Port of Spain, 28 June 2024 – “Growing up, people weren’t telling us to be marine ecologists; people weren’t telling us to go out and study the environment,” recalls Johnella Bradshaw of the Environmental Awareness Group (EAG) in Antigua and Barbuda. Instead, Johnella and her peers were encouraged to pursue careers in law and medicine. But once Johnella discovered her passion for the environment, she realized the importance of conservation. “We understand why people were pushing those career paths our way, but we survive on this earth, on our island, and if we are not protecting it, who else is going to do that job?"
Johnella is one of the young women scientists in Antigua and Barbuda working at EAG and leading conservation actions in two of Antigua and Barbuda’s Key Biodiversity Areas along with her childhood friend, Shanna Challenger. Friends since they met in primary school in 2000, they seemed destined to be colleagues. Initially, Johnella aspired to be a psychiatrist, while Shanna was on track to become a medical doctor. However, today, Johnella is the Redonda Ecosystem Reserve Coordinator, and Shanna is the Offshore Islands Conservation Programme (OICP) Coordinator. Both play key roles in the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF)-supported project, “Accelerating Locally Led Conservation Action in Antigua and Barbuda,” running from May 2023 to April 2026.
Established in 1989, the EAG has been at the forefront of conservation work in Antigua and Barbuda and is the country's oldest environmental non-governmental organization. From restoring offshore islands and saving species from extinction to education, community engagement, and influencing environmental policy, the EAG works collaboratively to bring about environmental change in Antigua and Barbuda. Core to the EAG's work is an aspiration to have "a society with individual and collective responsibility to care for and value biodiversity and ecosystems for the long-term benefit of people and wildlife."
The CEPF-funded project supports conservation planning in the North East Marine Management Area (NEMMA) and Redonda KBAs while strengthening conservation management for critically endangered species like the Antiguan Racer, Redonda Ground Lizard, and Redonda Anole. The project also supports biosecurity monitoring for invasive alien species.
One of the first major activities of the project was a census of the Antiguan Racer. Once a top predator throughout Antigua and Barbuda, this endemic snake's population dwindled after introducing Asian mongooses in the 1890s alongside other human pressures. Declared extinct in the 1930s, a few individuals survived on Great Bird Island—a small cay within NEMMA that remained mongoose-free. In 1995 when only 50 individuals were found in the wild, it was called ‘the world’s rarest snake.’ Although its population has rebounded thanks to conservation efforts by EAG partners periodic censuses are needed for information about population trends distribution effectiveness of conservation efforts impact human threats data census informing long-term conservation action plan
The EAG has bolstered its technical capacity through longstanding partnerships with many international organizations However young scientists involved project ability now take lead source pride Having work locally led not having somebody come write ourselves doing collaborative manner important says Johnella
Locally led action extends beyond EAG’s technical staff include network volunteers vehicle citizen science community collaboration within NEMMA Citizen participation recent Antiguan race census example how put into action With support from CEPF EAG will strengthen volunteer programme formalise Offshore Islands Guardians Programme which will include structured certified training builds competencies allow non-scientists make meaningful contribution EAG's technical work Beyond monitoring community awareness programme also developing next generation local conservationists
"Every time I look at CEPF project name see 'accelerating local conservation action'" says Shanna "I think yes exactly what we are doing CEPF helping EAG achieve strategic objectives including filling critical personnel gaps implementing early management actions Redonda recently declared protected area We’ve been going along making inroads notes Shanna but feels like fill up tank put pedal metal go full steam ahead We will able achieve lot things want do from programme organisational standpoint"
Impact CEPF-funded work goes beyond finances prompted more deliberate focus gender youth inclusivity ensuring activities accessible all Johnella Shanna excited be at juncture contribute country community as young female conservationists We are so happy about what we have been able do amplified by this CEPF-funded project says Shanna
Both agree exposure representation matter wish had exposed earlier studying biology chemistry University West Indies Cave Hill course diversity life hooked Fieldwork sealed deal left doctor track epiphany came sixth form Antigua State College took environmental science course avoid chemistry realised desire help people could channelled through conservation holds master’s sustainability studies environmental management duo encouraged recent involvement sixth form students believing hands-on experience crucial showcasing viable career path CEPF support helping expand area
When asked advice other young women considering careers friends agree important take advantage internships volunteer opportunities explore vast field find mentor offer guidance Try everything says Shanna If don’t try everything won’t know gravitate passion may plants marine Get much exposure until find niche Don’t limit yourself doubt yourself says Johnella There many ways contribute not just scientists need writers photographers data analysts accountants If something want chase after it
For further information please contact Wendy Dyemma-Harper CEPF Communication Information Management Officer caribbeanrit@canari.org Click link below browse interactive map current grants Caribbean Islands Biodiversity Hotspot https://bit.ly/3VlFCJC
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