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 Le projet REMA – Restauration et Entretien des Mares des Antilles Short description of the intervention In 2012, PRZHT (Pôles Relais Zones Humides Tropicales) initiated Project REMA, an effort dedicated to the conservation and rehabilitation of ponds in the Antilles, with backing from the IUCN. Wetland ecosystems in Martinique and the Caribbean had long been overlooked. However, interest in these habitats grew after PRZHT introduced an interactive virtual tour of Antilles ponds in 2019. Project REMA emerged in response to local concerns about the lack of technical resources for pond restoration in the French West Indies. While similar initiatives had been undertaken in France, there was no specific guide tailored to this region. Though originally conceived in 2012, the project remained dormant for several years before fully launching in 2019. Between 2019 and 2021, restoration experiments were conducted on 12 ponds across Martinique, Guadeloupe, and Saint-Martin, laying the groundwork for a comprehensive technical manual. Building on this success, REMA II was introduced in January 2024 with a three-year scope. This new phase will focus on restoring and maintaining 80 ponds, both public and private, in Martinique and Guadeloupe. Additionally, it will address the management of invasive species and incorporate eDNA analysis to enhance conservation efforts. These small wetlands play a fundamental role in flood regulation, water storage, pollutant filtration, erosion control, and carbon absorption. They also provide refuges for biodiversity and contribute to the resilience of territories in the face of climate change. (1, 2, 3) Website of the intervention https://www.pole-tropical.org/2022/04/le-projet-rema-restauration-et-entretien-… Principal problems Climate-Related Hazards Drought Coastal hazards (e.g. erosion, flooding) Environmental Degradation Biodiversity loss Invasive alien species Implementation area characterization Climate Tropical (Tropican rainforest, tropical monsoon, tropical savanna) Ecosystem Mangroves Address Martinique Location The NBS is a city-wide initiative, the GIS point marks the centre of the city Area boundary (map-based) Area description Urban (main city) Other urban area outside city center (e.g. another municipality in the FUA, commuting zone) Periurban (both urban and rural environments are present) Freshwater landscape (e.g. river, lake) Type of area before implementation of the NBS Freshwater setting (e.g. river, channel, lake, pond) Timeline of intervention Start date of the intervention (planning process) 2012 Start date of intervention (implementation process) 2021 End date of the intervention 2026 Present stage of the intervention Ongoing 2. Objectives of the intervention Objectives of the intervention Goals of the intervention Provide technical support, expertise and assistance to project management to better preserve ponds: an active network of volunteers (amateurs and professionals) is trained in each area in pond maintenance and restoration techniques. Protect and restore ponds: pond restoration operations are being successfully carried out in the two targeted areas. Protect wetlands for flood regulation, water storage, pollutant filtration, erosion control, and carbon absorption. Provide refuges for biodiversity and contribute to the resilience of territories in the face of climate change.(1, 2, 3) Key Priorities Climate action (adaptation and/or mitigation) Biodiversity (conservation and/or restoration) Sustainability challenge(s) addressed Climate action for adaptation, resilience and mitigation (SDG 13) Climate change adaptation Climate change mitigation Coastal resilience and marine protection (SDG 14) Coastal protection / hazard mitigation Green space, habitats and biodiversity (SDG 15) Habitat and biodiversity restoration Water management (SDG 6) Flood protection Stormwater and rainfall management and storage Social justice, cohesion and equity (SDG 10) Environmental education Climate change adaptation: What activities are implemented to realize the conservation goals and targets? Implement measures that prevent/manage desertification, soil erosion and landslides Restore mangroves, marshes, reefs and wetlands to dissipate the effects of storms and floodwaters Climate change mitigation: What activities are implemented to realize the conservation goals and targets? Protect and restore coastal wetlands, mangroves and salt marshes, aiming at sequestering carbon dioxide and storing it in their soils 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 Clear and control invasive alien species Public engagement Implementation activities and NBS focus Implementation activities Phase 1: This project, which began in September 2021 produced a comprehensive technical guide for wetland conservation. Designed for environmental managers, this guide is based on research conducted at 12 experimental pilot sites across Martinique, Guadeloupe, Marie-Galante, and Saint-Martin.The selected ponds represent a range of typical cases found in the region, each highlighting key challenges related to tropical wetland ecosystems. These include variations in pond typology, ecological function, specific restoration needs, invasive alien species (IAS) management, and priority conservation actions. By studying these diverse sites, the project has been able to develop targeted strategies for sustaining and restoring these valuable aquatic environments. Phase 2: Key project activities include supporting restoration efforts through biodiversity assessments, species protection, and IAS monitoring. Scientific protocols are developed for water and plant analysis, inventories, and eDNA studies. Collaboration with experts ensures data-driven restoration strategies, which are integrated into the REMA Guide. Training is also a priority, with sessions for participants, partners, and officials on pond biodiversity and restoration. The project provides educational programs for the partner network and organizes seminars to raise awareness among local decision-makers about ecosystem conservation. (1, 2,3) Type of NBS project Coastal landscape management or protection Coastal ecosystems restoration and maintenance (mangroves, dunes, saltplains, underwater meadows) Improving coastal resilience Ecological restoration of ecosystems Remediation activities of sites with very poor environmental quality Restoration of wetlands (other types than peatlands and mangroves, e.g. seagrass) Knowledge creation and awareness raising Educational and awareness raising programs Scientific research of biodiversity or ecosystems Monitoring and maintenance of habitats and/or biodiversity Clearing out invasive alien species and allow natural regeneration maintaining the functionality the ecosystem Habitat mapping, restoration and monitoring-focused management 3. NBS domains, ES and scale NBS domain and interventions Ecological domain(s) where the NBS intervention(s) is/are implemented Blue infrastructure Coastal wetland, mangroves and salt marshes Mangroves Amenities offered by the NBS Unknown Design elements for well-being None of the above Services Expected ecosystem services delivered Regulating services Coastal protection Carbon storage/sequestration Flood regulation Habitat and supporting services Habitats for species Cultural services Intellectual interactions (scientific and / or educational) Scale Spatial scale Meso-scale: Regional, metropolitan and urban level Beneficiaries Demographics in implementation area This project has been implemented on a larger area and it is not possible to gather data on demographics. Socio-economic profile of the area Unknown Communities vulnerable to environmental hazards or climate change impacts Yes Specification of climate or environmentally vulnerable communities Coastal communities Primary Beneficiaries National-level government Citizens or community groups Coastal-dependent communities (e.g. small-scale fishers, coastal farmers, and indigenous peoples) Specify primary beneficiaries "In recent years in the French West Indies, there has been a renewed interest in these mini wetlands, known as ponds, from both public and private stakeholders. Indeed, given the multiple benefits they provide and the ecosystem services they provide, ponds represent a significant opportunity for managers of natural areas, farmers, and even landowners, who can benefit from them in numerous ways (flood moderation, water storage, sediment retention and transformation, erosion control, elimination/capture of diffuse pollutants from surface water, carbon absorption, etc.)." (4) Marginalized groups Unknown Other beneficiaries Local wildlife (e.g., birds, pollinators) Natural habitats (e.g. wetland, forests, coastal areas) Ecosystem services (e.g. improved air quality, water purification) City infrastructure (e.g., reduced flooding, improved water quality) 4. Governance and financing Governance Please specify the roles of the specific government and non-government actor groups involved in the initiative Both phases of the REMA project were supported by local and community stakeholders, including private and public landowners, as well as regional and international organizations like Pôles Relais Zones Humides Tropicales (PRZHT) and the IUCN. Spanning multiple communities and islands, the project fostered connections across Martinique. REMA I and II also collaborated with various associations, such as Roots of the Sea, the Saint Luce citizens’ association, and the town’s technical department, engaging actors across different levels of governance—from local city planners to regional NGOs. Its strong ties with PRZHT ensured alignment with French State governance, securing financial support and guidance from the OFB (French Office for Biodiversity) and the the Martinique Water Office (ODE) to advance the preservation of overseas tropical wetlands. (4) In phase II of the project Albioma Foundation and the Crédit Agricole Pays de France Foundation joined as financing org. (6) Key actors - initiating organization Transnational network Key actors - Other stakeholders involved (besides initiating actors) National government Local government/municipality Public sector institution Non-government organisation/civil society Citizens or community group Private foundation/trust Stages of citizen and community engagement On-the-ground implementation Level of citizen and community engagement Moderate Community empowerment or capacity-building initiatives 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) Dissemination of information and education Joint implementation (e.g. tree planting) Uncommon actors ("Missing actors") Infrastructure & Management Utility companies: water, sewage, etc. Land owners Private sector or company 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" European Water Framework Directive (WFD - 2000/60/EC) (4) NBS intervention implemented in response to a national regulations/strategy/plan Yes Please specify the national regulations/strategy/plan The PRZHT is part of the network of Wetland Relay Centers, created in 2001 in line with the 1st National Wetland Plan to encourage and support local initiatives for the sustainable management of these environments. (6) If there is a relevant strategy or plan, please specify the theme/type of the plan National Water Plan/Strategy NBS intervention implemented in response to a local regulation/strategy/plan Unknown Mandatory or voluntary intervention Mandatory (based on policy) Intervention is mandatory Environmental regulation Enablers & Barriers Type of enablers Capacity-building projects Governance innovations (such as public private partnerships) 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. Capacity building: "an active network of volunteers (amateurs and professionals) is trained in each area in pond maintenance and restoration techniques." (2) Governance innovations: "REMA also collaborated with various associations, such as Roots of the Sea, the Saint Luce citizens’ association, and the town’s technical department, engaging actors across different levels of governance—from local city planners to regional NGOs." (4) City network: "This 26-month project aims to produce a technical guide based on around ten ponds to be restored in the territories of Martinique, Guadeloupe and Saint-Martin." (3) Funds: "REMA I was financed by the French Biodiversity Office (OFB), the Martinique Water Office (ODE); REMA 2 was financed by REMA I was financed by the French Biodiversity Office (OFB), the Martinique Water Office (ODE) and by the Albioma Foundation and the Crédit Agricole Pays de France Foundation" (5) Governace and decison-making instruments Strategic instruments (e.g. GI strategies, green space strategy or plans) Joint regional planning between municipalities (e.g. inter-municipal exchange platforms, regional plans for environmental management) 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 Formal coordination mechanisms to oversee project implementation and decision-making (e.g., multi-stakeholder steering committees, working groups) Capacity-building initiatives for governance actors (e.g. training workshops for local government officials/ community leaders) Barriers Unknown Financing Total cost €100,000 - €500,000 Please specify total cost (EUR) Not clear, however for the 2nd Phase the project is received €74,160 in funding from the Albioma Foundation (7) What is/was the Cost/Budget (EUR) of the NBS or green infrastructure elements? Unknown Source(s) of funding Public national budget Private Foundation/Trust Type of fund(s) used 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 Co-finance for NBS Yes Co-governance arrangement Unknown Entrepreneurship opportunities Unknown Business models Business models Risk reduction model Urban offsetting model (biodiversity or water) Which of the involved actors was motivated by this model? Public actor (e.g. municipality) Private non-for-profit actor (e.g. NGO, foundation) 5. Evaluation and learning Impacts, benefits Environmental impacts Climate change Enhanced carbon sequestration Achieved enhanced carbon sequestration Water management and blue areas Improved stormwater management Achieved improved stormwater management Green space and habitat Increased presence and recovery of wild species Achieved increased presence and recovery of wild species Improved prevention or control of invasive alien species Achieved improved prevention or control of invasive alien species Description of environmental benefits --Achieved improved stormwater management: "Wetland ecosystems in Martinique play a vital role in protecting communities from flooding by acting as natural water reservoirs and retention areas" (4) -Achieved improved prevention or control of invasive alien species/-Achieved increased presence and recovery of wild species: "The removal of the giant salvinia from the Pont Café pond required five days of work between May and June 2023, thanks to the efforts of around twenty people from various organizations (...) Following the work, the pond was completely freed of the invasive alien species ). The beneficial effects on wildlife were immediately observed with the return of dragonflies and birds. More than a year and a half after the work, no giant salvinia has been observed. Furthermore, the cut rushes have grown back and are once again performing their water filtration role . They must now be maintained regularly. "; "Following these operations, the thorny plants present on the banks were removed from the environment and the water lettuce was removed from nearly 800 m²" (4) -Achieved enhanced carbon sequestration/-Achieved improved storm-water management: "This ecosystem, which over time was somewhat neglected, has recently regained interest among residents, particularly for the well-being it offers (cooling spots, relaxation, etc.). Moreover, thanks to their functionalities (rainwater retention basins, carbon absorption), ponds represent an essential asset in combating and adapting to climate change." (4) Economic impacts Unknown Social and cultural impacts Education Increased support for education and scientific research Expected increased support for education and scientific research Increased awareness of NBS and their benefits Achieved increased awareness of NBS and their benefits Description of social and cultural benefits -Achieved increased awareness of NBS and their benefits: "...continued its efforts to restore and enhance this pond through the implementation of projects and awareness-raising activities." (4) -Expected increased support for education and scientific research: "Nevertheless, this action remains a significant step in the protocol, to be implemented during the very first operation to verify whether the pond is home to a significant population of aquatic organisms, or as part of an awareness-raising initiative, particularly for schoolchildren." (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 National government Presence of indicators used in reporting No evidence in public records Presence of monitoring/evaluation reports Yes Link to monitoring/evaluation reports https://www.arb-guadeloupe.fr/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/guide-technique-rema-2… 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.arb-guadeloupe.fr/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/guide-technique-rema-2… 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.) 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 In the planning phase, the project aimed to address issues in all 3 key priority areas, but impacts were not delivered in all three key areas. Reaching original project goals All the intended project goals were achieved Please specify the achievements of the project goals Climate change and biodiversity goals: --Achieved improved stormwater management: "Wetland ecosystems in Martinique play a vital role in protecting communities from flooding by acting as natural water reservoirs and retention areas" (4) -Achieved improved prevention or control of invasive alien species/-Achieved increased presence and recovery of wild species: "The removal of the giant salvinia from the Pont Café pond required five days of work between May and June 2023, thanks to the efforts of around twenty people from various organizations (...) Following the work, the pond was completely freed of the invasive alien species ). The beneficial effects on wildlife were immediately observed with the return of dragonflies and birds. More than a year and a half after the work, no giant salvinia has been observed. Furthermore, the cut rushes have grown back and are once again performing their water filtration role . They must now be maintained regularly. "; "Following these operations, the thorny plants present on the banks were removed from the environment and the water lettuce was removed from nearly 800 m²" (4) -Achieved enhanced carbon sequestration/-Achieved improved storm-water management: "This ecosystem, which over time was somewhat neglected, has recently regained interest among residents, particularly for the well-being it offers (cooling spots, relaxation, etc.). Moreover, thanks to their functionalities (rainwater retention basins, carbon absorption), ponds represent an essential asset in combating and adapting to climate change." (4) Long-term perspective Yes 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. Pôle-relais zones humides tropicales (PRZHT) (n.d.). Historique & missions. Accessed on April 1, 2025, [Download]; 2. MARTINIQUE BIODIVERSITY OBSERVATORY (n.d.). REMA PROJECT. Accessed on April 1, 2025, [Download]; 3. Wetland Relay Centers (n.d.). The REMA project – Restoration and Maintenance of the Ponds of the Antilles. Accessed on April 1, 2025, [Download]; 4. Herteman, M., Norden, M., & Vandersarren, G. (n.d.). Guide Technique de Restauration et d’Entretien. Accessed on April 1, 2025, [Download]; 5. Pôle-relais zones humides tropicales (PRZHT) (n.d.). Call for tenders: Scientific expertise REMA II project (Restoration and Maintenance of Antilles Ponds – phase 2024-2026). Accessed on April 1, 2025, [Download]; 6. Pôle-relais zones humides tropicales (PRZHT) (n.d.). Plan Stratégique d’Action 2022-2026. Accessed on April 1, 2025, [Download]; 7. Albioma (n.d.). Projet REMA (Restauration et Entretien des Mares des Antilles) – Comité français de l’UICN, Pôle-relais zones humides tropicales. Accessed on April 1, 2025,; 8. Pôle-relais zones humides tropicales (n.d.). Intro -UICN. Accessed on April 1, 2025, [Download]; Comments and notes Public Images Image Restoration and Maintenance of the Ponds of the Antilles https://www.pole-tropical.org/2022/04/le-projet-rema-restauration-et-entretien-des-mares-des-antilles/ Image Restoration and Maintenance of the Ponds of the Antilles https://www.pole-tropical.org/2022/04/le-projet-rema-restauration-et-entretien-des-mares-des-antilles/ Image Restoration and Maintenance of the Ponds of the Antilles https://www.pole-tropical.org/2022/04/le-projet-rema-restauration-et-entretien-des-mares-des-antilles/ Image Restoration and Maintenance of the Ponds of the Antilles https://www.pole-tropical.org/2022/04/le-projet-rema-restauration-et-entretien-des-mares-des-antilles/
Image Restoration and Maintenance of the Ponds of the Antilles https://www.pole-tropical.org/2022/04/le-projet-rema-restauration-et-entretien-des-mares-des-antilles/
Image Restoration and Maintenance of the Ponds of the Antilles https://www.pole-tropical.org/2022/04/le-projet-rema-restauration-et-entretien-des-mares-des-antilles/
Image Restoration and Maintenance of the Ponds of the Antilles https://www.pole-tropical.org/2022/04/le-projet-rema-restauration-et-entretien-des-mares-des-antilles/
Image Restoration and Maintenance of the Ponds of the Antilles https://www.pole-tropical.org/2022/04/le-projet-rema-restauration-et-entretien-des-mares-des-antilles/
