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

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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CARICOM participates in the Fourth Inter-Governmental Conference (IGC4) on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction

Following a two-year delay as a result of COVID-19, the International community re-convened at UN Headquarters in New York this week to continue negotiations on an international legally binding instrument under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ). The current session is the Fourth Intergovernmental Conference (IGC4) on BBNJ which will conclude on 18 March, 2022 CARICOM negotiators together with regional and international experts on the margins of the 4th CARICOM Preparatory BBNJ Workshop The proposed BBNJ instrument brings into sharp focus the need for a comprehensive and effective global framework to manage the rich and vulnerable biodiversity of the deep sea in an inclusive and equitable manner. Now more than ever there is heightened urgency to conclude the instrument this year in light of growing pressures posed by existing and emerging activities and human-induced impacts including fishing, mining, marine pollution, bioprospecting, climate change and ocean acidification; and the recognition that collective action is need to protect the global commons. The health of the ocean and with-it planetary sustainability are at stake. CARICOM Member States supported by the CARICOM Secretariat, the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism and the University of the West Indies have been actively participating in the negotiations since the inception of the work to develop a robust effective and future proofed legal instrument. CARICOM endeavors that the instrument will reflect regional priorities particularly for: more inclusive and participatory governance structures for ocean management under the new instrument,a fair and equitable access and benefit sharing regime for marine genetic resources as well as information and derivatives thereof,rigorous international consultative decision making processes for addressing environmental impact assessments, enabling strategic environmental assessments and establishing area based management tools for conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity,an effective results oriented capacity building and transfer of marine technology framework that will enable CARICOM Member States participation in and implementation of the instrumentprovision of financial support to CARICOM Member States in this regard; anda robust monitoring and review and compliance mechanism Prior to the convening of IGC4, the CARICOM Grouping with the support of Pew Charitable Trust and the High Seas Alliance convened the Fourth CARICOM Preparatory Workshop March 3-4, 2022. The Workshop served to strengthen CARICOM positions drawing on regional expertise and further informed by stakeholder priorities. The CARICOM team will continue to meet throughout the two weeks to engage with regional experts [and stakeholders] to keep all abreast on progress with the different negotiating tracks and related regional priorities. Top photo: On-line participants at the 4th CARICOM Preparatory BBNJ Workshop
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DECLARATION OF BARRANQUILLA II – CARICOM-Colombia Ministerial Summit

The Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Colombia and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), meeting in Barranquilla, the Golden Gate of Colombia, on January 28 of 2022, on the occasion of the II Colombia-CARICOM Ministerial Summit: Reiterate their interest and willingness to continue deepening the relationship between the Caribbean Community and the Republic of Colombia, and in this regard, recognize the Colombia-CARICOM Ministerial Summit as the optimal space for dialogue and the strengthening of political, economic, cultural, social and cooperation ties. Agree that regional cooperation is an important instrument to achieve sustainable and inclusive development in each of their States and commit to continue strengthening the regional integration and coordination mechanisms in which they share membership, renewing their support for the proclamation of Latin America and the Caribbean as a zone of peace. Reiterate that the Colombia-CARICOM Ministerial Summit is a High-Level forum that through dialogue, recognizes an extraordinary role for culture in the political agenda of the CARICOM Member States and Colombia, thereby contributing to making cultural diversity visible and recognizable in the region and serves to enhance the potential for creative productivity. Reaffirm their commitment to continue building solidarity responses to face current challenges, such as those arising from the pandemic caused by the COVID-19 virus, as well as future ones, including through encouraging open and constructive dialogue in the Greater Caribbean Region and in Latin America. Express their condolences to the families who have lost loved ones as a result of COVID-19. In this context, recognize the prevailing need to strengthen collaboration and deepen dialogue between our countries, to promote actions that contribute to reducing external dependence in terms of availability and access to health technologies to deal with COVID-19 and have a more coordinated response to future pandemics and global health threats. Similarly, call on the international community to continue promoting equity and solidarity in access to vaccines so as to prevent deaths from COVID-19 with the support of PAHO/WHO, COVAX and other competent organizations Express their profound gratitude to the Government of Colombia for the donation of one million dollars to the Pan American Health Organization to support vaccination programs in CARICOM member countries. Celebrate the Twenty-eighth Anniversary of the establishment of official relations between the Republic of Colombia and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), through the signing of Partial Scope Agreement No. 31 on trade and economic and technical cooperation, signed on July 24, 1994, within the framework of article 25 of the Latin American Integration Association (ALADI), in Cartagena de Indias. Agree that the Partial Scope Agreement No. 31 should be an instrument for economic and commercial reactivation and, consequently, reaffirm the importance of an active agenda, that allows the current commercial Agreement to be adapted to new global trends and incorporate new disciplines and products to encourage greater participation by companies in foreign trade, allowing for the comprehensive and further deepening of economic and commercial relations. In this regard, invite the Bahamas, Haiti and Suriname to explore their incorporation into the PSA. Highlight the interest of some countries in creating bilateral agreements with Colombia on trade and investment matters and, in line with the above, urge these countries to establish working groups to explore such bilateral trade approaches. Acknowledge the meeting held between the Caribbean Agency for Agricultural Health and Food Safety (CAHFSA) and the sanitary entities of Colombia, in which the procedures and contact points for future processes were shared. Agreed to promote this type of engagement to achieve sanitary admissibility of products of interest to each country. Agree to promote a joint cooperation agenda aimed at agricultural reactivation between Colombia and the Caribbean Community to generate greater competitiveness, based on knowledge management, innovation and technology transfer. Highlight the efforts made by the Export and Investment Promotion Agencies to boost trade, the exchange of experiences, information and commercial intelligence, which have allowed the promotion of trade and mutual investments in sectors of interest such as food, tourism, construction, services, among others. Called on these organizations to continue promoting the promotion of business and investment opportunities, aimed at maintaining and increasing the flow of trade, investment and tourism. Reaffirm their commitment to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development as a roadmap for a sustainable, green and resilient economic recovery, especially in the face of the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, and welcome the consensus reached by the Member States of the OAS to approve the Inter-American Business Charter during the 51st Period of Sessions of its General Assembly. Reiterate, in this regard, their willingness to work in accordance with the common principles established in this instrument, to promote and enhance the capacity of the business sector to contribute to sustainable development in the region. Recognize the importance of transitioning towards a circular economy that contributes to making the production and consumption chains more sustainable, and in this regard, commit to continue exploring and identifying coordination and cooperation mechanisms that contribute to the sharing of experiences and good practices for strengthening national capacities, as well as technology transfer and resource mobilization. Reaffirm their commitment to gender equality and the development of public policies aimed at generating employment, entrepreneurship and productive inclusion of women, in order to favor their economic empowerment, reduce gender gaps and continue advancing towards an inclusive recovery including in particular for women in rural communities. Underscore their willingness to collaborate to address common problems that threaten the security and stability of the region, such as the world drug problem, trafficking in small arms and light weapons, human trafficking, cybercrime, radical extremism, smuggling, money laundering and corruption. In this regard the Ministers recognized the importance of formulating practical solutions that include the formulation of action plans in these matters. Commend the approaches that are being carried out between the CARICOM Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS), to strengthen the relationship with the authorities in Colombia, especially with the Colombian Navy, to work on instruments in terms of cooperation in safety. Acknowledge with appreciation the invitation extended […]
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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

Legal Counsel – Caribbean Development Bank (CDB)

Managing Director

COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER COMMUNICATIONS UNIT

DEPUTY PROGRAMME MANAGER CUSTOMS AND TRADE POLICY

DIRECTOR ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT (EPA) IMPLEMENTATION UNIT

Headquarters

Barbados Office