About Jamaica

Pedro Bank © Nathalie Zenny

Jamaica is best known for its beaches and vacation destinations such as Montego Bay. However, the third largest Caribbean island is more than just beautiful beaches and is home to rich forests and a variety of endemic species. A third of the island is still forested and Jamaica has the fifth highest concentration of endemic plants in the world. Jamaica’s forests are also home to more endemic birds and reptiles than any other Caribbean island. It is also a culturally diverse country with a large population of Maroons who maintained their independence during colonial times.

The Conservancy is working with the government, the military, JTDC and other partners and communities to protect this nation’s natural resources. In 2004, Jamaica had a debt-for-nature swap that provided $16 M for long term conservation. The Conservancy works in the Blue and John Crow mountains and the Rio Grande valley between them, the Cockpit country and the Pedro Bank.

The Blue and John Crow mountains are on the Eastern side of the mountain and are the source of the world famous Blue Mountain coffee. These mountains are home to giant swallowtail butterflies and the Jamaican hutia. The Conservancy is working with the Jamaican Conservation Development Trust to protect and effectively manage the Blue and John Crow National Park.

Toward the west, the Cockpit Country’s unique, relatively undisturbed karst landscape contains over 300 caves and 5,000 perfectly uniform hillocks that resemble an upturned egg carton. Fed by groundwater springs and seeps, Cockpit Country is the source of the Great, Black and Martha Brae coastal rivers, and supplies 59 percent of Jamaica’s freshwater resources and is home to several endemic species. The Conservancy is working with partners to better protect the area as well as create a visitors center that can be used for educational purposes for visitors as well as educational and meeting purposes by the local Maroon population.

The Conservancy is also working towards protecting the offshore Pedro Bank which is 50 miles from the shore and three fourths the size of the mainland. It is home to the endemic Masked Booby bird. The bank is also a major fishing ground for Queen Conch which is a very important export commodity. The Conservancy is working with the military and local fishing communities to better manage the precious resources of this key.