The Caribbean Biodiversity Fund (CBF), through its Caribbean Regional Architecture for Biodiversity (CRAB) Project, funded by the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), is proud to announce its support for Ms. Genesis Tiffany Alfred. Ms. Alfred will represent CBF as its Regional Delegate at the inaugural Caribbean Youth Environment and Climate Change Conference (CYECC), which will be held from September 10–12, 2025, in Kingston, Jamaica.
Hailing from Saint Lucia, Ms. Alfred is a dynamic youth leader and passionate climate advocate. Her participation at the conference will help elevate the voices of young Caribbean leaders working to address urgent environmental and climate challenges. Ms. Alfred currently serves as the Program Manager for the Caribbean Climate Justice Project (CCJP) and Youth IRIE – Innovators for Renewable and Inclusive Energy. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science and Ecology from the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, and has furthered her expertise with certifications in food security, sustainability, and disaster risk management.
CBF’s partnership with AFD through the CRAB Project reflects a shared commitment to strengthening youth participation in climate action and biodiversity conservation across the region. By investing in opportunities such as the CYECC, both organizations aim to ensure that youth perspectives are integrated into policy, practice, and international negotiations, recognizing that young people are not just future leaders, but present-day changemakers.
Organized by the Caribbean Youth Climate Council (CYCC) in collaboration with the Children and Youth Major Group to UNEP, the CYECC marks the first-ever youth-led climate and environment conference in the Caribbean. Under the theme “Securing our Planet for Current and Future Generations,” the event will convene more than 100 delegates from CARICOM member states and associate members to address issues such as ocean conservation, plastic pollution, climate finance, climate resilience, energy transition, and food and water security.
CBF CEO Karen McDonald Gayle underscored the importance of youth representation in regional conservation efforts, stating:
The mandate of the CBF is to create and ensure long-term funding for biodiversity and conservation in the region. We are planning for the day when leaders like Ms. Alfred will be the stewards of our Caribbean. We are therefore proud to support her as our Regional Delegate to the first Caribbean Youth Environment and Climate Change Conference. Her passion and expertise embody the youth leadership critical for a sustainable future.”
With this milestone, the CBF reaffirms its dedication to empowering the next generation of environmental leaders and fostering inclusive, youth-led action for a more resilient Caribbean.
