St. Mary’s Biosphere Reserve: A UNESCO-Recognized and Protected Reserve

Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis, December 23, 2024 (UNESCO National Commission) – The Federation’s St. Mary’s Biosphere Reserve (SMBR) in Cayon, St. Kitts and Nevis, has been the focus of vigorous attention by the United Nations specialized agency, UNESCO, over 2024. Initially launched in 2011 as an UNESCO accredited Man and Biosphere (MAB) recognized and protected reserve – and the first reserve of this nature to be created in the English-speaking Caribbean – the SMBR has since been identified as ‘setting the biodiversity standards for small islands’ according to Dr. Antonio Abreu, Director, Division of Ecological and Earth Sciences at UNESCO, who oversees the worldwide list of 727 biosphere reserves.

UNESCO’s Earth Network Project

Under the aegis of UNESCO, and the competent authority of the Ministry of Environment, Climate Action and Constituency Empowerment, the SMBR benefited from the Earth Network funding to deploy a leading biodiversity expert and ecologist, Dr. Haydi Berrenstein, from Suriname, to guide the SMBR National Coordinator, Mrs. Telca Wallace, and the MAB committee, to specifically address challenges associated with agricultural practices, tools, methods of cultivation, preservation, and monetization of biodiversity-led sustainable agriculture processes on the reserve.

Project Objectives

This second phase of the Earth Network project will be implemented at the Hermitage Estate in Cayon in several stages and ultimately envisions the build-out of a Neem processing plant that would supply chemical-free fertilizer and pest-control to farmers across the Federation; the creation of a seed bank collection of heat and drought-resistant indigenous seeds; as well as the construction of a few greenhouses in the SMBR zone to accelerate re-forestation, by creating an agricultural ‘nursery’ of indigenous plants.

Consultation with Stakeholders

During her visit, Dr. Berrenstein held several consultations with various stakeholders, such as farmers, business owners, students, government officials, academia, non-governmental organizations, and private sector representatives to provide a national perspective and help shape project objectives based on local aspirations and needs. Dr. Berrenstein is currently finalizing a ‘funding proposal’ designed to raise funds from international donors to implement these measures over 2025.

Conclusion

The St. Mary’s Biosphere Reserve is a vital component of the Federation’s efforts to promote sustainable development and preserve the nation’s biodiversity. The UNESCO-recognized reserve has been identified as a model for other small islands to follow, and the Earth Network project is a significant step towards realizing the reserve’s full potential. We look forward to the successful implementation of the project and the benefits it will bring to the people and environment of St. Kitts and Nevis.

FAQs

Q: What is the St. Mary’s Biosphere Reserve?

A: The St. Mary’s Biosphere Reserve is a UNESCO-recognized and protected reserve located in Cayon, St. Kitts and Nevis.

Q: What is the purpose of the Earth Network project?

A: The Earth Network project aims to promote sustainable agriculture practices and biodiversity conservation in the St. Mary’s Biosphere Reserve.

Q: Who is leading the project?

A: Dr. Haydi Berrenstein, a leading biodiversity expert and ecologist from Suriname, is leading the project.

Q: What are the project’s objectives?

A: The project’s objectives include the creation of a Neem processing plant, a seed bank collection of heat and drought-resistant indigenous seeds, and the construction of greenhouses to accelerate re-forestation.