Challenges of Sustainability of the Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park

Summary The Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park (BJCMNP), located in the eastern region of Jamaica, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015 in recognition of its Outstanding Universal Value (OUV). The park is renowned for its exceptional biodiversity, including numerous endemic and endangered species, as well as its deep cultural associations with the Windward Maroons – a community descended from formerly enslaved Africans who resisted British colonial rule. However, the BJCMNP faces ongoing challenges to both the natural and cultural heritage values for which it was inscribed. This case study explores the environmental, social, and management issues that threaten the long-term sustainability of the park. It examines the implications of climate change, unregulated tourism, land-use pressures, and community marginalisation on the park’s integrity. The case also provides evidence-based recommendations for mitigating these social and environmental challenges through participatory governance, sustainable tourism planning, and conservation strategies. Given its global heritage status, the BJCMNP requires sustained, inclusive, and well-coordinated efforts to ensure its protection and continued contribution to Jamaica’s ecological and cultural legacy. Information © The Authors 2025