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Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries

Remarks by Honorable Ignatius Jean at the Soufriere Marine Management Association 10th Anniversary Celebration
July 31, 2005

“Two great truths about the ocean emerged from the 20th century. First, the ocean came into focus as the cornerstone of Earth's life support system, vital for the survival and well being of humankind and all other living things. The second great truth was more shocking, and came about as a consequence of unprecedented exploitation. That is, the sea is not infinitely resilient.

It is vital that human society become knowledgeable about the importance of the sea, about why we should care and about what actions we can take that will enable us to secure a healthy ocean and a healthy future for ourselves. Ocean literacy is the key...”
Dr. Sylvia Earle, National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence

Mr. Chairman, this quotation I found to be quite appropriate as we celebrate 10 years of outstanding achievement by the SMMA. I take this opportunity to congratulate the Board of Directors, Management and staff, our own Fisheries Department, and you, the people of Soufriere.

Saint Lucia depends heavily on its valuable, but scarce marine and coastal resources for fisheries, local recreation, tourism and aesthetic value and, as such, these resources have long been recognised as being worthy of conservation. The need to sustainably utilise marine and coastal resources has been especially emphasised in recent times, in the face of globalisation, environmental change and anomalies, economic uncertainty and growing pressure on limited resources. The importance of these resources is evident through the many initiatives demonstrated around Saint Lucia, but particularly the SMMA which is testimony of the commitment to the sustainable use of our marine resources. 

The SMMA has become an integral part of our tourism product. It embraces part of our collective treasure as a Nation – not just Soufriere. It has become a living classroom where people can see, touch and learn about the Nation’s underwater treasures.

I am not much of a seafaring person nor have I much underwater experience but I am always fascinated by the amazing photographs of the underwater world. However, many of us are appreciative of the work of those who capture the details of that environment for us.

Indeed,  thanks to the work of the SMMA, Saint Lucia provides both beginning and experienced divers an undersea world, recognized among the most beautiful and varied anywhere. I am told that this area is home to an amazing variety of marine and plant life which has become a divers paradise. Hugh gorgonians, black coral trees, gigantic barrel sponges, purple vase sponges, and black lace corals rise to meet undersea adventurers and their cameras. Angel fish, black beauties, golden spotted eels, delicate seahorses, nurse sharks, turtles and various species of schooling fish, to name a few give divers a cross section of marine life in Saint Lucia.

Those vivid images would not have been with us for too long had it not been for the formation of the SMMA 10 years ago.

Prior to the formation of SMMA, there was much competition among users for limited space and resources, leading to conflict, resource degradation and loss of economic and other opportunities. Now, ten years later, through active management and the partnership of a dedicated team comprising government and non-governmental agencies, we have witnessed many achievements:

  • Reduction or resolution of conflicts among users, through a consultative and participatory process, leading to the enhanced co-existence of users in a shared coastal zone, and increased commitment to the conservation, sustainable use and more equitable sharing of benefits from the use of resources.
  • Improvement in communication between various user groups and among user groups, researchers, and management agencies; this has led to an increased understanding and acceptance of each other’s role in the process.
  • We have seen a reduction in physical damage to coral reefs, especially branching coral, which had previously been subjected to physical damage, particularly from anchorage. Of course, we are cognisant of the damage that reefs continue to suffer, as a result of storm activity and sedimentation.
  • Increase in fish stocks in marine reserves (tripling) and fishing areas (doubling) and as a result of these, there has also been an increase in fishers’ catches.
  • Collaborative management of the area, through the formation of a multi-sectoral, multi-disciplinary body, comprising government organisations, non-governmental organisations, community members and resource users; this has helped to increase ownership for the SMMA initiative, through the direct involvement of resource users in management and has provided the forum for open and continuous dialogue.  More recently, these institutional arrangements have further evolved into a Board of Directors and a Stakeholder Committee.
  • Increased awareness about environmental issues, especially as they relate to the marine environment, through the efforts of governmental and non-governmental groups and the media, including the involvement in, and sensitisation of fishers on the work of researchers.
  • Provision of a valuable area for scientific study for researchers, because of the active management of use in marine reserves and fishing priority areas and due to the uniqueness of the process leading to the establishment of the SMMA; this has also led to the acquisition of knowledge about the resources and other aspects of the area. In fact, a two-day regional seminar entitled: “Improving Coastal Livelihoods: Lessons Learned from Experience and Priorities for Future Research” was just concluded here from July 28-30, 2005.
  • Provision of facilities such as yacht moorings, which have facilitated the reduction in physical damage to marine habitats and the patronising of local businesses (e.g. restaurants) by visitors.
  • Support in community activities and projects; assistance in the celebration of fishermen’s feast; provision of facilities for fishers, and small grants for marine related activities that are consistent with the objectives of the SMMA.
  • Capacity building and facilitated organisation of previously disorganised groups, which has contributed towards a more viable business community in Soufriere and helped to reduce visitor harassment by service providers in the area.
  • Generation of user fees, which has essentially led to self-sufficient financing of the SMMA; already, all regular administrative costs and routine operational costs are met directly by the SMMA; funds generated go into a special SMMA account and not into the government consolidated fund.
  • Increased recognition, popularity, and pride: for example, the SMMA has been internationally recognised for its conservation efforts, including the 1997 British Airways Tourism for Tomorrow IUCN Special Award for National Parks and Protected Areas; a position in the top five along with Algeria, USA, Spain and Canada for the 1997 World Underwater Confederation (CMAS) International Marine Environmental Award (GPIEM.) 1997; selection as a demonstration site for a model marine protected area in 2001 by the International Coral Reef Action Network (ICRAN).  All this has generated pride in the community and has facilitated the placement of Soufriere on the ‘world map’. The SMMA has also been popular as a model and ‘lessons learned’ case study at the local, regional and international levels; in fact, in publications on marine protected areas and coastal zone management, it is common to find reference being made to the SMMA.
  • The establishment of a Customs office in Soufriere to assist with the declaration of visiting yachts and facilitate the smooth passage of vessels through the SMMA.
  • Powers of arrest granted to SMMA Rangers, to enable them to more effectively carry out their duties.
  • Positive comments made about the SMMA by the users themselves, especially fishers, who initially lost the most, in terms of prime fishing grounds, when the SMMA was established. We must applaud the invaluable contribution of the Soufriere fishers.

The implementation of a more efficient structure for the operation of the SMMA, includes the establishment of the management body of the Soufriere Marine Management Area as a Local Fisheries Management Authority under the Fisheries Act No. 10 of 1984, for the purpose of the management of this eleven-kilometre length Local Fisheries Management Area (LFMA); the establishment an eleven-member Board of Directors; the development of an ‘Agreement to Manage the SMMA’, officially signed by the partners in January 2001, with the appointment of a president “with proven knowledge and experience in the field of development and management” for a renewable period of two years; the maintenance of the stakeholder body (SC) mentioned above; and the formation of a Not-for Profit Company under the 1996 Companies Act of Saint Lucia called the Soufriere Marine Management Association.  The Cabinet of Ministers granted approval for the new revitalised structure for the SMMA, via Cabinet Conclusion 1648 of 1999. The new structure, with its associated Agreement and Bylaw, inter alia:

    • Provides a clearer vision and purpose;
    • Gives the SMMA a stronger legal basis;
    • Provides the SMMA with more autonomy;
    • More clearly defines roles of all contractual parties;
    • Elucidates a process for review and evaluation;
    • Is binding upon all partners;
    • Improves the partnership between the public and private sectors though formal agreement and clearer role sharing.

The structure and operation of the SMMA have indicated the importance of involving resource users in management, as they have the biggest stake in the sustainability and an intimate knowledge of the resources. Of course, with the management of the use of resources comes the occasional resurgence of old problems and the emergence of new ones. In many cases, problems have been promptly and effectively addressed. However, while we are here to celebrate our many successes, to which I say, bravo and keep up the good work, we have to be cognisant that there are still problem-areas in which there is much work to be done. Equally important is the fact that this work cannot be done unilaterally by the SMMA, as the problem-source and scope are beyond the jurisdiction and manageability of the SMMA. This calls for greater collaboration with, and willingness by other agencies, governmental and non-governmental, to assist the SMMA in its laudable efforts for the greater good of all.

Ladies and Gentlemen, let us celebrate our milestones and take pride in our numerous achievements!  We have come a long way! 

It is a milestone that all Saint Lucians can feel proud of. It symbolizes the growing feeling among Saint Lucians that we can work together to make a real difference in our country and the world in which we live. A difference that will be felt for years to come.

Let me thank all of you joining the SMMA here today on this historic occasion. On behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, and indeed, the Government of Saint Lucia, I congratulate you and wish you all a joyful tenth anniversary and a fervent wish for many more productive, successful years!

 I thank you.