IHO Nature Rangers successfully hosted two (2) 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,supporting inclusive and community-driven environmental management.
The first consultation held on Monday, 26th January 2026 at the Parham Primary School, was followed by a second consultation on Wednesday, 28th January 2026 at the Glanvilles Community Center. Both sessions were attended by community residents, heads of community-based organisations, and other key stakeholders, including women and youth.
During the consultations, Britney McDonald, Project Manager for the IHO Nature Rangers, provided updates on conservation activities already undertaken by the project.
Participants also shared insights into ongoing community-led environmental efforts, general challenges being faced within their communities, and opportunities for collaboration.
The discussions further focused on identifying future actions, with emphasis on partnership, community involvement, and practical steps to enhance biodiversity protection, waste management, and environmental stewardship across the NEMMA communities.
In Parham, specific recommendations were made to strengthen the protection of Byam’s Wharf, a habitat for the West Indian Whistling Duck, but also a place where improper waste disposal is prominent. Further areas for training were identified, such as the skill of fish pot building.
Finally, the community offered locations for proposed regulatory and environmental awareness signage, in addition to skips for the collection of bulk rubbish.
In the Seatons and Glanvilles communities, recommendations were shared with the project team to restore pond areas, introduce waste collection skips, improve community waste sorting and composting as well as removal of waste at illegal dumping pressure points.
Community members welcomed the project’s support for youth activities including educational training sessions on biodiversity.
As coastal communities, the consultation highlighted the deep connection to the marine space and the need to preserve the culture and heritage of the community-based knowledge.
Both meetings were described as fruitful and productive, concluding with the development of a clear roadmap for future action, strengthened partnerships, and a shared commitment to protecting the NEMMA.
Upcoming activities for the Conservation project include a birdwatching and ecotourism training on February 15th, 2026, community outreach including attendance at church services to spread the word of the project.
Project Manager, Britney McDonald notes, ” 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.”
Thank you to the Parham Primary School and Glanvilles Community Center for providing the facilities for these community consultations.
This activity is part of the “Strengthening Conservation Actions in the North East Management Area, Antigua and Barbuda” project, which is led by the IHO-Nature Rangers and is funded by the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund and the World Bank with the implementing support of the Caribbean Natural Resources Institute and partner Integrated Health Outreach.
For media inquiries or more information on the project, contact, Project Manager, Britney McDonald, [email protected] or Communication Consultant, Kamalie Mannix, [email protected]
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