Located on the Caribbean coast of Martinique, the Bay of Fort-de-France is a strategic and dynamic area, characterized by dense coastal urbanization.
It is home to around 40% of Martinique’s population, as well as major commercial and transport infrastructures, particularly a port and an international airport, thus playing a central role in the island’s economic, social, and cultural life.
In addition to significant urban development, the Bay of Fort-de-France also includes large agricultural areas, notably dedicated to sugarcane cultivation, as well as vast natural spaces.
However, due to its low elevation, part of this territory is now exposed to marine flooding, and the agricultural lands are experiencing soil salinization, threatening the existing agricultural model.
The Fort-de-France mangrove, also known as the Génipa mangrove—the largest mangrove in Martinique—is a key element of the area and plays a crucial role in coastal protection and biodiversity preservation. It is home to several plant and animal species endemic to the island, including various types of mangroves and mahogany trees.
The southern part of the bay was assigned to the Coastal Protection Agency (Conservatoire du Littoral) in 2015, followed by the northern part in 2017.
Focus on the Site
Location: Martinique
Site Type: Mangrove
Area: 1,200 hectares
Key Feature: Fort-de-France Bay is a territory rich in contrasts, combining urbanization, agriculture, and environmental challenges, while serving as a vital hub for Martinique’s economic development.
Main Issues: The main objectives of the project in this area involve highlighting the role of the mangrove in mitigating marine flooding, promoting its value, and raising awareness among various audiences about the importance of preserving this precious ecosystem.
Fauna and flora
It is possible to observe mangrove species such as Rhizophora mangle (red mangrove), Avicennia germinans (black mangrove), Laguncularia racemosa (white mangrove), and Conocarpus erectus (buttonwood or grey mangrove). Protected plant species include: Oncidium ceboletta (orchids), Ammania coccinea (scarlet ammania), and Zygia latifolia (river acacia). Two CITES-listed species (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora): Swietenia macrophylla (Honduran mahogany) and Swietenia mahagoni (West Indian mahogany), as well as 153 plant species from the back-mangrove zone.
Local partners:
