While 2024 marks the 26th year the Latin American and Caribbean Network of Environmental Funds (RedLAC) will host its annual congress, this year’s Congress is historic being the first time an Eastern Caribbean country will host.
From October 7 – 10, over 200 representatives from conservation trust funds around the world will gather in St Lucia under the theme “30x30x30: The Path to 2030,” with a focus on advancing global conservation targets within our national and regional contexts.
In a recent interview, Chief Executive Officer of the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund (CBF), Karen McDonald Gayle, shared the significance of the Congress coming to the Eastern Caribbean, gave insight into its planning and why the Congress is relevant to the Caribbean’s approach to the 30×30 target.
Before becoming CBF’s CEO in 2021, Gayle was already regularly attending RedLAC Congresses.
She recalled, “I’ve been with RedLAC for a long time, and we’re normally going over to Latin America for the Congress.
“So, it was one of my visions to bring them to this side of the Caribbean Sea to see what’s happening.
“It’s very important that we make the voice of the Caribbean heard and more specifically, the voice of the Eastern Caribbean.”
Despite already being hosted elsewhere in the Caribbean, talks to bring the Congress specifically to the Eastern Caribbean started over several years ago under Gayle’s predecessor, Yabanex Batista, and former St. Lucia National Conservation Trust Fund (SLUNCF) CEO, Dr. Vasantha Chase.
“We are just now getting to host, so there are now new CEOs on both ends.
“But I and (SLUNCF CEO) Craig Henry were very enthusiastic to make it happen.”
Gayle described the process of getting financial and technical support to host the conference as “heartwarming.”
The Sandals Foundation was one of the first sponsors to express interest and others followed like Visit St. Lucia, the BRIDGE Project, and the Environmental Investment Fund of El Salvador (FIAES), to name a few.
“Our lead sponsor, Sandals, came on board very early on and was very enthusiastic and involved.
Gayle explained the timing of this year’s Congress is noteworthy given the 2024 United Nations Biodiversity Conference (COP16) will be in Cali, Colombia, a few weeks later and new conservation trust funds are also emerging across the Caribbean.
Organizers envision the Congress to be a space where RedLAC members can do “stock take” before COP16 and identify the progress made on supporting implementation of the GBF’s Target while also discussing potential areas of growth.
The Congress therefore opens opportunities for the new funds to create partnerships within RedLAC and strategize on ways to build cross-sector collaboration especially with Governments.
“The Congress has an overarching theme of 30x30x30 which the CBF is very invested in making sure we can understand what’s being done for this 2030 goal.
“It is very important that our partners come together to figure out the most holistic approach to working with Governments in the region and ensuring that there’s funding available for the work.
“But we also have to communicate honestly about what our challenges are and how we can work together.”
During the Congress, attendees will hear from various speakers, including keynote speaker Prof Dale Webber.
A coastal ecologist and former Principal of the UWI Mona Campus, Webber is expected to draw on his experiences and explain exactly what the GBF’s 30×30 goal means in a Caribbean context.
Gayle said Webber’s presentation, and the agenda of the Congress’ many sessions, is to ensure attendees understand the Caribbean’s standing in the 30×30 discussion.
With many countries in Latin America having already made progress on Target 3, Gayle wants honest reflections on what the Caribbean plans to accelerate its progress.
“The concept that the problems that we have need to be solved by the governments is a myth that we need to move past.
“There is a role for others in helping to fund national and regional priorities.
“For example, that’s the idea behind the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund and the work we are doing both with Governments and other civil society organizations…there is a space for others to get on board.”
Gayle said the Global Environment Facility is expected to present at COP16 on the value of conservation and trust funds in national development which further highlights the importance of RedLAC and the Congress.
For example, as countries expected to expand existing, and create new, protected areas to support the 30 x 30 target, conservation trust funds play a crucial role in ensuring the human and technical resources are available for these efforts.
“If we’re doing protected areas, we will always need to fund our park rangers and park managers. The conservation trust funds have been some of the strongest stalwarts in explaining the need for operational costs for some of these necessary functions which we know that funders sometimes have a hard time with.”
Ultimately, the 2024 RedLAC Congress will not only shine a spotlight on the Eastern Caribbean’s contributions to global biodiversity but also foster collaboration across sectors to meet the ambitious 30×30 target.
As Gayle put it, “We may be smaller in space, but we’re larger in ocean—and the work we’re doing is just as important.”
“We really started as the funds getting together to share experiences and learning from each other.
“There was no established entity like RedLAC when it started, so I’ve loved to see the organic growth of the network and the Congress.”
While much of the Congress will focus on technical discussions and partnerships, Gayle is also eager for attendees to experience the beauty of St. Lucia. Planned excursions include a catamaran tour, a hike up the iconic Pitons, and visits to Rodney Bay and Pigeon Island.
“I hope they take the time to enjoy the island and experience Caribbean hospitality. St. Lucia’s hospitality is second to none,”
Gayle added, “So, I look forward to them meeting, greeting and understanding Caribbean life.”
