The Caribbean’s offshore islands are treasures of biodiversity, but centuries of human impact and invasive species have pushed many of these delicate ecosystems to the brink of collapse. So, what does it take to bring an entire island ecosystem back from the edge?
Today, we’re diving into the world of island restoration with Shanna Challenger, Offshore Islands Conservation Programme Coordinator at the Environmental Awareness Group (EAG) in Antigua and Barbuda. EAG is a leading organization that’s been changing the face of Caribbean conservation for thirty years, spearheading locally-driven initiatives.
In this conversation, Shanna and I explore the fascinating world of island rewilding, from the dramatic transformation of Redonda to the complex challenges of working with inhabited islands. We discuss how EAG tackles everything from invasive species removal to marine ecosystem protection, the organizationÕs remarkable successes, the areas of rewilding they’re currently tackling, and what they hope to accomplish in the future. By the end of this conversation, youÕll have a firm grasp on what it takes to rewild, keep wild, and protect Caribbean islands.
One last note: while this show has never been for kids, I wanted to give parents a head up that this episode gets a little extra spicy. Shanna and I bring up some adult references that you probably donÕt want to explain to a little one. So, fair warning!
Alright, that’s enough from me. Let’s journey into the incredible world of Caribbean island restoration with Shanna Challenger and discover how EAG is working to secure a future for these precious island ecosystems!
Episode Transcript
Disclaimer: Transcripts are AI-generated, unedited, and may contain errors.