Nature-Based Economies: Driving Sustainable Growth Through Healthy Ecosystems.
Nature-Based Economies ensure that ecosystem conservation is a source of capital for development and sustainable livelihoods while preserving the health of marine and coastal ecosystems. Conservation in this context involves actions to protect and sustainably manage ecosystems, that bring about economic benefits/capital for sustainable development addressing societal challenges effectively and adaptively, propelling:
Like other Small Island Developing States, the Caribbean faces a complex set of waste management and environmental challenges that threaten both its natural ecosystems and economic future. Limited land space, high waste management costs, dependency on imports, environmental vulnerability, and inadequate infrastructure create urgent pressures on the region’s biodiversity and coastal communities.
Marine pollution, biodiversity loss, and unsustainable resource use undermine the very ecosystems that Caribbean people depend on for their livelihoods, food security, and resilience. Without innovative approaches that bridge conservation and economic development, these challenges will continue to escalate, putting communities and nature at risk.
The Nature-Based Economies Program reimagines conservation as a driver of economic opportunity. By integrating sustainable management of ecosystems with income generation and community development, the program ensures that protecting nature becomes a source of capital, not a barrier to progress.
Nature-Based Economies promote a circular economy model that decouples economic growth from resource depletion. Guided by three core principles (eliminating waste and pollution, circulating products and materials at their highest value, and regenerating nature), the program tackles biodiversity loss, marine pollution, and unsustainable consumption head-on.
Through the NBE Program, CBF supports initiatives that:
Sustainable ecosystem management unlocks economic opportunities, from sustainable fisheries and ecotourism to waste reduction enterprises, that improve livelihoods and strengthen local economies.
Healthy ecosystems provide essential services: clean water, flood protection, climate regulation, and habitat for diverse marine and terrestrial life. Protecting these systems protects communities.
Nature-based economy approaches equip communities with tools to adapt to climate change, environmental shocks, and resource constraints, building long-term resilience from the ground up.
From supporting community-led recycling enterprises to strengthening policy frameworks for waste reduction, the Nature-Based Economies Program is changing the way the Caribbean thinks about conservation and development.
By investing in circular economy solutions, we are proving that protecting nature and building prosperity go hand in hand.
The Nature-Based Economies Program and the Advancing Circular Economy Facility are made possible through the generous support of KfW Development Bank and the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development of Germany.
Germany’s commitment to sustainable development and regional collaboration is helping the Caribbean build a more resilient, circular, and nature-positive future.
The Nature-Based Economies Program welcomes collaboration with governments, businesses, NGOs, and communities committed to turning conservation into opportunity.
Get In TouchAdvancing Circular Economy (ACE) Facility
Catalyzing innovative solutions to reduce marine litter and transform waste into opportunity
A flagship initiative under the Nature-Based Economies Program, the Advancing Circular Economy Facility directly contributes to reducing marine litter across the Caribbean by promoting circular economy principles among governments, businesses, and communities.
Launched in 2022, the Advancing Circular Economy Facility is generously funded by KfW Development Bank on behalf of the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development of Germany, and managed by CBF. Through strategic grants and technical support, the facility catalyzes innovative solutions that transform waste management practices, reduce plastic pollution, and create sustainable business models rooted in resource efficiency.
The Advancing Circular Economy Facility is designed to support practical financing, measurable marine litter reduction, and stronger circular economy capacity across the Caribbean.
Establishing a financing mechanism for circular economy interventions in the Caribbean.
Implementing circular economy measures that achieve measurable reduction of marine litter.
Strengthening capacities and awareness of public and private actors for circular economy principles and methods.
The Advancing Circular Economy Facility awards grants through a competitive call for proposals mechanism. The facility is expected to provide sustainable finance for up to 20 individual projects, to be executed through the end of 2028.
Funded projects will apply circular principles to prevent waste from entering the marine environment or to remove existing marine litter.
The facility focuses on nine primary beneficiary countries: Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
Other countries and territories in the insular Caribbean that are eligible for EU funding (as per the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, Development Assistance Committee listing) may benefit from the facility through participation in regional projects.
The Advancing Circular Economy Facility prioritizes projects that demonstrate:
Support is available for innovative projects that reduce marine litter and advance circular economy principles in the Caribbean
The Advancing Circular Economy Facility awards grants through periodic calls for proposals, inviting organizations across the region to submit project ideas that tackle marine pollution, promote waste reduction, and create sustainable circular economy solutions.
Our competitive application process ensures that funded projects deliver measurable impact, build regional capacity, and contribute to long-term environmental and economic resilience.
A simple four-step pathway from eligibility review to grant award and implementation support.
Ensure your organization and proposed project meet the facility’s criteria.
Provide a brief outline of your project idea for initial review.
Selected applicants will be invited to submit a detailed full proposal.
Successful projects receive funding and technical support to bring their solutions to life.
Contact our team for guidance on eligibility, application requirements, and project development support.
The Advancing Circular Economy Facility supports innovative, community-driven projects that tackle marine pollution at its source. From waste-to-value enterprises to regional policy initiatives, our grantees are proving that sustainability and economic development go hand in hand.
Explore the diverse portfolio of projects funded through the facility and discover how circular economy solutions are transforming the Caribbean's approach to waste management and marine conservation.
Browse the complete archive of Advancing Circular Economy Facility grantees, organized by country, project type, and funding round.
Tools, guidelines, and insights to support circular economy innovation in the Caribbean
Whether you're preparing a grant application, implementing a funded project, or simply learning more about circular economy approaches to marine pollution, our resource library provides the information and support you need.
Application Guidelines and Templates
You may find all guidelines and templates in the open call for proposal.
Technical Guidance
Access practical resources for grantees, capacity-building materials, policy guidance, research outputs, and data tools that support project delivery and circular economy implementation.
Need additional support?
Our team is here to help. Contact us for technical assistance, capacity building opportunities, or guidance on accessing resources.
