When the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund (CBF) and Saint Lucia National Conservation Fund (SLUNCF) approached the Sandals Foundation for support to host the 26th Latin American and Caribbean Network of Environmental Funds (RedLAC) Congress in St. Lucia, the Foundation’s Executive Director, Heidi Clarke, said it was a “no-brainer.”
Since its launch in 2009, the Foundation has supported projects across the Caribbean that aim to protect marine, terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems.
In Jamaica, it has established three coral nurseries that are working on producing fast-growing Staghorn and Elkhorn corals to restore lost coral coverage. Corals from the Boscobel Coral Nursery alone have had a 90 percent success rate when transplanted to surrounding areas.
For the 2015/2016 academic year, the Foundation also partnered with the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation and CARIBSAVE to educate over 1000 Caribbean students about coral reefs, sea turtles, sharks, coastal ecosystems and climate change.
Clarke stressed the importance of unity in combating the growing crises of biodiversity loss and climate change, viewing this Congress as an opportunity to deepen the Foundation’s already significant impact on regional conservation efforts.
Now, as over 200 RedLAC stakeholders are set to gather in St Lucia for the 26th RedLAC Congress from October 7 – 10, Clarke said the Foundation’s support of the event is a continuation of its commitment to regional biodiversity.
“The Sandals Foundation decision to partner with this important Congress stems from our commitment to safeguard the planet’s vital ecosystems.
“By joining forces with RedLAC, the Foundation aims to facilitate information sharing, foster knowledge transfer and bolster regional efforts towards achieving these critical conservation goals.
“With the urgent need to protect at least 30 percent of lands, freshwater and oceans by 2030, to mitigate the escalating crisis of biodiversity loss and climate change, collaboration is essential.”
Clarke envisions that supporting the work of conservation trust funds around the region, both through the conference and beyond, will help the region meet its commitment to Target 3 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework that calls for global efforts to protect 30 per cent of the world’s biodiversity by 2030.
Aptly themed 30x30x30: The Path to 2030, Clarke said working with RedLAC presents an opportunity to expand the Foundation’s multifaceted approach to regional conservation.
She added, “By leveraging our expertise and resources, through partnerships like this Congress, the Sandals Foundation seeks to amplify our reach and contribute significantly to the global conservation agenda.”
Belize Fund for a Sustainable Future
Created in 2022, the Belize Fund for a Sustainable Future (Belize Fund) was birthed out of a historic debt-swap agreement between the Government of Belize and The Nature Conservancy.
Since then, the Fund has invested over 11 million USD into marine conservation initiatives that contribute towards marine conservation efforts in the country.
As a supporting partner for the RedLAC Congress, Executive Director of the Belize Fund, Leandra Cho-Ricketts, said the Fund recognizes the Congress as an important space to strengthen regional collaboration for sustainable blue economies not just in Belize but the wider Caribbean.
Cho-Ricketts explained, “Almost half of Belize’s economy depends on the coastline and vibrant marine resources from fishing to tourism to community livelihoods.
“Building a sustainable blue economy that promotes the sustainable use of these resources is vital for Belize’s future.
“To date, we have disbursed almost US $4 million dollars towards projects that help manage, protect and restore the country’s coastal and marine resources for future generations.”
As of 2023, Belizean authorities have reported that the country has officially protected 20.3 per cent of its total ocean space, designated all existing national lands within the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System as mangrove reserves, and launched the marine spatial planning process for the development of the Belize Sustainable Ocean Plan.
Authorities have now turned their attention towards expanding Biodiversity Protection Zones to 25 per cent of Belize’s ocean by November 2024 which is a target supported by the Belize Fund.
Cho-Ricketts highlighted that representatives from the Belize Fund are eager to showcase how their efforts have driven significant conservation achievements at the Congress.
She hopes this will create a platform for knowledge exchange, encouraging collaboration and inspiring similar initiatives across other regional conservation funds.
Blue Nature Alliance
With over 100 partners worldwide, the Blue Nature Alliance has contributed to the protection of 1,857,000 square kiolmeters of ocean.
Given some of these protected spaces are critical habitats for endangered and vulnerable species, the Alliance estimated that 638 of these species have benefited from its conservation efforts.
With a diverse network of collaborators, from indigenous communities to environmental NGOs, the Alliance views the RedLAC Congress as a vital platform to strengthen connections and share best practices in ocean conservation.
The Alliance’s co-lead, Laure Katz, said, “Our [Blue Nature Alliance] partners range from indigenous communities to environmental NGOs to even governments.
“Together, we are working to secure 18 million km2 of ocean conservation, an area larger than South America.”
The Alliance hopes the Congress is an opportunity to expand its growing network of partners which include governments, civil society, Indigenous-led organizations, universities, communities of practice, technology providers, world-renowned ocean conservation experts, and financial strategists.
Congress organizers grateful for supporting partners
In a recent interview, Karen McDonald Gayle, CEO of the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund (CBF), reflected on the “heartwarming” experience of securing financial and technical backing for the Congress.
She extended heartfelt thanks to all supporting partners, adding, “Sandals, our lead sponsor, jumped on board early with an incredible level of enthusiasm and hands-on involvement, setting the tone for a successful collaboration.”
