GEF Antigua and Barbuda

The Sustainable Island Resource Management Mechanism (SIRMM) Project, funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), is currently being implemented in Antigua and Barbuda to ensure the sustainability and maintenance of island ecosystem integrity, health, and function through integrated planning and management of island resources.

One aspect of the SIRMM Project is the Codrington Lagoon Project in Barbuda. The Codrington Lagoon is one of the largest lagoons in the Lesser Antilles with extensive mangrove systems and is a unique and highly vulnerable component of Barbuda’s ecosystem that is of national economic and cultural importance. It is a sensitive and diverse ecosystem with a spectacular display of different flora and fauna and serves as a habitat and nursery for a range of marine species due to the sheltered lagoon, extensive fringing mangroves, and sea-grass beds.

The lagoon also supports one of the world’s largest colonies of Frigate birds (Fregata magnificens) and helps in the conservation of this globally important colony, along with other birds such as the West Indian Whistling Duck which is an endangered species. It has therefore been designated by national and international agencies as a biological diversity hotspot and is a prized tourist attraction. The Codrington Lagoon was officially created as a National Park in March 2005 and achieved RAMSAR status in June 2006.

The Codrington Lagoon National Park encompasses the entire West Coast of the island of Barbuda and comprises both marine and terrestrial habitats. The National Park is approximately 18 km2 and covers 1/3 of the island. The area is generally very flat and in some places rests just above sea level.

For the Codrington Lagoon to remain in its current healthy state any development along the waterfront should be carefully planned, particularly regarding accessibility to water and proper liquid and solid waster disposal to preserve and protect this fragile marine ecosystem. This therefore warrants the need for a detailed management plan to govern activities in and around the Lagoon and regulations in place to guide the development of the waterfront. This is essential as the commercial value that the lagoon boasts, supports up to 60% of the islands economy through sale of fish and lobster and tourism among other things.

The Park is now managed on a daily basis by the Park Manager and staff but it is overseen by the National Parks (Barbuda) Authority which has been finalized through the SIRMM Project. This Authority which is in the final stages of legalization through the Attorney General’s Office, is comprised of members of various stakeholder organizations mainly within Codrington village including: Barbuda Council, Environment Division, the Fisherman Association, the Small Business Association, the Land and Sea Taxi Association, the National Parks Authority (Antigua), the Lobster Exporters Associations, the Fisheries Division (both Barbuda and Antigua), and the Barbuda Planning Commission.

Through financing from the SIRMM Project and co-financing from other agencies a carrying capacity assessment for the commercial activity within the lagoon was completed and a financial sustainability plan was also produced. To complement the financial sustainability plan a 5 year management plan was completed and these will guide the management of the lagoon towards a sustainable future.

Within the lagoon, user zones have been identified with markers and signs have been installed within the park as well as in the village to inform users and visitors of the lagoon about the project work and information on the Codrington Lagoon National Park. In the near future the Park Rangers will be offering camping trips in the National Park to explore the diverse ecosystem. If you are interested in visiting the bird sanctuary, please speak to one of the Park Rangers or visit the Park office but note that tours to the Frigate Bird Sanctuary are only conducted by an authorized sea taxi operator.

For more information about the Codrington Lagoon National Park and the work currently being undertaken in the lagoon, email nationalparksbarbuda@gmail.com or visit www.gefantigua.org for more information about the SIRMM Project and the work it is doing in both Antigua and Barbuda.