Creating a Future
When people think about Antigua and Barbuda, crystal clear water and white sand beaches usually come to mind first. But behind those postcard-perfect views is an organization working every day to protect the wildlife and ecosystems that make the islands so extraordinary.
For nearly 40 years, the Environmental Awareness Group (EAG) has been leading conservation efforts across Antigua, Barbuda, and Redonda, restoring habitats, protecting endangered wildlife, educating local communities, and creating partnerships that help preserve the country's incredible biodiversity. While speaking with Ádia Duberry, EAG's Partnership Development Coordinator, it became clear that conservation at EAG is about much more than protecting wildlife and ecosystems. It is about creating a future where nature, communities, and sustainable tourism can thrive together.
The Offshore Islands Conservation Programme
One of EAG's longest-running initiatives is its Offshore Islands Conservation Programme, which protects biodiversity across the tri-state nation’s 51 offshore islands. These islands provide vital habitat for native and endemic species, including the critically endangered Antiguan Racer- the country's only endemic snake.
Once considered the rarest snake in the world, the Antiguan Racer has become one of the Caribbean's greatest conservation success stories. Thanks to decades of invasive species or biosecurity monitoring, habitat management, and wildlife monitoring, EAG, along with its partners, helped increase the population from only a handful of individuals to approximately 1,200 individuals before continuing conservation efforts to address new environmental challenges. Their work also supports seabirds, reptiles, vegetation, mangroves, and other fragile island ecosystems that depend on healthy offshore island habitats.
Redonda Restoration
Another remarkable achievement is the restoration of Redonda, Antigua and Barbuda's third island and the establishment of the Redonda Ecosystem Reserve, now the largest marine protected area in the Eastern Caribbean. After invasive goats and black rats devastated the island's ecosystem, EAG and its partners led a large-scale restoration effort that transformed the landscape. By removing these invasive mammalian species and allowing nature to recover, Redonda has once again become home to thriving vegetation, nesting seabirds, and its unique endemic reptiles, including the Redonda Ground Dragon. Today, regular biosecurity monitoring helps ensure the island remains invasive mammalian species free and one of the Caribbean's leading examples of successful island restoration.
The Antigua Marine Conservation Programme
EAG's commitment to ocean conservation continues through its Antigua Marine Conservation Programme, where the team monitors nesting Green and Hawksbill sea turtles across key nesting beaches across the island. From protecting nests against predators to collecting valuable scientific data, their work helps improve the survival of future generations while contributing to long-term marine conservation research.
Beyond fieldwork, education has become one of EAG's greatest strengths. The organization regularly works with schools, local communities, volunteers, and businesses to help people better understand Antigua, Barbuda, and Redonda's unique wildlife. Their hands-on experiences allow participants to connect directly with nature while learning why healthy ecosystems are so important.
Environmentally Conscious Tourism Operators
EAG has also developed innovative partnerships with environmentally conscious tourism operators, including Carlisle Bay, creating opportunities for guests to experience conservation firsthand through
Birdwatching tours
Sea turtle patrols
Educational programming
Community initiatives.
These collaborations demonstrate how tourism and conservation can work together to create meaningful experiences while supporting environmental protection.
Our conversation with Ádia was incredibly insightful, and her passion for conservation was impossible to miss. She shared not only the incredible work EAG has accomplished, but also the vision that continues to drive the organization forward. Her willingness to share EAG's story and the impact of their work made it clear why the organization has become such an important leader in Caribbean conservation.
Organizations like EAG remind us that protecting our oceans starts with protecting the ecosystems connected to them. Through habitat restoration, species conservation, community education, and sustainable partnerships, they continue to prove that long-term environmental change happens when passionate people are willing to put in the work.
Bright Ocean Tourism
If you are a resort or an ocean conservation nonprofit working directly in the ocean, reach out to us through Bright Ocean Tourism to learn more about developing programs that connect resort guests with meaningful ocean conservation initiatives.
If you are a business or organization with a positive relationship to the ocean and are looking for marketing services, contact us today to see how we can help share your story and grow your impact.
Photo Credit: D'Kaboo Brann
Photo Credit: Olivier Raynaud
Photo Credit: Ashton Williams | AB Sea Turtle Awareness
Photo Credit: Chas Clarke | Chaso Media
Photo Credit: Chas Clarke | Chaso Media
Photo Credit: Chas Clarke | Chaso Media