Conceptual framework for the management of the Virgin Islands Biosphere Reserve

Putney, Allen; National Park Service; Virgin Islands Resource Management Cooperative

The Virgin Islands National Park was designated a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1976 and dedicated in 1983. It is part of an International network of areas, representative of the world's natural diversity, managed to integrate conservation and development. Because of the more limited objectives of a national park a biosphere reserve can only fulfill its purpose if it encompasses a more diverse area, both geographically and conceptually. A fully functioning reserve would seek to develop and disseminate the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to attain sustainable use of natural resources. Management objectives would cover a range of activities in conservation, research, education, training, communication, and resource development that is sensitive to both man and nature. The purpose of this report is to outline a conceptual framework for management of a Biosphere Reserve in the Virgin Islands. A synthesis of data on (1) the distribution of marine habitats of the protected areas of the U.S. and British Virgin Islands, (2) marine resource use around St. John, and (3) issues of concern to marine resource managers and users provided much of the background information. Activities in the Virgin Islands Biosphere Reserve to date have been funded mainly by the National Park Service and implemented through VIRMC. Most progress has been made in research and least in resource development and training. This reflects funding through the Park's research budget which has provided a strong initial impetus to the Program. However, a fully functioning Reserve will evolve more rapidly when the selection of priorities is made within a a coherent and long-term framework, not as an element of research for the National Park. The evolution of a fully functioning Biosphere Reserve can be promoted by continuing the ongoing research program, adding new activities in resource protection for the heavily used northwestern bays, and guiding sensitive development of the Coral Bay area. These activities should improve cooperation among users and managers and make possible a collaborative approach to designing a Reserve Program that will deal effectively with major resource management issues. An ad hoc committee established for this purpose could evolve into a more formal Reserve Management Committee made up of representatives of the various interest groups and appropriate federal and territorial government agencies. Its function would be to develop and oversee the implementation of a Reserve Management Plan. While much could be accomplished through cooperative arrangements between members of the Management Committee, a strong program would require a small but well trained staff. Funding could either be sought through territorial or federal sources, or perhaps through grants from private foundations. Given the international aspects of the Program, the Management Committee and staff might be most productive working through one of VIRMC's members having a regional perspective, such as the Island Resources Foundation, the Eastern Caribbean Natural Area Management Program, or the newly forming Eastern Caribbean Center of the University of the Virgin Islands.