12 local initiatives for the protection of biodiversity in Guadeloupe
Marine biodiversity (i.e., marine ecosystems and the species that inhabit them) is in good hands in Guadeloupe: whether associations, institutions, or collectives, several actors are working to preserve it.
The sea turtle care center
Thanks to the Guadeloupe Sea Turtle Care Center, based at the Gosier Aquarium, turtles found injured by predators, caught in nets, or seized by authorities can be treated before eventually being released. These release operations are an opportunity to invite the general public and schoolchildren to come and learn more about the turtle species found in Guadeloupe.
The care center, which is the only one of its kind in the Caribbean, plays an essential role for these protected species. It is managed by IGREC Mer, the Guadeloupe Initiative for the Restoration of Marine Ecosystems. Every year, between 10 and 30 turtles benefit from the care provided by the center's veterinarians.
The School of the Sea
Hosted by the Gosier Aquarium, L'École de la Mer is an association dedicated to organizing educational activities within the Aquarium. The association develops awareness-raising initiatives and experimental workshops to help people discover the marine environment and encourage its protection.
Tropical getaway
Dedicated to the study of sea turtles and cetaceans, the Evasion tropicale association is involved in population censuses and, more broadly, scientific monitoring. The association also intervenes in situations where animals are stranded or in distress and participates in environmental conservation education initiatives.
Kap Natirel
Protecting sea turtles, combating the invasion of lionfish, studying rays and sharks: the Kap Natirel association is involved in various issues related to the preservation of marine biodiversity. Its activities range from developing scientific knowledge to raising public awareness, including consultation with the various stakeholders involved in the conservation of the species concerned.
Kap Natirel relies heavily on participatory science, particularly within the framework of the Reguar network for recording rays and sharks. If you are lucky enough to spot any at sea, please share your observations with Kap Natirel.
My school, my whale
Dedicated to cetaceans, the association Mon école ma baleine (My School, My Whale) has set itself the mission of spreading knowledge about these species through educational activities for schools and the general public, as well as the production of numerous educational and recreational materials.
The association is notably behind the Sentinelles de la mer (Sea Watchers), a monthly event involving training and observation of cetaceans in various locations around the islands of Guadeloupe. The aim is to raise awareness among as many people as possible about the importance of cetaceans, enable people to observe different species from land, and contribute to the regional census of sightings.
Guadeloupe National Park (PNG)
The marine section of Guadeloupe National Park covers some 135,000 hectares, including coral reefs, islets (seven in total), seagrass beds, and mangrove areas in the Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin to the north of Guadeloupe and the Cousteau Reserve in Basse-Terre. The PNG is involved in the signage and development of the various areas and ensures compliance with regulations relating to species and habitat use.
The Guadeloupe Sea Turtle Network (RTMG)
Between 2023 and 2024, no fewer than 200 turtle strandings were recorded. It is therefore clear that protective measures are urgently needed to ensure the survival of the various species present in Guadeloupe, all of which are protected at the national level and, by extension, at the local level.
Designed as part of a National Action Plan dedicated to sea turtles, the RTMG brings together all stakeholders involved in the protection, monitoring, and rescue of sea turtles in Guadeloupe. The ultimate goal is to contribute to population growth and habitat preservation.
The RTMG is composed of associations such as Le Gaïac, Tò-Ti-Jòn, Kap Natirel, IGREC Mer, Ecole de la mer, and Evasion Tropicale.
The Agoa Shrine
Managed by the French Office for Biodiversity, the Agoa Sanctuary is a vast marine protected area dedicated to the protection of marine mammals, covering all the waters of the French West Indies. The Agoa Sanctuary therefore encompasses the waters of the Guadeloupe archipelago, where it carries out missions to improve knowledge, consult with various stakeholders, monitor and enforce regulations on the observation and approach of marine mammals, and raise awareness among all audiences.
Ti Tè
Petite-Terre is a must-see islet in Guadeloupe, prized for its crystal-clear waters ideal for snorkeling and observing sea turtles and lemon sharks, as well as for its rich terrestrial ecosystems populatedby Lesser Antillean iguanas and frequented by several species of migratory birds.
As co-manager of the La Désirade and Petite-Terre National Nature Reserve, the Ti Tè association is involved in managing visitor numbers, maintaining facilities, monitoring, raising awareness, and participating in scientific monitoring.
Tò-Ti-Jòn
The Tò-Ti-Jòn association (named after the Creole name for the loggerhead sea turtle, Caretta caretta) works to protect sea turtles and birds in Guadeloupe, as well as their habitats. Through school outreach programs, public awareness campaigns, and training volunteer patrols dedicated to monitoring nesting sites, the association is active on all fronts as a member of the Guadeloupe Sea Turtle Network.
With regard to birdlife, Tò-Ti-Jòn is involved in monitoring birds in the Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin area, contributes to inventories, invites people to discover different species during regular outings, and campaigns, through legal action, to reduce the impact of hunting on birdlife.
V-reef
This association is particularly well known for managing Reef Check initiatives in Guadeloupe, which involve collaborative monitoring of coral reef health. There are currently nine monitoring stations on the islands of Guadeloupe. The association trains "eco divers" to monitor reefs and organizes the annual Route de Corail event, a sailing expedition with stopovers during which diving trips are offered to volunteers.
Zyé a mangrov’la
An association for the protection of coastal wetlands, Zyé a mangrov’la conducts studies to monitor wetlands and raises awareness in classrooms and at public events. The association, sponsored by Guadeloupean author Simone Schwarz-Bart, is notably behind the “Be an ambassador for mangroves” initiative.
Article written by: Axelle Dorville
