16 March 2026

 VI to Host Invasive Green Iguana Action Planning and Management Training Workshop

The Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change, in collaboration with the Centre for Applied Marine Studies (CAMS) at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) and the Great Britain Non-Native Species Secretariat (GB NNSS), will host a four-day Invasive Green Iguana Action Planning and Management Training Workshop from the 17th to 20th March 2026 at the HLSCC Learning Resource Centre. 

The workshop aims to build local capacity across key management areas for the invasive Green Iguana (Iguana iguana), including field survey techniques, population estimation, capture and disposal methods, and the development of a targeted action plan to address the species' ongoing and increasing impact on the Territory's biodiversity, agriculture, and built environment. The invasive Green iguana population poses a particular risk to the endemic and critically endangered Anegada Rock Iguana (Cyclura pinguis) through competition and hybrisation.

Director of Environment, in the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change, Ms Angela Burnett Penn,  said “The invasive Green Iguana poses a growing challenge to our native ecosystems and species, the agricultural sector, and infrastructure. This workshop is an important investment in the expertise and tools our Territory needs to respond effectively. We are grateful for the support of the Great Britain Non-Native Species Secretariat, HLSCC and our international partners in making this training possible.”

The training will bring together visiting invasive species scientists and practitioners from the GB NNSS and the UK Animal and Plant Health Agency of the United Kingdom, the Swedish Association of Hunting and Wildlife, the King Cobra Conservancy of Florida, the University of Puerto Rico from Puerto Rico, and WildDominique from the Commonwealth of Dominica, alongside staff from relevant Government agencies and institutions.

Local participating bodies include the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change; the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries; HM Customs; the BVI Airports Authority; the National Parks Trust of the Virgin Islands; and the Centre for Applied Marine Studies at H. Lavity Stoutt Community College.

As part of the workshop week, the Ministry, in collaboration with HLSCC will host a public panel discussion on Invasive Species at the HLSSC Learning Resource Centre beginning at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, 17th March 2026. Members of the public are encouraged to attend this discussion, which will provide an opportunity to learn more about invasive species issues affecting the Territory and to engage directly with local and international experts.

The workshop is funded by the UK’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), and represents a significant step forward in the Territory's efforts to address the growing presence of the invasive Green Iguana.

The Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change is dedicated to effectively managing and administering the natural resources of The Virgin Islands in a manner that ensures long-term sustainability.

For enquiries, please contact the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change

For Additional Information Contact: 

Berta Mckelly Adams

Information Officer

Department of Infrmation and Public Relations

Telephone: 468-2730

Email: bmckelly@gov.vg