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By Aabigayle McIntosh

The Environment Awareness Group (EAG) is creating an excellent opportunity in the coming year for Antiguans and Barbudans who have not yet seen or witness the excitement of Redonda a chance to do so. 

The recently established conservation zone, named the Redonda Ecosystem Reserve, spans nearly 30,000 hectares, encompassing both land and sea.

This includes the entire island, its adjacent seagrass meadows, and an extensive 180 km2 coral reef.

This designation comes as a result of the success of a comprehensive restoration program initiated in 2016, which has effectively transformed Redonda from a desolate landscape resembling a ‘dusty moonscape’ into a flourishing sanctuary for biodiversity.

Executive Director of the EAG explains that the overall plan is to offer tours on a small scale.

“We kind of want people who have never experienced Redonda and who will never get that opportunity to get that opportunity. So in the coming year and as the years go on, you will see that we will be opening some opportunities for Antiguans and Barbuda’s,

“Just to comment on one off, come and see. Tell us about it. So we are looking forward to providing really cool experiences for Antiguans and Barbuda’s in the coming year. So that’s listen out,” Hill added.

The non-profit organization has played a significant role in the restoration efforts which has garnered reviews locally, regionally and internationally.

Hill stated that, “We are really, really, really very proud and very excited about the work that we’ve done for getting Antigua’s third island, the beautiful, the mysterious, Redonda, designated as a protected area”.