"You see here, twenty years ago, it was covered with Melocactus intortus". The first deputy mayor contemplates the desolate look of the skinned side of Morne Morel facing the Camel and Fort Napoleon. From there, one enjoys an extraordinary point of view on the bay of Marigot. This morning, he came with the other members of the Saintoise Association of Heritage Protection (ASPP) which he also belongs, to identify the population of the site. At the top of this bleak that rises to 150 m, the National Forest Office closed, fifteen years ago, a hectare of land in order to protect the cacti known as "Head to English".
Once abundant on the island, the Melocactus intortus is now endangered, "eaten by goats that roam all over the island and picked up by tourists". "A few years ago," said ASPP members, "tourists were leaving with a cactus in their luggage. There were even some people from continental Guadeloupe who picked up full baskets and then sold them as souvenirs in Guadeloupe.
During a day of the environment, the idea sprang up at the ASPP to renew the station. A five-year agreement has been signed with the municipality. The closure of the site has been changed and the ASPP has decided to reintroduce the threatened endemic species of the archipelago: the Melocactus intortus but also the Cephalocerus perivianus (cactus candle), the Opuntia dillena (snowshoeing). yellow flower), the Opuntia triacantha said flying racket because its thorns break easily and plant on the one that passes, the Plumeria alba, the white frangipani, some specimens still out cliffs too steep for the kids to access. For three years, the observation of these species has indeed shown that the collection was decreasing. "Centennial species are dying" members of ASPP mourn The Melocactus is also listed in the IUCN red book, the international body that lists endangered plants around the world .
This morning, members of the ASPP have identified only thirty Triacantha, one foot of Opuntia Dillena, a poor little Melo cactus, thirty agaves (Karata or Sarsaparilla) which they are not endemic Holy ones. These species are currently in nursery at Fort Napoleon. They will then be replanted on the morel Morel to allow the younger generations to be able to admire them too.

For eight years, Les Saintes, like Marie-Galante, have set up a turtle observation network. During the season of laying, from the end of April to October, a guard of the Conservatoire du Littoral surveys the beaches every night, counts the individuals, the measures, the ring, identifies the species. Their cards are then sent to the association "Kap 'natirel".
One to two leatherback turtles are thus spotted each year on the beaches of the archipelago, a dozen green turtles climb on the Island and about thirty nested. Since their protection, these numbers are increasing. Juveniles are also observed around the Island by fishermen who seem to respect this protection.

The Saints baptized "The West Indies Gibraltar", are especially a very popular bay of all the sailors and the boaters crossing in the warm waters of the Antilles.
Tourists flock to Terre-de-Haut whose reputation has crossed the ocean thanks to the sailors of the "Jeanne", a military building that regularly anchored in the bay.

Tourism development of the island which welcomes about 350 000 visitors a year.
The municipal tourist office, committed actor, at the service of tourism promotion, preservation of heritage and protection of the environment.

The visitor will not remain insensitive to the bright colors that adorn the traditional huts of the village, the flowered gardens and well maintained.
The wooden boxes adorned with traditional friezes with various motifs that make the village a village that is often referred to as a "doll village".
First stop in front of the pontoon of the landing stage; the building of the gendarmerie today houses the tourist office, majestically displays its jealousy.
Then take the SAMSON path ... the Marigot, Pompière and Fort Napoléon just waiting for you
The Résidence Hôtelière Hurlevent, a magnificent house entirely rebuilt by the Boudin family is unmistakable with its breathtaking view of the Baie des Saintes, with unforgettable sunsets.