Antigua and Barbuda / Special Interests / Conservation

Antigua has much to preserve, probably too much in terms of its historic sites, of which there are literally hundreds – fortifications and sugar windmills – all around the island. There has been some success on this front. The island’s natural life however, both on and offshore, has been badly affected over the years and is in considerable need of restoration and care. A couple of areas have been officially designated national parks, but they have not really been effective. Up until now efforts towards preservation and conservation have been down to a few individuals and small groups of conscious islanders and expatriates. With the new political climate, however, it seems that things may be in for a change.

The most successful conservation project is undoubtedly Nelson’s Dockyard in English Harbour in the south-east. It is the only restored Georgian dockyard in the world, but it is also very much alive, with a couple of hotels, a museum, restaurants, bars, shops and other businesses.

The restoration of Nelson’s Dockyard has been led by the Friends of English Harbour Society, which was formed by a governor in 1951. Efforts have continued since then and many of the buildings have been restored (and are working again, sometimes even in a similar, if more modern capacity). There is an ongoing marine archaeology programme in the Dockyard in partnership with universities both sides of the Atlantic. Nelson’s Dockyard is managed by the National Parks Authority. See a description of Nelson's Dockyard under the Historical Sites section.  Another “historical” project is the restored sugar plantation at Betty’s Hope.

Officially the Dockyard is contained within a National Park that runs along the whole southern coastline (both offshore and onshore) from Cades Reef in the west, through Carlisle Bay, Rendezvous Bay, Falmouth Harbour and round the corner to Marmora Bay. Activity is supposed to be restricted, but even the boundaries are currently under dispute.

Non-profit organisations and Government links:

National Parks Authority, Nelson's Dockyard National Parks, PO Box 1283, St John's, t 481 5028 | natpark@candw.ag | www.nationalparksantigua.com