At the interface between the aquatic and terrestrial worlds, ponds are ecosystems belonging to the large family of wetlands, located in forested, agricultural, or urban areas. Highly threatened and forgotten, they constitute essential habitats for biodiversity, often composed of rare and endangered species (refuge, feeding, or breeding areas). In addition, they play numerous functional and hydrological roles: carbon sinks, natural filters, freshwater reserves, flood regulators, etc.

Over the past 50 years, half of the ponds in the Antilles have disappeared. Faced with this urgent need to preserve these environments, the Tropical Wetlands Relay Center (PRZHT), coordinated by Gaelle Vandersarren, has implemented the REMA (Restoration and Maintenance of Antilles Ponds) project, in collaboration with ecologist Mélanie Herteman.

This project, which began in September 2021, is led by Matthieu Norden. Its objective is to produce a technical guide for the restoration and maintenance of tropical ponds. This work, intended for managers, is based on work carried out on 12 experimental pilot sites located in Martinique, Guadeloupe, Marie-Galante, and Saint-Martin. The selected ponds each correspond to a representative case of ponds in the territory as well as the issues relating to tropical environments associated with them (typology, operation, needs, IAS, actions to be prioritized, etc.).

For more information: https://www.pole-tropical.org/2022/04/le-projet-rema-restauration-et-entretien-des-mares-des-antilles/

Writing and Photos: Mélanie Herteman