Bio-diversity

The Negril Royal Palm reserve through the presence of the Negil Great Morass is a biodiversity hotspot with its abundance of endangered and endemic plant and animal species. The reserve is however experiencing a number of challenges related-but not limited to-: 1. Lack of a comprehensive interpretation programme for the Royal Palm Reserve 2. Overcrowding or Naturalizing of large acreages by Invasive Alien Species 3. Inadequate promotion of the West Indian Whistling Ducks and other important plant and animal species 4. Lack of an informed plan to address changing water levels, loss of native plant species, and changes on morass ecology as a result of forest fires. The Conservation and Management of Endemic and Endangered Species of the Negril Royal Palm Reserve through Habitat Improvement and Interpretation is a one year project that will focus on the implementation of several recommendations from the Negril Royal Palm Reserve Bird Monitoring Strategy prepared for the Negril area Environmental Protection Trust .The three main objectives are: 1. To improve habitat conditions of the endangered and endemic plant and animal species of the Negril Royal Palm Reserve by mitigating at least three (3) threats to these conditions over a period of ten (10) months. This will include removal of alien invasive species, and contruction of spawning anfeeding grounds. 2. To enhance visitor experience of the Negril RPR and increase public awareness and education about the import bird species of the Negril Great Morass through the improvement of the bird interpretation programme over a period of (8) months. 3. To implement a community-wide Biodiversity of the Negril Great Morass Public Awareness Campaign over a period of six (6) months. These three primary goals will be achieved through coordination and implementation of several activities within the Negril Royal Palm Reserve and surrounding communities. A variety of stakeholder groups are engaged in the implementation process. These stakeholder groups will be engaged in environmental presentations and workshops as well as training in environmentally friendly farming practices. The project will also foster collaboration with various government and nongovernmental entities.

Jamaica