Articles
- BJCMNP Management Programmes
- Natural Heritage Conservation Programme
- Cultural Heritage Preservation Programme
- Enforcement and Compliance Programme
- Education and Public Involvement Programme
- Recreation and Tourism Programme
- Monitoring and Evaluation Programme
- Governance and Administration Programme
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Cultural Heritage Preservation Programme
| Programme Goal To maintain and enhance the appreciation for, and practice of the Maroon heritage associated with the Blue and John Crow Mountains. | |
|---|---|
| Objective 1 | To facilitate the conservation of the tangible cultural heritage of the Windward Maroons |
| Objective 2 | To facilitate the preservation of the intangible cultural heritage of the Windward Maroons |
| Objective 3 | To promote awareness and appreciation of the intangible cultural heritage of the Windward Maroons, and its connection to the natural heritage of the BJCM |
| Objective 4 | To promote research that will inform park management, but will not threaten conservation of the BJCMNP’s cultural heritage |
| Objective 5 | To establish and protect the Intellectual Property Rights of the Maroon people |
Prior to the 2011 Management Plan, cultural heritage preservation was not clearly defined and was to be accomplished through other programmes e.g. Recreation and Tourism. Despite this, a significant amount was achieved through involvement of the Charles Town and Moore Town Maroons as well as Maroon descendants in the Rio Grande Valley, the preparation of a Blue Mountains Sustainable Tourism Programme. Further, the research collated during the preparation of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Nomination, provided the basis for the development of a focused cultural heritage programme for the Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park.
Much of the material or tangible heritage of the Windward Maroons has been lost due to the types of natural materials they used and the tendency for camps prior to the Peace Treaty being of a temporary nature. The trails e.g. Cunha Cunha Pass Trail and place names e.g. Dinner Time, still remain. So does the intangible heritage such as songs, drumming, dancing and language in addition to the knowledge of making various items e.g. baskets, foods e.g. Cacoon stew and medicines from a variety of herbs.
Between 2011 and 2016, the JCDT working together with the Maroon Councils, the Jamaica National Heritage Trust and the African Caribbean Institute of Jamaica (ACIJ) will aim to move towards achievement of the above-mentioned objectives.
Re-enactment of “Ambush” by Maroons from Cornwall Barracks
