Pitons Management Area
Country
Saint Lucia
Inscribed in
2004
Criteria
(vii)
(viii)
The conservation outlook for this site has been assessed as "significant concern" in the latest assessment cycle. Explore the Conservation Outlook Assessment for the site below. You have the option to access the summary, or the detailed assessment.
The 2,909-ha site near the town of Soufriere includes the Pitons, two volcanic spires rising side by side from the sea (770 m and 743 m high respectively), linked by the Piton Mitan ridge. The volcanic complex includes a geothermal field with sulphurous fumeroles and hot springs. Coral reefs cover almost 60% of the site’s marine area. A survey has revealed 168 species of finfish, 60 species of cnidaria, including corals, eight molluscs, 14 sponges, 11 echinoderms, 15 arthropods and eight annelid worms. The dominant terrestrial vegetation is tropical moist forest grading to subtropical wet forest, with small areas of dry forest and wet elfin woodland on the summits. At least 148 plant species have been recorded on Gros Piton, 97 on Petit Piton and the intervening ridge, among them eight rare tree species. The Gros Piton is home to some 27 bird species (five of them endemic), three indigenous rodents, one opossum, three bats, eight reptiles and three amphibians. © UNESCO
Summary
2025 Conservation Outlook
Finalised on
11 Oct 2025
Significant concern
Current state and trend of VALUES
High Concern
Overall THREATS
Overall PROTECTION and MANAGEMENT
Full assessment
Description of values
Superlative natural beauty
Criterion
(vii)
The Pitons Management Area (PMA) derives its primary visual impact and aesthetic qualities from the Pitons, two adjacent forest-clad volcanic lava domes rising abruptly from the sea to heights greater than 700m. The Pitons predominate over the Saint Lucian landscape, being visible from virtually every part of the island and providing a distinctive landmark for seafarers. The combination of the Pitons against the backdrop of green tropical vegetation and a varying topography combined with a marine foreground gives the area its superlative beauty (World Heritage Committee, 2016).
Volcanic features
Criterion
(viii)
The Pitons Management Area contains the greater part of a collapsed stratovolcano contained within the volcanic system, known to geologists as the Soufriere Volcanic Centre. Prominent within the volcanic landscape are two eroded remnants of lava domes, Gros Piton and Petit Piton. The Pitons occur with a variety of other volcanic features including cumulodomes,
explosion craters, pyroclastic deposits (pumice and ash), and lava flows. Collectively, these fully illustrate the volcanic history of an andesitic composite volcano associated with crustal plate subduction (World Heritage Committee, 2016).
explosion craters, pyroclastic deposits (pumice and ash), and lava flows. Collectively, these fully illustrate the volcanic history of an andesitic composite volcano associated with crustal plate subduction (World Heritage Committee, 2016).
Marine habitats
The Marine Management Area within the PMA is a coastal strip 11 km long and about 1 km wide. It comprises a steeply sloping continental shelf with fringing and patch reefs, boulders and sandy plains. The coral reefs, which cover almost 60% of the nominated marine area, are healthy and diverse. A survey to a depth of 20 m revealed 168 species of finfish, 60 species of cnidaria including corals, 8 molluscs, 14 sponges, 11 echinoderms, 15 arthropods and 8 annelid worms. Hawksbill turtles are seen inshore, and whale sharks and pilot whales offshore (IUCN, 2004).
Terrestrial species of conservation concern
At least 148 plant species have been recorded on Gros Piton and 97 on Petit Piton and the intervening ridge. Among these are several endemic or rare plants, including eight rare species of tree. Some 27 bird species, including 5 endemics, are known from Gros Piton, along with 3 indigenous rodents, 1 opossum, 3 bats, 8
reptiles and 3 amphibians. The endemic St Lucia anole Anolis luceae, St Lucia pygmy gecko Sphaerodactylus microlepis, St Lucia boa Constrictororophias, and St Lucia viper (or fer-de-lance) Bothrops caribbaeus occur (IUCN, 2004).
reptiles and 3 amphibians. The endemic St Lucia anole Anolis luceae, St Lucia pygmy gecko Sphaerodactylus microlepis, St Lucia boa Constrictororophias, and St Lucia viper (or fer-de-lance) Bothrops caribbaeus occur (IUCN, 2004).
International Bird Area
This International Bird Area (IBA) is important for its population of the Endangered St Lucia Black Finch Melanospiza richardsoni, and for the 14 (of the 23) Lesser Antilles EBA restricted-range birds that occur (including the Near Threatened St Lucia Oriole Icterus laudabilis). The endemic subspecies of Lesser Antillean Flycatcher Myiarchus oberi santaeluciae and House Wren Troglodytes aedon martinicensis also occur. A small but regionally important population of Royal Tern Sterna maxima breeds here (IBA factsheet).
Assessment information
The Pitons Management Area (PMA) is one of the smallest natural World Heritage sites which currently faces a combination of threats from development pressure associated with tourism and housing. Multiple effects of climate change represent another critical threat facing the PMA, although the threat level remains lower for the World Heritage values compared to the other important biodiversity values.
Fire & Fire Management
(Fires)
Inside site
, Scattered(5-15%)
Occasional wildfires often threaten the OUV of the Sulphur Springs and the Piton (IUCN Consultation, 2024). A large fire occurred in 2010, devastating part of the hill above the Sulphur Springs. This threat periodically affects the site’s backdrop of green tropical vegetation and could become more important due to climate change (IUCN, 2010). Fires also increase the risk of erosion and sediment runoff.
Invasive Non-Native/ Alien Species
(Invasive species)
Inside site
, Localised(<5%)
Invasive plant species have spread in the site through the main track trail. Significant efforts to eradicate invasive alien species have been made, and include increasing the general public, local landholders and tourist businesses awareness on floristic issues (Forestry Department Union Saint Lucia, 2012; State Party of Saint Lucia, 2015; World Heritage Committee, 2016). An invasive species (plant) eradication project is currently underway (State Party of Saint Lucia, 2024).
Recreation & Tourism Areas
(Construction of vacation homes and resorts)
Inside site
, Scattered(5-15%)
Outside site
Tourism and residential developments which do not conform to the policy guidelines, especially along the coast, can negatively impact the OUV (IUCN Consultation, 2024).
The construction of vacation homes and resorts within PMA are degrading aesthetic values and threatening the OUV of the site. Divers have reported a greater increase in silt deposition on nearby reefs since the development, although no scientific studies have yet been conducted to confirm this. Further, silt deposition on coral reefs as a result of coastal hotel developments can lead to reef structure collapse, and a consequent decline in both the number of individual fish and fish species diversity (Thurlow and Jones, 2021).
While a moratorium on development is theoretically in place, strict conditional approvals have been granted for developments that would enhance the tourism product. Challenges with development pressures are noted, particularly on private properties. The monitoring report indicates that there is some development, in particular in Sugar Bay, which does not comply fully with the Policy Area Design Guidelines of the Limits of Acceptable Change (LAC) study (UNESCO, 2023). Now that the Limits of Acceptable Change (LAC) Study has been completed and gives clear recommendations about the acceptability of proposed and future developments, it will be essential that these recommendations are fully obliged by, integrated into legal and regulatory frameworks, and that existing plans are revised to meet the requirements. The recommendations of the LAC study were endorsed by Executive Order (Cabinet Conclusion No. 527 of 2013) and outlined a road map for implementation of the report (IUCN, 2004, 2010; State Party of Saint Lucia, 2012; UNESCO, 2013). Funding has been secured to integrate the recommendations of the LAC study into the legal and regulatory framework of Saint Lucia. In its most recent decision (45 COM 7B.70), the Committee requested the State Party to undertake the process to amend the Physical Planning and Development Act as soon as possible (World Heritage Committee, 2023).
The construction of vacation homes and resorts within PMA are degrading aesthetic values and threatening the OUV of the site. Divers have reported a greater increase in silt deposition on nearby reefs since the development, although no scientific studies have yet been conducted to confirm this. Further, silt deposition on coral reefs as a result of coastal hotel developments can lead to reef structure collapse, and a consequent decline in both the number of individual fish and fish species diversity (Thurlow and Jones, 2021).
While a moratorium on development is theoretically in place, strict conditional approvals have been granted for developments that would enhance the tourism product. Challenges with development pressures are noted, particularly on private properties. The monitoring report indicates that there is some development, in particular in Sugar Bay, which does not comply fully with the Policy Area Design Guidelines of the Limits of Acceptable Change (LAC) study (UNESCO, 2023). Now that the Limits of Acceptable Change (LAC) Study has been completed and gives clear recommendations about the acceptability of proposed and future developments, it will be essential that these recommendations are fully obliged by, integrated into legal and regulatory frameworks, and that existing plans are revised to meet the requirements. The recommendations of the LAC study were endorsed by Executive Order (Cabinet Conclusion No. 527 of 2013) and outlined a road map for implementation of the report (IUCN, 2004, 2010; State Party of Saint Lucia, 2012; UNESCO, 2013). Funding has been secured to integrate the recommendations of the LAC study into the legal and regulatory framework of Saint Lucia. In its most recent decision (45 COM 7B.70), the Committee requested the State Party to undertake the process to amend the Physical Planning and Development Act as soon as possible (World Heritage Committee, 2023).
Changes in Physical & Chemical Regimes, Changes in Precipitation & Hydrological Regime
(Multiple impacts from climate change)
Inside site
, Throughout(>50%)
Outside site
Climate change has caused more intense storms, flooding and sea surges which have impacted the site, the marine ecosystem, the shoreline and infrastructure on the coastline (IUCN Consultation, 2024). Saint Lucia is naturally subject to tropical storms and hurricanes, but extreme weather events are predicted to increase in frequency and severity as a consequence of climate change (Thurlow and Jones, 2021). The impacts of climate change are cumulative for both terrestrial and marine environments. Terrestrial environments are affected by increased frequency and severity of droughts, fires, tropical storms and hurricanes, the latter causing flooding and wind damage. While the volcanic features are not impacted, the superlative natural beauty may be affected. Marine environments, and especially coral reefs, are negatively affected by ocean acidification, which contributes to coral mortality; periodic coral bleaching events caused by rises in sea temperatures; and increased frequency and severity of tropical storms and hurricanes leading to increased runoff and sedimentation; and physical damage by wave action and storm surge (IUCN, 2004; IUCN, 2010). Although the SMMA has so far worked well to conserve coastal fish stocks, it has been predicted that ocean warming will cause an upward migration of fish stocks from the Caribbean, with Saint Lucia’s catch potential expected to be 10-20% lower by 2050, compared to 2005 levels (Thurlow and Jones, 2021).
The exploration stage of the geothermal energy project has concluded, with no specific plans yet for a second phase. However, possible locations for exploratory drilling were identified in the vicinity of the site.
Renewable Energy
(Geothermal energy)
Outside site
Concerns about location of geothermal resources within or in the immediate vicinity of the site have not materialised. However, any exploration or eventual use of geothermal energy requires adequate assessment of the potential impacts on the site (UNESCO, 2016, 2018). An Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) was prepared for geothermal exploration drilling and testing at the Belle Plaine Site as funding has been secured for the Renewable Energy Sector Development Project (RESDP), formally known as the Geothermal Resource and Development Project (GRDP). This ESIA focuses on the exploration phase of geothermal development and does not address development of a power plant in the event that an economically viable geothermal resource is identified. A separate ESIA would be prepared to address potential impacts from power plant development (State Part of Saint Lucia, 2024).
Involvement of stakeholders and rightsholders, including indigenous peoples and local communities, in decision-making processes
The complexity of management arrangements for the Pitons Management Area is reflected in the complexity of relationships with local people and the diverse range of interests. These are particularly confusing and fragmented for the terrestrial part of the World Heritage site (IUCN, 2010). The property management collaborates with relevant local and national agencies through the Pitons Management Area Advisory Committee (PMAAC) to undertake other relevant monitoring activities for the conservation of the property’s Outstanding Universal Value (OUV). Two communities are included in the 12-member PMA Advisory Committee. Community groups like the Fonds Gens Libre community also take ownership of their area and are responsible for nature trails, piton climbing and site visits. According to the latest periodic report there is adequate coordination between all bodies/levels involved in the management of the property (State Party of Saint Lucia, 2023a). From the marine perspective, there is some evidence that tensions are growing due to the increasing number of tourists and the belief that the Soufriere Marine Management Area (SMMA) is more lenient towards tourists than the locals, and that ‘the government and the SMMA are not in the fishermen’s favour’. If this growing consensus within the community is not rectified, tensions will amass to user conflicts between tourists and locals, which will ultimately undermine the SMMA’s objective to manage user conflicts in the marine resource base (Thurlow and Jones, 2021).
Legal framework
The legal framework for the World Heritage site is complex and confusing, and according to some stakeholders, enforcement is arbitrary and also subject to political influence (IUCN, 2010; PMA - Soufrière Region Integrated Management Plan, 2008; PMA Management Plan, 2003). The Limits of Acceptable Change (LAC) study, which gives clear recommendations regarding the acceptability of proposed and future developments, was adopted by the Cabinet of Ministers in 2015, and was incorporated into the Physical Planning and Development Act in 2024, declaring the Piton Management Area an Environmental Protected Area (Star Reporter, 2024). Such designation may “require that an environmental impact assessment be carried out in respect of every application for development within the areas” or “restrict or prohibit development, or development of any class, within the area” (Attorney General of Saint Lucia, 2022).
Governance arrangements
The site is managed by the Office of the Pitons Management Area however 80% land within the PMA is privately owned (State Party of Saint Lucia, 2024). The PMA Advisory Committee (PMAAC) facilitates a coordinated and integrated approach to the management of the PMA. With 12 members, it comprises agencies responsible for overseeing the sustainable management of the PMA as well community representatives and organisations involved in nature and heritage preservation (Pitons Management Area Office, 2017). Staff of the Soufriere Marine Management Association (SMMA) also support management activities like monitoring and research. The high turnover of site managers is a concern, indicating a lack of a stable governance structure (State Party of Saint Lucia, 2023b).
Integration into local, regional and national planning systems (including sea/landscape connectivity)
The World Heritage site is well integrated into the national planning framework, and a regional plan to integrate the development of the PMA and surrounding region has been developed (IUCN, 2010; PMA - Soufrière Region Integrated Management Plan, 2008; PMA, 2003).
Boundaries
Since the LAC study recommended changes and adjustments to some of the PMA’s internal boundaries as a means of strengthening management protocols, the World Heritage Committee has urged the State Party to accelerate boundary demarcations and modifications (World Heritage Committee, 2020). That demarcation has been advanced and is 20% completed; and includes a new “Green Buffer Zone” (State Party of Saint Lucia, 2024).
Overlapping international designations
N/A
Implementation of World Heritage Committee decisions and recommendations
Some Committee decisions have been implemented, while others have not. Significantly, the study to determine the Limits of Acceptable Change, to review land use plans and development and control guidelines was completed in 2013 and its recommendations were adopted under the Physical Planning Act in 2024 (State Party of Saint Lucia, 2024). A draft statement of OUV has been submitted as have reports on the state of conservation of the site (IUCN, 2010; State Party of Saint Lucia, 2012, 2017, 2020, 2023, 2024). The State Party continues to address the requests and recommendations expressed by the World Heritage Committee. However, not all of the requests in decisions have been addressed. For example, after many years the revised management plan is still in draft form.
Climate action
Communities and stakeholders are sensitised to the impacts of climate change and taught how they could reduce their vulnerabilities through mitigation and adaption. This is mostly achieved through summer camps, school visits, workshops and radio interviews. A disaster risk reduction component is now being incorporated into the Management Plan (State Party of Saint Lucia, 2023a). There is a National Adaptation Plan for 2018-2028 but it does not mention the PMA specifically (Government of Saint Lucia, 2018). Saint Lucia has also launched a Climate Change Research Strategy 2020-2030. The PMA Management Plan (2013) has been amended to include a disaster risk reduction component (State Party of Saint Lucia, 2023a).
Management plan and overall management system
Management of the Pitons Management Area (PMA) is guided through a statutory PMA Management Plan. Implementation is based on the inputs of a large number of government departments and stakeholder groups. In practice, however, the Plan has failed to address the requirements for sustainable development of the PMA. A subsequent Integrated Development Plan and Specific Development Guidelines for the World Heritage site have not halted the construction of unsightly and intrusive buildings in critical areas (IUCN, 2010). In 2015, Terms of Reference for undertaking a review of the PMA Management Plan were developed by the PMA Office (State Party of Saint Lucia, 2015) but to date only a draft has been prepared (State Party of Saint Lucia, 2024). The current management system/plan is only partially adequate to maintain the property’s Outstanding Universal Value, and the management system is only partly being implemented (State Party of Saint Lucia, 2023a).
Law enforcement
Regarding development projects, it is expected that dialogue with developers will result in a mutually acceptable balance in line with the World Heritage status of PMA, however the continued absence of an enforcement mechanism, in case dialogue fails to generate a consensus, is of serious concern (UNESCO, 2016; IUCN Consultation, 2024).
Sustainable finance
Finance for management activities is provided indirectly by the government through the allocations to the various government agencies and committees that are part of the management structure. However, this is not enough to cover an integrated approach to management (IUCN, 2010; PMA - Soufrière Region Integrated Management Plan, 2008; PMA, 2003). Funding from Saint Lucia Renewable Energy Sector Development Project (RESP) was provided to incorporate LAC recommendations into legally binding regulations under the Physical Planning Act for Saint Lucia, and to map boundaries (State Party of Saint Lucia, 2023b, 2024).
Staff capacity, training and development
The PMA is still inadequately staffed. Additional staff are needed for monitoring developments within the PMA and ensuring compliance with building codes and regulations (IUCN Consultation, 2024). A site-based capacity building plan or programme is in place and partially implemented; some technical skills are being transferred to those managing the property locally, but most technical work is carried out by external staff (State Party of Saint Lucia, 2023a).
Education and interpretation programmes
Importance of raising awareness and providing better educational opportunities has been recognised and there are plans to improve current provisions. A number of initiatives to increase public awareness of the values of the property have been commenced, including preparation of brochures and other materials and organization of community events (State Party of Saint Lucia, 2015). PMA education centers on a website created in 2017 (State Party of Saint Lucia, 2017). Since 2014 PMA organized annual summer three-day camps for approximately 40 schoolchildren per year (State Party of Saint Lucia, 2020), but was discontinued during the pandemic (State Party of Saint Lucia, 2023). The PMA Office undertakes many educational activities, including camps, curriculum development, and public events (State Part of Saint Lucia, 2024).
Tourism and visitation management
The park attracts over 200,000 visitors annually and employs over 40 permanent staff (Soufriere Regional Development Foundation, 2017). There are some plans to develop the PMA further for tourism, especially the Malgretoute Area, and a new Bilateral Cooperation Project between Mexico and Saint Lucia will, apart from conservation, focus on exploring linkages between heritage tourism development and job creation (State Party of Saint Lucia, 2020). Besides this, there is very limited information available regarding tourism and visitation management. There is no strategy to manage visitors, tourism activity and its derived impacts on the World Heritage property (State Party of Saint Lucia, 2023a).
Sustainable use
A number of new structures, both legal and illegal, are negatively impacting the OUV of the site and thus are uses that are unsustainable (State Party of Saint Lucia, 2024). Construction of new resorts in principle would further add to the problem (IUCN, 2010).
Monitoring
Monitoring of the marine part of the World Heritage site is carried out on a regular basis by the staff of the Soufriere Marine Management Association (SMMA). While annual surveys have detected change this has to date been deemed not to represent significant change in OUV. With regards to the values of the site associated with criterion (vii), viewpoint monitoring was recommended as a key monitoring method by the LAC study and consists of comparing photographic evidence of outstanding viewpoints with baseline photographs of same locations taken in 2013. A limited photographic survey was taken in May/June of 2019. Mostly, the survey did not detect any significant change in the PMA Outstanding Views, however, some areas of concern were found showing worrying exposure of new developments, especially on private properties (State Party of Saint Lucia, 2020). Additionally, the PMA Office staff was receiving further training in the use of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) or Drones for monitoring. The equipment and training is being provided through support from the CATS Programme funded by the GIZ (IUCN Consultation, 2020), but there is no indication such systems are in use (State Party of Saint Lucia, 2024).
Staff monitored developments at Sugar Beach Resorts in the Val de Pitons Bay within Policy Area 4 of the PMA to ensure that the development is implemented in compliance with the LAC recommendations. Compliance is voluntary on the part of the owner.
According to the latest periodic report, 20 sites are monitored twice a year and a report produced for the Department of Sustainable Development. This monitoring is restricted to ensuring that the state of the site has not changed or is not changing significantly (State Party of Saint Lucia, 2023a).
Staff monitored developments at Sugar Beach Resorts in the Val de Pitons Bay within Policy Area 4 of the PMA to ensure that the development is implemented in compliance with the LAC recommendations. Compliance is voluntary on the part of the owner.
According to the latest periodic report, 20 sites are monitored twice a year and a report produced for the Department of Sustainable Development. This monitoring is restricted to ensuring that the state of the site has not changed or is not changing significantly (State Party of Saint Lucia, 2023a).
Research
The PMA Office collaborated with the University of Vermont (UVM) on a programme of research but it is unclear if that continues. The initial areas for surveys are “public awareness of World Heritage”. The intention was to broaden the scope of this work to include research in biodiversity and socio-economic topics (IUCN Consultation, 2020). Research on the marine component is promoted and coordinated by the SMMA, and carried out by external researchers (SMMA website). Research results are shared with local communities and some national agencies (State Party of Saint Lucia, 2023a).
Effectiveness of management system and governance in addressing threats outside the site
The PMA delineated a Green Buffer Zone (GBZ) in 2024. While acceptable activities are listed in the 2024 State of Conservation report no authority for restricting other uses is indicated, other than housing development, addressed under Statutory Instrument 107 (State Party of Saint Lucia, 2024).
Effectiveness of management system and governance in addressing threats inside the site
Management effectiveness for the terrestrial component is low because of the fragmentation of responsibilities, the lack of effective coordination, and political pressure (IUCN, 2010; PMA - Soufrière Region Integrated Management Plan, 2008; PMA, 2003). The adoption of the Limits of Acceptable Change (LAC) study can provide a framework for strengthening management protocols (State Party of Saint Lucia, 2015) and therefore improving the overall management effectiveness. The recommendations of the 2013 LAC study have not been significantly implemented (State Part of Saint Lucia, 2020; World Heritage Committee, 2018), though the LAC policy for the PMA was incorporated into the Physical Planning and Development Act in 2024, declaring the Piton Management Area an Environmental Protected Area (Star Reporter, 2024). Such designation may “require that an environmental impact assessment be carried out in respect of every application for development within the areas” or “restrict or prohibit development, or development of any class, within the area” (Attorney General of Saint Lucia, 2022).
Pitons Management Area faces a combination of tourism and housing development pressures, which coincide with the absence of a structured and enforced development control system and is aggravated by limited financial and technical management capacity. The 2013 Limits of Acceptable Change (LAC) study provides important guidance for the management of the site, particularly with respect to the development pressures, thus the complete implementation of the study’s guidelines will be essential for the protection of the site’s values. The 2024 adoption of the recommendations under the Physical Planning is salutary but enforcement capacity is currently weak.
Good practice examples
As part of the Invasive Alien Species Eradication Project in 2015, an Environmental Stewardship programme was initiated with the use of Volunteers for eradication of IAS on the Gros Piton Nature Trail (GPNT).
Superlative natural beauty
High Concern
Trend
Deteriorating
Challenges in protecting the aesthetic values of the site continue due to the continued development pressures from private owners (State Party of Saint Lucia, 2023b). The degradation of the aesthetic values of the World Heritage site is caused mainly by the construction of homes and resorts. It remains of concern that development, particularly in Sugar Bay, has occurred, which does not comply fully with the Policy Area Design Guidelines of the LAC (UNESCO, 2023).
Volcanic features
Good
Trend
Stable
The physical attributes related to volcanic features and geological processes are not threatened. Probabilistic elements have not been included in volcanic hazard assessments to date (Lindsay and Robertson, 2018).
Assessment of the current state and trend of World Heritage values
Data Deficient
Though the 2024 adoption of the Limits of Acceptable Change recommendations under the Physical Planning Act is salutary, the current state of the site’s values continues to be assessed as “high concern” due to the continuing development pressures from private owners, which does not comply fully with the Policy Area Design Guidelines of the LAC. These developments are impacting the aesthetic values of the site.
Assessment of the current state and trend of other important biodiversity values
High Concern
Data Deficient
Coastal development has been recognised as key threat to reefs in Saint Lucia. In Soufrière, development is primarily associated with tourism. There are concerns that due to the economic value attached to tourism, the government has a tendency to prioritise tourism over the environment. Divers have reported a greater increase in silt deposition on nearby reefs since the development, although no scientific studies have yet been conducted to confirm this. Some argue that the government needs to consider the long-term impacts of their decisions and that if the environment is not protected now, further degradation to the marine environment will occur through coastal developments, potentially leading to a decline in tourism. Further, silt deposition on coral reefs as a result of coastal hotel developments can lead to reef structure collapse, and a consequent decline in both the number of individual fish and fish species diversity. Soufrière has already experienced two large-scale
coral bleaching events in 1998 and 2005 that resulted in a total of 43.8% coral mortality, as opposed to just 4.3% in 2006 (ibid). Although the SMMA has so far worked well to conserve coastal fish stocks, it has been predicted that ocean warming will cause an upward migration of fish stocks from the Caribbean, with Saint Lucia’s catch potential expected to be 10-20% lower by 2050, compared to 2005 levels. Invasive lionfish species Pterois volitans and P. miles were first recorded in Saint Lucia in October 2011 and have since spread around the island [23]. P. miles/volitans are invasive, voracious predators of fish in the Caribbean, resulting in declines in fish populations that have led to disrupted coral reef communities. White-band disease caused 3% loss of coral within the SMMA between 1997 and 1998. Increasing ocean temperatures as a consequence of climate change may cause future outbreaks of the disease to become more common. Likewise, outbreaks of the macroalgae Sargassum are predicted to become more frequent as sea temperatures rise. Sargassum outbreaks have become an issue throughout the Caribbean, including in Saint Lucia, and can have detrimental impacts to marine life and tourism. The combined effects of all these issues may in future result in a decrease in resilience of coral reefs, undermining the SMMA’s conservation objectives (Thurlow and Jones, 2021).
coral bleaching events in 1998 and 2005 that resulted in a total of 43.8% coral mortality, as opposed to just 4.3% in 2006 (ibid). Although the SMMA has so far worked well to conserve coastal fish stocks, it has been predicted that ocean warming will cause an upward migration of fish stocks from the Caribbean, with Saint Lucia’s catch potential expected to be 10-20% lower by 2050, compared to 2005 levels. Invasive lionfish species Pterois volitans and P. miles were first recorded in Saint Lucia in October 2011 and have since spread around the island [23]. P. miles/volitans are invasive, voracious predators of fish in the Caribbean, resulting in declines in fish populations that have led to disrupted coral reef communities. White-band disease caused 3% loss of coral within the SMMA between 1997 and 1998. Increasing ocean temperatures as a consequence of climate change may cause future outbreaks of the disease to become more common. Likewise, outbreaks of the macroalgae Sargassum are predicted to become more frequent as sea temperatures rise. Sargassum outbreaks have become an issue throughout the Caribbean, including in Saint Lucia, and can have detrimental impacts to marine life and tourism. The combined effects of all these issues may in future result in a decrease in resilience of coral reefs, undermining the SMMA’s conservation objectives (Thurlow and Jones, 2021).
Additional information
Outdoor recreation and tourism
The iconic PMA is a major tourism attraction for St. Lucia and the Caribbean that draws tourists from many parts of the world, and is a key element supporting economic development (IUCN, 2010; PMA, 2003).
Cultural identity and sense of belonging
The Pitons are an iconic feature of St. Lucia that stimulates national pride amongst its citizens (IUCN, 2010; PMA, 2003).
Tourism and national pride are the major benefits associated with the PMA and have the double benefit of feeding both economic development and national identity.
References
| № | References |
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| 1 |
Attorney General of Saint Lucia (2022). Revised Laws of Saint Lucia. [online] Attorney General Chambers. Available at: https://attorneygeneralchambers.com/laws-of-saint-lucia/phy…
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| 2 |
Forestry Department Union (2012). Survey of Invasive Alien Plant Species on Gros Piton, Saint Lucia, 2012 carried out under the project Mitigating the Threats of Invasive Alien Species in the Insular Caribbean. Project No. GFL / 2328 – 2713-4A86, GF-1030-09-03.
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| 3 |
Government of Saint Lucia. (2018). Saint Lucia’s National Adaptation Plan (NAP): 2018–2028. Department of Sustainable Development, Ministry of Education, Innovation, Gender Relations and Sustainable Development.
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| 4 |
IUCN (2004). World Heritage Nomination – IUCN Technical evaluation Pitons Management Area (Saint Lucia) ID N° 1161. [online] Available at: https://whc.unesco.org/document/151917 [Accessed on 13 November 2025]
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| 5 |
IUCN Consultation (2024). IUCN World Heritage Confidential Consultation form: Pitons Management Area, Saint Lucia
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| 6 |
Lindsay, J. M., & Robertson, R. E. (2018). Integrating volcanic hazard data in a systematic approach to develop volcanic hazard maps in the Lesser Antilles. Frontiers in Earth Science, 6:42. doi: 10.3389/feart.2018.00042
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| 7 |
Pitons Management Area Office. (2017). Pitons Management Area website [online] Available at: https://www.pma.govt.lc/en/pma-office/about-the-pma
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| 8 |
Star Reporter. (2024) New Law for Piton Management Area. [online] The Saint Lucia Star, July 23, 2024. Available at: https://stluciastar.com/new-law-for-piton-management-area/
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| 9 |
State Party of Saint Lucia (2015). Report of the State Party to the World Heritage Committee on the state of conservation of Pitons Management Area (Saint Lucia). < http://whc.unesco.org/document/139804>; Accessed 25 October 2017
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| 10 |
State Party of Saint Lucia (2023a). Periodic Report 3 Section II Cycle Pitons Management Area [online] Paris, France. UNESCO World Heritage Centre, pp 1-49. Available at: https://whc.unesco.org/document/217646
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| 11 |
State Party of Saint Lucia (2023b). Report of the State Party to the World Heritage Committee on the state of conservation of the Great Barrier Reef (Saint Lucia). Saint Lucia
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| 12 |
State Party of Saint Lucia (2024). Report of the State Party to the World Heritage Committee on the state of conservation of the Great Barrier Reef (Saint Lucia). Saint Lucia
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| 13 |
State Party of Saint Lucia. (2017). Report of the State Party to the World Heritage Committee on the state of conservation of Pitons Management Area (Saint Lucia). [online] Government of Saint Lucia.
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| 14 |
State Party of Saint Lucia. (2020). Report of the State Party to the World Heritage Committee on the state of conservation of Pitons Management Area (Saint Lucia). [online] Government of Saint Lucia.
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| 15 |
Thurlow, G., & Jones, P. J. (2021). A governance analysis of Soufriere Marine Management Area, Saint Lucia: Previously effective but increasingly challenged by driving forces. Marine Policy, 127, 104220.
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| 16 |
UNESCO. (2018). Report on the State of Conservation of Pitons Management Area, Saint Lucia. State of Conservation Information System of the World Heritage Centre. [online] Paris, France: UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Available at: https://whc.unesco.org/en/soc/3674 (Accessed 3 October 2019).
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UNESCO. (2023). Report on the State of Conservation of Pitons Management Area, Saint Lucia. State of Conservation Information System of the World Heritage Centre. [online] Paris, France: UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Available at: https://whc.unesco.org/en/soc/3674
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World Heritage Committee (2016). Decision 40 COM 7B.77 Pitons Management Area (Saint Lucia) (N 1161)
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World Heritage Committee. (2018). Decision 42 COM 7B.88 Pitons Management Area (Saint Lucia) (N 1161)
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