Popular knowledge and science: using the information that counts in managing use of a mangrove in St. Lucia, West Indies. Nicolas Samuel and Allan Smith. CANARI. August 2000

Mankote mangrove in St. Lucia has traditionally been an important source of fuelwood. The area was declared a Marine Reserve in 1986 and a small group of people have continued to produce charcoal from mangrove trees under an informal co-management agreement with Government that includes sole access rights and an agreed set of harvesting practices. The charcoal producers group participates in monitoring the quantity of charcoal produced, and trends in the size and abundance of the harvested species. A recent initiative aims to test the effectiveness of some standard silviculture practices in enhancing productivity. The paper discusses the participation of the producers group and management agencies in developing the management plan for the mangrove, the current collaborative monitoring and research activities, and the development of additional income-generating activities for the producers group.