The IHO Nature Rangers have launched a series of community consultations targeting residents of Parham, Seatons, and Glanvilles in Antigua and Barbuda. Scheduled for January 26th and 28th, 2026, these gatherings form a crucial component of the comprehensive ‘Strengthening Conservation Actions in the North East Marine Management Area (NEMMA)’ initiative. This project aims to foster direct community involvement in conservation practices, litter reduction campaigns, and biodiversity protection measures.
The consultation schedule is strategically organized across two key locations. The Parham session will convene at Parham Primary School on Monday, January 26th, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Subsequently, the Seatons and Glanvilles community will gather at Glanvilles Community Center on Wednesday, January 28th, during identical evening hours. Both events will provide light refreshments for attendees.
These consultations serve multiple purposes: educating residents about ongoing NEMMA conservation initiatives, outlining upcoming training opportunities, and developing collaborative strategies for litter prevention and community beautification. The program specifically encourages participation from all NEMMA community members, stakeholders, civil society organizations, and both public and private sector representatives.
Project Manager Britney McDonald highlighted the significance of community engagement: ‘This initiative creates vital pathways for residents to influence our 2026 programming, including clean-up operations and litter prevention campaigns. We recognize the dynamic nature of these communities and aim to ensure our conservation efforts align with local priorities regarding biodiversity protection and community action.’
The IHO Nature Rangers’ methodology emphasizes collaborative governance, enabling residents to contribute ideas, voice concerns, and actively participate in preserving their local ecological health. From habitat protection to waste reduction strategies, these consultations aim to ground conservation efforts in community-identified needs and aspirations. All generations are encouraged to participate and share their environmental perspectives.
The project acknowledges the support of hosting venues Parham Primary School and Glanvilles Community Center. This initiative is implemented by IHO-Nature Rangers with funding from the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund and World Bank, supported by the Caribbean Natural Resources Institute and partner organization Integrated Health Outreach.