MANGROVE ECOSYSTEMS (Kingston Harbour Communities) — Outreach

During May 2021, residents from Port Royal and several downtown Kingston coastal communities were surveyed—as part of the KHEAM Project—to determine their Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) regarding Climate Change, Harbour Mangrove Ecosystems & Harbour Pollution.The majority of responders (73%) were young – in the 18-25 age bracket – with 60% being female. In addition to providing useful insights with these target groups, the study provided a baseline of information about the areas of focus of the KHEAM project.

MANGROVE ECOSYSTEMS – Survey Findings

The findings indicated although there was a general awareness about what Mangroves were (76%), specific knowledge about the important roles of Mangroves was more limited (~60%). Only a minority of responders (42%) thought there were enough benefits to warrant retaining mangroves. Furthermore only 39% considered the damage done to mangroves as being substantial. On a positive note, 70% of those surveyed said they were very interested in finding out more about the Mangrove Ecosystems and 61% offered to take corrective actions to help, if given the necessary support.

Implications — The Future of Kingston Harbour’s Mangrove Ecosystems

The KAP study supported the wider anecdotal evidence about the lowly status of mangroves in Kingston Harbour. It appears that most locals have little or no knowledge about the designation by Jamaican Government of the Palisadoes – Port Royal Protected Area as being one of 4 National RAMSAR sites, and its attendant implications. Obviously people who are unaware/uninformed about some important matter, will neither consider it, nor be expected to act appropriately. Human intrusions into the recently planted out mangrove zones along the Palisadoes are evident; in fact, land-based fishing takes place from amongst the young mangroves themselves (see photo right). There are no signs informing the public about the Protected Area status and, if there are any regulations there is no evidence of by-laws being enforced. This unfortunate situation impacts both sides of the Palisadoes strip — the Kingston Harbour and the Caribbean Sea. In response, the #KHEAMproject has started awareness raising by commissioning RAMSAR signage for approved locations with committed stakeholders. 

RAMSAR SITE DESIGNATION 

Since 2005, a significant section of the Kingston Harbour (see shaded area in picture on left) and its environs has been designated as a RAMSAR site (www.ramsar.org) and this year, 2021, celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the establishment of the RAMSAR Convention on Wetlands by the United Nations.  Project Partner Newer Worlds has been in discussions with interested parties located within this location, to raise awareness and the importance of RAMSAR designation and mangrove wetlands to the public through appropriate signs. 

Signage, compliant with recommended Ramsar specifications, has been designed and developed, by the #KHEAMproject, for procurement from local sign manufacturers; about 4-5 suitable signs will be installed during 2021 on the premises of committed parties, including: the Caribbean Maritime University, Royal Jamaica Yacht Club, Port Royal Marine Lab.

SIGN DISPLAY CONTENT

The signs will draw attention to the viewer that they are standing in a RAMSAR designated area, what it constitutes and why it was chosen to be declared as such. It will contain local information about the ecosystem and about the Institution which is hosting it, that is committed to the values and ethos of the Conservation and Protection of Mangroves in the Kingston Harbour. Some of the actual wording is carried in the text box below.

MANGROVES — INFORMING & EDUCATING THE PUBLIC (via HARBOUR STAKEHOLDERS)

The remaining mangrove ecosystems of Kingston Harbour are literally surrounded by human built environments such as Marinas, a Maritime University, the Kingston International Airport, to name a few.  These entities for the most part attempt to co-exist with the natural environment and participation with the #KHEAM project illustrates their commitment to the conservation & protection of these vital mangrove ecosystems. 

During 2021, after months of discussions with targeted harbour resident organisations, MOUs were signed agreeing the hosting of  suitable signage on their properties. These informative signs (see on right) will serve to raise awareness of the importance of mangrove ecosystems in the public domain.

The dialogue with such Institutions is raising the profile of the Global Climate Change Emergency and providing a growing appreciation of the interconnectedness between ecosystems, natural environment, human habitation, harbour pollution and adaptation measures. 

Kingston Harbour Ecosystem Adaptation Measures  (KHEAM) Project

Palisadoes – Port Royal Protected Area | Site number: 1,454    

Country: Jamaica   

Administrative region: Kingston 

Area: 7,523 ha  | Designation date: 22-04-2005 | Coordinates: 17°55’N 76°49’W 

Located on the south-eastern coast just offshore from the capital Kingston, the site contains cays, shoals, mangrove lagoons, mangrove islands, coral reefs, seagrass beds and shallow water, thus hosting a variety of underrepresented wetland types. Endangered and vulnerable species occurring in the area include: American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus), Green turtle (Chelonia mydas), Hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus) and Bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus).

To date 26 endemic new species have been discovered in the area.

BEWARE !!  CROCODILES  STILL FREQUENT THE KINGSTON HARBOUR  (Thankfully!!)