MONTSERRAT JOINS THE BLUE BELT PROGRAMME

Montserrat joins the Blue Belt Programme, building on a decade of ocean protection.

• Montserrat is the fourth Caribbean UK Overseas Territory to join the Blue Belt Programme, the UK’s globally acclaimed conservation initiative
• Montserrat will gain access to leading scientific expertise and resources as it seeks to establish Marine Protected Areas and increase ecosystem resilience
• This milestone comes on World Ocean Day, as the Blue Belt Programme marks 10 years of delivery, with more than 4 million km2 of ocean safeguarded worldwide

The Caribbean Island of Montserrat is the latest UK Overseas Territory (UKOT) to join the Blue Belt Programme, the UK Government’s leading international marine conservation initiative. This new partnership strengthens the Government of Montserrat’s commitment to protecting its unique marine environment, while supporting local livelihoods, food security and long-term climate resilience.

Known as the “Emerald Isle of the Caribbean”, Montserrat’s marine ecosystems are as striking as its tropical rainforests. Its waters are home to globally important habitats and diverse species, including vibrant coral reefs, hawksbill turtles – listed as critically endangered by the IUCN – and giant barrel sponges, often referred to as the “redwoods of the ocean”.

Shaped in part by the devastating volcanic eruptions of the past 30 years, Montserrat’s marine environment also offers a powerful example of ecosystem disturbance and recovery, making restoration efforts a vital part of local marine conservation. With support from the Blue Belt Programme, the Government of Montserrat is committed to protecting at least 20% of its maritime zone.

Like many Caribbean islands, Montserrat is also particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, from rising sea levels and ocean warming to increasingly powerful hurricanes. Strengthening the sustainable management of its marine environment will be critical to build resilience, protecting biodiversity while supporting communities that depend on the ocean for their livelihoods and well-being.

Through this partnership with the Blue Belt Programme, the Government of Montserrat is committing to strengthening marine governance, advancing sustainable fisheries management and pursuing the responsible development of Marine Protected Areas. With technical expertise and collaborative support from the Blue Belt Programme, Montserrat will establish a comprehensive marine management framework to ensure the sustainable, productive and equitable use of ocean resources for present and future generations. The Blue Belt Programme will work closely with the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Housing and Environment to:

• Survey underwater habitats to inform future establishment of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and marine spatial management frameworks, balancing sustainable use with long-term conservation.
• Implement new science-based fisheries management frameworks, supported by robust data on fish populations to safeguard stocks and enable sustainable livelihoods.
• Review and strengthen marine legislation to ensure alignment with international standards and support delivery of Montserrat’s environmental commitments
• Build lasting local capacity and expertise for science-led decision making at the heart of marine management.

UK Minister of State for Europe, North America and Overseas Territories, Stephen Doughty said:

“I’m delighted that the Government of Montserrat has joined the Blue Belt Programme. This partnership will help protect Montserrat’s unique marine environment for future generations.”

“The wellbeing of our oceans underpins our food and water security, the livelihoods of millions, and our natural world above and below the surface. We must protect and cherish our oceans and their incredible biodiversity.”

Her Excellency, Harriet Cross, Governor to Montserrat said:

“Montserrat’s decision to join the Blue Belt Programme marks a significant step forward in our commitment to protecting the island’s remarkable marine environment. Our waters, shaped by both natural beauty and resilience in the face of volcanic and climate pressures, are home to globally important species and ecosystems. hrough this partnership, we are strengthening science-led, community-driven marine management that will safeguard biodiversity, support local livelihoods, and build resilience to climate change – today and for generations to come.”

Honorable John P Osborne, Minister of Agriculture, Lands, Housing, Environment and Sports for Montserrat said:

“Montserrat’s participation in the Blue Belt Programme reflects our commitment to protecting the rich marine environment that sustains our people, culture, and future generations. This partnership represents more than conservation; it is an investment in the future of Montserrat.

By working together to preserve our marine ecosystems, we are strengthening the resilience of our oceans and ensuring that future generations inherit healthy seas and sustainable opportunities.”

Credit: Lawrence Eagling and Blue Belt Programme – Anguilla species

Ten years of the Blue Belt Programme

This year marks a decade since the establishment of the Blue Belt Programme, which supports the UKOTs to protect and sustainably manage their vast ocean environments. Aligned with global efforts to protect 30% of the world’s ocean by 2030, the Programme now stewards over 4 million km² of ocean – an area just under the size of the EU.

Since 2016, the Programme has supported the designation and management of globally significant Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), conducted ten major scientific research expeditions, and documented over 100,000 marine animals through the Global Ocean Wildlife Analysis Network (GOWAN). This work has advanced global understanding of ocean ecosystems and earned international awards for excellence in marine conservation.

Montserrat’s inclusion marks a significant step forward for marine protection across the Caribbean, bringing the total number of participating Caribbean territories to four: Anguilla, the Turks and Caicos Islands, Montserrat, and the Cayman Islands. The Programme is supporting Territory Governments to safeguard vital marine biodiversity, improve equitable access to local resources, and develop inclusive, sustainable ocean economies.

Main image: Blue Belt Programme