Gouverneur Beach: Dune Restoration
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For the latest- What's new? Quoi de neuf? click here
GOOD NEWS / NOUVELLES Final part of Gouverneur Beach dune ecosystem restoration is underway using lessons learned from first phase of ecosystem restoration! Go here to learn more and see the video
 Eroded dune before restoration |
 Same area after restoration planting |
Sand Dune Restoration
A scientific project to restore the sand dunes of Gouverneur Beach, St Barthelemy.
This is the first dune restoration project on St Barths. It's unique in that it is designed to be scientifically based; to use the most natural restoration methods; and takes an ecosystem approach.
What does all this mean? It means that the project relied on scientific analysis and methods to drive the restoration techniques, that only sand from the Gouverneur beach was used, that the sand was moved manually (no bulldozers) in order to create the natural curve of the dune, and that regionally native plants were planted and in ways that created the full architectural structure of a functioning ecosystem. It is an experimental work in progress. We invite you learn about the project, to follow the progress and ask questions about dune restoration. Watch the slide show video below
Know More
Check out What's new?
Learn about the project and its history visit: Restoration in words and pictures
Restoration slide show here Gouverneur dune and restoration slide show
The Gallery: Images Plants from restoration- This month Sea Grape, Coccoloba
Scientific Articles: Interested in research articles? Visit the resources page.
Latest St Barths Blog on Seawalls and Sand
If you would like to be added to update alerts send an email to [email protected]
The Credits: This project exists only because of the support, dedication to a shared vision, diverse expertise and commitment of many great individuals. Thank you and credit to Mr Roman Abramovitch, Mr Jim Boos: To and Rob Barron and Roger Triplett who brought their cutting edge approaches and experiences in dune-plant nursery and plantings, and to members of the Collectivite and St Barths community.
This is the first dune restoration project on St Barths. It's unique in that it is designed to be scientifically based; to use the most natural restoration methods; and takes an ecosystem approach.
What does all this mean? It means that the project relied on scientific analysis and methods to drive the restoration techniques, that only sand from the Gouverneur beach was used, that the sand was moved manually (no bulldozers) in order to create the natural curve of the dune, and that regionally native plants were planted and in ways that created the full architectural structure of a functioning ecosystem. It is an experimental work in progress. We invite you learn about the project, to follow the progress and ask questions about dune restoration. Watch the slide show video below
Know More
Check out What's new?
Learn about the project and its history visit: Restoration in words and pictures
Restoration slide show here Gouverneur dune and restoration slide show
The Gallery: Images Plants from restoration- This month Sea Grape, Coccoloba
Scientific Articles: Interested in research articles? Visit the resources page.
Latest St Barths Blog on Seawalls and Sand
If you would like to be added to update alerts send an email to [email protected]
The Credits: This project exists only because of the support, dedication to a shared vision, diverse expertise and commitment of many great individuals. Thank you and credit to Mr Roman Abramovitch, Mr Jim Boos: To and Rob Barron and Roger Triplett who brought their cutting edge approaches and experiences in dune-plant nursery and plantings, and to members of the Collectivite and St Barths community.
Sand dunes are fragile. Scientific research has shown that it takes only ten human steps on dune-grass to kill the grass, which can then take as much as ten years to recover. During that time sand can erode permanently. Please stay off the dunes and allow the vegetation to recover. By doing so, you will help to protect the beaches where we come to walk, sit, relax, play, and visit....