Developing coastal park systems in the tropics: Planning in the Turks and Caicos islands

Abstract

Abstract A new national park system is being developed in the Turks and Caicos Islands, a sparsely populated archipelago at the southern extreme of the Bahamian platform. A United Kingdom‐dependent territory, the small area supports pristine reef complexes, large tidal flats, nesting seabird colonies, and endangered species such as the green turtle (Chelonia mydas,), humpback whale (Megaptera novængliæ,), and Kirtland's warbler (Dendroica kirtlandii). The habitats supporting globally threatened and endangered species are threatened by a recent boom in tourism and land development. In 1987, the Turks and Caicos government identified 32 marine and terrestrial sites for future designation as national parks, nature reserves, sanctuaries, and historical sites, 27 of which have not been gazetted. Challenges to the protection of this new system include an aid‐dependent economy, limited infrastructure and trained personnel, the remote location of many sites, increasing pressure on specific sites (especially popular coral reef dive sites), the small scale of the civil service, and a lack of environmental awareness in the islands. Discussed in this article is a strategy for long‐term financial support and training for development of a park system, including local management and enforcement capabilities. This strategy has implications for many small Caribbean countries with extensive coastal habitats in need of protection.