Pinel - Action IP1 Limiting qualitative and quantitative use of sites where the stakes are high

Evaluation of the anthropic impact of activities on the island of Pinel

Located within the perimeter of La Réserve Naturelle de Saint-Martin, in the heart of the protected marine zone, the restaurants on the island of Pinel are extremely popular with residents as well as tourists. They are part of the “post card” of tourist attractions on the French side, and spearhead tourism in Saint Martin along with the area developed around Orient Bay. Their economic importance comes from the generation of important direct and indirect revenues. These activities, and the numbers of people who go there, mean that there is an ecological hit, especially in terms of the marine milieus close by. Scientific studies—presented to the members of the advisory committee—show a correlation between the deterioration of these aquatic milieus and the anthropic activities requiring pumping of sea water, desalination, waste treatment, added to the numerous boats, usage of anchors, and public activities, all of which are factors leading to damage of the underwater sea beds and the coral. In this light, the management association of La Réserve Naturelle de Saint-Martin works toward the signing of a partnership agreement with the commercial entities on Pinel, so that they can actually see the impact that their activities have on natural sites, and they will participate in their projection in order to diminish, or even eliminate, the recognized impact that these activities have on protected areas. In addition, the businesses are invited to approach the services of the management association of La Réserve Naturelle so that they can study together the actions that will be put into place to curb this process, which will consist primarily in the realization of the actions listed in the management plan: creation of mooring zones; better reception of the public; scientific studies, development of programs to restore the underwater sea plant beds…