Blue and John Crow Mountains is now a World Heritage Site

BJCMNP Rangers on patrol

Managing an ecosytem requires ongoing monitoring. Water samples and invertebrates are collected from streams within the national park on a regular basis for analysis.

Over the years, the park has hosted a number of groups and dignitaries; interested in exploring a tropical, broadleaf forest. In 2008, Britain’s Prince Charles visited Holywell.

The JCDT maintains a uniformed presence in the national park as part of it park management programme. The first national park rangers were commissioned into service in 1993 following the designation of the area as national park on February 26 of that same year.

The Park Management Plan features a robust school programme focused on the Community Buffer Zone. Through the programme, the JCDT endeavours to introduce environmental best practices in the next generation to ensure that the forest remains pristine. Over 800 students go through the programme each year.

Assisting communities in the buffer zone to develop businesses and create employment is a key strategy in the park conservation programme. Such intititives lessen the dependence of these communities on the forest for their livelihoods.

Nature lovers can enjoy the national park at Holywell, Portland Gap and the Blue Mountain Peak Trail. The Jamaica Conservation and Development Trust plans and oversees a sustainable tourism programme that earns much needed funds for the park conservation programme while maintaining the integrity of the protected area.

The Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park was designated a World Heritage Site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 2015. Recognized for both its natural and cultural significance, the park is the only mixed site in the Caribbean.

The D&G Foundation is just one of several companies that have partnered with the Jamaica Conservation and Development Trust on reforestation and invasive species control activities

In 2017, the Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park hosted the UNESCO World Heritage Youth Camp. The camp was the first of its kind in the Caribbean and was part of UNESCO’s World Heritage Education Programme to increase awareness, knowledge and skills among young adults about world heritage management.

Park Ranger Roger Thompson measures a native tree sapling.

Mr. Wellington Taylor Education Officer mans JCDT exhibit about the BJCMNP

Workday at Holywell.

JCDT's Executive Director, Dr. Susan Otuokon makes a presentation on management of the BJCMNP to a participant at an IUCN Conference.

Rio Grande Valley

Mist rolling in at Holywell

Jamaican Tody or Robin Redbreast