February 10, 2025
Happy World Wetlands Day 2025!
This year, The Montego Bay Marine Park team and its stakeholders came together to honor and protect one of nature’s most vital ecosystems—our wetlands. Under the theme ‘Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future,’ our efforts focused on safeguarding these crucial environments, which serve as natural water filters, protect our coastlines, and support countless species of wildlife.
Making a Difference in Bogue Lagoon: A Key Site for Jamaica Conservation
World Wetlands Day is officially celebrated on February 2nd each year. In 2025, this date fell on a Sunday, so this year’s Bogue Lagoon Clean Up event was held on Saturday, February 1, 2025, in anticipation of the official day. This scheduling was designed to maximize volunteer participation over the weekend.
On Saturday, dedicated volunteers gathered at the Bogue Lagoon Mangrove Forest to take action. Through their hard work, we successfully removed 593.6 lbs of garbage from this critical wetland area! This effort not only helps restore the lagoon’s natural beauty but also ensures a healthier habitat for marine life, birds, and other species that rely on this ecosystem.
A huge thank you to everyone who contributed to this initiative, including our incredible volunteers and the organizations that supported us:
- Secrets Resorts & Spa
- Caribbean Maritime University
- Queertego
- Equestrian Academy
- Playa Hotels & Resorts
Your commitment to Jamaica conservation made this cleanup possible, and your dedication to protecting our wetlands is truly inspiring.
Why We Must Protect Our Wetlands
Wetlands like Bogue Lagoon play an essential role in our environment. They:
- 1. Act as natural buffers against storms and flooding
- 2. Filter pollutants, improving water quality
- 3. Provide habitat for fish, birds, and other wildlife
- 4. Store carbon, helping to combat climate change
Yet, wetlands around the world, including those in Jamaica, are under threat from pollution, deforestation, and climate change. That’s why events like the Bogue Lagoon Clean Up are so important—they remind us that we all have a role to play in preserving these ecosystems for future generations.
How You Can Help Protect Our Wetlands
Safeguarding wetlands isn’t just a one-day effort—it requires ongoing action, and you have a crucial role to play. Here’s how you can make a difference:
✔ Cut Down on Plastic Waste – Avoid single-use plastics and dispose of waste properly to prevent pollution in wetland ecosystems.
✔ Get Involved in Conservation – Participate in local cleanup events and support environmental organizations. We’d love to have you join our next Jamaica conservation initiative!
✔ Spread Awareness – Educate others about the value of wetlands and encourage them to take action. You can start by sharing this message, engaging with our content, and following us on social media.
Together, we can protect our wetlands and create a sustainable future for generations to come. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who took part in making a positive impact this World Wetlands Day 2025!
