Dr Susan Otuokon is the executive director of the Jamaica Conservation and Development Trust (JCDT). She lives and breathes conservation as much as she does Blue Mountain air. This month she’s busy with conferences including one in South Africa. Style Observer (SO) caught up with the conservationist after her recent presentation at the 2018 National Biodiversity Conference, held at the Worthington at the Spanish Court Hotel over a cold glass of fruit punch. Sans plastic straw, of course!

Papilio homerus (the Jamaican Giant Swallowtail butterfly) is critically endangered. What factors contributed to this and what efforts are the JCDT undertaking to prevent its extinction?

The “critically endangered” status is an international designation as Papilio homerus is found only in Jamaica and nowhere else in the world. So if it is lost here – that’s it for the species. The main factors which contributed to the population being endangered are firstly, loss of medium-elevation natural forest across the island due to expansion of human development. In the two last known forest habitats where it is still found, there has been loss of forest particularly near rivers and streams — where the Water Mahoe (the only tree on which the butterfly will lay its eggs) is usually found. Finally, the animals have been caught and shipped abroad to butterfly specimen collectors. JCDT’s efforts have included a major awareness and education campaign in the local communities nearest where the butterfly is found — so that community members have become its protector. We also encourage more sustainable farming practices and reforestation. We have worked with local community groups to implement these activities including planting of the Water Mahoe. In the last five years we have seen an increase in the sighting of the species.

There have been reports of the defunding of a number of North American national parks. How does the Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park stay open?

The active and successful management of the Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park is only possible because of the work of the Jamaica Conservation and Development Trust (JCDT) — the non-government organisation and registered charity which manages the property. The Government of Jamaica through the Natural Resources Conservation Authority (NRCA) and the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA), provides us with about 30% of the operating expenses and we are allowed to retain the legislated fees for entry and use of the National Park at Holywell and the Blue Mountain Peak Trail. We raise about 20% from these fees and our provision of facilities and services at these sites and Portland Gap on the Peak Trail. The remaining 50% is raised from a wide variety of donors and sponsors for the implementation of projects and through our Friends of the Blue Mountains Programme.

The Blue and John Crow Mountain range is one of just 38 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. How did we achieve this and what does this mean for the national park?

As at July, 2018 there are 1,092 UNESCO World Heritage Sites but only 38 of these are mixed sites — inscribed for the outstanding universal value of both cultural and natural heritage. The process is very thorough and our documentation and the site were independently reviewed and physically evaluated. It took us about 10 years with the award being received in 2015. In addition to the preparation of documents, it required quite a bit of strategy and lobbying. I believe it was well worth the effort as it has resulted in greater interest and support from researchers, journalists, tourists and the Government and people of Jamaica. The World Heritage Site is located at the centre of the national park and is effectively, at its core a Preservation Zone — which is where the highest quality and most protected natural forest remains.

Conservation has become quite the buzz word lately. But for those who don’t know, please describe what this entails.

Conservation, especially of a protected area like a national park is not just about legal designation but includes preparing a management plan with stakeholders and implementing the programmes described in the plan. The activities include control of invasive plant and animal species, forest restoration, enforcement of the legislation by patrolling the property and nearby areas to identify and prevent illegal activities, environmental education in local communities including schools and facilitating sustainable livelihoods in the communities around the national park. Through the latter, we conduct training and assist our communities to improve the local socio-economy through more environmentally friendly. income-generating activities eg sustainable community tourism. In addition, we operate the property’s recreation areas and implement monitoring to evaluate the success of work. Finally, there is all the fund-raising, project and financial management required to carry out all of those activities.

To date, what has been your greatest professional achievement?

I am proudest of the work involved in having the Blue and John Crow Mountains inscribed as a World Heritage Site. There were many factors that almost stopped the process but we pushed forward despite the challenges to win one of the most prestigious, international awards for a protected area.

What three simple steps can SO readers take to be more environmentally conscious?

• Learn more — read and ask questions.

• Do something — no matter how small, the longest journey starts with the first small step, eg shopping with cloth bags.

• Support the work of an environmental organisation.

How do you stay motivated?

I am never stuck at my desk — I ensure that I am involved in our field work ranging from site visits to training of community members. Once I am out in the Blue and John Crow Mountains and with the people we work with any de-motivating energy dissipates.

Heels or flats?

Heels (of course not in the field)

Jeans or LBD?

Jeans

What’s your go-to skin-care routine?

Moisturiser with UV protection. I never leave home without at least that on my face.