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

Seaweed causing significant beach erosion

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Historic treaty could open the way to protecting 30% of the oceans

Agreement sets framework for creating marine reserves and sharing biodiversity profits.

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‘Everyone should be concerned’: Antarctic sea ice reaches lowest levels ever recorded

With the continent holding enough ice to raise sea levels by many metres if it was to melt, polar scientists are scrambling for answers.

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UN forges historic deal to protect ocean life: what researchers think

After years of debates and discussions, nations have agreed on a High Seas Treaty to protect marine biodiversity and provide oversight of international waters.

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Upcoming Events

Oct

2023

CZMU 40th Anniversary Dinner and Awards

In celebration of 40 years of service to the nation of Barbados, the CZMU will host a 40th anniversary dinner and awards event for staff and specially invited guests on October 28, 2023.

Mar

2023

The Impacts of Climate Change on the Coastal and Marine Environment and Society

Watch live on Sunday 12 March, 2003 on CBC TV Channel 8 as representatives from the CZMU, Fisheries Division and The Barbados Meteorological Services discuss the topic of climate change and its imp

Mar

2023

Coastal Sundown Walk, March 11, 2023

The CZMU will be conducting a Coastal Sundown Walk on March 11, 2023 from Martin's Bay to Bathsheba. Please see the flyer below for more details.

Jan

2023

Launch of the Marine Spatial Plan for Barbados

The CZMU in collaboration with The Nature Conservancy will be hosting a launch for the Marine Spatial Plan for Barbados at the Hilton Hotel on January 18, 2023.

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