On a bright October weekend, the community of St. Paul’s demonstrated a powerful commitment to environmental stewardship. The National Parks Authority (NPA) led a two-day mangrove clean-up on October 4th and 5th, targeting the vital wetland ecosystems at Ordinance Bay, with strong support from community and stakeholder volunteers including the Antigua and Barbuda defence Force.
This initiative was proudly supported by the project “Strengthening regional climate resilience and supporting green economic recovery through ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) and sustainable livelihoods in the Dominican Republic, Antigua and Barbuda, and Jamaica”, also known as the ‘EbA Caribbean’ Project.
This vital project was developed by the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund and is co-financed by the International Climate Initiative (IKI) of the German Federal Ministry for Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety, and Consumer Protection, through KfW. It is being implemented by UNEP-WCMC, with implementation on Antigua and Barbuda by Integrated Health Outreach Inc. (IHO).
As a core part of this project, a specialist consultancy was created to provide expertise for the management, sustainable use, and conservation of the mangrove and coastal wetlands right here within the Nelson’s Dockyard National Park. This hands-on clean-up was more than just a community event; it was a critical, on-the-ground investment in our natural infrastructure, which protects us from storms, supports our marine life, and plays a surprising role in regulating our global climate.
The Unsung Heroes of Our Coast: More Than Just Mangroves
The wetlands within the Nelson’s Dockyard National Park (NDNP)—including those highlighted on the map above—are far more than scenic backdrops to our historic dockyard. A comprehensive 2020 scientific survey by the NPA found that these ecosystems cover approximately 260,855 m² within the park and are dominated by three key species: the salt-tolerant Red Mangroves along the water’s edge, the Black Mangroves with their unique “snorkel roots” inland, and the White Mangroves found furthest ashore.
These dynamic, living ecosystems provide irreplaceable benefits:
Nature’s Shield: Their dense networks of roots bind the shoreline, absorbing wave energy and protecting our coastal lands and historic structures from erosion and storm surges intensified by climate change. Studies show they are up to five times more cost-effective than man-made barriers.
Marine Life Nurseries: The prop roots of Red Mangroves act as crucial breeding and nursery grounds for countless species of fish and shellfish, directly supporting the health of our local fisheries.
Natural Water Filters: Mangroves and wetlands act as nature’s kidneys, filtering out pollutants and sediments from land-based runoff before it reaches the sea, ensuring cleaner coastal waters for coral reefs and seagrass beds.
A Legacy of Loss and a Urgent Need for Protection
The need for community action is urgent. A historical analysis conducted by the NPA revealed a sobering fact: approximately 27% of the mangrove wetlands within the NDNP have been lost over the last 70 years. That is the equivalent of nearly 100,000 square meters of this critical ecosystem, primarily lost to backfilling and coastal development. This loss not only diminishes biodiversity but also strips away our natural defenses against climate impacts. The recent clean-up is a direct response to another documented threat: pollution.
ompacting of the wetland through vehicle-related activity has been identified as a major local threat. Driving through these sensitive areas causes severe damage. The weight of vehicles compacts the soil, creating conditions that prevent mangrove seeds (propagules) from taking root and growing into mature trees. This directly destroys the next generation of mangroves. Furthermore, the loosened soil from tire tracks is highly susceptible to erosion during rains, washing sediment into the wetland and out to the marine environment, where it can smother aquatic life.
The National Parks Authority advises that driving vehicles in wetland areas is not compatible with the health of these vital ecosystems. It is also important for the public to know that under the Environmental Protection and Management Act (EPMA) 2019, all wetlands are legally protected. This protection extends beyond the mangroves themselves to include the mudflats and the entire wetland area. The NPA will be taking steps to apply and enforce this law against persons who damage or destroy these protected environments.
Our Local Climate Champions: How Wetlands Fight Global Warming
One of the most critical, yet often overlooked, functions of our wetlands is their role as powerful climate regulators. These ecosystems are what scientists call “carbon sinks.”
Through photosynthesis, mangrove trees absorb carbon dioxide (CO₂)—a primary greenhouse gas—from the atmosphere. What makes coastal wetlands like ours so special is their incredible efficiency at storing this carbon. Unlike most forests that store carbon mainly in the trees, mangroves store the vast majority of their carbon in the waterlogged soil, trapping it for centuries. In fact, mangrove ecosystems can store carbon at a rate up to four times greater per hectare than mature tropical forests. By protecting and restoring the wetlands in NDNP, we are not only preserving local biodiversity but also maintaining a natural, highly effective system for capturing and storing atmospheric carbon, making our community a participant in the global solution.
The Clean-Up: A Step Towards Restoration
The recent community clean-up was a direct and necessary response to the threats identified in the NPA’s research. By removing over 2500lbs of glass, plastic, debris, and other waste from the intricate root systems, volunteers have:
- Safeguarded Wildlife: Created a safer habitat for the juvenile fish, crabs, and birds documented in the 2020 and 2025 survey.
- Strengthened Community Resilience: Reinforced the role of our wetlands as a first line of defense against climate impacts.
This community action is a key part of a larger conservation picture facilitated by the EbA Caribbean Project. The NPA, supported by technical experts, is building on the 2020 baseline data with on going, detailed scientific assessments of these very wetlands to create a long-term management and restoration plan.
Our Collective Responsibility
The success of the clean-up is a testament to what we can achieve together. To ensure the health of our wetlands for the future, we can all contribute by:
Disposing of waste responsibly and never dumping in wetland areas.
Avoiding driving any vehicles in protected wetlands and mudflats.
Educating others about the immense value of our mangroves and their legal protection.
Supporting and participating in future conservation initiatives led by the NPA and its partners.
The wetlands of Nelson’s Dockyard National Park are a shared treasure. By working together, we can halt the historical loss and ensure these ecosystems continue to protect our shores, nurture our marine life, and contribute to a stable climate for generations to come.
For more information on the wetlands of Nelson’s Dockyard National Park check out our web pade https://www.nationalparksantigua.com/marine/mangrove-wetlands/ and for future community events, please contact the National Parks Authority email:info@nationalparksantigua.com, phone 481-5022.
