Montserrat Developing National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan

BRADES, Montserrat – Montserrat has embarked on a groundbreaking initiative to craft its first-ever National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP), which is being described as a critical policy tool for countries that are parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).

mountianThe NBSAP, which is being undertaken in collaboration with the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), will outline Montserrat’s roadmap for meeting its biodiversity commitments.

The NBSAP aims to enhance ecosystem services, address the ongoing loss of biodiversity, and promote sustainable development while carefully balancing environmental, social, and economic priorities.

At the launch of the project, a presentation was made by PC Consultants Ltd., the firm engaged in developing the NBSAP, providing an overview of the initiative, followed by an engaging inception workshop that invited key stakeholders to participate in lively discussions about the plan’s objectives.

A senior official  at the St. Lucia-based OECS Commission, Norma Cherry-Fevrier, highlighted the Biodiversity Support Programme for ACP Coastal Environments (BioSPACE) programme, which is an initiative being funded by the European Union. Through a Euro 10.7 million (One Euro=US$1.29 cents) grant, the OECS is leading efforts to bolster biodiversity management across the Caribbean.

Montserrat stands to benefit from three key initiatives under this programme, namely the  development of the NBSAP, a foundational strategy for the island’s long-term conservation goals as well as the installation of an artificial reef  regarded as a solution to replace natural reefs lost during volcanic eruptions, which will help restore marine biodiversity and support the livelihoods of local fisherfolk.

In addition, Montserrat is examining the inclusion in the Regional Environmental Data Portal designed to facilitate efficient management of environmental data, reporting, and decision-making for the island.

Agriculture, Lands, Housing, and the Environment Minister, John Osborne, underscored Montserrat’s ecological importance during the launch noting that British Overseas Territories, including the island, harbour over 90 per cent of the United Kingdom’s total biodiversity.

He said that safeguarding these resources is vital not just for their global significance but also for supporting local livelihoods and reassured participants that the NBSAP would be tailored to Montserrat’s unique circumstances, addressing its challenges while leveraging its strengths. Osborne further highlighted how a well-designed strategy could unlock opportunities for eco-tourism, sustainable agriculture, and cottage industries, ensuring that the island’s natural heritage benefits all Montserratians.

The event brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including government officials, private sector representatives, fisherfolk, farmers, community members, and NGOs with the organisers indicating that their input will be instrumental in shaping a comprehensive strategy that reflects the island’s needs and aspirations.

Over the next five months, the Department of Environment and the project’s Planning Team will engage stakeholders through bilateral meetings, site visits, surveys, and additional workshops.

This collaborative approach ensures that Montserrat’s NBSAP will be inclusive, forward-thinking, and practical, paving the way for sustainable management of its natural resources and ecosystems.