GEO/CZCP Workshop:

Earth Observation Support for Sustainable Tourism in Small Island States 3/9/2011 The Biological Observing System: Capturing Changes in Ecosystems and Biodiversity Presenter, LaVerne E. Ragster, Ph.D.

Professor of Marine Biology University of 111111 the Virgin Islands San Juan, Puerto Rico March 8-11, 2011 GEO/CZCP Workshop: The Biological Observing System

The Caribbean Context

 Island microstates with typical constraints  Connected political, cultural, and linguistic diversity  Coastal ecosystems linked by ocean  High biological diversity, high level of endemism and high level of extinction 3/9/2011 GEO/CZCP Workshop: The Biological Observing System

Trunk Bay, St. John USVI 3/9/2011 GEO/CZCP Workshop: The Biological Observing System

Benners Bay Lagoon, St. Thomas USVI 3/9/2011 GEO/CZCP Workshop: The Biological Observing System

Hurricane Hole, St. John USVI 3/9/2011 GEO/CZCP Workshop: The Biological Observing System

Coral Reef Ecosystem 3/9/2011 GEO/CZCP Workshop: The Biological Observing System

The Caribbean Context

3/9/2011  Examples of Biodiversity in the Caribbean:  630 species of reptiles and amphibians (99% & 93% endemism)  560 species of birds (40 genera and 180 species endemic)  188 endemic flora  Largest butterfly in Western Hemisphere –giant swallowtail butterfly (Jamaica)  11% of world’s coral reefs (600 species of fish and 60 species of coral) GEO/CZCP Workshop: The Biological Observing System

The Caribbean Context

 Major economic activities based on natural resources : 

Tourism

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Coastal development projects

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Fisheries

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Agroforestry

3/9/2011 GEO/CZCP Workshop: The Biological Observing System

The Caribbean Context

 Challenges to Biodiversity in the Region:  Unsustainable exploitation  Poorly managed tourism (site, capacity issues)  Pollution (industrial and development practices)  Mining  Habitat destruction and conversion (urbanization)  Natural events (e.g., hurricanes, storms)  Introduction of alien species  Global warming, ocean acidification, sea level rise 3/9/2011 GEO/CZCP Workshop: The Biological Observing System

Brewers Beach, St. Thomas USVI 3/9/2011 GEO/CZCP Workshop: The Biological Observing System

Brewers Bay, St. Thomas USVI 3/9/2011 GEO/CZCP Workshop: The Biological Observing System

Coral Bleaching in St. Croix, USVI 3/9/2011 GEO/CZCP Workshop: The Biological Observing System

Coastal Development Emerald Beach, St. Thomas USVICC 3/9/2011 GEO/CZCP Workshop: The Biological Observing System

Invasive Species 3/9/2011 GEO/CZCP Workshop: The Biological Observing System

Invasive Species 3/9/2011 GEO/CZCP Workshop: The Biological Observing System

The Biological Observing System: Research Gaps

Assume further research on all species, habitats and processes protecting them. Focus on gaps relating to biodiversity management in context of climate change: 1.

Long term monitoring of changes in coastal and marine ecosystems 2.

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Connectivity between systems in the Insular Caribbean Modeling of circulation changes in the Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, South and North Atlantic due to CC Sea level and sea surface temperature data for all of the insular Caribbean  Source : CANARI, Climate Change and Biodiveristy in the Insular Caribbean, Working Group Report on Climate Change Impacts on Coastal and Marine Biodiversity (2008) 3/9/2011 GEO/CZCP Workshop: The Biological Observing System

The Biological Observing System: Research Gaps (cont’d)

5.

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Ocean acidification Diseases affecting corals, turtles, marine mammals Invasive species Algal blooms and plankton Remediation techniques and ecosystem resilience Species responses to changes in temperature 3/9/2011 Source : CANARI, Climate Change and Biodiveristy in the Insular Caribbean, Working Group Report on Climate Change Impacts on Coastal and Marine Biodiversity (2008) GEO/CZCP Workshop: The Biological Observing System

Recommendations and Concerns from the Intergovernmental Level

 UN Barbados Program of Action 1994 (BPOA) – addressed sustainable development from a sector perspective even as it made the case for an integrated approach to planning and development 3/9/2011 GEO/CZCP Workshop: The Biological Observing System

Recommendations and Concerns from the Intergovernmental Level

 Mauritius Strategy (MSI, 2004) also included:  Concern about preparedness for climate change evident  Linkages between tourism and coastal and marine biodiversity noted  Cross sector issues: linking national needs to regional projects and expenditures; increasing public awareness; research; stakeholder participation; improved policy and legal frameworks; improved use of technology; training and education in sustainable development  Emerging areas focused on social, economic, and environmental vulnerability of SIDS GEO/CZCP Workshop: The Biological Observing System 3/9/2011

Recommendations and Concerns from the Intergovernmental Level

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Mauritius +5 Review:

 Generally, countries have not produced National Sustainable Development Plans/Strategies , but there is integration of the issues in a number of other strategies (poverty, economic development, strategic development)  Insufficient capacity and funding to complete MSI goals  Using more regional data sources (GOOS), organizations (CCCCC) and projects (UNEP, GEF)  Insufficient financial assistance to implement MSI goals 3/9/2011 GEO/CZCP Workshop: The Biological Observing System

What Now?

      Some data exists in and on the region, access to it is a challenge More is needed with a focus on adaptation to CC and sustainability and support of management questions arising from the MSI Partnerships appear to be effective in collecting data and information; timing, cooperation, communication, follow-through, and leadership critical Distribution and dissemination approaches inadequate for public, governments, and organizations Regional intergovernmental forums and organizations need to see the value of GOOS and other research providers – what is the most useful forum?

Some successful models for creating synergy among different groups to generate and use data/information available (CANARI, others?) GEO/CZCP Workshop: The Biological Observing System 3/9/2011

Coastal Development 3/9/2011 GEO/CZCP Workshop: The Biological Observing System

Magens Bay, USVI 3/9/2011 GEO/CZCP Workshop: The Biological Observing System

3/9/2011 GEO/CZCP Workshop: The Biological Observing System

3/9/2011

Thank you.

GEO/CZCP Workshop: The Biological Observing System