4.1 Forestry in Land Use
4.2 Forest Based Industrial Development
4.3 Fuelwood and Energy
4.4 Conservation of Forest Ecosystems
4.5 Institutions
4.1.1 Land Use Distribution
4.1.2 Watershed Management
4.1.3 Agroforestry
4.1.4 Forest Management and Silviculture
31. Present land use distribution is difficult to quantify reliably, as various estimates differ. The Land Use/Watershed Management consultant has summarized previous percentage estimates as shown in Table 3.
Table 3. Antigua & Barbuda Land Use Distribution.
|
CATEGORY |
ANTIGUA LAND AREA |
BARBUDA LAND AREA |
|
Woodland |
34 |
66 |
|
Mangrove Swamp |
3 |
22 |
|
Scrub/Rough Grazing |
33 |
9 |
|
Improved Pasture |
4 |
- |
|
Agriculture Crops |
8 |
1 |
|
Settlements |
11 |
- |
|
Tourism |
3 |
2 |
|
Airfields |
3 |
- |
|
Reservoirs |
1 |
- |
32. Rural land use activities include beekeeping, livestock, small cropping, large specialty farms and part-time farms. The main crops are pineapples, cotton, onions, pawpaw, coconuts and flowers. There is considerable opportunity to increase local production of many tropical fruits and to reduce imports and outflows of foreign exchange. This strategy can be integrated with a livestock improvement programme to reduce imports of meats. The feed for livestock would be enhanced by fodder and crop residues, while the animal litter would enrich the soils and improve their productivity.
33. Numerous reports on land use have pointed to the need for watershed rehabilitation to enhance the ground water storage, reduce wind desiccation, increase fodder and fencing material. NGOs have become active in advocating tree planting for food production and amenity of the countryside, employing women and community groups as well as school children. In this regard, the Pan American Development Foundation and the Environmental Awareness Group have embarked on a small scale agroforestry project, working with about twelve communities to establish fruit orchards, live fencing and woodlots.
34. In Antigua the Government owns sixty percent of the land, some of which is currently rented to small farmers on a year-to-year basis. This system is practically feudalistic and offers no stability to the farmers who need to feel that they have a stake in their nation. It should be replaced with longer term leases and also by a system of freehold through a land settlement scheme based on economically sized parcels. Indeed, GOAB should consider divesting its farms and stations to the highest bidder, or to staff and workers in part settlement for voluntary redundancy. This would relieve pressure on the Recurrent Budget, while allowing inflows of cash to support necessary investments or loan repayments.
35. Antigua and Barbuda depends mainly on surface runoff for its water needs: domestic, industrial, irrigation and recreational. Existing ground water resources are extremely limited, and reportedly are threatened by excessive use, as well as potential contamination from salt intrusion, chemical pollutants and inadequate sewage and waste disposal facilities. While efforts are in train to cope with this problems, attention needs to be given to measures that will reduce siltation of reservoirs and maintain the land in a conducive condition for optimal percolation and soil water retention.
36. There is very little data on surface runoff and infiltration, but over the years, the change in vegetation has obviously affected the volume of runoff and the transport of sediment into the reservoirs and ponds. Additional water sources include wells, the desalinization of sea water and cisterns. Total demand is 3 - 4 mgd (million gallons per day) of which actual consumption was 2.42 mgd in 1987. Delivery capacity is 2.2 - 3.8 mgd, there being considerable loss from broken pipes. Future demand is estimated at 5.1 mgd in the year 2000 and approximately 8.0 mgd in 2020. A proper water plan is needed particularly in view of the concentration on tourism and the increasing visits of cruise ships which combined, can take away from Antigua approximately 500,000 to 750,000 gallons of water per month.
37. While interest in watershed areas is primarily focused on water quality and quantity for storage sites, this may shift with increasing demand for food, to include crop production along with systems to minimize erosion and pollution. Roaming livestock have compacted the hillside lands and have browsed on cultivations and gardens.
38. As a possible solution for such a problem, it is recommended that agroforestry (multi-cropping) systems be used (eg. plant leucaena in contour hedges with cultivated grasses). Also, the regular illicit burning of rough grazing and woodland causes the spread of citronella grass and creates a greater problem for land rehabilitation. Before embarking on any watershed programme, a detailed plan of the area should be developed, including the location of agroforestry treatments, conservation measures, subdivision of farm holdings, protection of runoff and drainage channels.
39. Within the framework of integrated land use planning and watershed management, the production of agricultural crops in combination with trees is an excellent conservation practice which offers the opportunity for sustained use of land to maximize returns, while protecting soil and water resources. In Antigua, agroforestry is not new, having been practised historically on large and small holdings. However, there is room for intelligent modifications to be applied according to local situations, and the approach is being proposed as a means of increasing land utilization and farm output, particularly fruits and livestock, primarily for the local market. In addition, meaningful proposals have been made for solving the problem of uncontrolled grazing, while providing forage, fencing, shelter and pasturage for livestock.
40. The present forest cover of Antigua is secondary forest, which has developed following the decline of the sugar industry. The most important species are Spanish oak (Inga laurina), silk cotton (Ceiba pentandra), mahogany, turpentine (Bursera simaruba), white cedar, and logwood (Haematoxylon campechianum). The mangrove forests consist of Rhizophora mangle. Avicennia nitida and Laguncularia racemosa. The dry scrub forests are dominated by Acacia spp. and Prosopis chilensis which were introduced and have become naturalized. Other introduced species include casuarina, neem (Azadirachta indica), tamarind (Tamarindus indica), leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala) and woman's tongue (Albizzia lebbeck).
41. It is not expected that the secondary forest will contain many trees of marketable size, and indeed there is no sawmilling capacity on the island. However, on the few plots of planted trees (neem, casuarina, leucaena, mahogany and white cedar), the growth has been promising, and annual measurement of selected stems on each site can be made by the Division's staff on a systematic basis. The data derived will assist in future determinations of species suitability and potential performance, should a large reforestation programme be adopted.
42. The Forestry Division can now be assigned responsibility for the management of Antigua's forest estate (when demarcated and gazetted) and for implementing a forestry programme based on the recommendations of previous studies and the NFAP. Existing forest cover and scrubland should be assessed in terms of the opportunity to conserve biodiversity or, where possible because of soil depth, to be reforested for the production of commercial timber and other products. This will entail air photo interpretation ground-truthing as a normal Divisional function, and preparation of maps and working plans. Forest rangers should be deployed in the field on regular patrols against illicit extraction, cattle trespass, clearing, fires, etc.
43. There is no industrial forestry activity apart from small scale charcoal production (largely for tourist and domestic recreation pursuits), extraction of wattle for fish and lobster traps, and some use of mahogany and white cedar for boat construction and fence posts. Estimates are that 1135 tonnes/year of charcoal and 4000 fence posts/year are produced, but there are no supporting data. The wood related manufacturing sector is also small, but again there are no records. Some opportunity may exist for handicraft material for carving, but technical training would be required to enhance growth in this area, particularly to utilize the limbs pruned from urban mahogany trees, some of which are dying or so badly mutilated that they should be felled and replaced. In addition, there is potential for non-wood products of agroforestry such as fruits and nuts, fodder and water.
44. Neem has been quite successful in Antigua and Barbuda and is widespread, mainly along road-sides or fence lines. It seems to have withstood the effects of hurricane Hugo in 1989, and attention should be given to determining the utilization prospects for this valuable fast-growing species. It is being planted elsewhere in the world and produces a wide range of products. These include the extract from the seed kernel and seed coat to yield neem oil, which is used as a lubricant, insect repellant and insecticide and in the manufacture of soaps and cosmetics. The seedcake residue is a valuable organic manure and cattle feed, while the root exudate has medicinal properties; the bark yields an industrial gum and the leaves are used as a green manure. The timber is also useful for lumber and fuelwood. Antigua and Barbuda has an excellent opportunity to investigate the industrial potential of this tree which could attract investment to the country.
45. In spite of the relatively high per capita income levels in Antigua and Barbuda, there is still some consumption of charcoal. Unfortunately, no reliable records exist to indicate the levels of production and consumption. Charcoal burning does not presently constitute a threat to forest resources as suitable material is already available from pastures in the form of Acacia. This tree is a pest which threatens the health of cattle, as the thorns cause severe skin lesions, exposing the animals to the risk of disease. The GOAB is obviously aware of the continuing world energy crisis, and a case could therefore be made for encouraging the use of alternate sources of energy to save foreign exchange and to utilize natural products generated in the course of development initiatives such as agroforestry and watershed rehabilitation.
46. In spite of its small size, the island possesses considerable wildlife and ecosystem diversity, much of which could enhance the growth of tourism but, more importantly, could awaken society's consciousness and pride in its natural environment. The Country Environmental Profile has recommended specific elements to be included in a system of national parks and protected areas, and these should be expanded to include coastal zones and forested areas.
47. Negative development pressure on the coastal zone can compromise the future ability of the country to sustain long-term socio-economic growth. All development proposals should be carefully reassessed to avoid adverse environmental impact. In the meantime, interim action can be taken to stimulate financing of resource management through collection of fees by local guides and monitoring of visitor levels and impact. Resource inventories are proposed under the NFAP projects.
48. The main institutions concerned with forestry and environmental management include the Forestry and Fisheries Divisions, the Development Control Authority (DCA), the National Parks Authority (NPA) and NGOs, primarily the Environmental Awareness Group (EAG). Under the present tight fiscal policies, the public agencies are restricted in their ability to execute programmes. There are no funds available to undertake work programmes in forestry or agroforestry, to maintain monitoring of fisheries and fishermen, nor to expand the capability of the NPA.
49. The NGOs led by the EAG, are particularly knowledgeable and committed, and though lacking in resources, they are quite resourceful. They have played a significant role in raising environmental consciousness, although their confrontational approach has been met with official suspicion. However, they are now widely accepted in official circles that recognize the desirability of closer collaboration. This has led to the appointment of the Historical, Conservation and Environmental Commission (HCEC), aimed at improved dialogue and coordination within the public sector. However, the general institutional situation of the public sector is weak in implementing capacity and performance, and the NGOs are still skeptical that the Government will change its ways.
50. The NPA is backed by strong legislation which provides for inter-sectoral linkages to consult and cooperate with agencies having similar aims and objectives. It also has the power to delegate its functions and this could be done through the Barbuda Council, Forestry and Fisheries Divisions, the EAG and other NGOs.
51. The Barbuda Council was established by the Barbuda Local Government Act (No. 15, 1976), to manage Barbuda's government affairs. The Council consists of 9 members who elect a chairman and secretary from among them. Proposals for capital and special expenditure are required to be submitted to the Ministry of Home Affairs (Central Government) who forward them to the Ministry of Finance. The Council has powers to make bye-laws for development on the Island.
52. The conservation and development of forest resources can only be implemented by capable resource management institutions, properly staffed and financed, and provided with the necessary authority for efficient execution of their responsibilities. Unfortunately, the lead agencies in Antigua and Barbuda do not seem to be adequately equipped at present, and will require considerable strengthening to improve their management capacity.
53. With the recent return of the country's first professional forester, the Government now possesses the nucleus of trained forestry personnel. The Forestry Division can now be empowered with the following responsibilities and functions:
a) protection of the forest estate, wildlife sanctuaries and protected areas;b) afforestation and forest management in watershed areas;
c) cooperation with private and Government agencies on urban forestry programmes (including the Botanical Gardens), forestry education and information;
d) assessment and conservation of biodiversity and promotion of ecotourism;
e) generation of self sustaining activities utilizing forest and non-wood products;
f) preparation of budget plans and annual performance reports.
54. The following steps are therefore recommended for official approval and action:
i) adoption of a formal national forest policy and appointment of the Chief Forestry and Wildlife Officer;ii) declaration and gazetting of the forest estate, followed by survey and demarcation of forest reserve boundaries;
iii) preparation and approval of a baseline work plan for the Division, including job descriptions for all staff;
iv) transfer of game wardens, caretakers and necessary staff to the budget of the Division;
v) assignment of responsibility for supervising the maintenance of the Victoria Park and Botanical Gardens;
vi) assignment of office accommodation, vehicles and equipment to enable efficient performance of the Divisions functions.
55. After establishment of the Division, there are a number of basic activities which it can undertake, namely:
- planning, layout and implementation of a forest recreation centre at Wallings;- planning and implementation of urban forestry based on the Botanical Gardens;
- field assessment of planted forested trees, enumeration, diameter and height measurements, site conditions;
- assessment of charcoal production from leucaena at Dunbars;
- continued cooperation with Fisheries Division and NGOs in mangrove and wildlife monitoring;
- initiation of contacts with NPA to discuss areas of collaboration;
- selection of possible reforestation sites and planning proposals for employment absorption.
These activities can be undertaken with little or no new financing and are within the technical capability of the trained staff. The results will soon be evident if tasks are approached in a business-like manner and with an eye to the future.
