In Guadeloupe, traditional taro monoculture (Colocasia escidenta) is conducted under partial, natural shade in the Pterocarpus swamp forest. The impact of this original agroforestry practice on forest structure, soil and flora was investigated on inventory plots totalling 4006 m(2) within the MAB reserve, in the Bay of the Grand Cul-de-sac Marin. Taro cultivation was responsible for important qualitative and quantitative changes of vegetation and, to a lesser extent, soil characteristics. Stem density decreased by 80%, and a number of weeds invaded cultivated stands while several shade-tolerant understorey species were eliminated. However. such disturbances were confined to the landward forest edge, and forest recovery appeared to be efficient on formerly cultivated stands. Regarding the development of conservation strategies applicable to the Pterocarpits swamp forest, and providing that complementary studies on especially endangered species be conducted, we believe that this sustainable agroforestry system could be a useful tool in the building of effective "buffer zones".