The Montserrat Tourism Authority in collaboration with local stakeholders is pleased to launch Phase 2 of its Community Awareness Programme, the Community Environmental Stewardship Initiative. This initiative serves as a rallying call for all residents, community leaders, and government officials alike—to strengthen our collective commitment to preserving the island’s invaluable terrestrial and coastal ecosystems.
As the driving force behind this community-led movement, we recognize that protecting Montserrat’s natural beauty is not only vital for sustainable tourism but also essential for the well-being and prosperity of our people. By fostering environmental stewardship at every level, we aim to ensure that Montserrat remains a thriving, pristine paradise for generations to come.
Chief Executive Officer of the Montserrat Tourism Authority, Rosetta West-Gerald, commented “this initiative recognizes that the health and preservation of Montserrat’s natural resources is a responsibility shared by all”. Her vision for this initiative is to empower the community to become active stewards of this beloved island, investing in both the people and the place that make Montserrat so unique.
“Montserrat’s natural environment is critical to tourism development and is considered a treasure for visitors to admire and enjoy, however, it is so much more, it is the very essence of who we are as a people,” she added. “This Phase 2 initiative is a vital step towards empowering all to Protect- Preserve- Prosper, Montserrat’s Environment, our future and become active stewards of both our lush terrestrial landscapes and our vibrant coastal ecosystems – the lifeblood of our community.” She continued.
The goal of this programme is to inspire a vibrant team of community environmental stewards – individuals and organizations that take personal pride in the care and protection of the island’s unique ecosystems, actively participating in initiatives that safeguard, restore, and enhance our precious natural heritage.
The key objectives for this Phase 2 initiative are to: 1) build upon the momentum and successes of Phase 1, further informing the public about the immense value of Montserrat’s unique environment and the benefits it provides to the local way of life, and 2) continue cultivating a team of dedicated environmental champions across all sectors of the community who will lead the charge in preserving the island’s natural heritage for generations to come.
The ‘Protect- Preserve- Prosper, Montserrat’s Environment, our future’ tagline reflects the core ethos of this initiative – that by embracing our role as environmental stewards and making conscious choices to protect Montserrat’s precious ecosystems, we are not only safeguarding the island’s natural beauty, but also securing a brighter, more sustainable future for ourselves and our children. This tagline underscores the direct link between the health of our environment and the well-being of our community, particularly in the face of the growing challenge of climate change.
The Product Development Officer, Mrs Nicole Fagan, who is currently managing the programme added “Our natural resources are a lifeline to Montserrat’s future prosperity. If we take care of them, they will take care of us. By working together as environmental stewards, we can ensure a brighter, more sustainable future for our island home.”
According to a recent community survey conducted in collaboration with Montserrat’s Statistics Department, residents of Montserrat expressed a strong desire to be more involved in environmental conservation efforts, with 85% of respondents indicating a willingness to participate in beach clean-ups and other stewardship activities. The survey also highlighted the need for more educational resources and hands-on learning experiences to inspire sustainable practices.
The Phase 2 “Community Environmental Stewardship Initiative” will run from February to May and feature a range of activities and projects, building upon the successes of Phase 1, including:
- Zine development highlighting farm and sea-to-table stewardship, local environmental challenges, and community-driven solutions
- Hands-on workshops and field trips, such as eco-friendly jewelry making, driftwood art creation, and farm-to-table cooking sessions
- Bi-weekly beach and community workdays to encourage the community to blitz clean-ups of local beauty spots or areas of concern
- Beautification projects to maintain local drains, plant native vegetation, and enhance the overall aesthetic of the community
- Recognition of outstanding environmental stewards, from community members to government offices
This program is co-designed and coordinated by Ms. Veta Wade, a blue economy advisor for regenerative tourism and conservation initiatives. It will conclude in May with an exhibition, community feedback sessions, and the development of future initiatives aimed at promoting environmental stewardship and community involvement.
Rosetta West-Gerald concluded “by working together as a community, we can achieve a vibrant, resilient, and sustainable Montserrat that celebrates its natural beauty and cultural heritage. We invite all residents to join us in this exciting journey of environmental stewardship and community empowerment. Let’s come together to save the environment and secure a brighter future for our beloved island home – a future that belongs to us, the people of Montserrat.”
Visitors are welcome to participate in this community-driven initiative where together, we can create a sustainable and prosperous nature-based future for Montserrat.
For more information about the “Community Environmental Stewardship Initiative” and how to get involved, please email: nicole.fagan@montserrattourism.ms. or by telephone at: 491-4700/2/3