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National Wetland Inventory of Barbados

2022 - current

GIS

Water Quality

Biodiversity

Stressor Analysis

Monitoring

Cataloguing Barbados’ Wetlands for Conservation

The National Wetland Inventory is a landmark, island-wide ecological assessment, led by WIRRED in partnership with Ministry of the Environment and Natural Beautification and Fisheries and Environmental Consulting, covering coastal landscapes including mangroves, inland marshes, and ephemeral ponds across Barbados.

Combining field surveys, water quality monitoring, GIS mapping, and wildlife observations, the project created a standardised national database documenting wetland types, biodiversity, ecological conditions, and environmental threats.

Project Area

Island-wide, all major wetland systems in Barbados

Project Area

Island-wide, all major wetland systems in Barbados

Wetland Types

Mangrove swamps, inland marshes, ephemeral ponds

Wetland Types

Island-wide across Barbados

Wetland Types

Mangrove swamps, inland marshes, ephemeral ponds

Wetland Types

Mangrove swamps, inland marshes, ephemeral ponds

Biodiversity

Flora and fauna inventory

Climate Benefits

Flood mitigation 

Fish nursery habitat

Carbon sequestration

Climate Benefits

Flood mitigation 

Fish nursery habitat

Carbon sequestration

Methods

GIS mapping, multiparameter water quality sondes, GPS, camera traps

Methods

GIS mapping, multiparameter water quality sondes, GPS, camera traps

Challenge

Barbados’ wetlands were under-documented and facing growing ecological pressures, limiting effective conservation planning, policy development, and restoration strategy

Solution

An island-wide inventory combining field surveys, water quality monitoring, biodiversity inventories, and GIS mapping to create a standardised national database

Outcome

Wetland data now informs protected area designations, environmental impact assessments, and national strategies for conservation and restoration

Challenge

Barbados’ wetlands were under-documented and facing growing ecological pressures, limiting effective conservation planning, policy development, and restoration strategy

Solution

An island-wide inventory combining field surveys, water quality monitoring, biodiversity inventories, and GIS mapping to create a standardised national database

Outcome

Wetland data now informs protected area designations, environmental impact assessments, and national strategies for conservation and restoration

Partners

Dr. Therese
Yarde

Landscape Context

Barbados’ wetlands span coastal mangroves, inland marshes, and ephemeral ponds, providing benefits such as flood mitigation, fish nursery habitat, migratory bird stop-over sites, and carbon storage. Despite their ecological importance, these systems are fragmented and under-documented, facing pressures from agricultural runoff, land reclamation, and tourism development.

Together, these wetlands form a connected network of habitats that support biodiversity, regulate water systems, and help communities adapt to climate impacts. This island-wide assessment captures the full diversity and ecological value of Barbados’ wetlands.

The Impact

Before the inventory, data on wetland extent, condition, and biodiversity were outdated or scattered across disconnected sources.

Many wetlands in Barbados are seasonal or remote, complicating monitoring and assessment. Pressures including pollution, land reclamation, invasive species and habitat degradation threaten the integrity of these vital wetland ecosystems. 

Data from the standardised, island-wide inventory now underpins protected area designations, environmental impact assessments, and national strategies for conservation, restoration, and policy decisions throughout Barbados.

The Impact

Before the inventory, data on wetland extent, condition, and biodiversity were outdated or scattered across disconnected sources.

Many wetlands in Barbados are seasonal or remote, complicating monitoring and assessment. Pressures including pollution, land reclamation, invasive species and habitat degradation threaten the integrity of these vital wetland ecosystems. 

Data from the standardised, island-wide inventory now underpins protected area designations, environmental impact assessments, and national strategies for conservation, restoration, and policy decisions throughout Barbados.

Technical Expertise

Explore our Work

WIRRED partners with landowners, organizations, and government agencies to design and implement projects that restore dunes, wetlands, and forests.

Explore our Work

WIRRED partners with landowners, organizations, and government agencies to design and implement projects that restore dunes, wetlands, and forests.

Partner with Us

WIRRED partners with land stewards, government agencies, and practitioners to regenerate coastal landscapes and restore degraded lands. Explore our approach or get in touch to start your regeneration project. 

WIRRED is a registered non-profit organization under the Companies Act, Cap.308: Company No. 42861.
Nonprofit status: Registered under Charities Act, Cap 243: Registered Charities No. 1405

WIRRED is a registered non-profit organization under the Companies Act, Cap.308: Company No. 42861.
Nonprofit status: Registered under Charities Act, Cap 243: Registered Charities No. 1405

WIRRED is a registered non-profit organization under the Companies Act, Cap.308: Company No. 42861.
Nonprofit status: Registered under Charities Act, Cap 243: Registered Charities No. 1405