Description   

The Morne ACA is an area of 250 hectares located in the town of Marin. It is remarkable in terms of biodiversity and is home to hundreds of plant species, a phenomenon rarely observed in the south of the island. It really constitutes an exceptional biological heritage of the mesophilic type. Due to its altitude, it dominates the south and offers a breathtaking view of this area: the Baie du Marin, “the lying woman”, but also of the closest neighboring island of Saint Lucia. 

Relatively well preserved, this forested area represents an important asset for biodiversity and the inhabitants of the locality. 

197 hectares have been classified as ZNIEFF (Natural Areas of Ecological, Faunistic and Floristic Interest). From the coast to the top of Le Morne, this area covers in particular xero-mesophilic forests (dry to moderately humid forest), which are among the richest on the island. 

At the northern end is Pointe Borgnesse, where you can see the entrance to the Cul-de-sac Marin. 

Back on the coast, the Pointe Borgnesse beach allows the discovery of corals and their biodiversity, in its shallow waters. From this beach, it is possible to head west to Anse Figuier, one of Martinique’s favorite Sunday picnic spots. 

The area between these two beaches has been classified as a protected site by the Conservatoire du Littoral since 2000 and fishing is prohibited there. 
 

Biodiversity

Balanced between cloud forest and xeric forest types, the Morne Aca area consists of very rare vegetation on a local and regional scale. In particular, there are three endemic species of the Lesser Antilles considered rare in Martinique, such as the false mastic or yellow mastic (Sideroxylon foetidissimum), the Puerto Rico holly (Ilex nitida) and the Licaria sericea. 

But also bulletwood (Manilkara bidentata) and yellow wood (Zanthoxylum flavum), a cabinet-making wood endemic to the Lesser Antilles. But 16 of the 100 species of trees and shrubs in the area are in danger of extinction. 

The plant diversity allows it to house a wide variety of avian fauna, snakes and all kinds of insects. 

At Pointe Borgnesse, swimming in the barrier reef allows you to see fish dependent on this environment, such as the surgeonfish (Acanthuridae family) or the parrotfish (Scaridae family). 

Ecotourism potential

La Morne ACA, thanks to its dominant position, offers a view of the Marin Bay and also allows you to take a botanical route (unfortunately abandoned) to discover the biodiversity of the dry forest of southern Martinique. 

Pointe Borgnesse is home to many reef fish; swimming from this beach to Anse Figuier allows you to appreciate all the splendor of its well-preserved seabed covered with gorgonians, sponges and corals. 

Along the same line, it is important not to miss the visit of Morne Gommier. There is a 360° viewpoint that allows you to admire: the city of Le Marin and its marina, Sainte Anne, the Atlantic coast, Caps, the Macabou, Pointe des Salines, Sainte-Lucie, the Diamond Rock, the femme Couchée (Morne Larcher), Carbet Mountains, Mount Pelee, Vauclin Mountain, Morne Sulpice and Crève-Cœur Peak, weather permitting. 

This viewpoint has binoculars, a souvenir shop, and a sale of local products. The on-site guide describes greatly these landscapes and their history.