure sustainability and functionality beyond the 
  operations of the project meanwhile targeting education and awareness of the natural resources 
  which will benefit all who participate in future activities.
•  Restoration and conservation Western section has no houses, can be restored by excavating marl 
  dumped on 0.2 ha