Land conversion is an increasingly pressing issue in island regions such as the Caribbean, where every plot of land counts. This often irreversible transformation of natural land into built-up areas threatens biodiversity and local ecosystems. In the Caribbean, this issue is all the more critical in light of population growth and housing needs.
To address this issue, the the Climate and Resilience Act of 2021 sets an ambitious goal for all of France: to reach the zero net land development (ZAN) by 2050. This legislative framework commits the overseas territories to an approach that must balance economic and social development with the preservation of natural resources. This article provides an overview of land conversion in the Antilles, as well as local initiatives and concrete solutions that offer a sustainable alternative.
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Background and Current Status of Land Development in the French West Indies
In the Caribbean, space is at a premium, and the demand for developable land continues to grow to meet the needs of the population. This pressure on land is leading to land conversion, with serious impacts on agricultural land, natural areas, and, consequently, the environment and biodiversity.
With the 2021 Climate and Resilience Act, France has set a goal of gradually reducing land conversion. This goal, known as zero net land conversion (ZAN), requires halving the consumption of natural, agricultural, and forested areas by 2031, and then achieving a net-zero balance. For island territories such as Guadeloupe and Martinique, this means the need to preserve every plot of land while meeting development needs.
A study conducted in Guadeloupe in 2017 by the DEAL and the Établissement Public Foncier (EPF) revealed some telling figures: nearly 17.6 % of buildings are vacant, and 9.4 % of parcels are «gaps»—empty lots located between buildings. These figures show that there is potential for densification without encroaching on natural land, thereby limiting land development.
Local Initiatives and Examples of Redevelopment
Communities in the Caribbean are now taking steps to preserve their land by maximizing the use of vacant spaces and revitalizing underutilized urban areas. Here are a few inspiring local initiatives:
- Program Madin’Friches in Martinique : In 2023, EPFL, in partnership with ADEME and DEAL, launched an inventory of urban, commercial, artisanal, and industrial brownfields. This program aims to identify unused spaces that could be redeveloped to meet housing and infrastructure needs, without requiring new construction on natural land.
- StratéHab Call for Proposals : In May 2024, StratéHab launched a call for projects to revitalize brownfield sites in the French West Indies and French Guiana. This initiative will unfold in three phases: identifying brownfield sites, developing redevelopment projects, and finalizing contracts for the sites’ rehabilitation by 2025. This call encourages both public and private property owners to submit their properties for reuse projects via an online platform.
- Concrete Rehabilitation Projects in Guadeloupe :
- Bailiff : In 2023, the municipality began a project to renovate a building in poor condition, with the goal of constructing new housing and retail spaces there.
- Les Abymes : A program in collaboration with the state calls for the demolition of 1,200 housing units to make way for the construction of 2,400 new ones, thereby revitalizing the town center and meeting housing needs while limiting urban sprawl.
Tools and Methods for Optimizing Building Use: A Focus on Intensi’Score
To limit land development, it is crucial to make use of existing buildings. This is where the’Intensi’Score, a diagnostic tool designed to assess the actual use of buildings and maximize their potential.
Intensi’Score is based on several methods for increasing usage:
- Pooling : Sharing a single space among multiple users, such as offices that are converted into coworking spaces in the evening.
- Hybridization and Reversibility : Use a space for a variety of adaptable functions. For example, office spaces can be transformed into meeting rooms or even recreational areas in the evening.
- Chronotope : Adapt the use of spaces based on the time of day, the day of the week, or even the time of year—such as classrooms used for classes during the day and for sports activities in the evening.
Through these methods, Intensi’Score helps maximize the value of underutilized square meters and reduces the pressure for new construction, thereby contributing to ZAN’s goals.
Practical Solutions to Limit Land Sealing
Concrete strategies are being implemented to limit land conversion in the Antilles. Here are some key solutions:
- Urban Densification : Rather than expanding into natural areas, local governments are encouraging projects within existing urban areas. This helps meet housing needs while preserving green spaces and farmland.
- Promoting the Circular Economy in the Construction Industry : The construction industry is adopting practices to reuse materials in order to reduce its environmental footprint. Workshops such as The Circular Economy Mural in Martinique, in November 2024, aim to raise awareness among local stakeholders about the importance of the circular economy.
- Reuse Fair in Martinique : These events are organized to promote reuse in the construction industry by bringing together local and international experts to share solutions for reusing materials and reducing waste.
- StratéHab Platform for the Rehabilitation of vacant lots : Through an online platform, StratéHab enables property owners to offer their vacant lots for reuse projects, thereby promoting the smart reuse of urban spaces.
Expected Benefits and Impacts for the Caribbean
The implementation of these solutions and tools in the Caribbean could yield significant benefits:
- Environmental Benefits : Reducing the need for new construction helps preserve natural habitats and farmland. It also limits the carbon footprint by reducing the use of new building materials.
- Economic Benefits : By optimizing the use of existing buildings, management costs are reduced, and new sources of revenue can be generated, particularly through the shared use and hybrid use of spaces.
- Employee Benefits : These strategies help revitalize urban centers and improve residents’ quality of life. By revitalizing underutilized spaces, communities create more vibrant and attractive neighborhoods, while meeting the need for housing and services.
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In the Caribbean, combating land conversion is a priority for ensuring sustainable development and preserving the environment for future generations. Through local initiatives and tools such as Intensi’Score, local stakeholders are demonstrating that it is possible to balance economic development with resource conservation.
Collaboration among local governments, property owners, and residents is crucial to the success of this transformation. By drawing on innovative solutions and making the most of existing resources, the Antilles can address the challenges of urbanization while protecting their precious natural heritage.