Anguilla Launches New Initiative Towards Biodiversity Conservation
THE VALLEY, Anguilla – The Anguilla government has announced plans to ensure the effective management and sustainable utilization of its natural resources as the British Overseas Territory is home to critically endangered species like the Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) and the Lesser Antillean Iguana (Iguana delicatissima)
The 91 square kilometer island is home to a wealth of biodiversity, including endemic species such as Ameiva corvina (Sombrero ground lizard), Ameiva corax (lizard), and Rondelitia anguillensis (flowering plant species).
Over the years, Anguilla has made significant strides in biodiversity conservation through policies, projects, and programmes led by the Department of Natural Resources and the Anguilla National Trust.
Now in partnership with the St. Lucia-based Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission, the government is taking further steps to ensure the effective management and sustainable utilisation of its natural resources.
With funding from the European Union (EU), the OECS Commission is implementing the Biodiversity Support Programme for African, Caribbean, and Pacific (ACP) Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Coastal Countries, also known as BioSPACE.
The initiative is designed to assist SIDS in achieving sustainable development goals, and Anguilla is among the beneficiaries.
BioSPACE has embarked on the development of a National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) for Anguilla, and has contracted the Guyana-based PC Consultants to lead a collaborative process with stakeholders that will include consultations, bilateral meetings, and site visits to ensure the creation of an inclusive and representative NBSAP.
The development of the NBSAP follows a “whole-of-government” and “whole-of-society” approach, emphasising broad stakeholder engagement. Active participation from youth, women, local communities, civil society organisations, the private sector, and all levels of government is essential to crafting a comprehensive strategy that integrates scientific, social, cultural, economic, and legislative perspectives.
“The OECS remains committed to the sustainable development of the region. The health of our environment is key to this, and so we look forward to working with all of you to successfully develop this NBSAP, which will guide the path to the sustainable management of Anguilla’s biodiversity,” said Norma Cherry-Fevrier, the project manager for the BioSPACE.
Anguilla’s Minister of Sustainability, Innovation and the Environment, Quincia Marie-Gumbs, said she is proud of this extensive catalog of work and excited to see how Anguilla continues with creativity and innovation to deliver on local, regional, and international biodiversity targets.
“Land degradation and species extinction continue to outpace restoration efforts. This reality is even more concerning for us in the Caribbean, where our livelihoods, wealth, and opportunities are intrinsically linked to our biodiversity and natural resources—vulnerabilities that are further exacerbated by climate change.
“It is a matter of life and death for us as small islands, or large ocean states to invest in economic growth and social well-being while restoring and safeguarding the quality and integrity of our biodiversity,” she added.
The government says it regards the development of Anguilla’s NBSAP marks a crucial step toward ensuring the long-term conservation of its rich biodiversity while supporting economic, social, and cultural development.
