Delegates from twelve Caribbean nations convened in Barbados from October 30 to 31, 2025, to bolster regional efforts in climate resilience and sustainable land management. The summit, organized under the Partnership Initiative for Sustainable Land Management (PISLM), aimed to strengthen collaboration with the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the Green Climate Fund (GCF). This meeting followed resolutions from the 4th PISLM Ministerial Council held in Grenada earlier in June 2025, which called for a robust regional framework to enhance access to international climate funding. Hon. Adrian Forde, Barbados’s Minister of Environment and National Beautification and PISLM Council Chair, emphasized the Caribbean’s disproportionate vulnerability to climate change despite its minimal contribution to global emissions. He advocated for “concessional, rapid, and predictable finance” as both a necessity and a right for the region. Forde also expressed solidarity with Jamaica, acknowledging the challenges it faces and the potential policy hurdles in addressing climate-related issues. Dr. Ronen Francis, PISLM Executive Director, highlighted the organization’s commitment to restoring degraded lands, improving ecosystem services, and enhancing community livelihoods. He stressed the importance of collaboration among governments, development partners, and local communities to achieve sustainable land management and drought resilience. The conference also showcased progress in various GEF-funded projects, including the SOILCARE initiative, Integrated Landscape Management in Carriacou, and the Caribbean Drought Initiative. PISLM reaffirmed its role in translating global environmental commitments into actionable local strategies, ensuring a sustainable and resilient future for the Caribbean.
Caribbean authorities enhance collaborative efforts on climate and land use strategies at gathering in Barbados
