In a significant stride toward community-driven conservation, the IHO Nature Rangers orchestrated two pivotal consultations within Antigua and Barbuda’s North East Marine Management Area (NEMMA). These gatherings, integral to the “Strengthening Conservation Actions in the North East Management Area” initiative, convened local residents, leaders of community organizations, and key stakeholders to shape the future of environmental stewardship.
The first session unfolded on January 26, 2026, at Parham Primary School, with a subsequent meeting on January 28th at the Glanvilles Community Center. Project Manager Britney McDonald presented a comprehensive update on conservation measures already implemented, setting the stage for collaborative planning.
Dialogues centered on forging partnerships and identifying actionable strategies to bolster biodiversity protection, enhance waste management systems, and promote sustainable practices. In Parham, deliberations highlighted the urgent need to safeguard Byam’s Wharf, a critical habitat for the endangered West Indian Whistling Duck plagued by improper waste disposal. The community also proposed vocational training in sustainable skills like fish pot construction and designated sites for new regulatory signage and bulk rubbish skips.
The Glanvilles and Seatons communities advocated for the restoration of local pond ecosystems, the installation of waste collection infrastructure, and targeted clean-up operations at notorious illegal dumping sites. A strong emphasis was placed on engaging youth through educational programs focused on biodiversity, reflecting a shared commitment to intergenerational environmental education.
These consultations underscored the profound cultural and economic ties binding these coastal communities to their marine environment. Both meetings culminated in the development of a detailed action plan, reinforcing collaborative partnerships and a unified dedication to preserving NEMMA’s ecological heritage.
Forthcoming project activities include a birdwatching and ecotourism training session scheduled for February 15th, 2026, alongside community outreach through local churches. As McDonald emphasized, “We’re guided by community activists and organizations. This project aims to empower sustainable conservation actions that will endure long after its completion.”
This ambitious endeavor is supported by the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund and the World Bank, with implementation expertise provided by the Caribbean Natural Resources Institute and Integrated Health Outreach.