Castries, Saint Lucia – April 17, 2026 — The Caribbean Biodiversity Fund (CBF), through its Conservation Finance Programme (CBF Endowment) and the Caribbean Regional Architecture for Biodiversity (CRAB) Project, successfully convened the NCTF
Mentorship Exchange Workshop from April 15–17, 2026, in Saint Lucia. The workshop was hosted by the Saint Lucia National Conservation Fund (SLUNCF) and brought together National Conservation Trust Funds (NCTFs) from across the region, including the Dominica National Conservation Trust Fund (DNCTF) and the Saint Vincent and the
Grenadines Conservation Fund (SVGCF). This strategic engagement forms part of the CRAB Project’s broader objective to
strengthen conservation finance mechanisms, institutional capacity, and regional collaboration among NCTFs. The workshop provided a structured platform for knowledge exchange, focusing on grant-making procedures, monitoring, evaluation and
learning (MEL), governance, sustainable financing, and reporting frameworks aligned with CBF standards. A key highlight of the exchange was the field-based learning component on April 17, which provided participants with direct exposure to innovative, community-driven conservation and livelihood initiatives across Saint Lucia.
At Babonneau Secondary School, participants explored a youth-focused aquaponics project that integrates climate-smart agriculture techniques, including Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) and deep-water culture systems. Theinitiative has trained 18 students, equipping them with practical agricultural skills, fostering income-generating opportunities, and strengthening youth
engagement in sustainable food systems.
The visit to Savannes Bay showcased a marine debris removal and sea moss initiative, implemented in partnership with the Fisheries Department and SLUNCF. The project supports climate-resilient livelihoods through aquaculture (seamoss production) while contributing to ecosystem restoration. Participants observed how the initiative is improving coastal health, promoting sustainable marine practices, and enhancing income opportunities for local communities.