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 Domaine de l'Émeraude Short description of the intervention Located in the municipality of Morne Rouge, the Domaine d’Émeraude was once an agricultural site but was transferred to the Martinique Regional Natural Park (PNRM) in the early 2000s. It underwent significant renovations in 2005 to transform it into a sanctuary for Martinican biodiversity, reflecting the need to protect and conserve the island's unique ecosystems. In 2011, it opened its doors to the public, serving as an important educational resource that raises awareness about the island's historical, natural, and cultural heritage (Refs 4, 7, 8). Today, the site encompasses 25 hectares protected from anthropogenic pressures and is primarily characterized by a humid tropical forest environment, which makes up 80% of the area (Ref 7). It is home to over a hundred native species (Ref 4) and offers nearly 4 kilometers of walking trails accessible to both adults and children, complete with recreational stops and educational amenities. The Domaine d’Émeraude was designed to enhance the conservation of native species while developing sustainable economic activities that benefit the local community. Moreover, the site emphasizes the well-being that forested areas provide to visitors, highlighting that "the air can be heard, the smells can be savored, and the sounds can be experienced. The freshness of the place is a source of change and relaxation..." (Ref 4). Website of the intervention https://pnr-martinique.com/visiter/le-domaine-demeraude/ Principal problems Environmental Degradation Biodiversity loss Health, Well-being and Social cohesion Inadequate access to recreational opportunities Disconnection from nature Loss of sense of place and identity Implementation area characterization Climate Tropical (Tropican rainforest, tropical monsoon, tropical savanna) Ecosystem Tropical rainforest Address Route de la Trace-Propreté, 2733 97260 Le Morne Rouge 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 Justacôté. (n.d.). "Le Domaine D' Emeraude". Retrieved from (accessed 28.09.2024): https://www.justacote.com/le-morne-rouge-97260/activite-pour-enfant/le-domaine-d--emeraude-2448277.htm Damien, O. (2021). "The Emerald Domain, discovering the biodiversity of the Caribbean". Retrieved from (accessed 28.09.2024): https://domloisirsetculture.fr/en/le-domaine-demeraude-a-la-decouverte-de-la-biodiversite-des-antilles/ Total area 250000.00m² NBS area 250000.00m² Area description Periurban (both urban and rural environments are present) Type of area before implementation of the NBS Agricultural area or farmland Timeline of intervention Start date of the intervention (planning process) unknown Start date of intervention (implementation process) 2005 End date of the intervention 2011 Present stage of the intervention Completed 2. Objectives of the intervention Objectives of the intervention Goals of the intervention To incorporate former agricultural land into the design of the National Park of Martinique. To transmit and conserve historical and cultural heritage while educating about native traditional knowledge and artisanry. To develop sustainable economic activities that generate income from conservation efforts. To conserve biodiversity by providing protected spaces for native forest ecosystems to thrive, as well as maintaining greenhouses for native and rare species, including a traditional (créole) house and a subsistence garden housing over 300 plants and spices used in traditional cooking and medicine To create a space where people can engage in sensory experiences with the forest, promoting well-being. To provide educational resources and information on cultural, historical, and natural heritage, along with environmental education that emphasizes mitigation potential (Refs 3, 4, 5). Key Priorities Biodiversity (conservation and/or restoration) Social Justice and community Sustainability challenge(s) addressed Green space, habitats and biodiversity (SDG 15) Green space creation and/or management Habitat and biodiversity conservation Cultural heritage and cultural diversity Preservation of natural heritage Protection of historic and cultural landscape/infrastructure Preservation of historic traditions Health and well-being (SDG 3) Creation of opportunities for recreation Social justice, cohesion and equity (SDG 10) Environmental education Economic development and employment (SDG 8) Economic development: service sectors Tourism support Habitats and biodiversity conservation: What types of conservation goals are / were defined for the NBS intervention? Species-focused Ecosystem-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 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 Take measures for ex situ conservation Means for conservation governance Manage biological resources for conservation and sustainable use Raise public awareness Implementation activities and NBS focus Implementation activities The project at Domaine d’Émeraude integrates traditional agricultural practices with educational initiatives. A subsistence créole garden ( over 300 plants and spices used in traditional cooking and medicine) showcases traditional agricultural techniques and plants. The installation of greenhouses, which also sell plants, helps preserve native or rare species while promoting biodiversity. The landscape was restructured to support the forest ecosystem, providing habitats for local species. The "esplanade" presents a creative interpretation of the créole ecological garden, offering an interactive space for visitors. In addition, an educational trail inspired by traditional chamanic and animist knowledge highlights the medicinal properties of plants. The site promotes local entrepreneurship through the establishment of an on-site restaurant, L’auberge de la Montagne Pelée. Visitors can explore over four kilometers of walking trails, suitable for both children and adults, featuring information boards and greenhouses displaying rare or endemic species. The "Nature Exploration Pavilion" serves as a pedagogical space, covering Martinique's natural history, including landscape, vegetation, and the role of mangroves .Finally, the summer months host participative workshops for children and adults. (Ref.1-3) Type of NBS project Creation of new green areas Creation of large parks and urban and peri-urban forests Maintenance and management of urban nature Maintenance or upgrade of exisiting green spaces (e.g. parks) Ecological restoration of ecosystems Ecological restoration of existing green spaces Protection of natural ecosystems Habitat conservation Creating nature reserves, wildlife sanctuaries, or biodiversity hotspots to conserve unique ecosystems Knowledge creation and awareness raising Educational and awareness raising programs 3. NBS domains, ES and scale NBS domain and interventions Ecological domain(s) where the NBS intervention(s) is/are implemented Community gardens and allotments Horticulture Other Parks and urban forests Large urban parks or forests Other Please specify "other parks or (semi)natural urban green area" traditional creole garden (1) Please specify "other allotments and community gardens" Greenhouses that sell plants (Ref. 1) Amenities offered by the NBS Benches and drinking water stations Sports areas and equipment Educational or biodiversity trails Cultural (museum, concert areas) Complementing infrastructure (bathrooms, café) Viewing and outlook points Design elements for well-being Visual elements (e.g., expansive views, scenic views, natural light, diverse vegetation) Auditory elements (e.g., birdsong, water features, quiet areas, rustling leaves) Olfactory elements (e.g., floral scents, earthy smells) Tactile elements (e.g., natural materials like wood or stone, exposure to sunlight) Services Expected ecosystem services delivered Habitat and supporting services Habitats for species Maintenance of genetic diversity Cultural services Tourism Aesthetic appreciation Inspiration for culture, art and design Recreation Mental and physical health and wellbeing Intellectual interactions (scientific and / or educational) Physical and experiential interactions with plants and animals Scale Spatial scale Meso-scale: Regional, metropolitan and urban level Beneficiaries Demographics in implementation area In 2021, the population in Morne-Rouge was declining (similar to the regional trend), 17,3% of the population is unemployed and 28% are pensioners. In terms of housing 65% of people own their housing and 27% rent. 85% are houses, 38,% of housing has 4 rooms. The median disposable income is 17 700 euros. The main family structure are couples without children, accounting for 32,2% share (Ref 9). Socio-economic profile of the area Mixed income Communities vulnerable to environmental hazards or climate change impacts Unknown Primary Beneficiaries Citizens or community groups Specify primary beneficiaries -"for adults and children" (Ref 4); "visitors of all ages"; "whether you are a passionate botanist, or a curious tourist" (Ref 8); - the park is mainly designed for children, families and tourists. Marginalized groups Unknown Other beneficiaries Local wildlife (e.g., birds, pollinators) Native plant vegetation Natural habitats (e.g. wetland, forests, coastal areas) 4. Governance and financing Governance Governance arrangements Government-led Please specify the roles of the specific government and non-government actor groups involved in the initiative The project was initiated, implemented and is currently controlled by the PNRM (National Park of Martinique). The PNRM is a public sector institution. Its budget is mainly financed by regional, intermunicipal and municipal governments, the remainder of the budget comes from the national government and the EU. Private organizations can also provide funding to the PNRM's budget (Ref 10). Key actors - initiating organization Public sector institution Key actors - Other stakeholders involved (besides initiating actors) National government Regional government Local government/municipality Private foundation/trust EU body Participatory methods/forms of stakeholder involvement (all stakeholders) Dissemination of information and education Uncommon actors ("Missing actors") Unknown Land owners Other Please specify other landowner National Park (Ref 8). 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 Unknown Enablers & Barriers Type of enablers Governance innovations (such as public private partnerships) Support from transitional governance actors Please provide details (e.g, name of the plan or strategy) for the selected policies or initiatives. The PNRM is a public sector institution. Its budget is mainly financed by regional, intermunicipal and municipal governments, the remainder of the budget comes from the national government and the EU. Private organizations can also provide funding to the PNRM's budget (Ref 10). Governace and decison-making instruments Economic and fiscal instruments (e.g. subsidies or grants, charges or fees, payments for ecosystem services (PES)) Public - private business agreement (e.g. public private collaborations, public-private-partnerships (PPP)) Arrangements for governance cooperation Performance monitoring and evaluation frameworks (e.g. adoption of KPIs, or establishment or monitoring and evaluation processes) Barriers -None reported. Financing Total cost Unknown Please specify total cost (EUR) -No sources report on the cost of the NBS. What is/was the Cost/Budget (EUR) of the NBS or green infrastructure elements? Unknown Source(s) of funding Public local authority budget Public national budget Public regional budget EU funds Private Foundation/Trust Type of fund(s) used Earmarked public budget Direct funding (grants, subsidies, or self-financed projects by private entities) Non-financial contribution Unknown Co-finance for NBS Yes Co-governance arrangement Unknown Entrepreneurship opportunities Yes What entrepreneurship opportunities have arisen from the NBS project? Other Please specify other type of entrepreneurship opportunity -Presence of a catering business “L’auberge de la Montagne Pelée” (Ref 3). What types of actors are leading the entrepreneurship activities linked to the NBS project? Other Please specify other type of actors leading the entrepreneurship activities local inn (7) What types of support are provided to entrepreneurs engaged in NBS-related activities? Access to specialized facilities or equipment Business models Business models Green education model Green heritage model Which of the involved actors was motivated by this model? Public actor (e.g. municipality) 5. Evaluation and learning Impacts, benefits Environmental impacts Green space and habitat Increased green space area Achieved increased green space area Increase in protected green space areas Achieved increase in protected green space areas Increased number of protection areas Achieved increased number of protection areas Increased number of species present Achieved increased number of species present Description of environmental benefits -Achieved increase in protected green space areas/Achieved increase number of protection areas: 25 ha where "nature has remained queen and flourishes freely, sheltered from the tumult and noise caused by man" ; "dotted with rare or endemic species" (Ref 4). -Achieved increased number of species present"The Jardin des Origines is an essential part of the Domaine d'Émeraude. It houses more than a hundred plants and spices used in Creole cuisine and traditional Caribbean ethnopharmacology. There you will find the annatto tree, the cocoa tree, the cinnamon tree, the coffee tree, the atoumo tree , and many others… Signs inform us about their continents of origin and the date they were established on the island. There are also species endemic to Martinique and the Antilles. A Creole house has been reconstructed with a Creole garden and its complex organization. Each plant is identified by its Creole and scientific name, as well as the botanical family to which it belongs." (Ref. 4) Economic impacts Generation of income from NBS Achieved generation of income from NBS Description of economic benefits -Achieved generation of income from NBS: "The shop: A true showcase of local riches, this intimate space proudly offers a wide range of regional products and know-how"; Fares: Children (under 3 years): Free; Children (under 12 years): €5 / child; Adults: €9; Seniors / High school students / Students: €7; Groups: contact us" (Ref 4). Social and cultural impacts Health and wellbeing Gain in activities for recreation and exercise Achieved gain in activities for recreation and exercise Enhanced cognitive restoration, relaxation and stress relief Expected enhanced cognitive restoration, relaxation and stress relief Cultural heritage and sense of place Increased sense of place identity, memory and belonging Achieved increased sense of place identity, memory and belonging Social and cultural impact indicators Number of participants in outdoor activities or exercise programs in green spaces In 2018, 115 groups (with reservations) visited the site, accounting for 4625 visitors (Ref 1). Description of social and cultural benefits -Achieved gain in activities for recreation and exercise:* ”Nearly 4km of walking trails accessible to adults and children have been created. Three routes of 15, 30 or 60 minutes allow you to explore this forest which is home to more than a hundred native species” (Ref 4). -Expected enhanced cognitive restoration, relaxation and stress relief: "“At Domaine d’Émeraude, the air can be heard, the smells can be savoured and the sounds can be experienced. The freshness of the place is a source of change of scenery and relaxation… a journey, an escapade, a wild flight towards unknown sensations” (Ref 4). -Achieved increased sense of place identity, memory and belonging: In the summer of 2018, 317 people were involved in workshops on Martinican cultural and natural heritage in green spaces (Ref 1). In the summer of 2017, 612 people were engaged in workshops on Martinican cultural and natural heritage in green spaces (Ref 2). In the summer of 2016, 1008 people were involved in workshops on Martinican cultural and natural heritage in green spaces (Ref 3). Mental health benefits Restoration and relaxation 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 Public sector institution Presence of indicators used in reporting Yes Type of indicators Output indicators Process indicators Presence of monitoring/evaluation reports Yes Link to monitoring/evaluation reports https://pnr-martinique.com/rapport-activite-2018/ 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 Other Please specify other means of ensuring transparency Reporting in annual reports between 2016 and 2018 Justice Community satisfaction Positive: The majority of feedback and reports indicate high levels of satisfaction and appreciation for the NBS project within the community. Description of locals satisfaction with the project -Sources recommend the site for tourists and families (Ref 7; 8). 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: -Achieved increase in protected green space areas/Achieved increase number of protection areas: 25 ha where "nature has remained queen and flourishes freely, sheltered from the tumult and noise caused by man" ; "dotted with rare or endemic species" (Ref 4). -Achieved increased number of species present"The Jardin des Origines is an essential part of the Domaine d'Émeraude. It houses more than a hundred plants and spices used in Creole cuisine and traditional Caribbean ethnopharmacology. There you will find the annatto tree, the cocoa tree, the cinnamon tree, the coffee tree, the atoumo tree , and many others… Signs inform us about their continents of origin and the date they were established on the island. There are also species endemic to Martinique and the Antilles. A Creole house has been reconstructed with a Creole garden and its complex organization. Each plant is identified by its Creole and scientific name, as well as the botanical family to which it belongs." (Ref. 4) Social justice and community: -Achieved gain in activities for recreation and exercise:* ”Nearly 4km of walking trails accessible to adults and children have been created. Three routes of 15, 30 or 60 minutes allow you to explore this forest which is home to more than a hundred native species” (Ref 4). -Expected enhanced cognitive restoration, relaxation and stress relief: "“At Domaine d’Émeraude, the air can be heard, the smells can be savoured and the sounds can be experienced. The freshness of the place is a source of change of scenery and relaxation… a journey, an escapade, a wild flight towards unknown sensations” (Ref 4). -Achieved increased sense of place identity, memory and belonging: In the summer of 2018, 317 people were involved in workshops on Martinican cultural and natural heritage in green spaces (Ref 1). In the summer of 2017, 612 people were engaged in workshops on Martinican cultural and natural heritage in green spaces (Ref 2). In the summer of 2016, 1008 people were involved in workshops on Martinican cultural and natural heritage in green spaces (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. PNRM (2019). Rapport Activite 2018. pnr-martinique.com, Accessed on September 25, 2024, [Source link] [Archive]; 2. PNRM (2018). Rapport Activite 2017. pnr-martinique.com, Accessed on September 25, 2024, [Source link] [Archive]; 3. PNRM (2017). Rapport Activite 2016. pnr-martinique.com, Accessed on September 25, 2024, [Source link] [Archive]; 4. PNRM (n.d.). le Domaine d'Émeraude. pnr-martinique.com, Accessed on September 25, 2024, [Source link] [Archive]; 5. PNRM (n.d.). La charte du PNRM. pnr-martinique.com, Accessed on September 25, 2024, [Source link] [Archive]; 6. PNRM (n.d.). Les missions du PNRM. pnr-martinique.com, Accessed on September 25, 2024, [Source link] [Archive]; 7. Martinique Tour (n.d.). Domaine d'Émeraude Jardin Remarquable. martinique-tour.com, Accessed on September 25, 2024, [Source link] [Archive]; 8. Martinique Tour (n.d.). Visite du Domaine d'Émeraude. martinique-tour.com, Accessed on September 25, 2024, [Source link] [Archive]; 9. INSEE (2024). Dossier complet Commune du Morne-Rouge (97218). insee.fr, Accessed on September 25, 2024, [Source link] [Archive]; 10. PNRF (2021). LE BUDGET ET LES EFFECTIFS DES PARCS NATURELS REGIONAUX. parcsnaturelsregionaux.fr, Accessed on September 25, 2024, [Source link] [Archive]; Comments and notes Public Images Image Martinique https://www.martinique-tour.com/decouvrir-la-martinique/sites-a-visiter-en-martinique/la-route-des-musees-et-jardins/visite-du-domaine-de-lemeraude/ Image Martinique https://www.martinique-tour.com/decouvrir-la-martinique/sites-a-visiter-en-martinique/la-route-des-musees-et-jardins/visite-du-domaine-de-lemeraude/ Image Martinique https://www.martinique-tour.com/decouvrir-la-martinique/sites-a-visiter-en-martinique/la-route-des-musees-et-jardins/visite-du-domaine-de-lemeraude/ Image Domaine de l'Émeraude Screenshot from: https://www.martinique-tour.com/decouvrir-la-martinique/sites-a-visiter-en-martinique/la-route-des-musees-et-jardins/visite-du-domaine-de-lemeraude/ Image The Nature Exploration Pavillion Screenshot from: https://www.martinique-tour.com/decouvrir-la-martinique/sites-a-visiter-en-martinique/la-route-des-musees-et-jardins/visite-du-domaine-de-lemeraude/ Image Martinique https://www.martinique-tour.com/decouvrir-la-martinique/sites-a-visiter-en-martinique/la-route-des-musees-et-jardins/visite-du-domaine-de-lemeraude/
Image Martinique https://www.martinique-tour.com/decouvrir-la-martinique/sites-a-visiter-en-martinique/la-route-des-musees-et-jardins/visite-du-domaine-de-lemeraude/
Image Martinique https://www.martinique-tour.com/decouvrir-la-martinique/sites-a-visiter-en-martinique/la-route-des-musees-et-jardins/visite-du-domaine-de-lemeraude/
Image Martinique https://www.martinique-tour.com/decouvrir-la-martinique/sites-a-visiter-en-martinique/la-route-des-musees-et-jardins/visite-du-domaine-de-lemeraude/
Image Domaine de l'Émeraude Screenshot from: https://www.martinique-tour.com/decouvrir-la-martinique/sites-a-visiter-en-martinique/la-route-des-musees-et-jardins/visite-du-domaine-de-lemeraude/
Image The Nature Exploration Pavillion Screenshot from: https://www.martinique-tour.com/decouvrir-la-martinique/sites-a-visiter-en-martinique/la-route-des-musees-et-jardins/visite-du-domaine-de-lemeraude/
Image Martinique https://www.martinique-tour.com/decouvrir-la-martinique/sites-a-visiter-en-martinique/la-route-des-musees-et-jardins/visite-du-domaine-de-lemeraude/
