Island Biodiversity Field School - Antigua and Barbuda
Terrestrial
The course will be based in English Harbour, adjacent to the historic Nelson’s Dockyard in the southeast of Antigua. The findings of the study group will contribute to on-going data sets and monitoring undertaken by the National Parks Authority (Antigua and Barbuda).
Cost: £3,500 (tuition, shred accommodation at the Waterfront Inn, breakfast and dinner, Monday - Friday, transportation to and from all field work and entry to all other cultural activities).
*Pls note that travel to and from Antigua are not included in the price
Waterfront Inn, English Harbor: www.thewaterfrontantigua.com/gallery
Nelson’s Dockyard, English Harbor: www.nationalparksantigua.com
University of West Indies, Five Islands Campus: https://fiveislands.uwi.edu
The 2026 JICAS Island Biodiversity Field School is run in Antigua in partnership with the The University of the West Indies, The National Parks Authority (Antigua and Barbuda) and the departments of Environment and Fisheries of the Government of Antigua and Barbuda. This year’s Biodiversity Field School will allow students to gain hands-on experience in a variety of methods to assess diversity of marine, shoreline and near-shore terrestrial systems.
The aims of the field school are to equip you with the knowledge and skills to assess marine and terrestrial biodiversity on islands and in the seas around islands, as well as appreciating the unique species and ecological interactions found on islands and the significant conservation issues facing them.
Specifically, you will gain knowledge and skills in:
· The unique ecology and biodiversity of islands
· Marine and terrestrial survey techniques for measuring biodiversity
· The rich and varied habitats and organisms found on and around Caribbean islands
· The threats facing habitats and species in the Caribbean and beyond
· Conducting independent research projects, including collecting, analysing & presenting data
Marine
Typically, days will comprise background lectures, briefings and extensive time in the field, with an emphasis of practising and mastering field skills. Evening sessions will provide time for debriefing and writing-up and analysis of field observations/data, supported by organised group activities and an introduction to on-going conservation activities in Antigua and Barbuda.
