On Earth Day, I find myself reflecting not only on the beauty of our planet, but also on our collective responsibility to protect it. Each of us has a role to play—whether through action, advocacy, or awareness. It’s this shared commitment to the environment that makes me proud and deeply honored to serve as Chair of the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund (CBF).
My journey with conservation leadership began when I was appointed Chair of the Saint Lucia National Conservation Fund (SLUNCF) – a leadership role I continue to hold and deeply enjoy. Working closely with local stakeholders to support coral restoration, sustainable agriculture, and community-based environmental initiatives has given me invaluable insight into the intersection of conservation, livelihoods, and national development. This role recently led to the creation of the Marine Health Alliance, a collaborative initiative under the SLUNCF that unites tourism stakeholders, conservationists, and community groups in a shared mission to protect Saint Lucia’s precious marine ecosystems.
That experience opened the door to a broader regional perspective when I joined the CBF Board, where I served as a member before being elected Chair in September 2022. It’s been a rewarding path—one that continues to inspire me every day.
As Chair, I have the privilege of working alongside dedicated partners and professionals who are equally committed to the preservation and enhancement of the biodiversity that defines our region. The Caribbean, a hotspot of biological diversity, is home to unique ecosystems ranging from lush tropical forests to vibrant coral reefs. Our work at the CBF is critical for maintaining the health and sustainability of these ecosystems, which are essential not only for their natural beauty but also for the economic stability and quality of life they provide to our communities.
The Genesis of the CBF
Founded in 2012 as part of the Caribbean Challenge Initiative, the CBF was established with a vision to create sustainable funding solutions for conservation across the Caribbean. Today, the CBF operates as a regional umbrella environmental fund, utilizing a flexible structure to implement innovative solutions and consolidate resource mobilization through a variety of financial instruments.
Core Areas of Focus
Our work is organized into several key areas:
Biodiversity Conservation: We support projects that protect and restore the rich biodiversity of the Caribbean, including preserving habitats critical to endangered species and implementing strategies that enhance ecosystem resilience.
Sustainable Livelihoods: Recognizing the close relationship between natural resources and local economies, the CBF invests in projects that promote sustainable livelihoods. By encouraging practices that sustain, rather than deplete, these resources, we contribute to stronger, more resilient communities.
Natural Resilience and Disaster Risk Reduction: The CBF is committed to enhancing natural resilience against environmental shocks. By reinforcing the strength of our ecosystems—such as coral reefs, mangroves, and coastal wetlands—we help mitigate the impacts of natural disasters. These ecosystems act as barriers against storms and flooding, safeguarding both communities and biodiversity.
Partnerships for Progress: Collaboration is at the heart of our strategy. The CBF works alongside governments, NGOs, community groups, and the private sector to maximize the impact of our initiatives. These partnerships ensure a holistic approach to environmental stewardship, combining local knowledge with global best practices.
Education and Engagement: We believe that informed and empowered communities are key to lasting change. Through educational initiatives and outreach, we foster a shared culture of conservation throughout the Caribbean.
Innovative Programs and Strategic Investments
Our active portfolio includes substantial investments in marine protection, climate resilience, and sustainable development. We currently operate three major programs:
Conservation Finance Program: This program manages a long-term Endowment Fund that provides financial support to National Conservation Trust Funds (NCTFs) across the region. These local funds lead the grant-making process, ensuring that financing reaches impactful projects on the ground and supports capacity development among local conservation actors.
Climate Change Program: Through the Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) Facility, funded by the Government of Germany, the CBF supports adaptation measures across the insular Caribbean. These grants help countries address the mounting threats of climate change, from sea-level rise and stronger storms to the degradation of critical habitats.
Nature-Based Economies Program: The Advancing Circular Economy (ACE) Facility, funded through a sinking fund by the German Development Bank, focuses on reducing marine litter and plastic waste. It emphasizes investments in infrastructure, data and research, policy support, and consumer education, offering a new pathway to economic activity that benefits both people and nature.
Looking Ahead
The integration of Circular Economy principles into our strategy represents a critical evolution in how we approach conservation—particularly in addressing marine litter management in the insular Caribbean. This initiative emphasizes investments in infrastructure, knowledge generation, policy support, and education that can shift behaviors and systems alike.
In conclusion, the work of the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund is about much more than conservation; it’s about creating a sustainable future for the Caribbean—one in which nature is protected, people are empowered, and communities thrive. Through strategic investments, inclusive partnerships, and long-term vision, we are building a legacy of environmental stewardship that will benefit generations to come.
As we celebrate Earth Day, let us be reminded that protecting our natural heritage is not only an ecological duty—it is a shared responsibility. Our Caribbean, our future, our responsibility.
