The current actions are somewhat consistent with an Integrated and Adaptive Water Resource Management (I/AWRM) approach, in that the legislation and policies established do offer some level of protection to the wetland. This is mainly seen by the Government of Barbados’ action to establish the wetland, in theory, as a Natural Heritage Conservation Area and Biodiversity Reference Area, recognizing it as the last remaining of its kind on the island. Similarly, the research and public awareness initiatives promoted stakeholder participation and collaboration, which are key to the success of I/AWRM. This was made evident in 2007, where over 6,000 Barbadians signed a “Friends of Graeme Hall” petition in support of transforming the wetland into a 240 acre National Park.
However, without the enforcement of legislation and policies established, the wetland is still under the threat of pollution via contaminated surface runoff and illegal dumping. Likewise, the petition alone was not enough to prompt Government to enforce the legal instruments due to the complexities and existing challenges of balancing the wetland’s needs with the competing demands of its environs. Furthermore, the economic implications of enforcing these regulations could be seen as significant.