For several months now, the Martinique Biosphère association has been touring the island, visiting various municipalities in Martinique, to present and explain its plan to nominate Martinique as a “Biosphere Reserve” with UNESCO.
“Our goal, of course, is to provide information and answer the questions of the people of Martinique, but also to listen to their feedback, their needs, and their suggestions,” explains Nathalie de Pompignan, president of the association.
So, after Case-Pilote, Le Morne-Vert, Le Prêcheur, Trinité, and Le Marigot, the sixth meeting took place in the capital, Fort-de-France; it was Monday, November 12.
The event began with a welcome address by Ms. Belfan, chair of the Sustainable Development and Biodiversity Commission of the City of Fort-de-France. In her speech, she highlighted the various assets of the capital city that should be showcased through this certification. These include the bay, the downtown area, unique neighborhoods such as Trenelle, the literary history of Texaco, and the many personal stories of its residents.
The initiative was then presented to the participants by Nathalie de Pompignan. It is a project aimed at showcasing our assets at the highest level. According to the association, this recognition would serve as a powerful communication tool and a catalyst for development.
A collaborative effort.
The audience then split into four workshops: natural resources, cultural resources, expertise, products and activities related to sustainable development, and finally, environmental research and education.
Together, they identified what makes them proud in Fort-de-France and in Martinique as a whole, as well as what they would like to develop. At the municipal level, they highlighted, for example, the Pitt de Dillon, the Tambou Bo Kannal group, the Sermac workshops, Place du 22 Mai, the cathedral, and the Gueydon Fountain.
These collaborative planning meetings constitute the first step in the process and are expected to continue in other municipalities. A summary and evaluation with municipal representatives will then take place. After that, it will be time to put together the application to be submitted to UNESCO.
A collaborative project that helps everyone realize that we must protect all of our natural resources and that it is up to each of us to take action to preserve them.
Kaylan Fagour
