The Government of Montserrat in collaboration with the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) has begun to craft its first National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan.
The document, which is a tool for nations that are party to the Convention on Biological Diversity, will outline Montserrat’s roadmap for meeting its biodiversity commitments.
It aims to enhance the island’s ecosystem services, address the ongoing loss of biodiversity, and promote sustainable development while carefully balancing environmental, social and economic priorities.
The project was officially launched at the Montserrat Cultural Centre in December, where government and OECS Commission representatives addressed attendees.
Norma Cherry-Fevrier of the OECS Commission explained that the BioSPACE programme is leading Caribbean biodiversity management efforts through a €10.7 million grant from the European Union.
As well as the development of the strategy and action plan, Montserrat will benefit from two other key initiatives under this programme.
The first is the installation of an artificial reef which will replace natural reefs lost during volcanic eruptions and help restore marine biodiversity and support the livelihoods of local fisherfolk.
The second is inclusion in the Regional Environmental Data Portal – a platform designed to support efficient management of environmental data, reporting and decision-making.
Vital safeguarding
During the launch event, John Osborne, Minister of Agriculture, Lands, Housing, and the Environment, delivered a keynote address.
He underscored Montserrat’s ecological importance, noting that the United Kingdom’s overseas territories harbour over 90% of the UK’s total biodiversity.
The minister said safeguarding these resources is vital not just for their global significance but also for supporting local livelihoods.
He reassured participants that the strategy and action plan would be tailored to Montserrat’s unique circumstances, addressing its challenges while leveraging its strengths.
This could unlock opportunities for eco-tourism, sustainable agriculture and cottage industries, ensuring the island’s natural heritage benefits all Montserratians, he added.
PC Consultants, the firm engaged in developing the strategy and action plan, provided an overview of the initiative and led an inception workshop that included discussion with key stakeholders.
Over the coming months, the Department of Environment and the project’s planning team will engage stakeholders through bilateral meetings, site visits, surveys, and additional workshops.
