The significant features of the country’s biodiversity include its flora and fauna, coastal and marine resources, mangrove and wetland systems and agro-biodiversity. Both natural causes and human action have resulted in ongoing threats to the biodiversity of Antigua and Barbuda.
Large areas of wildlife habitat have been erased primarily through over-exploitation of reefs, pollution, overgrazing, and the introduction of non-indigenous species. Other causes of biodiversity destruction include drought, hurricanes and overuse of pesticides. A number of governmental and non-governmental agencies have evolved to identify, monitor and control the negative impacts of these and other threats on the nation’s biodiversity.
The Marine Ecosystem Protected Area Trust (MEPA Trust) is one such agency and works with multi-sectoral partners to catalyze and support the protection, recovery, and effective management of Antigua and Barbuda’s protected areas to build resilience to the impacts of climate change.
As at 31 December 2022, the MEPA Trust has financed two (2) projects: The Environment and You—Strengthening Environmental Advocacy Among Our Local People implemented by the National Parks Authority and Enhancing Marine Ecosystem Management in the Nelson’s Dockyard National Park implemented by the Ministry of Tourism.
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