Jost Van Dyke Pond Restoration

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Jost Van Dyke Pond Restoration

Jost Van Dyke Pond Restoration

STATUS: PLANNING

Ministry Partner: Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources & Climate Change

Project Number: 190

Project Start Date: October 2024

Projected End Date: June 2026

Duration: 27 months

Design Consultant: Water Research Centre (WRC)

Funding Source: Darwin Initiative Grant

BACKGROUND

During the construction of the Jost Van Dyke Multipurpose Educational Facility in Great Harbour, site visits revealed that the adjacent salt pond had become a degraded wildlife habitat, and nearby homes and the JVD Clinic frequently suffer flood damage.

In early 2023, representatives from the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources & Climate Change visited the site, discussing the potential benefits of wetland restoration. A restored pond would not only support local wildlife and serve as a natural lab for students, but also help manage stormwater, reducing the frequent flooding issues for residents and creating a new attraction for tourists.

Activity

The JVD Pond Restoration project supports RDA’s Environmental Protection subsector, aiming to ``protect and prioritize the environment for future generations, embedding sustainable practices for land and marine use, including tourism, agriculture, fisheries, and infrastructure.`` It also aligns with the NSDP's 'Environmental Sustainability' goal, specifically Strategy #2 for ecosystem rehabilitation.
Key project outputs include:
• Completion of feasibility assessment for pond restoration and flood control
• Square footage of restored wetland
• Implementation of stormwater management and flood control systems
• Construction and operation of a mangrove boardwalk and wildlife viewing platform
• Training of personnel for improved wetland ecosystem management

Result

The JVD community will benefit from the restored pond, bringing both aesthetic and environmental improvements, including habitats for fish, birds, and other wildlife. The project is also expected to help reduce flood impacts.