- 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
LONDON, England – 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 percent 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.
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.
For more information about the Blue Belt Programme: The Blue Belt Programme – GOV.UK
Since 2016, the Blue Belt Programme has worked with Overseas Territories to protect and enhance healthy and productive marine ecosystems in the Caribbean Sea, Atlantic, Pacific, and Southern Oceans. The Programme provides support to halt biodiversity loss, enable sustainable growth, improve resilience to climate change and better connect people with their natural environment.
Marine protected areas (MPAs) are designated ocean areas where human activities are carefully managed to protect marine life and habitats while allowing sustainable use.
The global target to protect 30 percent of the world’s ocean by 2030 (known as 30×30) aims to safeguard marine biodiversity and ensure healthy, productive oceans for future generations.