Cockpit Country in west-central Jamaica spans 94,000 hectares of unique Karst limestone terrain and is one of the island’s most critical ecosystems. It supplies 40% of Jamaica’s freshwater and supports a high number of endemic species. However, approximately 70,000 residents across 59 surrounding communities face limited employment opportunities, leading many to rely on unsustainable forest resource use. This includes clearing native broadleaf tree cover for small-scale agriculture, which fragments the forest, depletes biodiversity, and compromises water sources. Additionally, slash-and-burn farming methods often lead to uncontrolled forest fires, accelerating deforestation, soil erosion and water pollution. These challenges are intensified by climate change, with prolonged dry spells and rising temperatures increasing the risk of forest fires. Although 73,000 hectares of the forest are designated a protected area, several sections, along with adjoining private lands with similar ecological value, remain vulnerable. These areas require urgent, coordinated interventions to prevent further degradation and restore forest’s ecological integrity.

TUI Forest Jamaica addresses these challenges through a three-pronged approach focusing on land restoration and protection, sustainable livelihood creation and community engagement.

The initiative involves restoring and protecting over 220 hectares of land by planting 32,000 native broadleaf trees and 8,000 agroforestry plants in degraded areas of the forest reserve.  A community-managed seedling nursery is being established to support ongoing reforestation and to provide additional employment for community residents. Volunteers from the Local Forest Management Committees (LFMCs) assist in patrolling and monitoring the restoration areas and surrounding forest to ensure long-term protection.  

Community involvement is central to the project, with up to 53 residents directly employed in activities such as seedling production, tree planting and forest management. Amongst them, 25 young people are trained as tour guides and site hosts, enabling them to earn an income whilst sharing the ecological and cultural significance of the Cockpit Country with visitors. 

Educational outreach is another key component, engaging up to 1700 community members, students and LFMC volunteers through workshops and awareness campaigns that emphasise forest conservation and the ecological importance the Cockpit Country. Public events, including tree planting and forest expos, bring together government forestry agencies, tourism stakeholders, communities, and educators to foster collaboration and raise awareness. 

To enhance eco-tourism, the project includes refurbishing facilities at the visitor centre and installing educational signage and storyboards that highlight local biodiversity, tree species and conservation efforts. These improvements enable over 2,000 tourists and schoolchildren annually to participate in guided tours, farm-to-table experiences and educational visits. 

Overall, TUI Forest Jamaica contributes to protecting Cockpit Country's unique biodiversity, mitigating deforestation, strengthening community capacity and fostering sustainable livelihoods through conservation and eco-tourism.