Photo Galleries: ACP-MEAs

CBD COP15

Opening Ceremony CBD COP15 Montreal Canada
Opening Ceremony CBD COP15 Montreal Canada

Ms. Teshia Jn Baptiste, Project Coordinator, CARICOM Secretariat presenting at Side Event during CBD COP15
Ms. Teshia Jn Baptiste, Project Coordinator, CARICOM Secretariat presenting at Side Event during CBD COP15

Ms. Shunae Samuels and Ms. Teshia Jn Baptiste, representatives of the CARICOM Secretariat at the Opening Ceremony of CBD COP15 in Montreal
Ms. Shunae Samuels and Ms. Teshia Jn Baptiste, representatives of the CARICOM Secretariat at the Opening Ceremony of CBD COP15 in Montreal

Ms. Candace Amoroso, of Trinidad and Tobago during a visit to the ACP MEAs Booth at CBD COP15
Ms. Candace Amoroso, of Trinidad and Tobago during a visit to the ACP MEAs Booth at CBD COP15

Mr. Dillion Palmer, a delegate of the Grenada, presenting during a Side Event at CBD COP15
Mr. Dillion Palmer, a delegate of the Grenada, presenting during a Side Event at CBD COP15

Members of the Grenadian Delegation and the Regional Expert Dr, Patrick Chesney during the ACP MEAs Side Event at CBD COP15
Members of the Grenadian Delegation and the Regional Expert Dr, Patrick Chesney during the ACP MEAs Side Event at CBD COP15

Left to right - Patricia-Ann Wardrope (OECS), Teshia Jn Baptiste (CARICOM Sec), Amrikha Singh (CARICOM Sec.), Joan Norville (OECS), Shunae Samuels (CARICOM Sec.) and Helena Jeffery Brown (Govt. of Antigua and Barbuda) at CBD COP15
Left to right - Patricia-Ann Wardrope (OECS), Teshia Jn Baptiste (CARICOM Sec), Amrikha Singh (CARICOM Sec.), Joan Norville (OECS), Shunae Samuels (CARICOM Sec.) and Helena Jeffery Brown (Govt. of Antigua and Barbuda) at CBD COP15

Grenada Delegate CBD COP15
Grenada Delegate CBD COP15

CARICOM Secretariat Staff with Youth Delegates of the Pacific Region at CBD COP15
CARICOM Secretariat Staff with Youth Delegates of the Pacific Region at CBD COP15

Introductory Meeting of ACP Youths participating in CBD COP15
Introductory Meeting of ACP Youths participating in CBD COP15

Caribbean Delegates participating in the CANARI Side Event for the Launch of the Caribbean Strategy for Climate-Resilient Forests and Rural Livelihoods (CSCRFRL) at COP15
Caribbean Delegates participating in the CANARI Side Event for the Launch of the Caribbean Strategy for Climate-Resilient Forests and Rural Livelihoods (CSCRFRL) at COP15

Caribbean Delegates during a visit to the ACP MEAs Booth at CBD COP15
Caribbean Delegates during a visit to the ACP MEAs Booth at CBD COP15

Amb. Sherry Tross, High Commissioner to Saint Kitts and Nevis in Canada
Amb. Sherry Tross, High Commissioner to Saint Kitts and Nevis in Canada

ACP MEAs Youth Delegates Meeting
ACP MEAs Youth Delegates Meeting

CARIBBEAN REGIONAL PREPARATORY WORKSHOP FOR THE 14TH CONFERENCE OF THE PARTIES (COP) FOR THE CONVENTION ON BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY (CBD), GEORGETOWN, GUYANA, 24-26 OCTOBER 2018

REGIONAL CAPACITY-BUILDING WORKSHOP for CMS NON-PARTIES of the CARIBBEAN REGION CMS as a Tool for Conservation of Biodiversity 31st August – 2nd September 2016

SUB-REGIONAL CAPACITY BUILDING WORKSHOP ON SUSTAINABLE FINANCE AND RESOURCE MOBILIZATION FOR BIODIVERSITY FOR CARICOM MEMBER STATES ST. JOHN’S, ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA, 18 - 21 MAY 2015

REGIONAL NEGOTIATION SKILLS TRAINING WORKSHOP FOR NEW ENVIRONMENTAL NEGOTIATORS GEORGETOWN, GUYANA 10-12 NOVEMBER 2010

On World Oceans Day, CARICOM invites citizens, partners to join in celebrating, protecting our shared ocean

World Oceans Day is being observed 8 June 2023 The Caribbean Community (CARICOM), with its common vision of economic integration and cooperation, is committed to protecting the environment and promoting sustainable development, especially in the face of climate change and its impacts on the ocean. This year, the theme of World Oceans Day is “Planet Ocean: Tides are Changing”. This theme reflects the urgency and the opportunity to take action for the ocean, which is facing unprecedented threats from pollution, overfishing, acidification, warming and sea level rise. The theme also highlights the potential of the ocean to provide solutions for post-COVID recovery, particularly for some of the most pressing global challenges such as food security, renewable energy, biodiversity management and climate resilience. As a region surrounded by ocean, CARICOM understands the importance of conserving and restoring the ocean and its resources. CARICOM has been actively involved in various initiatives and partnerships to support ocean governance and management, such as the Caribbean Sea Commission, the Caribbean Challenge Initiative, the Caribbean Large Marine Ecosystem Project and the Caribbean Regional Oceanscape Project. CARICOM also supports the implementation of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030), which aims to foster scientific research and innovation for a healthy and productive ocean. The leadership of CARICOM Member States was also instrumental in recently securing a new global agreement for the conservation of biodiversity in international waters. Senior Environment Officials will meet on 19 June to discuss pressing environmental issues, including a way forward in implementing the new high seas biodiversity treaty. This will be followed by a meeting of Ministers with responsibility for the Environment later this month during the 108th Special Meeting of the Council of Trade and Economic Development – Environment and Sustainable Development (COTED). On this World Oceans Day, CARICOM invites all its citizens and partners to join in celebrating and protecting our shared ocean. Together, we can make a difference for our planet and our future with every citizen, community group, organization and government pledging to reduce its use of destructive plastics and be agents for change and improving our relationship with the Caribbean Sea.
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The EEB, Zero Mercury Working Group, CARICOM rally to phase out toxic mercury products in Caribbean

Today, the European Environmental Bureau (EEB), The Zero Mercury Working Group (ZMWG), and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat have gathered 14 countries in the Caribbean to showcase the impressive efforts in phasing out mercury-added products in some of the countries in the region. The conference organisers hope to raise awareness about the global mercury crisis, emphasise the importance of implementing the Minamata Convention throughout the region, and encourage those countries that haven’t ratified the Convention to join this global and legally binding agreement. The event takes place on 6 and 7 June in Port-of-Spain and is hosted by the Trinidad and Tobago government. Since the year 2021, the EEB and ZMWG have been actively assisting the governments of Trinidad and Tobago, St Kitts and Nevis and Antigua and Barbuda to phase out the mercury-added products (MAPs) listed under Article 4 of the Minamata Convention. Through the Sustainable Development Programme of the CARICOM Secretariat, the Region is taking significant strides towards building capacity and gathering support for the effective implementation, monitoring, enforcement of and reporting of Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) and related commitments in the chemicals and waste cluster, including mercury. Together, the EEB and ZMWG have been involved in supporting the three Caribbean governments in the assessment of their institutional capacity and needs, as well as in the development of a roadmap for phasing-out MAPs. With the aid of local consultants, the organisations have conducted comprehensive market studies to discover the availability of mercury-free alternatives, whilst lending their expertise to the development of mercury-free procurement policies for MAPs, such as lamps, medical measuring devices and dental amalgam. The conference is an opportunity to share the ZMWG’s Guide and Checklist to phase out the Mercury Added Products (MAPs), its template for developing a national plan to phase out MAPs, a market study on mercury-free product alternatives and examples of (mercury-free) procurement policies. These actions could come to complement the development and implementation of other chemicals and waste initiatives conducted by the CARICOM Secretariat and would allow for synergies and coordination between other regional agencies involved in similar initiatives. The collaboration with the Caribbean governments reflects the EEB and ZMWG’s unwavering commitment to supporting the reduction and eventual elimination of the use of MAPs in the region and is part of the third phase of the Africa, Caribbean Pacific, Multilateral Environmental Agreements programme (ACP MEAs III), a partnership between the European Union, the Organization of African, Caribbean and Pacific States, UN Environment Programme and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Jointly, the EEB and ZMWG cooperate with the United Nations Environmental Programme and global partners to support and identify projects that reduce the use of and exposure to this dangerous neurotoxin and make mercury a thing of the past. In recognition of the growing global mercury crisis, the EEB and ZMWG channeled resources to relevant NGOs or government projects across the world that are engaged in reducing mercury emissions and implementing the Convention. The Minamata Convention is directed towards the protection of human health and the environment from the adverse effects of mercury. According to UNEP’s Global Mercury Assessment Report, human activities have increased the total atmospheric mercury concentrations by about 450% above natural levels. Between 2010 and 2015 and despite regulatory efforts to limit mercury emissions into the atmosphere, these have increased by 20%. Rina Guadagnini, EEB Policy Officer: “The current and future generations want to enjoy their right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment, free from the dangers of mercury pollution. Future-proof policies must be mercury-free and this most toxic element on Earth must be made a thing of the past. Networks such as the EEB/ZMWG can offer expertise that supports achieving the mercury policy change we want to see.” Elena Lymberidi-Settimo, EEB’s Policy Manager for the ‘Zero Mercury’ campaign: “The fight against mercury pollution is a long and assiduous journey that requires the collaboration of decision-makers, civil society and business partners at national, regional and global levels. We are onboard with providing the assistance, but national governments have the lead in implementing the Convention. We need their commitment to limit the mercury pollution in the country and in the world.”
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CARICOM’s rich biodiversity remains answer to several sustainable development challenges

Today is International Day for Biological Diversity. Please read below a CARICOM Secretariat message to mark the occasion: The Caribbean Community Secretariat joins the regional and international community in celebration of International Day for Biological Diversity. This year’s global celebrations bring a renewed sense of hope with the adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework at the 15th Conference of Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (COP 15) which was signed on 19 December 2022 by 196 nations. This landmark achievement produced this year’s theme “From Agreement to Action: Build Back Biodiversity”. Now that the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework has been approved, quick action on implementation. Biological diversity is often understood in terms of the wide variety of plants, animals and microorganisms. It also includes genetic differences within each species — for example, between varieties of crops and breeds of livestock — and the variety of ecosystems (forests, oceans, rivers) that host multiple kinds of interactions among their members (humans, plants, animals). Biological diversity resources are the pillars upon which we build civilizations. Fish provide 20 per cent of animal protein to about three billion people. Over 80 per cent of the human diet is provided by plants. As many as 80 per cent of people living in rural areas in developing countries rely on traditional plant‐based medicines for basic healthcare. But loss of biodiversity threatens all, including our health. It has been proven that biodiversity loss could expand zoonoses – diseases transmitted from animals to humans. On the other hand, rich and intact biodiversity offers excellent solutions to fight against pandemics like those caused by coronaviruses. While there is a growing recognition that biological diversity is a global asset of tremendous value to future generations, the number of species is being significantly reduced by certain human activities. Given the importance of public education and awareness about this issue, the Caribbean Community Secretariat joins the regional and international community in celebration of International Day for Biological Diversity. The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) region’s rich biodiversity remains the answer to several sustainable development challenges. Its conservation and sustainable use requires a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach. The new global targets aim to restore and conserve at least 30% of our lands, waters, coastal areas and oceans; cut global food waste in half and significantly reduce overconsumption and waste generation; mobilise $200+ billion per year in domestic and international biodiversity-related funding from all sources; and ensure gender equality in the implementation of the framework so that women and girls have equal opportunity and capacity. CARICOM has a part to play in halting and reversing the loss of biodiversity. Governments have committed to implement national and sub-national policies to align with the global targets and goals. There is also a role for businesses to assess impacts and implement sustainable practices. Society will need to examine practical means to change our consumption habits to reduce waste and include dietary variety. We all need to talk about biodiversity. It is the foundation upon which we can build back better and stronger. #BuildBackBiodiversity #AgreementToAction #KMGBF #HarmonyWithNature #30by30 #ForNature #ActionDecade #post2020
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Conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction

March 4, 2023 marked a historic moment for the world’s ocean. After a marathon of intense, sometimes overnight negotiations, Member States of the United Nations agreed on the provisions of a treaty on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction (the ocean biodiversity treaty). With this treaty, a new chapter for equity in the world’s ocean has begun. Almost two decades ago, small island developing states drew the international community’s attention to the governance gap for the ocean areas beyond national jurisdiction and the lack of any comprehensive regime to adequately regulate human activities in those areas. That gap posed a direct or indirect threat to the health of the marine environment including marine biodiversity with knock on impacts for coastal nations and the planet. They also pointed to the inequitable use of these areas which SIDS consider to be the common heritage of humankind. From 2004 to 2015, together with other developing countries and the support of non governmental organizations, the SIDS led efforts to make the case for a new treaty. By 2018, that case was filed and an intergovernmental conference convened with a view to adopt a first ever ocean biodiversity treaty. From the outset, CARICOM demonstrated its leadership in the process with the region’s representatives serving in different roles from the phases of the Preparatory Committee that determined the elements of the treaty, through to the five sessions of the Intergovernmental Conference that finalized the treaty itself. More importantly, its political leaders demonstrated the highest level of support for the conclusion of an ambitious framework for the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction, with a view to enabling equity and effectiveness. In a final statement ahead of the fifth intergovernmental conference, CARICOM Leaders declared their support for: a fair and equitable benefit sharing regime, including monetary and non-monetary benefits, for marine genetic resources of areas beyond national jurisdiction and digital sequence information on marine genetic resources that ensures all humanity for generations to come will benefit from utilisation of those resources and information; an inclusive transparent consultative process guided by science for the establishment of area-based management tools, including marine protected areas; a robust threshold and transparent process for the conduct of environmental impact assessments, with global oversight for activities that may be allowed and an agreed decision-making standard for activities that should not be allowed; adequate, accessible, sustainable and predictable financing to support implementation of the BBNJ Agreement while delivering capacity-building and the transfer of marine technology to developing countries, in particular for SIDS and be responsive to their needs and priorities; additional funding arrangements for a liability mechanism; an effective framework of institutional arrangements that will support the provisions of the Agreement and ensure decision making based on the best available scientific information and incorporate the traditional knowledge of Indigenous peoples and local communities, facilitate effective capacity building and transfer or marine technology, and ensure the required generation of, access to, and use of funding towards the aims of the BBNJ Agreement; and finally; due recognition of the special circumstances of SIDS as an operational principle of the Agreement. CARICOM welcomes the conclusion of the intergovernmental conference and the adoption of the ocean biodiversity treaty. It takes note with appreciation that the provisions of the treaty have met the region’s core objectives. Importantly, CARICOM recognizes that this new treaty lays a formidable foundation for the fair, equitable and sustainable use of the ocean and its resources in areas beyond national jurisdiction. CARICOM will begin consideration of the next steps to become a party to the treaty and looks forward to the continued support of the international community in bringing the treaty into force and effect, and promoting its universality.
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Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Statement on the Legally Binding Instrument of the Conservation and Sustainable use of Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdictions (BBNJ)

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) remains deeply concerned that human actions, including the emissions of greenhouse gases, have led to the rapid ongoing decline of marine ecosystems from coastal to deep sea, with particularly acute and large historical losses in coastal marine ecosystems. The Community is also concerned that the human influence on the degradation and alteration of the world’s ocean will continue for centuries and millennia even after damaging activities such as emissions cease. CARICOM is alarmed at the scientific findings that Small Island and Low-lying Coastal Developing States (SIDS) will be disproportionately impacted and suffer significant loss and damage as the state of the ocean and their surrounding marine environments worsen. This is very concerning given that the ocean and the ecosystem services that the marine environment provide are essential to planetary sustainability and to human survival, and can play a critical role in the achievement of global climate goals, healthy and wholesome societies, as well as sustainable economies. The Region is resolved to promote and to contribute to the development of policies for the protection of and the preservation of the marine environment and sustainable development, in furtherance of our regional commitments under the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, and our global commitments emanating from 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development 2021 – 2030, the Paris Agreement, and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. While ocean knowledge is developing, it is not comprehensive and therefore not actionable, and therefore actions must be based upon the precautionary principle. Additionally, there is limited understanding of the high seas which make up nearly two-thirds of the world’s oceans, cover nearly half of the earth’s surface and comprises some of the most biologically important, yet least protected and most critically threatened ecosystems in the world. This creates a governance gap in high seas protection, and this gap engenders a critical lack of consistent and effective oversight of marine areas beyond national jurisdiction. CARICOM underscores the importance of the guiding principle of equity and sharing of both benefits from and responsibilities for, areas beyond national jurisdiction, since different countries and regions have differing needs, priorities and capacities. In light of the foregoing, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), representing both Small Island and low-lying coastal Developing States that are integral to and dependent on the Caribbean Sea and the wider Atlantic Ocean: Welcome the resumption of the intergovernmental conference to conclude an international legally binding instrument for the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity of areas beyond national jurisdictions (BBNJ Agreement) Underscore that the BBNJ Agreement should establish an ambitious framework for the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction, with a view to enabling equity and effectiveness, and to this end support: a fair and equitable benefit sharing regime, including monetary and non-monetary benefits, for marine genetic resources of areas beyond national jurisdiction and digital sequencing information on marine genetic resources that ensures all humanity for generations to come will benefit from utilisation of those resources and information; an inclusive transparent consultative process guided by science for the establishment of area-based management tools, including marine protected areas; a robust threshold and transparent process for the conduct of environmental impact assessments, with global oversight for activities that may be allowed and an agreed decision-making standard for activities that should not be allowed; adequate, accessible, sustainable and predictable financing to support implementation of the BBNJ Agreement while delivering capacity-building and the transfer of marine technology to developing countries, in particular for SIDS and be responsive to their needs and priorities; additional funding arrangements for a liability mechanism; an effective framework of institutional arrangements that will support the provisions of the Agreement and ensure decision making based on the best available scientific information and incorporate the traditional knowledge of Indigenous peoples and local communities, facilitate effective capacity building and transfer or marine technology, and ensure the required generation of, access to, and use of funding towards the aims of the BBNJ Agreement; and finally; due recognition of the special circumstances of SIDS as an operational principle of the Agreement. Urged United Nations member states to work in the spirit of cooperation and to conclude negotiations on the Agreement at the fifth resumed session; and Affirmed CARICOM’s unswerving commitment to attain an ambitious, inclusive, and just BBNJ Agreement as an effective mechanism for good governance of areas beyond national jurisdiction for the benefit of all states and both present and future generations. Nassau, The Bahamas 17 February 2023
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Photo Galleries: ACP-MEAs

CBD COP15

CARIBBEAN REGIONAL PREPARATORY WORKSHOP FOR THE 14TH CONFERENCE OF THE PARTIES (COP) FOR THE CONVENTION ON BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY (CBD), GEORGETOWN, GUYANA, 24-26 OCTOBER 2018

REGIONAL CAPACITY-BUILDING WORKSHOP for CMS NON-PARTIES of the CARIBBEAN REGION CMS as a Tool for Conservation of Biodiversity 31st August – 2nd September 2016

SUB-REGIONAL CAPACITY BUILDING WORKSHOP ON SUSTAINABLE FINANCE AND RESOURCE MOBILIZATION FOR BIODIVERSITY FOR CARICOM MEMBER STATES ST. JOHN’S, ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA, 18 - 21 MAY 2015

REGIONAL NEGOTIATION SKILLS TRAINING WORKSHOP FOR NEW ENVIRONMENTAL NEGOTIATORS GEORGETOWN, GUYANA 10-12 NOVEMBER 2010

ADMINISTRATIVE/PROCUREMENT OFFICER

Driver/Admin Support Assistant (Saint Vincent and the Grenadines)

Political Specialist

Bodyguard

NDC Regional Coordinator

Headquarters

Barbados Office