The United Kingdom has announced funding through the Sustainable Blue Economies Program’s Blue Social Challenge Fund to help Caribbean countries leverage their ocean resources to improve climate resilience, support livelihoods for vulnerable communities, and protect critical natural habitats.
Among the recipients of this funding are two major non-governmental organizations in Jamaica. The Montego Bay Marine Park Trust will receive £98,070 (approximately JA$19.2 million) to enhance environmental monitoring and enforcement efforts within the Montego Bay Marine Park (MBMP). This initiative aims to build local capacity through a community-based approach to safeguard the marine ecosystems in one of Jamaica’s most renowned coastal areas.
In addition to the funding for the Montego Bay Marine Park Trust, the Jamaica White River Marine Association will receive £43,176 (approximately JA$8.48 million) to involve Jamaican fishers in the conservation of critically endangered keystone coral species. This project is essential for maintaining the health and resilience of Jamaica’s marine biodiversity.
British High Commissioner to Jamaica, Judith Slater, emphasized the UK’s commitment to regional environmental sustainability. “The UK is proud to support Jamaica’s efforts to protect its precious marine ecosystems. These initiatives demonstrate the importance of collaboration in tackling climate challenges and building a more sustainable future for our planet. Jamaica’s natural resources are not just vital to its economy and people but to the global fight against environmental degradation,” she stated.
Jonathan Hernould, Manager at the White River Fish Sanctuary, expressed his gratitude for the support, stating, “I am extremely grateful to the British High Commission in Jamaica for enabling this. It gives us the opportunity to reach beyond the boundaries of our fish sanctuary and make a massive lasting impact by mapping the endangered corals across the north coast of Jamaica.”
The Blue Social Challenge Fund is part of the UK’s broader commitment to working with Caribbean partners to safeguard ocean resources. The fund aims to support nature-positive solutions that help build local blue economies, particularly for marginalized and vulnerable groups such as women, youth, people with disabilities, and indigenous communities. Its goal is to channel climate finance to local levels, enabling community-driven initiatives that protect nature, foster innovation, and promote sustainable economic growth.
A new call for proposals will be launched in early 2025, offering opportunities to support other key stakeholders working within the blue economy.
