The complex geologic and evolutionary history of the Dolphin Head Mountains has generated a landscape rich in biodiversity, endemism, and unique ecosystems. The continued pressure on natural resources as a consequence of development and increased population represents a conservation challenge for this unique area.

The Global Significance of the Dolphin Head Mountains

If Jamaica is ranked 5th in the world in terms of plant biodiversity, with a 28% rate of endemism, then the mesic limestone forest ecosystem of Dolphin Head ? a clearly defined, 3,000-acre area located within Hanover-- is proudly deserving of both national and global recognition with an endemism level of 32%. The wet limestone forests of the Dolphin Head area are among the most fragile ecosystems globally. The area has more rare or threatened plant species per unit area than anywhere else in Jamaica.

To date, it has 163 types of plants belonging to 53 families. Of this number 91 are endemic, found only in Jamaica and twenty (20) of that number are found only in Dolphin Head. Additionally it contains habitats which are home to 21 of Jamaica?s 35 endemic bird species and 11 migratory species. Like many ecosystems that are high in bio-diversity, the Dolphin Head area is also host to human habitats whose interaction and dependence on the area for farming, income generation and critical life support is having an overall impact on the area.

Rich as the Dolphin Head Region is endemically, the population in its immediate surroundings remains among the poorest in the country. Damaging activities include forest clearance associated with progressive, shifting cultivation, burning of forest margins, and structural degradation of forests resulting from unregulated logging. The combined effect of these activities, results in increased fragmentation and isolation of forest blocks, and inevitably, threatens the existence of species, many of which are endemic to the area.

With wet limestone forests being among the most fragile ecosystems it is critical that the area be safeguarded from continued disturbance and species extinction. An Ecology Report, prepared by Dr. Procter, emphasizes how important this area is in terms of watershed and endemic plant species.

In 2006 the Trust will embark on the building of a Nature Tourism and alternative livelihoods project which is the EFJ funded Dolphin Head Hiking trail. This trail will create nature/adventure tourism opportunities for the local stake holders as well as serve as an educational tool for the preservation of the Biodiversity of the Dolphin Head Mountains. The Trust will also embark on an exciting initiative to convert , known Forest Destroyers (slash and burn cultivators ) to forest protectors, through the FAO Forestry Facility.

Additionally, these individuals will be engaged in the reforestation of 5 hectares of the Dolphin Head Forest Reserve with plant species vital to the rich biodiversity of the area. The Live Botanical Museum will therefore be a complement to and serve to bolster these activities to ensure the sustainability of these initiatives. The forest protectors will serve as guides and the back bone of the Live Botanical Museum and be vital in assisting in restoring the habitats. However it is the innovative sustainable use of biodiversity in ecosystems which will be our main activities. The Dolphin Head Area is home to the highest density of rare or threatened species per unit area, in the island. The main goal of this project is:

1. To promote the in situ conservation of the Dolphin Head Endemics as well as genetic variations of wild relatives of domesticated species. As a demonstration type project which fits into Operation Program 3, 4,12,13, and 15 , this project represents a real opportunity to test and develop community level approaches to in-situ biodiversity conservation activities by promoting sustainable use and management of biodiversity in ecosystems and utilizing non conventional uses of land which directly creates alternative livelihood for local stakeholders and stems further deterioration of this area of high biodiversity.

2. Promotion of sustainable land use practices on mountain slopes in order to protect habitats of global significance. Implementation of carefully-monitored and sustainable reforestation with native species schemes to protect watersheds and combat erosion. Under Operation Program 4 the project will serve to promote sustainable land use practice on mountain slopes in order to protect habitats of global significance, and monitor practices in uplands that are vital to the hydrological cycle and watershed of the Dolphin Head Mountains. Given the social and economic climate, the Trust has focused its efforts on enhancing and facilitating sustainable livelihoods development through training and increased community strengthening, which present a long-term strategy for preserving the unique mesic limestone forests with its extraordinary botanical biodiversity. Resource management areas containing important productive resources and needing careful environmental management in watershed and forest areas will need to be set up to ensure sustained productivity. Most importantly, this rich botanical biodiversity needs to be conserved and managed through effective community based management, since it serves as a basis for Eco-tourism.