Rapid Assessment of the Economic Value of Ecosystem Services Provided by Mangroves and Coral Reefs and Steps Recommended for the Creation of a Marine Protected Area Caracol, Haiti
Summary — This report assesses the economic value of mangroves and coral reefs in Caracol Bay, Haiti, estimating US$ 109.7 million in ecosystem services. It provides recommendations for establishing Haiti's first marine protected area.
Key Findings
- Caracol Bay's ecosystem services are valued at US$ 109.7 million annually (US$ 105.2 million from mangroves and US$ 4.5 million from coral reefs).
- Haiti remains the only Caribbean nation without any type of coastal and marine managed area despite having over 1,771km of coastline.
- Nearly two-thirds of Caribbean coral reefs are threatened by human activities including coastal development, pollution, and overfishing.
- Only 6% of Caribbean marine protected areas are rated as effectively managed.
- Caracol Bay contains significant potential for Haiti's first marine protected area with 5,261 hectares of mangroves and 901 hectares of coral reefs.
Full Description
This comprehensive assessment examines the economic value of ecosystem services provided by mangroves and coral reefs in Caracol Bay, northeastern Haiti. Using the Ecosystem Value Transfer method, the study estimates mangroves contribute US$ 105.2 million and coral reefs US$ 4.5 million annually, totaling US$ 109.7 million in ecosystem services. The report highlights that Haiti remains the only Caribbean nation without coastal and marine managed areas despite having over 1,771km of coastline.
The study was conducted for the Organization of American States and Inter-American Biodiversity Information Network as part of the ReefFix program, an Integrated Coastal Zone Management initiative. Due to lack of reliable socio-economic and fisheries data, the methodology focused on value transfer calculations rather than comprehensive economic analysis. The assessment covers 5,261 hectares of mangroves and 901 hectares of coral reefs in the target area.
The report incorporates key findings from the World Resources Institute's 'Reefs at Risk' study, which identified that nearly two-thirds of Caribbean coral reefs face threats from human activities, including coastal development, pollution, overfishing, and climate change. It emphasizes that ineffective management of existing protected areas compounds these threats, with only 6% of Caribbean marine protected areas rated as effectively managed.
The document concludes with recommendations for establishing Caracol Bay as Haiti's first marine protected area, outlining considerations including location selection, size determination, enforcement mechanisms, zoning implementation, stakeholder involvement, and sustainability planning. The methodology suggests involving public consultation and could culminate in either presidential decree or parliamentary approval for formal designation.