Election candidates, community leaders, and environmental advocates spoke about how to safeguard Montserrat’s rich marine biodiversity during a educational workshop.
The ‘Candidates for Conservation’ event, held on 16 October at The Fish ‘N Fins Clubhouse in Little Bay, looked specifically at how effective legislation can enhance turtle conservation.
The workshop featured an impressive lineup of speakers, followed by a question and answer session.
Dr Nicola Weber, the project leader of the Darwin-funded ‘Marine Turtle Action Plan for Montserrat’, explained the plan and its key recommendations to attendees.
Jack Wiggins, a PhD researcher from the University of Exeter, presented key scientific findings related to marine conservation and turtle protection.
And Amdeep Sanghera, UK overseas territories conservation officer for Marine Conservation Society UK, shared examples of successful community-led initiatives that have influenced conservation legislation.
‘Inform and energise’
Veta Wade, founder of Montserrat marine conservation advocacy group Fish ‘N Fins, highlighted the importance of community collaboration in a press release following the event.
She described the workshop as an “opportunity to inform and energise our supporters around the importance of locally-led, community-based marine conservation initiatives”.
“It allowed us to bring forth a dialogue about how we at Fish ‘N Fins approach our work and the values that guide us,” she continued.
“Importantly, it was a chance to share our perspective on how community members and policymakers can be most helpful and equitable in partnering with conservation leaders and their organisations.”
Crenston Buffonge, Minister of Agriculture, Lands, Housing and the Environment, expressed the government’s vision for Montserrat’s marine conservation through the UK’s Blue Belt Programme.
He said the programme, which Montserrat has not yet signed up to, helps to protect and enhance the ocean health of the United Kingdom’s overseas territories.
It does this to halt biodiversity loss, enable sustainable growth, ensure climate change resilience, and connect people with the natural environment.
The minister outlined several possible fisheries and ocean management initiatives, including mariculture, artificial reef construction, and the establishment of marine protected areas.
Community focus
However, in the press release Wade suggested there are key gaps in that approach which appears to be focused on government-led programmes rather than engaging the community.
“We must ensure that the community is actively involved in the planning, implementation, and decision-making processes,” she said.
Wade added that residents’ traditional ecological knowledge and practices should be incorporated into conservation efforts.
Event organiser Aldean Williams of Fish ‘N Fins praised the strong turnout and level of engagement from Montserrat’s future leaders.
“We were thrilled to see such a constructive and insightful discussion among the participants,” she said in the press release.
“The event demonstrated a shared commitment to protecting Montserrat’s natural heritage and the island’s vital marine ecosystems.”
Among those that hosted the event were Fish ‘N Fins, the Montserrat Turtle Project, Weber, Wiggins and Sanghera, with support from the Government of Montserrat and the Montserrat Tourism Authority.
