The Montserrat Tourism Authority is launching a series of events in the coming months to encourage the community to become more involved in environmental protection.
It is the second phase of the authority’s Community Awareness Programme, which has been named the Community Environmental Stewardship Initiative.
According to a press release on 3 February, it is a “rallying call” for residents, community leaders and government officials to band together to preserve the island’s terrestrial and coastal ecosystems.
Among the activities set to take place from February to May are hands-on workshops, field trips, community clean-ups, beautification projects and recognition of outstanding stewards.
It will conclude in May with an exhibition, community feedback sessions, and the development of future initiatives. Visitors are welcome to take part.
‘Community lifeblood’
Rosetta West-Gerald, chief executive officer of the Montserrat Tourism Authority, said the initiative recognises that the health and preservation of Montserrat’s natural resources is a shared responsibility.
She hopes its will encourage residents to become active stewards of “our lush terrestrial landscapes and our vibrant coastal ecosystems – the lifeblood of our community”.
Product development officer Nicole Fagan, who is managing the programme, said Montserrat’s natural resources are a lifeline to its future prosperity.
“If we take care of them, they will take care of us. By working together as environmental stewards, we can ensure a brighter, more sustainable future for our island home,” she said.
The programme has been co-designed and coordinated by Veta Wade, a blue economy advisor for regenerative tourism and conservation initiatives.
A recent community survey conducted in collaboration with Montserrat’s Statistics Department, saw residents expressing a strong desire to be more involved in environmental conservation efforts.
The survey also highlighted the need for more educational resources and hands-on learning experiences to inspire sustainable practices.
More information on the initiative is available from nicole.fagan@montserrattourism.ms or (644) 491-4700/2/3.
Upcoming events
Sunday, 23 February
- Event: Carr’s Bay clean-up
- Site: Carr’s Bay
- Time: 2.30pm-4.30pm (cleanup) 4.30pm-5.30pm (finger food and lime)
Sunday, 2 March
- Event: Marguerita Bay clean-up and driftwood mining
- Site: Marguerita Bay
- Time: 2.30pm-4.30pm (cleanup) 4.30pm-5.30pm (finger food and lime)
Saturday, 8 March
- Event: Art workshop under the theme ‘Our Circular Economy’
- Site: Carr’s Bay
- Time: 3pm-5pm
- Refreshments will be provided
The authority will announced further dates and details of the events in due course.
