FOR years, the authorities in Region One (Barima-Waini) have been trying to encourage families living on sections of the idyllic, but windswept Shell Beach in the North West District to relocate from the area, but without much success.Some willingly moved to higher ground where there’s better protection from the elements, like Mabaruma and parts of the Moruca sub-region; others opted to stay put, saying that the area is where they make their living.

But in light of recent weather-related developments, reports from Mabaruma indicate that fresh consultations are planned with the remaining residents to relocate to other sections of Region One.

There are several Amerindian titled communities and three Community Development Councils (CDC) communities at the beach, which was designated a Protected Area in 2011.

Of those, the Almond Beach, a section of Shell Beach, took the brunt of last weekend’s floods and consequent soil erosion.

Reports are that several sections of the mudflats and beach surfaces were inundated, while dozens of coconut trees were uprooted by the strong Atlantic waves.

LOCKED IN TALKS
On Wednesday, Regional Chairman, Brentnol Ashley was reportedly locked in talks with officials of the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), who travelled to Mabaruma in light of the recent flooding at the beach.

Vice-Chairperson of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC), Sarah Browne, told the Guyana Chronicle that in the past, residents were relocated from sections of the beach mainly for safety reasons.

All government facilities, she said, were relocated from parts of the beach, while persons were encouraged to move due to erosion concerns.

Reports are that many residents are involved in some agricultural activity or the other on the beach, but in the main, it is either the growing and trading of coconuts, fishing, or the cultivation of the manicole palm.

But as the erosion continues inland, relocation may be the only option for residents in the years ahead.

According to the Shell Beach Protected Area Management Plan 2015 – 2019, there are 11 Amerindian villages that adjoin or are within the Shell Beach Protected Area (SBPA), which includes 13 satellite communities.

Those communities at reference, it says, have traditionally relied on natural resources for their livelihoods, with fishing, crabbing, hunting, and manicole palm and timber harvesting being among common practices.

RISING SEA LEVELS
Data in the plan, which was compiled by the Protected Areas Commission, the Environmental Protection agency (EPA) and the German Development Bank, suggests that erosion at the beach has been as a result of rising water levels. In addition, the 1998 El Niño dry weather conditions which saw large swathes of mangroves being burnt also impacted the coastal defence of the beach.

“Two extensive forested areas were completely burned: The northern Almond Beach burnt and the Kamwatta burnt. A second fire period of less intensity in 2001 affected the open swamp areas of the southeastern part of the SBPA,” the report states.

It states also that there are concerns over erosion of the beach and the potential impact it might have on turtle nesting, a key activity which falls within the mandate of the Protected Areas Commission.
It notes further that natural forces such as wind, waves, and currents are constantly changing the coastline at the beach. In fact, the plan states that satellite data from 2007 show that in certain sections of the coastline, there has been regression of up to 1,100 meters over a period of time, going to as far back as 1987.

SEA WATER INTRUSION
In addition, water from the Atlantic ocean has found its way in the middle section of the beach, and a 2009 report from a consulting group has assumed that the sea water intrusion has been intensified due to coastal erosion.

Based on observations at Almond Beach in recent years by members of the Guyana Marine Conservation Society (GMCS), formerly the Guyana Marine Turtle Conservation Society, and in August 2014 by the Shell Beach Management Planning Team (SBMPT), indications are that the beach is eroding rapidly.

According to oceanic and marine conservation experts, while beach erosion is caused by climate change and the resultant sea level rise, the accretion and decretion of beaches are also part of nature.