The Department of Forestry has sounded the alarm over a proposed quarry development at Anse Cochon, warning that it poses serious risks to protected wildlife, fragile coral reefs, and the community’s thriving eco-tourism industry. The application, now before the Development Control Authority (DCA), has ignited fierce opposition from residents, environmentalists, and tourism operators who fear the project could permanently scar one of Saint Lucia’s most pristine coastal zones.
A senior Forestry official confirmed that the department did not approve the proposal when consulted by the DCA, citing grave environmental concerns.
“We received that application from the DCA for feedback, and we did not approve it from our end,” the official stated. “One of the biggest concerns is the sea coral bed, it’s one of the best preserved along the west coast. Once excavation begins, you’ll have heavy silting, and that will destroy the ecosystem offshore.”
Despite no official approval granted, excavation activity has reportedly begun near the proposed site, drawing public outrage and raising questions about regulatory oversight.
The Forestry Department is also investigating reports of protected species such as agoutis appearing along the main road, a highly unusual occurrence. Officials suspect the animals may have been displaced by early excavation works, disrupting their natural habitat.
“We’ve gotten reports of agoutis on the road, and we need to confirm if it’s due to the excavation happening there,” the official added. “If we can confirm wildlife is being displaced, then Forestry has a stake in this.”
Though the land does not fall within a government forest reserve, Forestry maintains that any development impacting protected species or ecosystems demands scrutiny.
The proposed quarry sits near a hotel resort and one of Saint Lucia’s premier dive sites, both central to the area’s tourism economy.
Residents and business owners argue that dust, noise, runoff, and heavy truck traffic would not only degrade the landscape but cripple the community’s eco-tourism appeal.
At a consultation meeting last week hosted by the developer’s consultants, residents voiced overwhelming opposition to the project.
“This quarry will destroy everything that makes Anse Cochon special,” said a local tour operator. “We rely on these reefs and the beauty of this coast for our livelihood. Once the hillside and coral are gone, there’s no bringing them back.”
Environmental advocates say the controversy is more than a local dispute, it’s a test of Saint Lucia’s commitment to sustainable development. Allowing excavation to proceed without approval, they argue, sets a dangerous precedent.
For now, Anse La Raye residents remain defiant, vowing to protect their coastline and community from what they describe as “reckless development.”
“We’re not against progress,” said one community elder. “But development must respect nature and people. This quarry threatens both.”
