The Placencia Lagoon - Coastal Zone Management Authority and ...

Major Land Use and Activities in the Placencia Catchments
Human Settlements
There are eleven villages distributed within the catchments that adjoin the Placencia
Lagoon (figure 3). Even though the villages located towards the westernmost boundary
of the catchments might appear to be isolated from the lagoon, there is connectivity via
the network of streams in the sprawl of the catchment. Therefore some of the activities in
and around these communities such as agriculture, logging, and improper waste disposal
could have direct and indirect impacts on the lagoon.
The villages in closer proximity to the lagoon are generally larger in scale and population
density. The activities in these settlements including destruction of natural vegetation,
improper disposal of sewage and residual water, land reclamation, and road construction
pose more direct ecological and environmental impacts to the waterway. A summary of
the characteristics of the villages in the Placencia catchments is presented in table 1.
Residential Development
In September 2001, the wrath of Hurricane Iris devastated communities of the Placencia
Peninsula and surrounding areas. The National Emergency Management Organization
(2001) reported significant damage to major infrastructure and natural vegetation; and
noted an extraordinary amount of debris scattered on the peninsula. Subsequent to this
event most homes were reconstructed and new areas were also clear and filled to
construct new dwellings.
Currently there are several subdivisions on the Placencia Peninsula. These subdivisions
are primarily for residential areas that would provide the necessary amenities for local
and foreign retired persons.
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