With an average density of over 200 inhabitants per km2, Guadeloupe Archipelago Biosphere Reserve has a relatively large population living in close proximity to nature.

Frequented by hikers, the tropical forests of Basse-Terre are home to a great diversity of tree and shrub species, high altitude shrub vegetation, and altimontane savannas and peat bogs. In addition to pressures from tourism, this forest that used to dominate the region has also been under agricultural and urban pressures.
In recognition of the richness of biodiversity in these protected areas, Guadeloupe National Park and Biosphere Reserve, established in 1989 and 1992 respectively, introduced programmes aiming to allow the wealth and fragility of these areas to be experienced in a respectful way.

The coastline of Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin and its protected islets are very popular with tourists and the local population alike, especially for water sports and activities. Like the forest areas, the coast is no stranger to high anthropogenic pressure which has led to urbanization of the environment and fragmentation of the coastal landscape. Climate change also plays a role in the degradation and erosion of the land.

The challenge for land-use planning is to achieve a balance between protection of the various protected areas and the island’s social, economic and cultural development.
The Biosphere reserve and Guadeloupe National Park are working together with many stakeholders, communities, the Conservatoire du littoral (French coastal conservation authority) and the Office national des forêts (French national board of forestry), to implement programmes which will address this challenge.