Jamaica Gets First UNESCO Site

An attraction both natural and cultural in Jamaica has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a first for the country.

The Blue and John Crow Mountains in northeastern Jamaica cover more than 200,000 acres, make up more than 4% of the island’s land mass and encompass an extensively forested region, which first provided refuge for the indigenous Taino Indians fleeing slavery in the late 15th century and later for the Maroons, escaped African slaves.

These groups resisted the European colonial system in this isolated region and carved out a network of trails, hiding places and settlements.

The Maroons developed strong spiritual connections with the mountains that still can be seen in religious rites, traditional medicines and dances.

The mountain region is a biodiversity hotspot with a high proportion of endemic plant species, the world’s second largest butterfly and one the largest migratory bird habitats in the Caribbean.

Parts of the region make up a national park with hiking trails. To reach the Blue Mountain peak, more than 7,000 feet above sea level, requires a 7-mile hike.

Source: Travel Weekly