The process of updating this plan relied on input and engagement from experts and the general public. Over 150 people provided feedback on the plan and helped prioritize the SGCN and the actions we will take to best manage SGCN and their habitats. The descriptions below describe our outreach efforts. On the Species and Actions pages, we go into further detail about how the responses were used to choose the species and actions.
Expert Review
The SGCN lists for several taxonomic groups, particularly those that have not been included in past SWAPs, were developed and more closely reviewed through working groups and targeted solicitation by experts, specifically, plants, freshwater fauna, and terrestrial invertebrates. See species description page for more information
The USVI SWAP revision has solicited expert input at multiple stages of the process. Initially we asked conservation professionals and experts to review the list of SGCNs and Conservation Actions from the previous SWAP with an eye towards species or actions that were missing, or any changes in status. To kick this off, we presented the SWAP at the annual Caribbean Conservation Community of Practice (CCCoP) meeting in February 2025. We presented the SWAP to the entire group of participants and also held focused workshops for those that wanted to work more in-depth in giving feedback. This involved engaging with small groups in conversations about species or habitat status updates, monitoring efforts, and data gaps and needs. Participants included experts from the University of the Virgin Islands, DPNR- Territorial Parks and Protected Areas, St. Croix Environmental Association, Coral World Ocean and Reef Initiative, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Penn State University, Virgin Islands Conservation Society, and DPNR - Division of Fish and Wildlife. A full list of collaborators can be found on the Partner Collaboration page.
We then followed up by emailing all CCoP participants and other experts personally inviting them to contribute feedback on the SGCNs and Conservation Actions. This included anyone that might have some relevant knowledge including researchers, managers, rehabilitators, educators, permit holders and included people from non-profit organizations, university, federal agencies, local agencies, rehabilitation facilities, nursery managers, private sector organizations, individuals not associated with any organization. Every researcher that has received a permit to do research in the territory was asked for feedback. At every regular meeting of experts and on every expert chat group, participants were informed about the SWAP and the link to provide feedback was provided.
Although we requested a form and spreadsheet for experts to submit their feedback in order to easily input suggestions and for prioritization, in many cases, feedback was through conversations and related to only one species that the experts had specific knowledge of.
Public Review
After receiving comments through the network of experts, we incorporated that feedback and created the publicly accessible website. The website has a link to a feedback form that anyone can fill out and submit. The website and the request for feedback was publicized through posting to email listservs and community forums, tabling at community events such as farmer's markets and festivals, a press release that resulted in articles in local news outlets, social media posts on several platforms, and through direct discussion with several groups.
The most valuable and thoughtful feedback came from discussions during tabling, and with small groups. With this in mind, our intention is to continue to include the SWAP in discussions with the public, even beyond the submittal date, furthering our goal of making the USVI SWAP a living document that is aligned with the USVI community’s values and needs.
In implementing these projects and conservation actions, we will be involving and encouraging public involvement through actions described in the “Get Involved” page. We have projects specifically designed for public involvement through community science initiatives, habitat improvement, opportunities for knowledge building, and recreational outdoor enjoyment. Some of these actions will directly address needs described in conservation actions, and others will generate and expand support for future SWAP activities by building a more engaged constituency.