The 2020 Coral Reef Report Card for Barbados has been published and is available for review.

The relatively undeveloped East Coast of Barbados is renowned for its natural beauty and pounding waves. Spectacular vistas are easy to find on this coast, a large portion of which has been...

Aerial photograph of the full extent of the Sir Richard Haynes Boardwalk stretching from Hastings to Rockley along the south coast of Barbados. The boardwalk provides 1.2km of fully accessible...

The CZMU is providing monitoring data and technical assistance to the Barbados Port Inc. to support their effort to address the sand buildup at the mouth of the Careenage in Bridgetown.

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Shoreline Protection

In order to better understand the dynamic coastline of Barbados, the CZMU collects data under several field programmes including beach monitoring, wave and tide monitoring, basic meteorology monitoring, inspection of coastal structures and hydrographic surveys. The data and information collected from these programmes is used to guide the designs of coastal protection structures such as groynes, revetments and breakwaters; as well as to determine the likely impacts from coastal development activities.

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Development Control

As a stakeholder within the national physical development planning framework, the CZMU is one of several government agencies that contribute to the assessment of development applications that may impact coastal areas. The Unit provides advice to the Chief Town Planner based on environmental considerations in order to minimize any negative impacts associated with development along the coast. Ultimately the Town and Country Development Planning Office (TCDPO) is responsible for all physical development in Barbados.

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Marine Habitat Management

The mandate of the CZMU includes the conservation of marine habitats such as coral reefs, sea grass beds and mangroves. The Unit plans and implements programs and activities geared toward habitat conservation which include: reef community health assessments, marine water quality monitoring, and the control of invasive species. Using the outputs of these activities, and through partnerships with other local agencies, the CZMU works to ensure that Barbados' fragile marine habitats are protected.

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Welcome to Coastal Zone Management Unit

About The CZMU

The Coastal Zone Management Unit (CZMU), which was established in 1996, was developed from the original Coastal Conservation Project Unit created in 1983. Since 1983 we have sought to create one of the preeminent coastal zone management institutions in the Caribbean.

Latest News & Articles

Cop27: coral conservation groups alarmed over ‘catastrophic losses’

World faces ‘stark reality that there is no safe limit of global warming for coral reefs’, says researcher.

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Climate Activists Call for Unity Among the Youth

Barbadian climate activist and UNI

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Spotting hopeful signs for coral health in Barbados’s backyard

In his diving surveys, ecologist Henri Vallès is finding that once-struggling reefs are on the mend.

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Climate crisis brings growing numbers of unusual jellyfish to UK seas

Britain’s seas are becoming populated with large groups of unusual jellyfish owing to climate breakdown, a survey by the Marine Conservation Society (MCS) has found.

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Upcoming Events

Jun

2021

Public Consultation Meetings for the Updated Integrated Coastal Zone Management Plan

Jun

2021

National Launch of the Public Consultation Meetings for the Updated Integrated Coastal Zone Management Plan for Barbados

Jun

2021

World Environment Day

World Environment Day is June 5, 2021. Please follow the link below for more information.

Sep

2016

Underwater Cleanup

The CZMU in collaboration with the Caribbean Youth Environment Network (CYEN) and the CleanBim Project invites you to their 4th and last underwater cleanup.

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Shoreline Protection

Development Control

Marine Habitat Management

Welcome to Coastal Zone Management Unit

About The CZMU

Latest News & Articles

Upcoming Events