Project Info
Project Name
Donors
Location
Duration
Project Description
The four main components of this project include:
- Improving local participation in ecosystem monitoring and management
- Implementing a community vision for sustainable tourism and building a “Matrix of Opportunity”
- Adaptive management planning for Ashton Lagoon
- Finalizing the engineering designs and scope of works for restoration.
The goal of this project is to support the programmes of non-government organizations (NGOs) and community-based organizations (CBOs) in their quest to help conserve the terrestrial and marine environments of St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG), and to promote sustainable livelihoods for its people. SusGren’s emphasis on civil society strengthening (capacity) reflects the GEF SGP Strategic Project concept objective which states to “make effective use of the built up capacity of local NGOs, CBOs and communities for replication of successful technologies and approaches.”
This project aims to strengthen NGOs and CBOs throughout SVG so they can play a better role in natural resource management. Programs under this objective will include some of the following: Institutional Self Assessment (ISA) for five (5) NGOs, five (5) Mini-projects for NGOs, the registration of five (5) new NGOs to prepare them for applying for the GEF SGP, and the development of five (5) GEF SGP by participating NGOs before the completion of the project, among other activities.
The other major component of the project includes the enhancement of Ashton Lagoon for the restoration of socio-economic and environmental benefits for Union Island and St. Vincent and the Grenadines (see Ashton Lagoon Restoration Project Page for more information). Activities will include the implementation of a monitoring framework for birds, fish, reefs, water quality and vegetation before, during, and after the restoration, as well as the installation of two bird and wildlife viewing towers in Ashton Lagoon.
Supported CBOs
- Layou Heritage and Tourism Organisation
- Owia Heritage Organisation
- Barrouallie Tourism and Heritage Organisation
- Bequia Environment and Climate Change Organisation
Project Outputs
- Four (4) Community-based Organizations participating in an Institutional Self-Assessment (ISA)
- Four (4) Community-based Organizations registered and trained
- Two (2) Community-based Organizations successfully applying for and implementing a mini grant from SusGren with guidance
- Architectural drawings for Ashton Lagoon Interpretive Centre, nature trails, swales, and bird towers
- Two (2) bird and wildlife viewing towers erected in Ashton Lagoon
- SusGren Strategic Planning / Adaptive Management Workshop completed
- SusGren Board Effectiveness Workshop completed
- Development and Implementation of a monitoring framework for birds, fish, coral reefs, water quality and vegetation / mangroves
- SusGren Financial Plan completed
- Best practices manual for Community-based Organizations to use as a guide for effective management and administration
