The IHO Nature Rangers have completed a series of community consultations aimed at strengthening conservation efforts within the North East Marine Management Area (NEMMA), as part of the Strengthening Conservation Actions in the North East Management Area, Antigua and Barbuda project.

The consultations were held on January 26 at the Parham Primary School and January 28 at the Glanvilles Community Center. Residents from Parham, Seatons and Glanvilles, along with leaders of community-based organisations and other stakeholders, including women and youth, took part in the discussions.

Project Manager Britney McDonald provided updates on conservation work already carried out under the project, while community members shared details of ongoing local environmental initiatives, challenges facing their communities, and ideas for future collaboration.

IHO Director of Operations, Britney McDonald

Key areas of discussion included biodiversity protection, waste management, and strengthening environmental stewardship across communities within the NEMMA.

In Parham, residents highlighted the need for stronger protection of Byam’s Wharf, which serves as a habitat for the West Indian Whistling Duck but is affected by improper waste disposal. Recommendations also included skills training in fish pot building, the placement of regulatory and environmental awareness signage, and the installation of skips for the collection of bulk waste.

Participants from Seatons and Glanvilles recommended the restoration of pond areas, improved waste collection through the introduction of skips, better waste sorting and composting practices, and the removal of waste at illegal dumping sites.

Community members also expressed support for youth-focused biodiversity education and training initiatives. Discussions further underscored the strong cultural and economic ties coastal communities have to the marine environment and the importance of preserving traditional knowledge.

The meetings concluded with the development of a roadmap for future actions, stronger partnerships, and a shared commitment to protecting the NEMMA.

Upcoming activities under the project include a birdwatching and ecotourism training scheduled for February 15, as well as expanded community outreach, including engagement through church services.

McDonald said the project is focused on working closely with communities to guide its direction. “We’re meeting community members where they are over the next few weeks, and listening to their experiences to inform the project direction. We’re guided by the work of the community activists and organizations, therefore, this project will support and empower sustainable conservation actions even after completion,” she said.

The IHO Nature Rangers thanked Parham Primary School and the Glanvilles Community Center for providing venues for the consultations.

The project is led by the IHO Nature Rangers and funded by the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund and the World Bank, with implementing support from the Caribbean Natural Resources Institute and Integrated Health Outreach.