Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) boasts some of the most valuable marine and coastal ecosystems in the Eastern Caribbean. But this natural heritage faces mounting pressure from multiple threats such as climate-driven disasters, unregulated development, unsustainable practices, and invasive species. Hurricanes, droughts, and volcanic eruptions damage forests and ecosystems. Mangroves are cut down to make way for construction. Fish stocks are depleted by overfishing and harmful gear. Lionfish, Cuban tree frogs, sargassum, and other invasive species continue to disrupt native biodiversity.
Despite years of effort, much of SVG’s biodiversity agenda remains underfunded or only partially implemented. Against this backdrop, the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Conservation Fund (SVGCF) has emerged as a vital source of financing for local conservation. Established in 2019 with support from the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund (CBF), the SVGCF has already invested more than USD 500,000 in six national projects.
Safeguarding Marine Ecosystems in the Tobago Cays
One of the SVGCF’s first major interventions was in the Tobago Cays Marine Park (TCMP), a globally significant site recognized under the Cartagena Convention’s Specially Protected Areas and Wildlife (SPAW) Protocol. Encompassing 1,400 acres of lagoons and coral reefs, the TCMP is both an ecological treasure and a lifeline for local fishers and tourism operators.
In 2021, SVGCF funding enabled a package of improvements: park patrol vessels were upgraded to achieve 20% greater fuel efficiency with reduced emissions; four rangers received training in biophysical monitoring and equipment maintenance; and an adaptive monitoring program was introduced to feed real-time data into a park management system. These steps strengthened institutional capacity and ensured that operations are more climate-smart, securing better protection for the marine park’s ecosystems while supporting livelihoods that depend on them.
Restoring Landscapes and Food Security in North Leeward
In the North Leeward Orange Zone, where volcanic soils are prone to erosion, the SVGCF partnered with the local NGO HAND2EARTH Inc. to pioneer the use of Vetiver Systems Technology (VST) for land restoration.
Vetiver grass, with its deep and strong root systems, stabilizes degraded farmland, prevents erosion, and enhances groundwater retention. For farmers, the results have been tangible: improved soil fertility, higher crop yields, and a buffer against extreme weather. The project has strengthened food security and created new income opportunities, demonstrating how nature-based solutions can directly enhance resilience for rural communities.
Sea Moss Entrepreneurship: Empowering Women and Youth
On the island of Canouan, Grenadines Gold—a woman-and youth-led enterprise—is scaling up sustainable sea moss farming with financing from the SVGCF. The project is creating jobs and training for marginalized groups, particularly young people and women, while promoting eco-tourism and developing new wellness products. With its new warehouse for processing and storage, Grenadines Gold is poised to expand its reach, linking marine conservation with social equity.
Building Back After Disasters
Disaster recovery has been another central focus of SVGCF’s work. When the La Soufrière volcano erupted in 2021, rapid-response funding mobilized through the CBF allowed SVGCF to support the National Parks, Rivers and Beaches Authority. Together, they rehabilitated two of the country’s most iconic natural attractions through cleanup, infrastructure repairs, and site restoration. Both Dark View Falls and the Owia Salt Pond Recreation Park are essential to eco-tourism and community recreation, meaning their rehabilitation had both environmental and economic impact.
When Hurricane Beryl tore through the Eastern Caribbean in July 2024, the SVGCF once again played a pivotal role. With USD 300,000 in emergency funds from the CBF, they partnered with local NGO Sustainable Grenadines (SusGren) to rehabilitate the Belmont Salt Pond on Union Island and to restore mangroves in Ashton Lagoon, both heavily damaged by the storm. The program also extended support to sea moss farmers, helping them recover their livelihoods and strengthen resilience against future storms.
Advancing Gender Equity in Climate Action
In February 2025, SVGCF and the CBF took another step forward by signing a Gender Smart Facility Agreement under the CORE Project. Backed by USD 400,000 from Global Affairs Canada, the initiative ensures that gender equality is integrated into every stage of conservation programming, from project design to monitoring outcomes.
By centering women, men, and gender-diverse individuals in climate adaptation strategies, SVGCF is promoting an inclusive conservation model. This approach not only broadens participation but also improves effectiveness, recognizing that equitable solutions are more likely to deliver lasting environmental and social results.
A Resilient Path Forward
In just six years, the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Conservation Fund has evolved into a cornerstone of national conservation financing. Its work demonstrates that well-structured, locally managed funding mechanisms can channel resources where they are most needed, protecting ecosystems, empowering communities, and reinforcing resilience in the face of climate extremes.
For international donors, the SVGCF represents an effective and transparent way to support conservation outcomes with direct local impact. For national stakeholders, it is a partner ensuring that conservation is treated as a foundation for economic stability and community wellbeing.
As threats to biodiversity and climate security continue to grow, the SVGCF’s work offers a blueprint for how small island states can harness conservation finance to safeguard nature and build resilience from the ground up.
