1. General information Location and description of the intervention City or FUA Fort-de-France (FUA) Region Latin America and the Caribbean Native title of the NBS intervention Projet Acropora Short description of the intervention The Acropora Project is a coral restoration initiative launched in 2015 by the Martinican Regional Directorate of Environment, Planning, and Housing, primarily implemented by the nonprofit organization Assomer. It focuses on two critically endangered Caribbean coral species: Acropora cervicornis and Acropora palmata, as classified by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. While Acropora palmata thrives on the Atlantic seabed of Martinique, Acropora cervicornis had seemingly vanished from local waters by 2007, despite previously providing crucial habitats for marine life. However, this species was rediscovered in 2013 at Loup Caravelle on the Atlantic side of Martinique. The initiative began by extracting cuttings from both species at Loup Caravelle and nurturing them at a separate site in Le Diamant. In 2019, these corals were transplanted to three locations on the seabed of Sainte-Luce, demonstrating surprising growth patterns despite the site's low to medium environmental quality. The project's primary aim was to prevent the permanent disappearance of both coral species through spatial replication techniques, including cutting and transplantation. Particular attention was given to enhancing the genetic variability and range of Acropora cervicornis. The initiative also aimed to raise awareness about current coral conservation challenges. Additionally, the project included a research component that contributed to a better understanding of environmental conservation and the restoration of Acropora cervicornis populations. Unfortunately, a temperature increase at the end of 2023 resulted in the decimation of all corals at the transplant sites. (Ref. 1 -5) Website of the intervention https://www.lassomer.fr/nos-actions-et-projets/bouturage-de-coraux/ Principal problems Climate-Related Hazards Heat stress & Extreme temperatures Environmental Degradation Biodiversity loss Poor water quality Resource Scarcity and Competition Over-exploitation of natural resources (water resources, overgrazing, fisheries, mangroves, fore products) Implementation area characterization Climate Tropical (Tropican rainforest, tropical monsoon, tropical savanna) Ecosystem Coral reefs Shallow waters (saline) Address 97228 Sainte-Luce Martinique Location Point location, which indicates where the NBS takes place Area boundary (map-based) Area description Seascape Type of area before implementation of the NBS Other Please specify “other type of area” before implementation of the NBS Sea Timeline of intervention Start date of the intervention (planning process) unknown Start date of intervention (implementation process) 2015 End date of the intervention 2023 Present stage of the intervention Other Please specify "other" stage of the intervention -Completed, however the restoration of the corals themselves were decimated in 2023. 2. Objectives of the intervention Objectives of the intervention Goals of the intervention To collaborate with diving clubs for participatory monitoring and data collection on coral growth, aiming to assess conservation possibilities by comparing the genetic diversity of cuttings with naturally occurring reef populations. To restore the presence of Acropora cervicornis and Acropora palmata in the Caribbean by increasing their range and genetic variability. To raise public awareness about coral conservation and the stressors affecting coral degradation. (Ref. 1, 3) Key Priorities Biodiversity (conservation and/or restoration) Social Justice and community Sustainability challenge(s) addressed Coastal resilience and marine protection (SDG 14) Marine and coastal biodiversity protection Marine and coastal research and/or education Green space, habitats and biodiversity (SDG 15) Habitat and biodiversity restoration Social justice, cohesion and equity (SDG 10) Environmental education What types of restoration goals are / were defined for the NBS intervention? Genetic-focused Species-focused What activities are implemented to realize the restoration goals and targets? Restore species (native, endangered, or unspecified) Restore native species Restore valued species Restore endangered species Public engagement Implementation activities and NBS focus Implementation activities -2015: Cuttings (5 cm fragments) of AC and AP were taken from mother colonies located at the Loup Caravelle site by the Impact-Mer research office (on order from DEAL Martinique). They are then placed in experimental conservation nursery in Le Diamant (Ref 4). - From 2016 to 2019: the management of the nurseries is taken over by Asso-Mer (Ref 3) -2017: Sainte-Luce seabed identified as appropriate site for the intervention. Temporary authorization to occupy the seafloor is delivered in 2019. -2019: domes are placed on 3 sites (Corps de Garde (38 cuttings), Caye Ouest (28 cuttings), Caye Est (41 cuttings)), located between 8 and 9 meters deep, equipped with moorings. -Between 2019 and 2022, the growth is regularly monitored, exhibiting different levels of regeneration, informing knowledge on genetic diversity, dome restoration methods and the general health of AC in Martinique (Ref 1). -Between 2019 and 2022 Assomer holds several workshops with the public and engages with local actors on the conservation of corals (Ref 1; 3). -In 2022, coral growth exceeds the welcoming capacity of the domes, an indicator of success. -In September 2023 all sites experience heavy bleaching due to temperature rises, the domes are lowered to depths of between 13 and 18m (Ref 1). Two months, they had all died (Ref 4). Type of NBS project Coastal landscape management or protection Coral reef restoration Protection of natural ecosystems Habitat restoration Marine and coastal conservation initiatives Knowledge creation and awareness raising Educational and awareness raising programs Scientific research of biodiversity or ecosystems Monitoring and maintenance of habitats and/or biodiversity Habitat mapping, restoration and monitoring-focused management Citizen science and monitoring initiatives (e.g. species observations, habitat assessments, and data collection efforts) Species-specific monitoring and conservation programs 3. NBS domains, ES and scale NBS domain and interventions Ecological domain(s) where the NBS intervention(s) is/are implemented Blue infrastructure Other Please specify "other blue area" -Seabed (1) Amenities offered by the NBS Unknown Design elements for well-being Visual elements (e.g., expansive views, scenic views, natural light, diverse vegetation) Services Expected ecosystem services delivered Habitat and supporting services Habitats for species Maintenance of genetic diversity Cultural services Intellectual interactions (scientific and / or educational) Scale Spatial scale Micro-scale: District/neighbourhood level Beneficiaries Demographics in implementation area In 2021, the population of Sainte Luce was declining (on par with the regional average), exhibitting a 13,0% unemployment rate. The median disposable income is estimated at 21 420 euros. 56,8% of the population own their housing compared to 37,1% (incl. 16,2% in social housing) of renters. 41,9% of housing has 4 rooms, it is worth noting that 16,8% of housing is for temporary or secondary use and 12,3% is vacant. The main family structure are couples with children (30,0%) followed closely by single women with children (29,1%) (Ref 6). Socio-economic profile of the area Mixed income Communities vulnerable to environmental hazards or climate change impacts Yes Specification of climate or environmentally vulnerable communities Coastal communities Non-government actors Private sector/Corporate/Business Researchers, university Primary Beneficiaries Unknown Specify primary beneficiaries -Undefined by the intervention. Marginalized groups Unknown Other beneficiaries Local wildlife (e.g., birds, pollinators) Endangered species (flora and fauna) Natural habitats (e.g. wetland, forests, coastal areas) 4. Governance and financing Governance Governance arrangements Co-governance with government and non-government actors Please specify the roles of the specific government and non-government actor groups involved in the initiative The project was initiated in 2015 on the demand of the regional government agency: DEAL. The implementation and management of the project was first undertaken by the Impact-Mer research office, then was taken over by Assomer (2016-2023). It partnered with the city of Sainte-Luce and with the Natiyabel, Kawan and Kariba diving clubs for monitoring, technical support and manufacturing nurseries. The RSMA (Adapted Military Service Regiment of Martinique) also helped with building the domes. It collaborated with the research institutions: Borea, CD Genomics, SeaLens, and the OVSM-IPGP. Asso-Mer participates in bi-annual meetings of the IFRECOR (local coral reef conservation stakeholder committees). Financial support was provided by the Martinique Water Office (ODE) (36%), the DEAL (27%), the municipality of Sainte Luce (13%), Fondation de la Mer (NGO) (16%) and Assomer’s own funds (8%) (Ref 4; 5). Key actors - initiating organization Regional government Non-government organisation/civil society Researchers/university Key actors - Other stakeholders involved (besides initiating actors) National government Regional government Local government/municipality Public sector institution Non-government organisation/civil society District/neighbourhood association Researchers/university Stages of citizen and community engagement On-the-ground implementation Feedback during project implementation (e.g. review sessions) Level of citizen and community engagement Moderate Community empowerment or capacity-building initiatives Implementation of educational programs, workshops or trainings Formation of community-led groups responsible for the the implementation, maintenace or monitoring of the project Participatory methods/forms of stakeholder involvement (all stakeholders) Co-planning (e.g. stakeholder workshops, focus groups, participatory mapping) Taskforce groups Consultation (e.g. workshop, surveys, community meetings, town halls) Joint implementation (e.g. tree planting) Co-management/Joint management Citizen monitoring and review Uncommon actors ("Missing actors") Unknown Land owners No information found Policy drivers NBS intervention implemented in response to a Regional Directive/Strategy Unknown NBS intervention implemented in response to a national regulations/strategy/plan Unknown NBS intervention implemented in response to a local regulation/strategy/plan Unknown Mandatory or voluntary intervention Voluntary (spontaneous) Enablers & Barriers Type of enablers City network or regional partnerships focused on climate change, sustainability, GI or NBS in the city Funds, subsidies or investment for GI/NBS in the city (available for the city or provided by the city) Please provide details (e.g, name of the plan or strategy) for the selected policies or initiatives. City network or regional partnerships focused on climate change, sustainability, GI or NBS in the city: The WALIWA project in Sainte-Luce: “the choice of this large coral plateau as a receiving site was notably encouraged by the prospect of setting up a Concerted Marine Area, called WALIWA, supported by the City of Sainte-Luce in 2017 with the particular objective of reducing direct pressures on the area” (Ref 4). Funds: Financial support was provided by the Martinique Water Office (ODE) (36%), the DEAL (27%), the municipality of Sainte Luce (13%), Fondation de la Mer (NGO) (16%) and Assomer’s own funds (8%) (Ref 4; 5). Governace and decison-making instruments Economic and fiscal instruments (e.g. subsidies or grants, charges or fees, payments for ecosystem services (PES)) Public - community agreement (e.g. citizen science programs; citizen assemblies) Educational and knowledge sharing instruments (e.g. science/ living labs, awareness raising campaigns, specific educational programs, green hubs) Arrangements for governance cooperation Formal coordination mechanisms to oversee project implementation and decision-making (e.g., multi-stakeholder steering committees, working groups) Task forces or commissions (e.g. group of multi-disciplinary experts) Barriers -In 2021, the Assomer and partners wanted to collect new coral fragments from the mother colony site in order to increase the gene pool (Ref 4): this received a negative opinion by the National Council for the Protection of Nature stating: “This Acropora site should rather be protected and defended rather than used as a source of cuttings for restoration operations whose effectiveness remains problematic given the poor quality of Martinique's coastal waters. [...] and this is a general criticism of coral restoration programs, there are many projects [...] reports on the temporal monitoring of these restoration attempts and their eventual success [...] are very rare (Ref 2). -”Lack of clear vision at the start of the project”. -”Uncertain and fluctuating budgets” -”Lack of political involvement and lack of inter-project coordination” (Ref 3). -Following an incident with a drifting fishing net in June 2019, AP cuttings did not grow as well as A. cervicornis cuttings and their identifications were muddled-up. This prevented implementing a restoration program with the monitoring of AP (Ref 4). Financing Total cost €100,000 - €500,000 Please specify total cost (EUR) "Beyond public aid, the Asso-Mer also contributed to the project through its own funds (contributions, donations) but also through voluntary contributions in kind (volunteers’ time, financial investments by volunteers, in particular to pay for maintenance dives). This share is estimated at around 8% of the entire project (€12,049.83). The total amount of the project is therefore around €154,069.52." (Ref. 1) What is/was the Cost/Budget (EUR) of the NBS or green infrastructure elements? €154,069.52 Source(s) of funding Public local authority budget Public regional budget Funds provided by non-governmental organization (NGO) Type of fund(s) used Earmarked public budget Direct funding (grants, subsidies, or self-financed projects by private entities) Non-financial contribution Yes Who provided the non-financial contribution? Citizens (e.g. volunteering) Type of non-financial contribution Provision of labour Provision of expertise Co-finance for NBS Yes Co-governance arrangement An NGO Entrepreneurship opportunities No Business models Business models Urban offsetting model (biodiversity or water) Green education model Which of the involved actors was motivated by this model? Private non-for-profit actor (e.g. NGO, foundation) 5. Evaluation and learning Impacts, benefits Environmental impacts Green space and habitat Increased conservation or restoration of ecosystems Achieved increased conservation or restoration of ecosystems Increased number of species present Achieved increased number of species present Description of environmental benefits The impacts could be measured up until 2023. -Achieved increased conservation or restoration of ecosystems/-Achieved increased number of species present: "2013: 69 colonies in 2 dives of 45 min near the DCE site 2021: 80 colonies on 4 dives in 2 separate areas" "corals have multiplied and have been able to develop for 8 years from the initial samples (from 25 cuttings of the genus Acropora spp. taken in 2015 to 300 cuttings in 2020). The productivity objective was achieved by the efficiency of the nurseries set up and the maintenance effort carried out frequently, to the extent of the means allocated, by the L’Asso-Mer team and its technical partners (diving clubs)." (Ref. 4) Economic impacts Generation of income from NBS Expected generation of income from NBS Description of economic benefits -Expected generation of income from NBS- “New toursitic opportunities at the site of the acropora coral regeneration project " (between 2019-2023) (Ref 7). Social and cultural impacts Education Increased support for education and scientific research Achieved increased support for education and scientific research Increased knowledge of locals about local nature Achieved increased knowledge of locals about local nature Description of social and cultural benefits -Achieved increased support for education and scientific research: It carried out a study correlating the genotypes of AC with their health status, finding that there probably is a weak influence of the genotype on the overall health of a coral (Ref 1): "Across all conservation sites, samples (N = 90) of the species Acropora Cervicornis allowed the identification of 7 distinct genotypes (Ref 4)"; “Obtaining information on the sexual reproduction of colonies makes it possible to acquire data on the ecology of these species and thus to improve the management of reef ecosystems” (Ref 4); "Observations made within the framework of the coral restoration program [..] provide valuable information on the biological development of restored Acropora cervicornis corals" (Ref 4). -Achieved increased knowledge of locals about local nature: "In 2023, approximately 11,600 people were reached by social media posts on the topics of corals and the Acropora project, and bleaching" (Ref 4). In 2023, 10 adults and 60 children were reached by workshops on the impact of climate change and plastic pollution on coral reefs (Ref 4). Evidence for use of assessment Presence of an assessment, evaluation and/or monitoring process Yes Actors involved in the assessment, monitoring or evaluation of NBS impacts Non-government organisation/civil society Presence of indicators used in reporting Yes Type of indicators Input indicators Output indicators Process indicators Outcome indicators Presence of monitoring/evaluation reports Yes Link to monitoring/evaluation reports https://www.lassomer.fr/nos-actions-et-projets/bouturage-de-coraux/ Availability of a web-based monitoring tool No evidence in public records Name of any specific impact assessment tools Unknown Link to the output of assessments https://www.lassomer.fr/nos-actions-et-projets/bouturage-de-coraux/ Use of GIS in mapping impacts No evidence in public records Cost-benefit analysis Unknown Transparency Meetings with stakeholders’ representatives Inclusion of diverse stakeholders in project governance processes (e.g. planning, implementation, monitoring, etc.) Public disclosure of project funding sources and/or budgets Online disclosure of technical reports (e.g. project documents, reports, or data) Justice Community satisfaction Unknown Description of locals satisfaction with the project -No sources report on local satisfaction Trade-offs & Negative impacts Ecosystems and biodiversity Habitat destruction, fragmentation, or alteration (e.g. use of monocultures) Please specify Trade-offs & Negative impacts Selected As argued in Ref 2 by the National Council for the Protection of Nature: The Loup Caravelle site "should rather be protected and defended rather than used as a source of cuttings for restoration operations whose effectiveness remains problematic given the poor quality of Martinique's coastal waters" (Ref 2). Emphasis of existing social inequalities or injustices No information reported related to negative social justice-related impacts of the NBS project Measures to prevent gentrification or displacement No initiatives or policies were implemented High-quality & Transformative NBS Multiple impacts delivery (climate, biodiversity, just community) No Goal setting and impacts delivery No, project goals were not set, and benefits were not delivered in all 3 key areas. Reaching original project goals Not applicable Please specify the achievements of the project goals The project experienced initial success in its efforts to restore coral populations; however, the corals ultimately failed to survive long-term. While some positive impacts were observed, these effects were temporary rather than sustainable. Below there are some initial impacts: Biodiversity Goals: The impacts could be measured up until 2023. -Achieved increased conservation or restoration of ecosystems/-Achieved increased number of species present: "2013: 69 colonies in 2 dives of 45 min near the DCE site 2021: 80 colonies on 4 dives in 2 separate areas" "corals have multiplied and have been able to develop for 8 years from the initial samples (from 25 cuttings of the genus Acropora spp. taken in 2015 to 300 cuttings in 2020). The productivity objective was achieved by the efficiency of the nurseries set up and the maintenance effort carried out frequently, to the extent of the means allocated, by the L’Asso-Mer team and its technical partners (diving clubs)." (Ref. 4) Social justice and community Goals: -Achieved increased support for education and scientific research: It carried out a study correlating the genotypes of AC with their health status, finding that there probably is a weak influence of the genotype on the overall health of a coral (Ref 1): "Across all conservation sites, samples (N = 90) of the species Acropora Cervicornis allowed the identification of 7 distinct genotypes (Ref 4)"; “Obtaining information on the sexual reproduction of colonies makes it possible to acquire data on the ecology of these species and thus to improve the management of reef ecosystems” (Ref 4); "Observations made within the framework of the coral restoration program [..] provide valuable information on the biological development of restored Acropora cervicornis corals" (Ref 4). -Achieved increased knowledge of locals about local nature: "In 2023, approximately 11,600 people were reached by social media posts on the topics of corals and the Acropora project, and bleaching" (Ref 4). In 2023, 10 adults and 60 children were reached by workshops on the impact of climate change and plastic pollution on coral reefs (Ref 4). Long-term perspective No Cost-effective solutions No Equitable impacts C. Unknown Transformative capacity Ecological change (e.g. ecosystem functions and their distribution) Magnitude of change Incremental: shallow; that is, mostly maintaining business-as-usual approaches to adaptation Application of lessons learned Unknown Perception of Environmental Change No 6. Sources References 1. Assomer (2023). Projet de conservation de coraux en Martinique. Bilan et retours d’expérience 2015-2023 Assomer, Accessed on September 27, 2024, [Source link] [Archive]; 2. Conseil National de la Protection de la Nature (2021). AVIS DU CONSEIL NATIONAL DE LA PROTECTION DE LA NATURE. Accessed on September 28, 2024, [Source link] [Archive]; 3. Assomer (n.d.). Conservation de coraux. lassomer.fr, Accessed on September 28, 2024, [Source link] [Archive]; 4. Assomer (2024). PROJET ACROPORA. RAPPORT D’ACTIVITÉ 2023 lassomer.fr, Accessed on September 28, 2024, [Source link] [Archive]; 5. France Antilles Martinique (2023). En voie d'extinction, des coraux ont réussi à pondre à Sainte-Luce. martinique.franceantilles, Accessed on September 28, 2024, [Source link] [Archive]; 6. INSEE (2024). Dossier complet Commune de Sainte-Luce (97227). insee.fr, Accessed on September 28, 2024, [Source link] [Archive]; 7. Ville de Sainte-Luce (n.d.). Aire Marine Concerté Waliwa. sainteluce.fr, Accessed on September 30, 2024, [Source link] [Archive]; Comments and notes Public Images Image The domes used to regenerate coral reefs Screenshot taken from: https://www.lassomer.fr/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/VF_RA_2023.pdf Image Monitoring activities Screenshot taken from: https://www.lassomer.fr/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/VF_RA_2023.pdf Image Assomer https://www.lassomer.fr/nos-actions-et-projets/bouturage-de-coraux/ Image Assomer https://www.lassomer.fr/nos-actions-et-projets/bouturage-de-coraux/ Image Assomer https://www.lassomer.fr/nos-actions-et-projets/bouturage-de-coraux/ Image Assomer https://www.lassomer.fr/nos-actions-et-projets/bouturage-de-coraux/ Image Assomer https://www.lassomer.fr/nos-actions-et-projets/bouturage-de-coraux/ Image Assomer https://www.lassomer.fr/nos-actions-et-projets/bouturage-de-coraux/ Image Assomer https://www.lassomer.fr/nos-actions-et-projets/bouturage-de-coraux/
Image The domes used to regenerate coral reefs Screenshot taken from: https://www.lassomer.fr/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/VF_RA_2023.pdf
Image Monitoring activities Screenshot taken from: https://www.lassomer.fr/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/VF_RA_2023.pdf
