Fitches Creek Residents Association Hosts Dinner and Discussion to Support Conservation Efforts in Fitches Creek Bay and NEMMA

Fitches Creek Residents Association Hosts Dinner and Discussion to Support Conservation Efforts in Fitches Creek Bay and NEMMA

The Fitches Creek Residents Association (FCRA) successfully hosted a community consultation entitled “Dinner and Discussion” to advance activities under the “Building a Community Constituency for the Conservation of the Fitches Creek Bay and North East Marine Management Area (NEMMA)” project. The gathering, held at the St. George’s Anglican Church, brought together over forty-five (45) residents and stakeholders in a collaborative effort to bolster community-driven conservation initiatives.

Key stakeholders who attended the consultation included representatives from the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda, National Solid Waste Management Authority, Fisheries Division, and the Antigua Public Utilities Authority. Civil society partners, such as Integrated Health Outreach (IHO), IHO – Nature Rangers, and the Environmental Awareness Group, showed their unwavering support for the project, while promoting knowledge sharing.

During the meeting, the project team provided an insightful overview of the project’s progress, highlighting key activities conducted to date. These activities include community conservation education, mangrove replanting and restoration, community clean-ups, and World Biodiversity Day mangrove kayaking tour. Of note, feedback on the design plans for the installation of signage, and the intended deployment of cameras to monitor and protect the area from illegal dumping was received.

“The open discussion provided valuable feedback for the FCRA in completing the remaining project activities. Community input is an essential component of our implementation and evaluation process. The success of this project lies in the strength of our partnerships and the active participation of our community members,” said Britney McDonald, Project Manager. “We are proud of the progress we’re making to advance community-led action and conservation knowledge through the support of the Critical Ecosystems Partnership Fund (CEPF) and Caribbean Natural Resources Institute (CANARI). 

The consultation discussions are testament to the collective commitment of the FCRA and other stakeholders to preserving the natural beauty and ecological integrity of the Fitches Creek Bay and NEMMA. FCRA Board Member, Kyla Williamson, noted, “It was great to see the residents come out and get involved  with the project. The residents have always had a great passion for the protection of our environment, and I’m excited for them to see our next steps in the future”. The project will continue to leverage partner resources and guidance throughout its lifecycle, ensuring that all activities align with the broader goals of conservation and sustainability.

The FCRA intends to host its next community consultation under the project in October 2024 and encourages all interested persons including Fitches Creek and NEMMA Residents to attend upcoming activities. For more information about the project and upcoming events, please contact the Fitches Creek Residents Association or the “FCRA Community Projects” Facebook page.

The “Building a Community Constituency for Conservation in the Fitches Creek Bay and the NEMMA” Project is led by the Fitches Creek Residents Association and is funded by the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund with the support of the Caribbean Natural Resources Institute and partner Integrated Health Outreach.

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