THE Caribbean Biodiversity Fund (CBF), with support from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), and in partnership with the Environmental Foundation of Jamaica (EFJ), is embarking on a project to increase environmental project grants in the Caribbean. Funded by the USAID, the five-year project will benefit 11 Caribbean countries: Antigua & Barbuda, The Bahamas, Dominica, The Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, St. Kitts- Nevis, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Despite their low contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions, climate change poses a serious threat to all Caribbean nations. Caribbean small island developing states (SIDS) are particularly susceptible to the impacts of climate change due to their reliance on sectors vulnerable to climate patterns; the sectors are tourism, agriculture, and fishing.

Rising sea levels, changes in rain patterns and temperatures, and increasing intensity of natural disasters identified by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change also affected Caribbean nations. Addressing the severe challenges affecting the Caribbean’s biodiversity natural resources requires a coordinated effort.

Signed in August 2023, the USAID Sustainable Financing for Caribbean Regional Conservation Project valued at US 3,999,050 million dollars, is dedicated to increasing the region’s climate and disaster resilience.

The project, implemented by the CBF and EFJ, will strengthen grant processes for CBF partner national conservation trust funds (NCTFs) and increase technical capabilities for them in implementing critical conservation efforts across the region. The CBF’s funding is awarded through NCTFs to implement activities that help communities conserve biodiversity, build resilience to climate change and pursue sustainable development in the Caribbean.

“The USAID Sustainable Financing for Caribbean Regional Conservation Project is an opportunity for CBF partners which are awarding grants that align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 13, 14 and 15. Contributing to these goals: Climate Action (SDG 13), Life Below Water (SDG 14) and On Land (SDG 15) will make a significant difference in the region,” said Karen McDonald-Gayle, CEO of the CBF.

She further stated, “The CBF is particularly pleased that SDG 17, which refers to building partnerships for the sustainable goals, is a core component of this project. To that end, the CBF is partnering with the Environmental Foundation of Jamaica in implementing the project to learn from their wealth of experience in grantmaking for conservation.”

This USAID’s Sustainable Financing for Caribbean Regional Conservation Project is expected to provide positive change in the conservation and protection of the region’s natural resources, allowing the Caribbean’s people and nature to continue thriving for years to come.