In 2012, while Caribbean athletes like Usain Bolt and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce were making history at the London Olympics, the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund (CBF) was quietly making strides of its own. Launched that same year, the CBF set its sights on a different goal—preserving and protecting the Caribbean’s natural capital for future generations.
Established to serve as a regional financial mechanism designed to support conservation projects across the region, the CBF has since channeled US$34 million dollars into initiatives that safeguard marine life, restore forests, and promote sustainable tourism, reflecting a commitment to preserving the Caribbean’s natural capital..
Today, the CBF partners with 10 National Conservation Trust Funds (NCTFs) across the Caribbean, channeling interest earned from a USD100 endowment fund to support projects that yield tangible results. These partnerships have fostered a sense of ownership and responsibility towards nature by society. Outreach programs and educational campaigns, enabled by the CBF and implemented by the NCTFs, have seen a significant shift in public perception regarding the importance of environmental stewardship. Schools across the Caribbean have integrated conservation topics into their curricula, inspiring a new generation of eco-conscious citizens, planting the seeds for long-term environmental sustainability. 2024 marked the five year anniversary for three of these country partnerships, and we celebrate the signing of new Agreements to kick off this new year.
The Grenada Sustainable Development Trust Fund (GSDTF)
In Grenada, the GSDTF backed by the CBF, has delivered six key projects. These projects aim to protect habitats, enhancing livelihoods, promote sustainable farming, boost eco-tourism, and support small renewable energy efforts. They also focus on managing coastal areas and adapting to climate change. Notable examples include the Biophysical Assessment of Marine Protected Areas and their Management arrangements, the Morne Gazo Nature Reserve Project, Caribbean Vocational Qualifications Capacity Enhancement and its biodiversity 101 Magazine. . See highlights of their work here.
The National Conservation Trust Fund of Jamaica (NCTFJ)
In Jamaica, the NCTFJ shows its conservation commitment through various projects. These include restoring mangrove and coastal areas, promoting sustainable tourism, and offering environmental education. With the support of the CBF, the NCTFJ has;
Trained over 230 community members in conservation.
Planted 650 mangrove seedlings.
Out planted 4,500 corals.
So far, 13 communities have benefited. This work significantly enhances the protection and sustainable use of Jamaica’s natural resources, ensuring future generations can enjoy its biodiversity and landscapes.
St. Vincent and Grenadines Conservation Foundation (SVGCF)
In St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the SVGCF has launched 15 projects with CBF funding. These projects tackle ecological issues like beach and coral reef restoration, and soil regeneration in agriculture.
A highlight is the Farmland Restoration Project in North Leeward. It uses Vetiver Systems Technology, an ancient method that uses nature to benefit nature. Planting Vetiver plants enhances soil and water conservation, stabilizes infrastructure, controls pollution, treats wastewater, and reduces storm damage. This project has revitalized farmland, trained 34 farmers, set up three Vetiver nurseries, and created many installations. It shows how traditional methods can address modern environmental challenges. It exemplifies how traditional techniques can be harnessed to solve contemporary environmental issues.
All three partnerships share the common aim to protect the Caribbean’s biodiversity and empower local communities. They showcase the CBF and its partners’ commitment to making real, beneficial gains that strengthen our natural resources for future generations.
While Caribbean athletes continue to set new records and win more medals around the world, we must never lose sight of the race closer to home – the race to protect and preserve our land, our seas, our communities and our livelihoods.
For this reason, the CBF is happy to extend its agreement with these partners for another five years.
For further information on these partnerships, projects and the work of the CBF, please visit: caribbeanbiodiversityfund.org
