Virgin Islands Marine Protected Area Advisory Committee

In 2003 Advisory Committee members received the Coastal America Partnership Award in recognition of the collaborative effort of the territorial government and stakeholders in developing the marine park.  This program selects projects from various communities that address critical coastal environmental problems through the development of partnerships with federal and local governments, non-governmental organizations, business representatives and community members.

The mission of the Advisory Committee is to provide advice and technical assistance on marine protected area issues in the USVI.

Goals

• Promote the protection and maintenance of biological diversity and other natural values in the USVI for future generations

• Promote the management and enhancement of natural marine resources for sustainable resource use

• Promote socio-economic parity for displaced individuals or businesses due to Marine Protected Area establishment processes

• Promote understanding, awareness and increase local knowledge of the value of local marine resources and the ultimate benefits of protecting them, and engage the wider community in behaviors and practices which promote sustainable resource use

• To assist with sourcing and securing funds for sustainable management of marine protected areas in the USVI

• Where appropriate, to assist with technical and operational aspects of Marine Protected Area management within the USVI

• Promote effective MPA conservation and management throughout the USVI by making available lessons learned from other protected areas to committees or sub-committees

Officers