Photo Galleries: ACP-MEAs

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

CARICOM Delegates Head to Canada for COP15

CARICOM delegates head to Montreal, Canada, for the Fifteenth Conference of the Parties United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (UNCBD) (COP15) gearing up to create targets on biodiversity for the next decade. The Conference, from December 7-19, will be held under the Presidency of China. Importantly, the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) is expected to be adopted during this second phase of the conference. Over the last six months, the CARICOM Secretariat under the Capacity Building Related to Multilateral Environmental Agreements (ACP MEAs) Phase III Project worked with the Caribbean Biodiversity Focal Points and other partners to prepare for effective participation in the negotiations and other priorities under the Convention. The ACP MEAs Project is an initiative of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States funded by the European Union. Biodiversity framework Biodiversity is the foundation of the global economy. More than half of global GDP – equal to US$41.7trillion – is dependent on the healthy functioning of the natural world. Ninety-five per cent of the food we eat is produced in the soil, yet up to 40% of the world’s land is severely degraded by unsustainable agricultural practices. Eighteen percent of total GDP for most CARICOM countries comes from agriculture. Our current reality sets a challenge before us that are well known as we continue to grapple with our economic, social and environmental vulnerabilities. It is timely as a Community that we re-examine our relationship with nature recognising that, despite all our advances we will always remain dependent on healthy and vibrant ecosystems for our water, food, medicines, clothes, fuel, shelter and energy. International conflict continues to exacerbate the existing food, energy, climate and finance crisis. Here in the Caribbean, we are feeling the consequences of this conflict, deriving even more urgency in our actions to be more food and energy secure in a way that is in harmony with the Caribbean’s unique biodiversity. The CARICOM Secretariat used this year as an optimal opportunity to promote an urgency of action at the highest levels, in support of a post-2020 biodiversity framework that will contribute to the re-shaping of the Region’s vision for biodiversity. CARICOM’s Delegates and Biodiversity Focal Points heading to COP15.2 share their expectations for the upcoming meetings: Antigua and Barbuda’s delegation: From left, Dr. Helena Jeffrey Brown, Technical Coordinator, Mrs. Kishma Primus-Osmond, Biosafety Specialist and Ms. Nneka Nicolas, Legal Consultant Antigua and Barbuda “In anticipation for the upcoming meetings in Montreal in December, Antigua and Barbuda emphasises the importance of having a Global Biodiversity Framework that takes into account the vulnerabilities of the Small Island Developing States. We are seeing increasing destruction in our islands that can be directly linked to the loss of critical biodiversity and ecosystems. While we are hopeful that the GBF can be finalised, we also note that without adequate financing, resource mobilisation, capacity building and technology transfer as well as a sufficient means of implementation, the GBF will not be effective in halting and reversing biodiversity loss. Access to these resources via the GBF will support our capacity to collect data consistently which would inform which activities are effective to implement targets under the GBF. We also hope to see the finalisation of the recognition of Digital Sequencing Information (DSI) as a genetic resource. We will, at this meeting, insist on the retention of the language related to DSI in applicable goals and targets or the GBF as well as the finalisation of a Benefit Sharing Mechanism allowing developing countries to benefit from the utilisation of their genetic resources including DSI.” The Bahamas Mrs. Samantha Miller-Cartwright, Senior Environmental Officer of the Bahamas “The Bahamas, like most countries in the Caribbean region, possess some of the most unique terrestrial and marine ecosystems in the world. We identify with many of the issues met by our regional counterparts, in that we are most susceptible to biodiversity loss, and other negative impacts that plague our natural environment and most sensitive ecosystems. The Bahamas seeks to demonstrate a sustained willingness for dialogue during these negotiations in order to reach consensus, which we hope is reached by the end of COP-15. It is our hope that we arrive at a Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) that guides us toward the 2050 vision. The Bahamas fully supports a Post 2020-GBF with goals and targets that are clear, concise and achievable by all Parties. We also wish to see a GBF that fully incorporates the guiding principles of the Convention, but also integrates and captures the regional and national priorities and circumstances of each Party. For us, the most critical discussions revolve around: means of implementation, resource mobilisation, access and benefit sharing, capacity building and technology transfer, technical and scientific cooperation, impacts to local communities, and the active role of women and youth in biodiversity, among other necessary enabling conditions. We have concluded rounds and rounds of negotiations on the GBF in Nairobi, Kenya and in Geneva, Switzerland. Therefore, The Bahamas is hopeful that negotiations at COP-15 will be productive and results are resolute, impartial and meaningful. The Bahamas recognises and understands that Biodiversity is declining and actions should be taken by all Parties to ensure there are no delays in the adoption of the Post-2020 GBF, as it will set us on a path towards achieving the 2050 vision of “Living in Harmony with Nature”. Grenada Mrs. Aria R. St Louis, Head of Environment Division, Grenada “We need for a balanced outcome that reflects the progress done with the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework and work programme under all three pillars of the Convention (Conservation, Sustainable use and Access and Benefit Sharing)”, Grenada’s Senior Delegate Aria St Louis posits. The Region remains concerned about implementation and in this light, unpacking “means of implementation” and access to resources will be a key part of the discussions and draft decisions being tabled. Means of implementation raises discussions on the gap in biodiversity finance which was identified as a stumbling block to achieving the Aichi targets. Climate is a driver of […]
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Aspiring environmental scientist wins MEAs ACP short video competition

The Caribbean Hub of the European Union-funded project for Capacity-Building related to Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) in the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Countries, has announced that the winner of its Short Video Contest is aspiring scientist, Mrs Lyn-Marie Lynton of Barbados. The competition was launched on 20 May during the First Webinar in the Biodiversity Webinar Series 2022 coordinated by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat, the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), the Food and Agricultural Organisation Sub-regional office for the Caribbean, and Antigua and Barbuda. The Judges of the competition which closed on 31 May, were drawn from those collaborating partners on the Biodiversity webinar series. As the first-place winner of the contest, Mrs. Lynton will participate in all of the Regional Preparatory Workshops and Training Programmes for the Fifteenth Meeting of the Conference of Parties to the United National Framework on Biological Diversity (UNCBD) (COP 15). She will be part of the delegation to COP15 as a Youth Delegate, through the support the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), ACP MEAS Programme. Please see the full video below. https://youtu.be/SjBdS53ES98
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Short Video Contest- Youth in Biological Diversity

Active and informed youth participation is part of the process of empowerment and knowledge building in the Community. As a significant step in promoting a place for youth in decision-making on biodiversity-related issues, the Secretariat invites young persons to participate in the 2022 International day for Biological Diversity Youth Competition. COMPETITION INFORMATION Caribbean youth can submit videos focusing on the IDB 2022 theme and topic: “Building a shared future for all life”; and national and regional youth priorities for the Global Biodiversity FrameworkAges 18 to 35 Caribbean nationals involved in environmental and biodiversity-related activitiesAudio-visual video submissions no more than 5 minutes long, 1 submission per individualCriteria: quality, creativity, logical solution that addresses theme and topicPrizes will be awarded to 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners. 1st Place Award: fully funded participation at the Open-Ended Working Group Session in Nairobi, Kenya; United Nations Convention for Biological Diversity Fifteenth Conference of Parties (COP15); and CARICOM negotiators preparatory meetings training workshops Sponsors: UN Environment, OECS Commission, Caribbean Hub ACP MEAs Phase III Project Submit entries by the deadline of 31 May 2022 to: acp.meas.contest@gmail.com
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CARICOM Secretariat’s Message to mark World Biodiversity Day, 22 May 2022: “Building a shared future for all life”

(CARICOM Secretariat, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, Guyana) – The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat joins the regional and international community in celebration of International Day for Biological Diversity, 2022 (IDB 2022). The region’s rich biodiversity remains the answer to several sustainable development challenges. From nature-based solutions to climate, health issues, food and water security, and sustainable livelihoods – biodiversity is the foundation upon which we can build back better. As the region seeks to recover from the economic impacts of the COVID -19 pandemic, it is timely that as a Caribbean Community we re-examine our relationship with nature recognising that, despite all our advances we will always remain dependent on healthy and vibrant ecosystems. National, regional and international policy responses and frameworks for biodiversity management in CARICOM countries continue to evolve. A draft CARICOM Environmental and Natural Resources Policy Framework, currently under consideration by CARICOM Member States, will provide an enabling platform for acknowledging the vital role that land, air, water and oceans play in sustaining economic, social and environmental development of the Community. This along with the Draft Caribbean Biodiversity Strategy also under review by Member States outlines the vision to conserve and sustainably use the marine and terrestrial biodiversity in the Caribbean basin, including their access and benefits arising of the use of genetic resources. Progress in all fronts must be realized through a broad alliance of people, governments, civil society and the private sector and solutions must ensure the integration of cross-sectoral strategies and actions to achieve the future we want for present and future generations, and a world living in harmony with nature. As part of the solution, we continue to strengthen the capacity of national governments to comply with Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) and so to improve countries’ management of their environment and natural resources. Building the capacity and improving participation by our region’s negotiators in the various Conference of Parties processes is critical. In the international policy arena, CARICOM countries are committed to promoting an urgency of action at the highest levels in support of a post-2020 biodiversity framework that takes into consideration the special vulnerabilities of Small Island and Low-lying Coastal Developing States (SIDS) will contribute to the Caribbean region’s vision for biodiversity. With support from the European Commission, Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (ACP) and the United Nations Environment Program, the long-term intended impact of the Programme on Capacity Building related to Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) in ACP countries is to empower key stakeholders to address environmental challenges and to reap the benefits of improved environmental management at the national and regional levels. As the international community prepares to adopt a new global biodiversity framework, based on negotiations that are taking place leading up to the UN Biodiversity Conference – COP15, the CARICOM Secretariat supports coordinated efforts of participatory processes drawing upon insights from activities that highlight the uniqueness of the Region as Caribbean Small Island and Low-lying Coastal Developing States (SIDS). It is necessary to increase understanding and knowledge from subject matter experts within and outside the region, to share information relevant to biodiversity management in CARICOM and the negotiation of the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework. Our current reality sets a challenge before us, which is well known as we continue to grapple with our economic, social and environmental vulnerabilities. As we observe International Day for Biological Diversity, let us remember that in “building a shared future for all life on earth.” we must continue to build momentum and facilitate exchanges and discussions among Member States, regional and international partners promoting the urgency of action that contributes to the re-shaping of the Caribbean region’s vision for biodiversity. The need to mainstream biodiversity in economic sectors given the Region’s dependence on natural resources for livelihoods and well-being is critical. The need to have strong and resilient ecosystems is also a necessity given our exposure to disruption and environmental disasters, of communities in the region. The Caribbean Community therefore echoes the calls for action for more ecosystem-based solutions for addressing biodiversity loss, climate change and land degradation simultaneously. Active and informed youth participation is part of the process of empowerment and knowledge building in the Community. As a significant step in promoting a place for youth in decision-making on biodiversity-related issues, the Secretariat invites young persons to participate in the 2022 International day for Biological Diversity Youth Competition. Caribbean youth can submit videos focusing on the IDB 2022 theme and topic: “Building a shared future for all life”; and national and regional youth priorities for the Global Biodiversity FrameworkAges 18 to 35 Caribbean nationals involved in environmental and biodiversity related activitiesAudio-visual video submissions no more than 5 minutes long, 1 submission per individualCriteria: quality, creativity, logical solution that addresses theme and topicPrizes will be awarded to 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners. 1st Place Award: fully funded participation at the Open-Ended Working Group Session in Nairobi, Kenya; United Nations Convention for Biological Diversity Fifteenth Conference of Parties (COP15); and CARICOM negotiators preparatory meetings training workshopsSubmit entries by the deadline of 31 May 2022 to acp.meas.contest@gmail.com.
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Feasibility and Benefits of a Transition to Mercury-free Lighting in CARICOM

In the lead up to #MinamataCOP4, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat and the Clean Lighting Coalition are hosting a virtual conversation to highlight the feasibility and benefits of a transition to mercury-free LED lighting in Latin America and the Caribbean. A transition to energy-efficient lighting would ease the region’s dependency on fossil fuels and the growing burden on national grids, helping keep the lights on for more people. By switching to LEDs – which consume up to 50% less energy than fluorescents – CARICOM member states can save 10.4 TWh of electricity from 2025 to 2050. Our governments and clean lighting experts will discuss legislative efforts that are driving a transition to more efficient LEDs in the region and globally, the availability and affordability of these mercury-free alternatives, and the overall environmental and economic benefits.
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Photo Galleries: ACP-MEAs

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

REGISTRAR, BELIPO (Belize Intellectual Property Office)

Legal Counsel, Good Governance Unit, Ministry of Public Service, Constitutional and Political Reform and Religious Affairs

Director, Pan Caribbean Partnership Against HIV/AIDS (PANCAP)

DIRECTOR FOREIGN AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS (FCR)

MANAGER COMMUNICATIONS

Headquarters

Barbados Office