Protecting biodiversity on a regional scale in the Caribbean
Promotion of the implementation of a regional biodiversity strategy for the protection and sustainable use of Caribbean habitats in small island and coastal states
Context
The Caribbean island states are notable for their remarkable biodiversity and support important marine and land ecosystems. These ecosystems form the basis for the region’s key economic sectors such as tourism and agriculture. However, they are threatened by climate change, pollution, overexploitation and unsustainable business practices. Less than ten per cent of the native flora is in pristine condition.
The member states of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) have a number of laws and strategies to preserve ecosystems but are unable to effectively implement them alone. There is little cooperation between the countries in the region and they therefore lack the capacity required to implement strategies for biodiversity protection.
Objective
The CARICOM member states implement regional strategies to preserve ecosystems.
Approach
The project works closely with the CARICOM Secretariat. It is helping the Secretariat to coordinate conservation, develop strategic competence and build a working group with representatives from CARICOM, governmental authorities and civil society. An action plan will align regional strategies.
In close cooperation with the National Ecosystem Assessment (NEA) initiative, the project trains governmental and non-governmental environmental institutions to draw on NEA findings in planning processes and to embed conservation in policy, strategies and legislation.
The project is also advising on the introduction of a simplified, digital and regional approval system for the equitable distribution of natural resources and sharing of benefits (access and benefit sharing, ABS). It provides advice in public technical discussions and on legal aspects to better incorporate ABS into national legislation in the Caribbean.