Earth Today | Beyond Boundaries is out!

IN A bid to preserve the legacy of the decades-long movement to safeguard Jamaica’s ecological gem, the Cockpit Country, the Jamaica Environment Trust (JET) and its partners have published Beyond Boundaries: The Save the Cockpit Country Movement.

The 150-plus page publication, for which there are two versions – one a ‘deep dive’ into the progress of the movement and the other ‘a quick take’ – is also intended to inform future advocacy work, capturing the partnerships, as well as individual community actions that came together to preserve what is also an area of cultural significance.

The Cockpit Country, home of the Maroons, supplies an estimated 40 per cent of the island’s underground and surface water; and meets the needs of the central-western end of the land. It also serves as the source of some of Jamaica’s most significant rivers, including the Rio Bueno, Martha Brae, Montego River, Great River, and Black River – the latter famous for its association with the YS Falls River. These rivers are fed by no fewer than 32 springs, streams, smaller rivers, and ponds scattered across the area.

The area also supports the largest number of globally threatened species of any key biodiversity area in the Caribbean Islands Hotspot – including 11 amphibians and 40 plant species.

Beyond Boundaries also celebrates the commitment and contributions of figures including local resident Asburga Harwood and Mike Schwartz of the Windsor Research Centre (WRC), both now deceased; together with others including Dr. Susan Koenig of WRC; Hugh Dixon of the Southern Trelawny Environmental Agency; Diana McCaulay of JET; Wendy Lee, formerly of Northern Jamaica Conservation Association; and Dr. Esther Figueroa of Vagabond Media.

“We felt it was important to document the Save Cockpit Country Movement because it offers valuable insight into the relationship between the Jamaican state and its citizens, as well as the strategies and actions taken to protect rights, livelihoods, and heritage,” noted Dr. Theresa Rodriguez Moodie, chief executive officer of JET, which has been an active member of the Save the Cockpit Country Movement since 2006, providing advocacy, legal, and technical support.

“This historical record preserves the story of one of Jamaica’s most significant environmental justice movements while also providing lessons to guide future advocacy for the protection of our natural resources and constitutional rights,” she told The Gleaner.

In addition to fundraising for the development of the publication, JET helped to coordinate the research, editing, and production of the publication “to ensure the voices and experiences of those involved in the Movement were preserved and shared”.

Following last week’s official launch of the publication, Rodriguez Moodie urges Jamaicans to dive into the publication which is available online at www.jamentrust.org.

“The Save Cockpit Country Movement is one of Jamaica’s most powerful examples of environmental justice in action. It shows how ordinary citizens, working together, can influence national decision-making, protect culture and heritage, and defend Jamaica’s natural resources. The lessons captured in this publication are vital for current and future struggles for justice, sustainability, and community rights,” she said.

Next up, according to Rodriguez Moodie, is the creation of an archive of documents, videos, PSAs, and other materials produced under the Movement.

“And we plan to develop an interactive web-based version of the publication. These initiatives will be rolled out in phases over the coming years, depending on funding availability,” the JET boss said.

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