Bio-diversity

The Cockpit Country has high rates of endemism, is home to 5 endangered species, has been identified by IUCN as one of the 200 most important areas in the world for flora and feeds 5 major rivers and supplies 33% of Jamaica s fresh water. Sixty-six communities are economically dependent on the forest. The integrity of the Cockpit Country and its unique ecology are threatened by the following problems: Cockpit Country forest is identified by The Nature Conservancy as one of eight conservation targets and according to the Forestry Department statistics is being deforested at 0.1% per year. Forest conversion to agriculture by residents of the buffer zone, quarrying and bauxite mining are major threats to Cockpit Country biodiversity. Many Cockpit Country citizens have not explored alternative livelihood strategies through sustainable natural resource use which would reduce the impact of their destructive practices to the natural environment. STEA s ability to execute an effective biodiversity conservation awareness programme is hampered by funding to employ and deploy staff to implement project activities. This is because its eco-tourism programme operated under the trade name Cockpit Country Adventure Tours (CCAT) does not generate adequate revenue to contribute to conservation. Increasing poverty, low wages, and lack of income force citizens to indiscriminately use the forest resources for their livelihood. The Conserving Cockpit Country Biodiversity through Sustainable Development Practices Project will promote conservation of Cockpit Country biodiversity through wise use of the forest s natural resources. The goals of the project are to decrease livelihood activities that are destructive to Cockpit Country biodiversity while providing alternative income generating opportunities for the 4,000 residents living in the pilot communities of Rock Spring and Bunker s Hill.

Jamaica