Proposed Integrated Development Plan for Grande Anse
The Saint Lucia National Trust, in collaboration with other partner agencies, undertook a site visit of Grande Anse last Thursday, 2nd of August. Grande Anse is a wide area adjacent to the Desbaras community along the North East coast of Saint Lucia. The purpose of this visit was to highlight the specific problems which are currently impacting this valuable site with a view to mapping out a way forward for the holistic and integrated development of Grande Anse. Among the problems discussed were sand mining, beach erosion and potentially destructive developments.
According to the Trust, Grande Anse is important to Saint Lucia as there are various forms of flora and fauna which are worthy of protection. At the same time, the Trust adds, whilst efforts are made to protect sensitive habitats and species, we cannot loose sight of the need to protect, and even expand livelihood opportunities based on the sustainable use of those resources. To this end, participants at the site visit focused on the need for, and approaches to, preparing an integrated development plan for the area. Development of this plan will be a collaborative effort with public and private interests, including the surrounding communities. Once completed, it will be submitted to government for consideration, approval and implementation.
At this time, the Trust is compiling all previous works, studies and plans done for the Grand Anse area and appeals to anyone who knows of any related documents to contact the Trust.
Grande Anse is known for its turtle nesting habitat as well as the prevalence of wildlife species, especially birds. The main type of vegetation to be found at Grande Anse is Xerophytic vegetation, more commonly known as dry forest.
