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 Véti'vert project Short description of the intervention The beach of Vétiver, located in the municipality of Case-Pilote, is one of the most important nesting sites for the critically endangered hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) in Martinique. It is also a nesting ground for the green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas), another endangered species. As one of the last minimally urbanized beaches in the North Caribbean of Martinique, the site plays a vital role in the conservation of these species. In addition, fishing restrictions in the area significantly reduce the risk of turtle mortality caused by accidental capture in fishing gear, which is the leading cause of human-related sea turtle deaths in the Antilles. However, the site faces several stressors that hinder successful nesting. The surrounding vegetation is severely degraded due to invasive alien species, and much of the shrub and tree cover has disappeared from the backshore, where turtles prefer to nest. Without adequate vegetation, hatchlings are left exposed to the heat. Additionally, the beach is frequently disturbed by local residents and visitors for recreational activities. With no designated parking area, cars often park directly on the beach, compacting the soil and further limiting the chances for vegetation to recover or turtles to dig nests. This compaction forces turtles to lay their eggs closer to the shoreline, increasing the risk of nests being washed away by heavy swells. In 2022, the non-profit organization "Asso-mer" and its partners launched the Véti’Vert project on a previously neglected public green space. Through environmental restoration efforts, they created a nesting enclosure on the backshore to mitigate these stressors and improve the conditions for sea turtle nesting. The project also engaged with local residents to increase the chances of success (Refs 1-3). Website of the intervention https://www.lassomer.fr/vetivert-restauration-de-la-foret-littorale-a-vetiver/ Principal problems Environmental Degradation Biodiversity loss Invasive alien species Deforestation and forest degradation Soil degradation and loss Health, Well-being and Social cohesion Poor community engagement Resource Scarcity and Competition Human-wildlife conflicts Implementation area characterization Climate Tropical (Tropican rainforest, tropical monsoon, tropical savanna) Ecosystem Tropical rainforest Urban or built environment Address Martinique Location The NBS is situated in an area, with clear delineation of boundaries and a specific shape (polygon). The NBS project can also have more than one area location (more than one polygon, situated close by). Area boundary (map-based) NBS area image Source of NBS area image 1) Screenshot taken from: Assomer. (n.d.) "Véti'Vert", accessed 24.09.2024: https://www.lassomer.fr/vetivert-restauration-de-la-foret-littorale-a-vetiver/ 2) Screenshot taken from: Google Maps. (2024). Accessed 24.09.2024: https://www.google.es/maps/@14.6345764,-61.1319941,358m/data=!3m1!1e3?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MDkxOC4xIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D Area description Other urban area outside city center (e.g. another municipality in the FUA, commuting zone) Type of area before implementation of the NBS Sea coast (e.g. dunes, beach) Vacant or abandoned land Timeline of intervention Start date of the intervention (planning process) unknown Start date of intervention (implementation process) 2021 End date of the intervention 2022 Present stage of the intervention Completed 2. Objectives of the intervention Objectives of the intervention Goals of the intervention To restore a coastal forest habitat that is more favorable to nesting sea turtles by implementing soil and vegetative cover remediation (invasive species clearance and native species considered). To resolve human-wildlife conflicts by creating dedicated spaces for human activities and designated areas for sea turtle nesting. To spread awareness by educating local school children on the life cycle of sea turtles, the importance of conservation, and the adoption of proper habits, with the goal of reaching their parents and the wider community. (Refs 1, 2) 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 Environmental quality Soil quality improvement Green space, habitats and biodiversity (SDG 15) Habitat and biodiversity restoration Habitat and biodiversity conservation Social justice, cohesion and equity (SDG 10) Environmental education Habitats and biodiversity conservation: What types of conservation goals are / were defined for the NBS intervention? Species-focused Habitats and biodiversity conservation: What activities are implemented to realize the conservation goals and targets? Protect and enhance urban habitats Preserve and strengthen existing habitats and ecosystems Promote environmentally-sound development in and around protected areas Reduce negative impacts and avoid the alteration/damage of ecosystem Protect species Undertake specific measures to protect species Undertake specific measures to protect native species Undertake specific measures to protect endangered species Undertake specific measures to protect valued species Control and clean invasive alien species Means for conservation governance Raise public awareness Public engagement Capacity building What types of restoration goals are / were defined for the NBS intervention? Species-focused What activities are implemented to realize the restoration goals and targets? Rehabilitate and restore damaged or destroyed ecosystems Restore species (native, endangered, or unspecified) Restore native species Restore valued species Clear and control invasive alien species Public engagement Implementation activities and NBS focus Implementation activities The project aimed to improve sea turtle nesting conditions and raise community awareness. Old, broken public facilities were removed, and a designated parking area was created to prevent cars from parking on the beach, which compacted the soil and disrupted nesting. The soil behind the beach, where turtles prefer to lay eggs, was decompacted using a backhoe loader, making it easier for turtles to dig nests. Fenced nesting enclosures were set up behind the beach to prevent human disturbance, while allowing turtles free access. Invasive plant species like Tulipier du Gabon were removed, and native plants such as Catalpa, Raisiniers bord de mer, Galba, and Patate bord de mer were planted. Informational panels were installed to educate visitors, including on the dangers of fishing gear, a leading cause of sea turtle mortality in the Antilles. Local schoolchildren and volunteers were involved in planting native trees, and workshops were held with students from École Saint Just-d’Orville to teach them about the sea turtle life cycle and the importance of conservation. A film was also created to document and share the project. Finally, the municipal landscaping department is responsible for regular site maintenance, ensuring the project's long-term success. This initiative not only enhances the turtles' nesting environment but also engages the community in meaningful conservation efforts. (Ref. 1, 2, 3) Type of NBS project Maintenance and management of urban nature Maintenance or upgrade of exisiting green spaces (e.g. parks) Coastal landscape management or protection Coastal ecosystems restoration and maintenance (mangroves, dunes, saltplains, underwater meadows) Ecological restoration of ecosystems Soil remediation and revegetation Ecological restoration of existing green spaces Restoration and protection of ecosystems (including water ecosystems) Protection of natural ecosystems Habitat restoration Habitat conservation Marine and coastal conservation initiatives Creating nature reserves, wildlife sanctuaries, or biodiversity hotspots to conserve unique ecosystems Knowledge creation and awareness raising Educational and awareness raising programs Monitoring and maintenance of habitats and/or biodiversity Clearing out invasive alien species and allow natural regeneration maintaining the functionality the ecosystem 3. NBS domains, ES and scale NBS domain and interventions Ecological domain(s) where the NBS intervention(s) is/are implemented Blue infrastructure Coastlines Amenities offered by the NBS Unknown Design elements for well-being None of the above Services Expected ecosystem services delivered Habitat and supporting services Habitats for species Cultural services Intellectual interactions (scientific and / or educational) Scale Spatial scale Sub-microscale: Street scale (including buildings) Beneficiaries Demographics in implementation area In 2021, Case-Pilote's population continued to grow (in contrast to the regional trend), the unemployment rate is estimated at 8,8%, 66,8% of the population being employed, The most frequent family structure are single-women with children: 28,7%. 10% of the housing stock is vacant, 73% of the housing are houses, 63% of the population own their property whereas 33,1% rent (including 21,6% in social housing) and 7,6% of housing over-occupied (Ref 4). 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 Non-governmental organisation (NGO) / Civil society / Churches Primary Beneficiaries Citizens or community groups Specify primary beneficiaries -Local schoolchildren: "These operations will be used to communicate widely around biodiversity issues, particularly through the involvement of schoolchildren and volunteers" (Ref 1). -The video in Ref 1 further expresses the intention to reach local residents via the schoolchildren or via the information boards. Marginalized groups Children, young people or youth groups Measures for inclusion of marginalised groups -Schoolchildren were actively involved through educational workshops or tree planting activities (Ref 1). Other beneficiaries Local wildlife (e.g., birds, pollinators) Native plant vegetation Endangered species (flora and fauna) Natural habitats (e.g. wetland, forests, coastal areas) 4. Governance and financing Governance Governance arrangements Led by non-government actors Please specify the roles of the specific government and non-government actor groups involved in the initiative After discussions between the municipality of Case Pilote and the Assomer NGO, Assomer took the lead on the project. They partnered with the National Office for Forests for coastal restoration expertise and coordinated with financing bodies, including the EU's Life4Best programme, the French Office for Biodiversity (OFB), and the French Agency for Development (AFD). Assomer also involved educational partners like the Saint-Just d’Orville elementary school, the National Martinican Botanical Conservatory, and the Carbet des Sciences for the project's educational aspect. Teaching staff, volunteers, and schoolchildren participated in native tree planting, while site maintenance is now handled by the municipal landscaping department. A workshops were held with students from École Saint Just-d’Orville to teach them about the sea turtle life cycle and the importance of conservation. (Ref.1-3) Key actors - initiating organization National government Local government/municipality Public sector institution Non-government organisation/civil society EU body Key actors - Other stakeholders involved (besides initiating actors) Public sector institution Citizens or community group Researchers/university Stages of citizen and community engagement On-the-ground implementation Level of citizen and community engagement Moderate Community empowerment or capacity-building initiatives Implementation of educational programs, workshops or trainings Establishment of mentorship programs or partnerships with local institutions (e.g. schools, kinder gardens, hospitals, nursing homes) Participatory methods/forms of stakeholder involvement (all stakeholders) Co-planning (e.g. stakeholder workshops, focus groups, participatory mapping) Dissemination of information and education Consultation (e.g. workshop, surveys, community meetings, town halls) Joint implementation (e.g. tree planting) Co-management/Joint management Uncommon actors ("Missing actors") Public Services Schools Land owners Public space owned by the city Policy drivers NBS intervention implemented in response to a Regional Directive/Strategy Yes Please specify the "Regional Directive/Strategy" The project is funded under the LIFE4BEST-OR by the LIFE Programme of the European Commission together with the French national government's OFB and the AFD. The LIFE4BEST-OR program which aims to promote the conservation of biodiversity, the sustainable use of ecosystem services and nature-based approaches to climate change adaption and mitigation, in the Overseas Regions (ORs), by providing funding to relevant projects. LIFE4BEST-OR primarily responds to EU-level strategies, particularly the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 (Ref 2). NBS intervention implemented in response to a national regulations/strategy/plan Yes Please specify the national regulations/strategy/plan The LIFE4BEST-OR program aligns with several French national strategies aimed at biodiversity and environmental protection (Ref. 2) If there is a relevant strategy or plan, please specify the theme/type of the plan National Biodiversity Strategy or Action Plan NBS intervention implemented in response to a local regulation/strategy/plan Unknown Mandatory or voluntary intervention Voluntary (spontaneous) Enablers & Barriers Type of enablers NGOs/Community groups driving the implementation Support from transitional governance actors 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. NGOs/Community groups driving the implementation: -L'Assomer is an NGO located in the centre of Case Pilote, it led the initiative (Ref 1). Funds, subsidies or investment for GI/NBS in the city (available for the city or provided by the city)/Support from transnational actors: -"LIFE4BEST-ORs is funded by the LIFE Programme of the European Commission together with the OFB and the AFD" (Ref 2). Governace and decison-making instruments Legislative and regulatory instruments (e.g. laws, strategies, regulations or restrictions) Strategic instruments (e.g. GI strategies, green space strategy or plans) Economic and fiscal instruments (e.g. subsidies or grants, charges or fees, payments for ecosystem services (PES)) 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) Barriers -None reported. Financing Total cost €10,000 - €50,000 Please specify total cost (EUR) 46, 856 euros (14 months) (Ref 2). What is/was the Cost/Budget (EUR) of the NBS or green infrastructure elements? 46, 856 euros Source(s) of funding Public national budget EU funds 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? Public authorities (e.g. land, utility services) Citizens (e.g. volunteering) Type of non-financial contribution Provision of land Provision of labour Provision of expertise Co-finance for NBS Yes Co-governance arrangement A fund / grant Entrepreneurship opportunities Unknown 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 Water management and blue areas Enhanced protection and restoration of coastal and marine ecosystems Expected enhanced protection and restoration of coastal and marine ecosystems Green space and habitat Increase in protected green space areas Achieved increase in protected green space areas Increased conservation or restoration of ecosystems Expected increased conservation or restoration of ecosystems Reduced biodiversity loss Expected reduced biodiversity loss Increased protection of threatened species Expected increased protection of threatened species Improved prevention or control of invasive alien species Achieved improved prevention or control of invasive alien species Reduced human-wildlife conflicts Expected reduced human-wildlife conflicts Description of environmental benefits -Expected enhanced protection and restoration of coastal and marine ecosystems: "The project aims to restore the coastal forest of Vétiver beach located in the commune of Case-Pilote in Martinique in order to improve the nesting habitat of sea turtles" (Ref 2). -Achieved increase in protected green space areas: "creation of regeneration enclosures" (Ref 1). -Expected increased conservation or restoration of ecosystems: "The project made it possible to restore the coastal forest of the site with local species (Catalpa, Seaside Grape Trees, Galba, Kabrit Wood, Seaside Potato, etc.)" (Ref 3). -Expected reduced biodiversity loss: "The project aims to restore the coastal forest of Vétiver beach located in the commune of Case-Pilote in Martinique in order to improve the nesting habitat of sea turtles" (Ref 2). -Expected increased protection of threatened species: The intervention was deployed on a site that is "one of the most important nesting sites in Martinique for the hawksbill turtle Eretmochelys imbricata, a species classified as critically endangered" (Ref 2). -Achieved improved prevention or control of invasive alien species: "The Bois du Gabon invasive alien species was cleared" (Ref 1). -Expected reduced human-wildlife conflicts: "Demarcated areas were created for humans and for wildlife" (Ref 1). Economic impacts Unknown Description of economic benefits Unknown Social and cultural impacts Education Increased knowledge of locals about local nature Achieved increased knowledge of locals about local nature Description of social and cultural benefits -Achieved increased knowledge of locals about local nature: "We would like to warmly thank the entire teaching team and its students for their involvement in the project" (Ref 3). 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 EU body Presence of indicators used in reporting No evidence in public records Presence of monitoring/evaluation reports No evidence in public records Availability of a web-based monitoring tool No evidence in public records Name of any specific impact assessment tools Unknown Use of GIS in mapping impacts No evidence in public records Cost-benefit analysis Unknown Transparency Inclusion of diverse stakeholders in project governance processes (e.g. planning, implementation, monitoring, etc.) Public disclosure of project funding sources and/or budgets Justice Community satisfaction Unknown Trade-offs & Negative impacts Unknown 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 Most of the project goals were achieved Please specify the achievements of the project goals Biodiversity Goals: -Expected enhanced protection and restoration of coastal and marine ecosystems: "The project aims to restore the coastal forest of Vétiver beach located in the commune of Case-Pilote in Martinique in order to improve the nesting habitat of sea turtles" (Ref 2). -Achieved increase in protected green space areas: "creation of regeneration enclosures" (Ref 1). -Expected increased conservation or restoration of ecosystems: "The project made it possible to restore the coastal forest of the site with local species (Catalpa, Seaside Grape Trees, Galba, Kabrit Wood, Seaside Potato, etc.)" (Ref 3). -Expected reduced biodiversity loss: "The project aims to restore the coastal forest of Vétiver beach located in the commune of Case-Pilote in Martinique in order to improve the nesting habitat of sea turtles" (Ref 2). -Expected increased protection of threatened species: The intervention was deployed on a site that is "one of the most important nesting sites in Martinique for the hawksbill turtle Eretmochelys imbricata, a species classified as critically endangered" (Ref 2). -Achieved improved prevention or control of invasive alien species: "The Bois du Gabon invasive alien species was cleared" (Ref 1). -Expected reduced human-wildlife conflicts: "Demarcated areas were created for humans and for wildlife" (Ref 1). Social justice and community Goals: -Achieved increased knowledge of locals about local nature: "We would like to warmly thank the entire teaching team and its students for their involvement in the project" (Ref 3). Long-term perspective Unknown: No information about the project's long-term sustainability. Cost-effective solutions Unknown 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 Unknown 6. Sources References 1. Assomer (n.d.). Restauration de la forêt littorale et de l’habitat de ponte des tortues marines de la plage de Vétiver située sur le commune de Case-Pilote. . lassomer.fr, Accessed on September 24, 2024, [Source link] [Archive]; 2. life4best (n.d.). Restauration d’un site littoral dégradé. life4best.org, Accessed on September 24, 2024, [Source link] [Archive]; 3. Réseau Tortues Marines Martinique (2022). @L'Asso-Mer est heureuse de vous présenter le film réalisé dans le cadre du projet Véti'VERT ! . Facebook, Accessed on September 24, 2024, [Source link] [Archive]; 4. INSEE (2024). Dossier complet Commune de Case-Pilote (97205). insee.fr, Accessed on September 24, 2024, [Download]; Comments and notes Public Images Image Fenced area for sea turtle nesting Screenshot taken from the video in: https://www.lassomer.fr/vetivert-restauration-de-la-foret-littorale-a-vetiver/ Image Fenced area for sea turtle nesting Screenshot taken from the video in: https://www.lassomer.fr/vetivert-restauration-de-la-foret-littorale-a-vetiver/
Image Fenced area for sea turtle nesting Screenshot taken from the video in: https://www.lassomer.fr/vetivert-restauration-de-la-foret-littorale-a-vetiver/
Image Fenced area for sea turtle nesting Screenshot taken from the video in: https://www.lassomer.fr/vetivert-restauration-de-la-foret-littorale-a-vetiver/
