Montserrat Advances Work Toward Geopark Development
Montserrat is progressing work toward the development of a Geopark, an initiative aimed at recognising and promoting the island’s unique volcanic landscapes, cultural heritage, and natural environment.
Work undertaken through the Archive Assemble project facilitated the involvement of Geopark expert Dr Jack Matthews and archive specialist Dr Elizabeth Haines, who engaged with key stakeholders to support early-stage planning and knowledge sharing around the initiative.
Their programme included a series of stakeholder discussions, a Geopark workshop, and visits to several potential geosites across the island. These activities helped to build a shared understanding of the Geopark concept and identify opportunities for further development.
This engagement strengthened collaboration between the Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO), Montserrat National Trust (MNT), Tourism Division, and Montserrat Public Library (MPL). As a result, a Geopark Working Group has been established with a broad stakeholder base to guide coordination, planning, and the next stages of development.
The Geopark initiative aims to highlight Montserrat’s exceptional volcanic heritage, cultural identity, biodiversity, and landscapes. It also seeks to support education, research, and sustainable geotourism opportunities that benefit both residents and visitors.
The long-term goal of this work is to progress toward UNESCO Global Geopark designation, positioning Montserrat among internationally recognised sites of outstanding geological and cultural significance.
