Summary Report on Situational Analysis for Non-Timber Forest Products (Ntfps) in the Iyanola Region, Saint Lucia

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Summary report on situational analysis for Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) in the Iyanola Region, Saint Lucia

Preprint · April 2018 DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.13121.51048

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TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE

LIST OF ACRONYMS AND TABLES

1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1 1.1. Analysis & Recommendations

2. BACKGROUND 3 2.1 National context 3 2.2 Pressures 3 2.3 Population and rural employment 3 2.4 Tourism Sector 4 2.5 Forest Resources 4

3. IYANOLA REGION 6 3.1 Ecosystem management- Forest Reserves 7

4. NON TIMBER FOREST PRODUCTS OVERVIEW 8 4.1 Latanyé Palm 12 4.2 Latanyé Palm cultivation and conservation 13 4.3 L’ansan/ Incense 14 4.4 Mauby 17 4.5 Sachpawé 19

5. RECOMMENDATIONS 20

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS, ACRONYMS

DCA Development Control Authority (DCA)

EC Eastern Caribbean Currency

EU-SFA European Union-Special Framework of Assistance

FAO Food and Agricultural Organisation of the United Nations

GDP Gross Domestic Product

GIS Geographic Information System

GOSL Government of Saint Lucia

MALFF Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Forestry & Fisheries

NTFP Non Timber Forest Products

LIST OF TABLES

Table 1. populations of the quarters Table 2. Categories of Non Timber Forest Products in the Caribbean Table 3 . Trees selected by harvesters as suitable for broom handles Table 4. Area, Basal Area, Density and average DBH for P. attenuatum in different forest reserves (Source: SL FMIS 2009)

LIST OF FIGURES Fig. 1. Marijuana plantation in the Forest Reserve (image credit. Nigel.B. Charles) Fig. 2. Iyanola Boundary Fig. 3. Government Forest Reserve Boundaries Fig. 4. Mauby Fig. 5 L’ansan Fig. 6 Bay leaves Fig. 7 Bamboo weaving. Fig.8. Latanyé brooms Fig 9. Sachpawé Fig. 10. Number of plots with l'ansan in different interim forest classes

Fig. 11 Mauby bark Fig 12. Mauby branch cuttings in solar dryer Fig. 13 Local Mauby bark product Fig. 14 Sachpawé plant Fig. 15 Mauby and Latanyé wine

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1.1. Analysis & Recommendations Of Saint Lucia’s 617 square kilometres, 10% has slopes of less than 5 degrees and is located primarily along the coast and in valley areas. This spatial and topographical constraint has tended to dictate the availability of lands to meet the demands of the growing populace. “The transition to a tourism and services based economy is resulting in the net transfer of resources from agriculture and rural households to these emerging sectors, primarily tourism” (GOSL 2007). 1

In the Iyanola region, consisting of approximately 80 sq.km, as in other parts of St. Lucia, there is evidence of varying land-use conflicts between competing users, increasing pressures for the use of the natural environment to meet expansion pressures are evident through the encroachment on forested areas; traditional and usually prime agricultural lands being transformed to residential and other ancillary uses. Tourism development along the coast is exerting pressure on the marine environment and resources, and its traditional users.

There is evidence around Saint Lucia of the destructive effects of tourism on forests, and by extension, on ecosystem services, particularly along the coastal regions. This represents a substantial threat in the Iyanola region, particularly for the large private estates in the area (e.g. Grand Anse, Louvette and Marquis). In almost all instances, hotel development projects have depended almost entirely on external financing and several of these hotel developments have stalled, in several instances, leaving disastrous environmental circumstances in their wake (e.g. Les Paradis, Praslin Bay).

Testimonies from Non Timber Forest Producers (NTFPs) revealed the difficulties that the restructuring of the banana industry had imposed on them and the importance of the supplemental income through NTFPs (e.g. latanyé broom making, L’ansan). Therefore the sector is particularly important to rural communities given their limited ability to meaningfully participate in the increasingly important tourism sector. The Iyanola region has the potential for development of a range of products covered in this study.

The NTFPs identified in this study are currently actively harvested from the forests in the Iyanola region. They are informally traded and thereby provide an income to the rural stakeholders in the region as well as the vendors in market places island wide. The challenge is that the supplies are obtained from unassessed wild stocks in many instances (e.g. Sachpawé) or they are yet to be harvested under a sustainable management regime that would ensure a sustained supply to meet future market demands (e.g. L’ansan, Latanyé, mauby).

1 GOSL.2007. ST. LUCIA CENSUS OF AGRICULTURE 1

Forestry Department as well as private sector business interests that may able to develop value added products. This should help community stakeholders realise the full potential value of the NTFP stocks beyond exploitation of the basic raw materials currently sold on the market.

2. BACKGROUND

2.1. National Context Of Saint Lucia’s 617 square kilometres, 10% has slopes of less than 5 degrees and is located primarily along the coast and in valley areas. This spatial and topographical constraint has tended to dictate the availability of lands to meet the demands of the growing populace. “The transition to a tourism and services based economy is resulting in the net transfer of resources from agriculture and rural households to these emerging sectors, primarily tourism” (GOSL 2007). 2

With the increase in population and associated socio-economic activity, there is a correlated increasing demand for land for urban development with resulting expansion in housing, infrastructural development, tourism and the commercial and industrial sectors. These pressures are compounded as larger plots of land, originally under agriculture are subdivided, usually for residential purposes, thereby forcing the clearing of forests, particularly along the coastal areas. In addition, there is an ongoing encroachment of commercial activities into residential areas.

The pattern of land use and land management has evolved largely without the framework of a national land use strategy or policy. Instead, national property laws, registration practices, legislation and institutional capacities have dictated the direction of land use and management. In this context, the general inadequacies in legislative, institutional and technical capabilities have contributed to the limited effectiveness of forward planning and development control and this, in conjunction with other factors, has contributed to the present poor state of land-use management within the country with resulting negative impacts on state of biodiversity and ecosystem services.

2.2. Pressures

Increasing pressures for the use of the natural environment to meet varied expansion pressures are evident through the encroachment on forested areas and sloping terrain for agricultural uses including the illicit cultivation of marijuana; traditional and usually prime agricultural lands being transformed to residential and other ancillary uses; and traditionally residential areas being converted to commercial and light industrial uses. Tourism development along the coast is exerting pressure on the marine environment and resources, and its traditional users.

2.3. Population and rural employment The 2007 agricultural census also substantiated the rural to urban drift being experienced in Saint Lucia and the correlated social pressures that are typically experienced including urban sprawl and unregulated developments. The total agricultural holding household population has been decreasing since 1986 and this decrease was both in absolute and relative terms. In 2007 the 32,919 members of holding households represent about 21% of the national population.

2 GOSL.2007. ST. LUCIA CENSUS OF AGRICULTURE 3

2.4. Tourism Sector For the better part of the period 2000-2016, there was a steady increase in national investment in the tourism sector. Such investment was marked by a shift in tourism development from the small-medium sized establishments to the mega all-inclusive type infrastructural developments. Sprawling hotels, golf courses and other ancillary infrastructure, as well as an upsurge in urban residential construction and increase in access road networks dominated the construction sector, which in turn, supported economic growth over the period. This upsurge in activity to support investment in the tourism sector has had significant impact on the lands particularly along the coastal area and this represents a substantial interest to development in the north east quadrat of Saint Lucia, largely consisting of the Iyanola region.

2.5. Forest Resources In Saint Lucia, most of the State or public lands declared Government forest reserves (approx. 9,308 ha.) are in the island’s interior. This resulted largely from the historical focus on timber production, hillside slope protection for water catchment purposes and the need for soil and water conservation. Generally, much of the coastal forests in the Iyanola region including mangroves, were and still are commonly considered to be “bush” and hence of little importance to maintaining water supply. They are also largely marginal agricultural zones and hence considered suitable for alternative development options. This has opened up opportunities for conversion of forests under private land ownership, with very few government-owned coastal dry forest reserves. Most of coastal forest ecosystems (e.g. tropical dry forests or deciduous seasonal forests, mangroves) which typify most of the Iyanola coastal region and their biodiversity are generally threatened from development pressures associated with expanding tourism and urbanization.

Fig. 1. Marijuana plantation in the Forest Reserve (image credit. Nigel.B. Charles)

3. IYANOLA REGION

The Iyanola region area of interest (approx.. 80 sq.km.) consists of the northernmost boundary in the quarter of Gros Islet (Cas en Bas) extending inland westward to include Monchy, La Gare, reaching its westernmost point to include the communities of Guesneau and Forestierre in the portion of Castries (East). The area includes the Government Forest Reserve designated as the Castries Waterworks Reserve where the boundary then extends to its southernmost point at Fond d’Or. The region accounts for approximately 13,000 people residing in 25 communities.3 The populated portion of the Iyanola region is a subset of the quarters of Gros Islet, Castries and Dennery which accounts for roughly 23% of the total population (Table 1).

Fig. 2 Iyanola Boundary

The region is rich in its diverse range of valuable ecosystem goods and services ranging from the rugged interior to some of most highly prized coastal resources targeted for developments identified in the national context. These natural terrestrial and marine

3 OpenPlan.2017. Preparation of a Land Use Plan within the North East Coast Iyanola Region (NEC-IR) in Saint Lucia

5 resources have been assessed in some cases while others are yet to be assessed but represent latent social and economic opportunities for the populace of the area.

The following presents an overview; of the resources identified in the region of project focus; traditional and cultural uses; summary of valuation studies where undertaken.

Table 1. Populations of the quarters Location Size (mls) Population Gros Islet 38.73 20,8724 Castries 39.65 65,6565 Dennery 27.93 12,7676 TOTAL 106.31 99,295

3.1. Ecosystem management- Forest Reserves The Iyanola region consists of rugged, tropical dry forests of the windswept Atlantic east coast to the steep rugged terrain covered by montane rainforests which are designated as protected areas identified as Forest Reserves under the management of the Department of Forest and Lands. Much of these lands are included in the blocs identified by the Department as Marquis Reserves (1-6; Total 194 hectares), Castries Waterworks Reserve (1425 hecs), Forestierre Blocks (24 hecs.). This gives a total 1,643 hectares declared as protected Forest Reserves. However the majority of this is in the Castries Waterworks Reserve and the Marquis Reserves constitutes the total are of tropical dry forests protected under this arrangement. (Fig. 3). In 2009, The Saint Lucia forest timber inventory was carried out as part of the National Forest Demarcation and Bio-Physical Resource Inventory Project, funded by the European Community and this included an assessment of the resources of the identified forest reserves.7

In terms of Monitoring and Information management, the Department maintains a Geographic Information System with mapping coverage for timber, biodiversity, trails and riparian systems in the region.

Fig. 3. Government Forest Reserve Boundaries

4 http://192.147.231.244:9090/stats/images/Mapping/District_maps/Gros-Islet.pdf 5 http://192.147.231.244:9090/stats/images/Mapping/District_maps/Castries.pdf 6http://192.147.231.244:9090/stats/images/Mapping/District_maps/Dennery.pdf 7 Tennent, R.B. (2009) Timber Inventory of Saint Lucia’s Forests. Technical Report No. 5 to the National Forest Demarcation and Bio-Physical Resource Inventory Project, FCG International Ltd, Helsinki, Finland.

4. NON TIMBER FOREST PRODUCTS (NTFPS) OVERVIEW

Local forests provide a valuable service through their ability to sustain productive levels of biodiversity from which a variety of products are generated including timber and non timber forest products (NTFPs). The definition of NTFPs, also known as ‘minor forest products’ or Non Wood Forest Products can be rather inexact however Neumann and Hirsch (2000) go on to define a NTFP as “literally any and every natural resource from the forest except timber.”8 Various tree barks, flowers and resins are used to extract tannins or dyes. NTFPs also feature in various cultural and religious practices throughout the region (e.g. incense (l’ansan), gommier sap) and there is growing interest in the traditional herbal remedies used throughout Saint Lucia.

Regionally as well as locally, many of the rural poor have earned subsistence level income from harvesting such products, selling them either in the raw form or as processed or manufactured goods. The most important NTFPs for the region are (i) medicinal and aromatic plants, (ii) edible products (mainly exotic and natural fruits, bushmeat and bee products) (iii) ornamentals, utensils, handicrafts and (iv) construction material (Rivero 2001).9

8 Neumann, R.P. and E. Hirsch. 2000. Commercialisation of non timber forest products: review and analysis of research. CIFOR, Bogor, Indonesia. 9 John, L. 2005. The potential of Non Timber Forest Products to contribute to rural livelihoods in the Windward Islands of the Caribbean. CANARI Technical Report No. 334

Table 2. Categories of Non Timber Forest Products in the Caribbean10 Plant products Animals and animal products Categories Description Categories Description Food Vegetal foodstuff and Living animals Mainly vertebrates such beverages provided by as mammals, birds, fruits, nuts, seeds, reptiles kept/bought as roots,(e.g. balata, pomme pets (e.g. parrots, iguana, de lienne, gris gris) snakes)

Fodder Animal and bee fodder Honey, Products provided by provided by leaves, fruits, beeswax bees. etc. Medicines Medicinal plants (e.g. leaves, Bushmeat Meat provided by bark, roots) used in vertebrates, mainly traditional medicine and/or mammals by pharmaceutical companies Perfumes and Aromatic plants providing Other edible Mainly edible cosmetics essential (volatile) oils and animal products invertebrates such as other products used for insects (e.g. cosmetic purposes caterpillars), crabs and other “secondary” products of animals (e.g. eggs, nests) Dying and tanning Plant material (mainly bark Hides, skins Hide and skin of animals and leaves) providing tannins used for various and other plant purposes parts (especially leaves and fruits) used as colorants (e.g. red mangrove) Utensils, handicrafts Heterogeneous group of Medicine Entire animals or parts of products including thatch, animals such as various bamboo, rattan, wrapping organs used for medicinal leaves, fibres (e.g. Arouma, purposes (e.g. caterpillars, Bwa Flo, Silk cotton floss, crab legs, snake oil) Screw pine) Construction materials thatch, bamboo, fibres, Ornamentals Entire plants (e.g. orchids, Colorants Entire animals or parts ferns, philodendron) and parts of animals such as of the plants (e.g. pots made various organs used as from roots) used for colorants ornamental purposes Exudates Substances such as gums(water Other non- e.g. bones used as tools soluble), resins (water edible animal insoluble) and latex (milky or products clear juice), released from plants by exudation (e.g. .incense, gommier)

10 John, L. 2005. The potential of Non Timber Forest Products to contribute to rural livelihoods in the Windward Islands of the Caribbean. CANARI Technical Report No. 334

Other Insecticides (e.g. Ryania), fungicides, alfa grass

Women comprise a significant segment of those involved in the NTFP sector and its income can be quite substantial to single female-headed households in rural communities. In many instances there is a gender based division of labour in the sector (Burt 2002, James 2004). In some cases, harvesting of raw materials is a role largely dominated by men (e.g. broom stick handle collection, palm leaf harvesting), whereas purchase of raw materials is dominated by women in St. Lucia and craft production tends to be mixed males and females (Burt 2002). There also tends to be high representation by individuals in the 50-70 age cohort, involved in NTFPs who have limited livelihood options available to them. While both genders tend to be involved, elderly females tend to dominate the sector particularly in sales (Burt 2002).11

There are cases where the exploitation of NTFP resources in the wild has resulted in diminishing stocks. In many instances there is a need to inventory stocks in the various forests or vegetative zones. On the other hand there are other indicators that can reveal a resource under pressure. Some of these indicators include: • reduced availability of NTFP product(s) in the market place due to scarcity of resources • inferior quality or immature material/stock appearing in the market • producers having to resort to sourcing raw materials from increasingly further distances • loss of known skills or traditional NTFP production from some communities • high prices for scarce products

Some examples of important NTFPs sourced from the Iyanola region and on sale in the Castries market include:

Fig. 4 Mauby

11 John, L. 2005. The potential of Non Timber Forest Products to contribute to rural livelihoods in the Windward Islands of the Caribbean. CANARI Technical Report No. 334

Fig. 5 L’ansan (Incense)

Fig. 6 Bay Leaves

Fig. 7 Bamboo weaving Fig.8 Latanyé brooms Fig. 9 Sachpawè.12

12 http://www.saintlucianplants.com/floweringplants/agavaceae/agavcari/agavcari2.html

4.1. LATANYÉ PALM Latanyé (Coccothrinax barbadensis) is a palm species whose fronds have long been utilised by the people of Saint Lucia to make brooms for home use and commercial sale. The design and production of the Latanyé brooms are unique to Saint Lucia. In April 2000, an islandwide survey was conducted by the Forestry Department to assess the extent to which the Latanyé plant was being utilized. A total of 69 individuals participated in the survey. Generally, most of them manufactured their brooms for sale (83%). Most of those involved in this industry came from the ranges of Quilesse, Dennery and Northern. This study noted that most of the harvesting occurred on private lands located in the Iyanola region in areas of Grand Anse, Louvet, and Dauphin.

The majority (71%) of harvesters/broom manufacturers said that it was growing increasingly difficult to obtain harvestable material. The majority said that they had no problems with landowners and harvesting leaves on their property, this may be due to a large amount of harvesting occurring on properties of ex-patriate owners or absentee owners. The alternative land ownership may be Forest Reserve. At least three respondents had encountered conflict with police involvement, while six respondents had been refused access to properties.

The broom maker also needs sturdy wood as broom handles, therefore the industry impacts on other species apart from the palms. The primary species are typical of the Tropical Dry forest habitat. The Bwa Madam is the overall preferred species followed by Ti bom blanc, Bwa Gwiye, Bwa Den, Flambeau, Bwa campeche (Table 5.). Some showed no particular preference, using any wood type sturdy enough for the purpose.

Table 3 . Trees selected by harvesters as suitable for broom handles Species Scientific Name Bwa Madam Guettarda scabra Bwa Ti Bom Blanc Croton bixoides Bwa Gwiye Myrcia citrifolia Bwa Den Pimenta racemosa Bwa Flambeau Eupatorium celtidifolium Coco cawet Caeariadecandra spp. Bwa Rose Campeche Haematoxylon campechianum Mahoe Pimant Daphnopsis macrocarpa Mahoe Nois Cordia curassavica Lepinni Zanthoxylum monophyllum Zanthoxylum martinicense Zanthoxylum caribaeum Mayenne Bwa mang Chrysochlamys caribaea Zakaia Bwa Mayon Calliandra teremina Bwa Creole Myrcia deflexa

In 1999, the Latanyé industry was entirely based on harvesting of leaves from wild stock. There was no active cultivation of the plant and therefore the wild stock was dwindling rapidly. The activity of leaf harvesting continued year round unabated by most harvesters. Most of the harvesters (36%) admitted to year round harvesting activity while 48% of the respondents selected particular months for harvesting.

The results of this survey indicated a viable industry with good potential but lacking proper support and a lack of formal organization. The survey tried to assess the future viability of the industry by asking respondents how long did they see their remaining in the broom manufacturing based on then wild stocks of Latanyé . Back then the respondents were mostly pessimistic about the future of the industry, 32% were unsure of any future due to unsuitable leaf harvesting practices while 48% gave a response of 1-10 years. Only 15% said indefinitely or a long time. Suggestions for the survivability of the industry by the respondents was summarized as follows:

1. Seek and create markets, local & export 2. Create more planting space and make materials available by planting trees 3. Easier access to materials 4. Control measures on harvesting by implementing seasonal harvesting 5. Easier transportation 6. Educate the public on palm harvesting 7. Investigate health risk factor in leaf harvesting 8. Build craft booths (sales venues)

4.2. Latanyé Palm cultivation and conservation

Post the 2000 broom industry survey, the Department of Forestry instituted a Latanyé palm cultivation programme. There are some sixty-five (65) Latanyé farmers island-wide with the average plantation size of half an acre containing six hundred and five (605) plants. The advent of plantations, nursery production and the associated improved quality of Latanyé leaves and brooms produced has resulted in less reliance on wild stocks. Currently market vendors purchase brooms manufactured by persons who have purchased leaves from latanyé growers.

A number of factors have contributed to the sustainability of Latanyé production and the business. Sustainability is assured by availability of information generated by research into the best techniques and costing for nursery management, field establishment and management of plantations. Another factor concerns the incentive to produce the Latanyé brooms. Latanyé plantations have a comparative advantage of uniformity and consistency in quality for broom making relative to Latanyé leaves, obtained from the wild stocks. As such, the strategy of plantation establishment of Latanyé has contributed to the reduction in harvesting of and recuperation Latanyé wild stocks in the short term, as the best quality of Latanyé brooms are sold at the highest prices. The increased revenue generated has also

13 been an incentive for further expansion of Latanyé plantations to supply the high demand of the Latanyé broom.13

4.3. L’ANSAN/ INCENSE

Another important Non Timber Forest Product from the Saint Lucia is the incense produced from the L’ansan tree (Protium attenuattum). L’ansan is a sub-regional endemic species with a range of distribution in the Eastern Caribbean islands of One of Dominica, Guadeloupe, Grenada, Martinique, Saint Christopher and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (Howard, 1988; Rollet, 2010) where it occurs in the mid-elevation forests. In Saint Lucia it is locally known by various names including l’ansan, gommier, and bois l’ansan, with l’ansan the preferred trade name of the incense produced from the resin (Longwood 1962). It is produced and traded as a hardened resinous exudate obtained from the tree. It is utilized within households and has social, cultural and religious significance. However, there is a significantly high mortality rate of l’ansan trees, due to poor exudate extraction techniques which in effect, end up girdling the trees during the harvesting process.14

Dried l’ansan is burned as incense at religious ceremonies, to treat various ailments (e.g. sinus congestion and arthritis), as a mosquito repellent, and to ward off evil spirits (Slane, 1987; Broome et al., 2007). In Saint Lucia, L’ansan is bought by at least 60% of Saint Lucians and by almost every church; it is also exported overseas (Morton, 2009; Toussaint, 2009). Martinique is the largest market, having driven its own stocks to near extinction (Palli, undated; Rollet, 2010). Timber from the L’ansan tree has almost no economic value because it splits easily and succumbs quickly to insects and decay (Questel, 1951;Longwood,1962).15

Toussaint’s study (2009) notes that the l’ansan trade is a dependable source of income for the poor people in many communities in the vicinity of the forests in Saint Lucia but notes, however, it is a diminishing resource due mainly to the unsustainable harvesting method used by the local people. The study also acknowledges “the increase in the number of people who have [turned] to the illegal harvesting of incense in the forest reserves and the growing demand l’ansan in Martinique, Guadeloupe and the domestic market.”

The high mortality rate of L’ansan trees in the forest reserves on the island and the increasing pressure on the resource is a major cause of concern to the Forestry Department in Saint Lucia. The Department is slowly moving to adopted sustainable management of NTFP, to increase contribution of forests to livelihoods of rural poor (John 2005).

The results of the forest inventory (2009) suggests that L’ansan has a wide range of distribution in the island and can be found in all the seven forest reserves (fig.7). The species

13 Gustave, D. 2011. Saint Lucia’s Case Study on Experiences with Community Forestry with Latanyé Broom Producers 14 Toussaint, A. 2009. Assessing the sustainable management and production of L’ansan, Protium Attenuatum incense, in Saint Lucia. 15 Daltry et. Al. 2014. Review making business scents: how to harvest incense sustainably from the globally threatened L’ansan tree (Protium attenuatum)

14 was frequent in 41.35 percent of the total sampled plots, with a relative density of 22.33 stems per hectare; ranking 3rd in all the tree species inventoried in the study area (fig.6). This is a 4.15 percent density in proportion to the total density all tree species >10 cm DBH occurring in the island forest reserves. The mean DBH was 21.33 cm and a basal area of 0.76 m2 per hectare of forest area occupied by l’ansan in the study area. The results of this study, using the data from the National Forest Demarcation and Biophysical Resource Inventory for 2009, suggest that the total number of P. attenuatum > 10cm DBH occurring on the island forest reserves is estimated at 207,224 trees. It also suggests that there are 6,975.24 square meters of land in all the island forest reserves (9177.9 ha) that is occupied by the species.

Data analysis from forest cover vegetation classification outputs provided an interesting pattern in the range of distribution of L’ansan. Preliminary data from forest cover inventory analyzed in GIS indicated that 88 percent of L’ansan is mainly confined to the Wet Forest (Fig. 7). It is less frequent in the Montane Thicket and in the Secondary Forest.

Fig. 10

Number of plots with lansan in different interim forest classes

1, 2% 3, 6% 2, 4%

anomalous forest

dry forest

mesic forest

wet forest

45, 88%

Table 4: Area, Basal Area, Density and average DBH for P. attenuatum in different forest reserves (Source: SL FMIS 2009) Total Total Density Per Forest Reserves Area BA %BA DBH SPH Forest Reserve 392.5 1.51920 25.9663 18.7147 55.2278 Dennery 4 2 5 5 21676.93 193.8 0.27291 4.66466 32.8244 3.22508 Marquis 4 4 6 4 625.0212

2.3.3 Informal Interviews

A. Toussaint in his study conducted unstructured and informal interviews with harvesters, traders and users. The study noted that harvesters proved to be very elusive and not very cooperative in giving information for fear of arrest, due to the fact the most of the harvesting in the forest reserves are illegal. In order to identify l’ansan harvesters, frequent visits were made to rural communities where l’ansan harvesting is more common. The frequent visits helped harvesters build trust and confidence in the researcher, thereby eliciting information relevant to this study. Discussions were held with harvesters at the homes, rum shops and in the forest, with the objective of gathering information on frequency of harvesting, quantity harvested, unit cost, method of harvesting, location, suppliers and seasonality of harvest.

In the case of the traders, questions were asked of l’ansan vendors operating from the Castries market. The question to the vendors were based on the supply source, quantity and frequency; cost per unit; retail cost per unit and the demographic of suppliers and buyers of l’ansan. The Catholic Church represents the best known and possibly the largest consumer of l’ansan in Saint Lucia. Questions were based on whether local produced incense (l’ansan) was used exclusively or in combination with imported, supply sources, quantity purchased per month, unit cost, and frequency of purchase, remarks on quality and other issues relating to l’ansan in the church.16 (Toussaint, A. 2009)

The Forestry Department has been conducting a pilot project comparing various L’ansan harvesting techniques with local tappers.17 According to the tappers, whilst there is a high demand for the L’ansan resin in St. Lucia, it is also sold in Guadeloupe and Martinique, with Martinique as the premier market for sale. Canada is a potential market, but there are stricter rules about entry and the need to demonstrate that the products were produced sustainably. Whilst one tapper said that a two pound bag from Massey Supermarket with L’ansan resin would cost Euros $40 in Martinique, the other said it was sold for Euro $100. In St. Lucia, the resin is sold in two pound bag for EC $25 dollars and resold at $5 a small packet by retailors in the Castries Market. The L’ansan is best sold in the summer period. In Martinique L’ansan resin is used as a mosquito repellent and by churches and in other religious ceremonies (Gustave 2017).

Similar questions were asked at the Castries market and similar responses were obtained with vendors expressing concern over the quality of some of the product, i.e. it sometimes contained too much bark and other extraneous materials. It was also reported that the best quality was sold to the church. Vendors noted that the Martinique visitors were particularly interested in purchasing. In terms of usage, aside from burning around the home in spiritual or meditative practice, some clients would mix the incense with oils (e.g. coconut oil) for skin care and as an insect repellent. This points to potential expansion in range of value added products for L’ansan.

16 A. Toussaint. 2009. Assessing the Sustainable Management and production of L’ansan, Protium Attenuatum Incense, in Saint Lucia 17 D. Gustave et. Al. 2017. Sustainable Harvesting of L’ansan (Protium attenuatum) Resin

4.4. MAUBY The mauby tree (Colubrina elliptica) is another species of interest and potential in the Iyanola region. It has been a target of unsustainable harvesting practices and was identified back in 1999 as a tree species of conservation concern. The demand is for the bark which is used in the production of a drink by infusion from the bark. Historically the bark was harvested from mature trees, however with increasing local demand as well as product demand in Martinique, individuals resorted to felling trees instead of harvesting of bark.

In 2002, the FD commenced provenance trials with mauby, a hardy and drought resistant species associated with the dry forest regions and suitable for conservation measures in degraded areas in this zone. The average plot consisted of an acre with 1210 plants (605 Mauby, 605 latanyé). There were also holdings consisting of only Latanyé or Mauby due to the farmer’s preferences.

FD research with Baron Foods in Vieux-Fort concerning the importation of Mauby and their mauby concentrate production resulted in obtaining the following information

1. Mauby being imported from Haiti. 2. Orders made twice per year 3. Three Thousand Six Hundred (3600) per year 4. $8:00 per lb. Landed; i.e. insurance/freight/costs

The Forestry Department then supplied twenty-five (25) lbs. of Mauby harvested from two trees and supplied to Baron Foods for experiment three days after harvest. It was reported that the final product was a better in taste and texture, and that Baron was interested in sourcing the local bark. In addition to mauby, other products that Baron are interested in included Cinnamon, Tamarind, Guavas, Nutmeg and cloves.

Fig.11. Peeled and dried Mauby bark

Fig 12. Mauby branch cuttings in solar dryer

Fig. 13. Local Mauby bark product.

There are individual mauby producers (Fig. 10) attempting to brand and market mauby bark individually (EC$7.14 retail price for product shown). Market vendors stated that they were obtaining mauby bark out of Barbados and that locals were supplying them with the twigs and branches which were not as potent in quality as the mature mauby bark. There is a need to pursue a collaborative arrangement between the Forestry Department, Mauby bark producers, Baron Foods and Du Boulay Bottling for the production of a local Mauby Fizz to compete with the product imported from Trinidad & Tobago. It was also noted in the 2009 study that “the pricing strategy for the local bark should be to position it as a cheaper substitute for the Haitian product and to set retail price of EC$5 per lb.” This value may be higher in today’s market.

4.5 SACHPAWÉ

The sachpawé (Agave caribaeicola) also known as Lang béf, Lapit, or century plant is an agave plant that grows along the coastal areas of the Iyanola region and whose roots are in significant demand for local markets as well as in Martinique. Informal interviews in the Castries market indicates that the supply is yet to meet with the demand. One vendor indicated that roots are supplied from plants harvested in the hills of Cas en Bas. The plants are dug up and the roots are hacked off and then prepared for sale. This approach places the species is at risk due to this unsustainable approach of harvesting. The species has a history of local medicinal uses (e.g. skin rashes, menstrual cramps). It is used on its own or mixed with other local herbs (e.g. fle makata (Caesalpinia pulcherrima), ponm pwezon (Solanum capsicoides))(Verna Slane 1987)18 . The sachpawé is a species for potential cultivation in the Iyanola region since it naturally occurs on marginal soils exposed to the coastal winds.

Fig. 14 Sachpawé plant

18 http://www.saintlucianplants.com/localuses/agavcari.html 19 http://www.saintlucianplants.com/floweringplants/agavaceae/agavcari/agavcari3.html

5. RECOMMENDATIONS

Opportunities for NTFP product diversity

The potential for NTFP value added product development is hindered mainly by innovation, financial and market based research and support. The potential for products range from wines, skin care, insect repellants and spa treatment products. Informal discussions revealed materials sourced from the Iyanola region woven as baskets, place mats, brooms, and skin ointments.

Fig. 15. Mauby and Latanyé wine (produced by Patrick Velinor)20

A few of the vendors in the Castries market in recognizing consumer interest in health care products have displayed a sense of innovation through personal experimentation with combining NTFP products. Examples included combining L’ansan with coconut oil for the skin, or combining aloe vera with coconut oil also for skin care or consumption. Such experimentation should be supported with proper research on application of local resources and their potential.

20 Patrick Velinor, Vel’s Multi-Services Ltd. Latanyé broom and wine producer, Richfond, Mabouya Valley. Dennery.

The various NTFPs of interest in the Iyanola region assessed here have various challenges that should be considered:

L’ansan: 1. The tree is located in the wet tropical forests and takes many years to mature. It’s been noted that “traditional methods used by local tappers were destructive, causing greater decay and infection, slower growth rates and increased mortality.” However in experimental techniques conducted by the Forestry Department “Results show tappers can obtain more resin and maintain healthy populations by tapping mature trees of ≥ 20 cm diameter at breast height, using only one shallow cut per tree (refreshed every 2 weeks) and applying weak sulphuric acid solution.”21

2. It should be noted that this tree requires many years before reaching this stage of maturation suitable for tapping. Therefore this calls for the development of a sustainable management plan for the harvesting of L’ansan. The implementation and management of such a plan calls for close partnership between the Forestry Department, the L’ansan harvesters, and vendors. Ultimately, the successful conservation of the species rests with the supervision of the Forestry Department.

3. L’ansan may not be ideal for cultivation due to various ecological factors occurring in the rainforests (e.g. microclimatic factors, soil and rainfall regimes) making the harvest of L’ansan dependent on the conservation, availability and health of wild tree stocks.

Latanyé: 1. Latanyé palm trees naturally occur along the coastal regions. It is a hardy and resilient species suited to dry, windswept habitats. In experimental plots established with private farm holdings to explore the potential of cultivation of this species, the Forestry Department has collected evidence of the survivability and growth performance of the species indicating that it is suitable as a crop species under an agroforestry system.

2. The latanyé palm producers were able to harvest leaves within two years after planting. The leaves are either used directly by growers in production of brooms for sale or are sold to other broom producers.

3. There is the challenge of sourcing the broom stick handles without the dependency of cutting wild stocks of immature hardwood species throughout the coastal dry forest. This practice could result in detrimental impacts on certain species and forest degradation by reducing the variety of species in the forests.

4. While most of the trade conducted on Latanyé products consists largely of the craft items (e.g. brooms), there is the potential in the use of the fruit for various other products including wine, and possibly palm oil which is yet to be investigated (e.g.

21 Daltry, J.C. et al.2015. Making business scents: how to harvest incense sustainably from the globally threatened L’ansan tree Protium attenuatum

similar to cohune palm (Orbignya cobune) oil manufactured in Belize). It should be noted that on the cohune palm oil “The oil contained within the kernel is somewhat similar to coconut nut oil. When refined the oil is suitable for margarine production, baking and biscuit making. Damaged kernels can be used as cattle feed. The shells are a good source of fuel. The cake remaining after oil extraction also finds use in animal feed.”22

5. Such may be the potential for the Latanyé palm fruit which is currently largely unused with the only exception being the experimental palm wine produced by the Patrick Velinor.

Mauby 1. Mauby trees occur along the coastal tropical dry forest regions. It is a hardy and resilient species suited to the dry, windswept habitats. Like latanyé, the Forestry Department set up experimental plots established with private farm holdings to explore the potential of cultivation of this species and collected evidence of the survivability and growth performance of the species indicating that it is suitable as a crop species under an agroforestry system.

2. Currently there is a significant local demand for mauby bark which is being met by mauby sourced by importation from Barbados. Vendors at the Castries market state that local suppliers are supplying them with the twigs which they regard as less potent in quality than the bark.

3. While mauby is traditionally used in production of a drink by infusion, the production of mauby wine by Patrick Velinor demonstrates the untapped potential of the resource.

4. There is the herbal medicinal value of mauby that is yet to be marketed and valued as part of its trade.23 In a published study entitled “The Control of Hypertension by use of Coconut Water and Mauby: Two Tropical Food Drinks” (Alleyne,T. et. Al. 2005) the value of mauby in control of hypertension was acknowledged.

Sachpawé 1. This agave species is a drought resilient plant which commonly occurs along the Atlantic coasts in the Iyanola region. The agave plant family in general has been highly prized for a wide range of uses including their medicinal value, sweetener, soap, rope production, papyrus, etc.24

2. Given the demand for the roots and current harvesting techniques used on wild plants, there is the need to assess whether the species can be produced under

22 http://www.fao.org/docrep/X5043E/x5043E06.htm#Cohune%20palm 23 http://caribbean.scielo.org/scielo.php?pid=S0043-31442005000100002&script=sci_arttext 24 https://basmati.com/2017/04/25/10-uses-agave-plant-you-probably-didnt-know

cultivation. This is quite likely since it has been identified by horticulturalists as “Drought-tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping”.

The triple bottom line approach attempts to assess the social, economic and environmental opportunities for positive change which may occur in a community as a result of a project. It suggests that the bottom line of viability should not refer exclusively to financial viability or environmental sensitivity issues but should give equal weighting to all critical dimensions of the assessment. It recommends giving equal weighting to socio-economic, environmental and financial considerations, which are all necessary for sustainability. In assessing the triple bottom line possibilities for NTFP products in the Iyanola region due consideration to the following questions;

Social: To demonstrate the capacity to contribute to social development.

There is a need to build on nascent efforts to either cultivate or implement sustainable harvesting regimes for the identified NTFP resources within the Iyanola region to reduce or remove the dependency on wild stocks and potentially enhance the quality of produce. This would require the combined community efforts of the Iyanola NTFP stakeholders, the Forestry Department as well as private sector business interests that may able to develop value added products. This should help community stakeholders realise the full potential value of the NTFP stocks beyond exploitation of the basic raw materials currently sold on the market.

Environmental: To demonstrate the capacity to contribute to an improved natural environment.

The Forestry Department along with other partner organisations have conducted a range of studies from the late 1990’s to 2017 on some of the principal NTFPs identified in this study. Such studies have examined rate of growth and harvest under cultivated circumstances (e.g. latanyé and mauby) while others have dealt with rate of extraction and impact on wild resources (i.e. L’ansan). They have also looked at possible technologies that could be applied to ensure better quality of end products as well as survivability of the wild resources (e.g. solar dryers for latanyé leaves and mauby bark, use of various resin harvesting techniques for L’ansan). Such measures are needed along with the development of resource management plans for all the identified NTFPs to structure production, harvesting and marketing of final products.

Economic: To demonstrate the capacity to contribute to viable and sustainable economic activity.

In 2010, the per capita income for the Iyanola region was estimated at USD6, 677.00 or approximately 18,000 XCD. Many of the persons living in the communities in the project site met this per capita income threshold. Women in all instances earned less than men and they tended to cluster around the lower income categories. Among the more commonly utilized forest resources are Latanyé and L’ansan. In particular, the l’ansan trade in St. Lucia is noted to be a dependable source of income, primarily for poor people in communities in the vicinity of the forests (Toussaint, 2011).

The NTFP products identified have been continuously harvested and brought to market out of the Iyanola region. However, most of this economic activity is of a subsistence nature which has been captured mainly by anecdotal information and informal discussions with NTFP stakeholders. Formal efforts to examine resource use and marketing indicates the unexplored potential for contributions to local small businesses, community employment opportunities and entrepreneurial activity for the Iyanola region.

An example can be taken from the research made on Latanyé as a crop. It demonstrated many advantages that could make it an interesting alternative as a crop to a farmer. Firstly it has low ecological requirements. It can grow on marginal lands. But mature plants have been obtained on the more fertile soils, even yielding harvestable leaves within two years of planting. This plant is native, with low incidence of pests and diseases, and by the morphology of its leaves is resistant to strong wind currents. This means a low cost of maintenance for a farmer.25

Table 7. Cost of production of 1 acre of Latanyé from establishment to harvest

From 2007 to 2016, “the price of the Latanyé broom (1.5 metre long) moved from seven Eastern Caribbean (E.C.) dollars (E.C. $7.00) to a minimum of ten E.C. dollars (E.C. $10) to as high as fifteen dollars (E.C. $15). Also emerging is a diversification in the types of Latanyé brooms sold from small Latanyé brooms (eight (8) centimetres long) souvenirs, dust brooms, children’s brooms, ceiling brooms and adult-sized (one and a half metre long (1.5 metres) Latanyé brooms (Severin, 2011). The brooms are also sold as small souvenirs in the tourist market. In this scenario, Latanyé Farmers and producers and the middlemen who

25 The Latanyé Broom Industry of St. Lucia By Gustave D, Severin M and Charles B. 2003

buy and resell their products are the beneficiaries.26 An informal assessment in the Castries market found that the prices have held fairly steady with the standard 1.5 metre broom selling at E.C.$10.00, however, a vendor claimed to sell the ceiling brooms around EC$30.00.

26 Gustave. D. 2011. Saint Lucia’s Case Study on Experiences with Community Forestry With Latanyé Broom Producers

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