Jamaica will be one of six select countries taking to the stage to showcase international best standards in areas that could bring the world closer to achieving the global goal of a net-zero future when the 2021 United Nations climate change conference, also known as COP26, gets under way in Glasgow, Scotland, between October 31 and November 12. Following four months of international collaboration between academics, business, civil society and citizens across the globe, the COP26 Futures We Want project, will unveil its hope for an achievable, beneficial, resilient and desirable global net-zero future for nations across the world.

Jamaica is billed to show how much can be achieved by implementing natural protection from hurricanes and floods through restored reefs and coastal mangrove swamps, in order to protect its citizens and the environment. The many lives, infrastructure and money to be saved through this investment in the natural environment cannot be quantified. Mona Webber, professor of marine biology and director of the Centre for Marine Sciences and Discovery Bay Marine Laboratory, The University of the West Indies, told The Gleaner that her colleagues, including Dr. Camilo Trench, have been integral to the success of this research, which effectively addresses the root causes of mangrove loss. “They have been carrying mangrove restoration across various areas of Jamaica, primarily to do with fixing the causes. Not just planting back trees or seedlings, but finding out what causes the loss and solving that problem, and we have had pretty good success,” she said, referencing Refuge Cay.

Black River Mangroves, Jamaica (Science Photo Library)

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To learn more about the Futures We Want project: https://www.futureswewant.world/