The linking rationale of the project is both to help increase this local capacity and to give the best chances possible for Montserrat’s unique and rare species of wildlife to survive in the long term. The latter is done most effectively by allowing the species ranges to be as extensive as possible – something of a challenge in a small island, especially one which has lost a great deal of its vegetated area to the volcano in the short term. The wildlife is important, not only in its own right and for the quality of life of Montserratians, but also as a major draw for tourists, increasing in the future to the benefit of Montserrat, this being a major element of the economy.

Under this rationale, the project aims at filling four key gaps.

First, over the 2 years of the project, a series of stakeholder meetings are taking place to develop, by consultation, a widely shared vision and initial plan for the future use of the southern two-thirds (where permanent human occupation is no longer possible due to volcanic risk), an area thought to be ecologically rich in endemic species; the approach emphasises (but not limited to) potential restoration of natural ecosystems, endangered by the actions of feral farm animals which had to be abandoned due to volcanic explosions. The stakeholder meetings have identified how the south could provide opportunities, which contribute towards the island’s economy, e.g. ecotourism, scientific research.

Second, to develop a system to ensure that developments in the occupied zone take full account of maintaining the natural environment- this involved the visit of two world experts in environmental impact assessments

Third, our “Adopt a Home for Wildlife” initiative allows individuals, organisations, community groups and businesses to maintain and protect a public or private space, in partnership with the MNT. It is one realistic opportunity of safeguarding and restoring pockets of habitats, e.g. tropical dry forest, across the island and will continue beyond the project end.

Nicolas Tirard, the initial Project Officer at MNT, worked with several land-owners, producing some immediate and positive outcomes. For example, the large stand of Casuarina (a highly invasive Australian species found in the Caribbean) was removed from much of the Belham Valley area, but carefully keeping those native species, which provide important coastal defence and natural shade for a recreation area. Below are a selection of videos relating to the project.

1. Old Road Bay