Get Forecast
ABOUT THE NPT

J.R. O'Neal Botanic GardensMESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR
Welcome! The National Parks Trust, from its humble beginnings in 1961, has diligently and succesfully conserved natural and historical sites spanning the Territory for 50 years. Our management of globally important species and our restoration of historic landmarks serves to assist in preserving the national identity of the British Virgin Islands.

This year, we will host both traditional and new events to commemorate this milestone in our history. Arbour Day has been celebrated by the Trust since its inception in 1961 under the leadership of its first Chairman, Mr. Joseph R. O’Neal. The Flower Show has also been held for more than a decade. The inaugural concert series will feature world renowned artists John Legend and Ali Campbell (UB40) and we are excited to host these events at the Queen Elizabeth II National Park. Joseph Smith-Abbott, Director, NPTOur fundraising efforts are targeted to assist in the development of the Queen Elizabeth II National Park.

Fifty years of conservation in the Virgin Islands by the National Parks Trust ensures the continued protection of the natural and historical maritime and terrestrial legacy of the Territory.  Please join our celebrations and support our efforts to continue to protect our national heritage.We hope to see you there, and at our many National Parks. Enjoy the best of the BVI!


BRIEF HISTORY  
OUR MISSION
"To preserve and manage designated natural and cultural areas in order to improve the quality of life in the British Virgin Islands."
Tortoise
BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Ingrid Moses-Scatliffe
Chairperson

Joseph Smith-Abbott
Director

Austin Maduro
Secretary and Government Liaison

Marvin Blyden
Member, Tortola

Tessa Callwood
Member, Jost Van Dyke

Rosalia Gardener
Member,Virgin Gorda

Randy Keil
Member, Marine Sector/Marine Biology

Aubrey Levons
Member, Anegada

Wayne Robinson
Member, Hospitality Sector

Enriquito Rymer
Member, Hospitality Sector

John Shirley
Member, Hospitality Sector
 
The National Parks Trust (NPT) was established in 1961 as a statutory body responsible for parks and protected areas. Over the years the NPT has developed from a voluntary organization to a fully-staffed operation, overseen by a Board of Directors and managed by Director, Joseph Smith-Abbott and a staff of 30 persons.  
   
   
WHAT WE DO  
 
The National Parks Trust currently manages 21 National Parks. These include 20 terrestrial parks such as Sage Mountain, the remnants of a Caribbean forest, and one marine park, the famous Wreck of the RMS Rhone. Several of the parks are comprised of our smaller, uninhabited sister islands such as Great Tobago, The Dogs, and Fallen Jerusalem.

Our management regimen includes preservation of all flora and fauna within the parks, maintenance, and constant upgrading of facilities such as trails and picnic sites, ensuring a pleasurable visitor’s experience and facilitating scientific research.

From the inception of the Trust in 1961, reforestation has been one of its major goals with the replanting of trees at Sage Mountain and Gorda Peak National Parks. The annual Arbour Day celebrations have resulted in the planting of hundreds of mahogany and cedar trees throughout the territory.

The Trust is also deeply involved in maintaining the territory’s biodiversity and has led several projects to restore or rehabilitate the Territory’s indigenous species.		  
   
     
     
PROJECTS / HIGHLIGHTS
Defining Protected Areas
In January 2008, the Government of the Virgin Islands approved a comprehensive plan to define the existing and proposed network of terrestrial and marine areas of natural and historical character. The plan titled, "The Protected Area System Plan of the Virgin Islands, 2007 - 2017", fully details the philosophy, management objectives and approach, and areas of national significance designated for protection by the NPT.
>View/Download the Protected Area System Plan (4 MB PDF)
Restoration of Flamingos in Anegada
The beautiful Greater Flamingo indigenous to the island of Anegada once had a thriving population. Eighteen birds reintroduced in 1992 have now multiplied into a population of almost 200, restoring the treasured birds to the island.
   
Saving the Endangered Rock Iguana
The population of indigenous Anegada Rock Iguana, (Cyclura pinguis) which is found nowhere else in the world, had dwindled on due to habitat loss and predation by feral cats. Through the efforts of the Trust, the World Conservation Union and Anegadian residents, the population has been rehabilitated and the Rock Iguana was removed from the "Critically Endangered" list. The release of iguanas in 2011 marks the achievement of a significant milestone, as the wild population of iguanas has now doubled.
   
Moorings/Reef rotection Programme
In order to protect the territory’s beautiful but fragile reefs from anchor damage, the National Parks Trust continues to encourage the sustainable use of these resources through its Moorings/Reef Protection Programme which has resulted in more than 180 buoys being installed at more than seventy dive sites.
   
Restoration of the Copper Mine
One of the most well-known of the Trust’s parks is Copper Mine Point where the ruins of a 19th century Cornish mining operation can still be found. Evidence exists that both the local Amerindian population and later Spanish settlers mined copper in the area but it was a contingent of Cornish miners who were able to establish a successful mining operation here until world copper prices fell and the mine closed in 1862. In 1998, Cornish experts assisted the Trust’s restoration efforts to stabilize the ruins, which are now a national landmark.