Caribbean Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are taking center stage at the 23rd session of the Committee for the Review of the Implementation of the Convention (CRIC 23) in Panama City, demonstrating regional commitment to sustainable land management. From December 1-5, 2025, representatives from Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Haiti, Grenada, Guyana, St. Kitts and Nevis, and St. Lucia are participating under the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) framework.
The Partnership Initiative for Sustainable Land Management (PISLM) is serving as a regional help desk for Caribbean SIDS for the first time, addressing critical capacity gaps in reporting to the UNCCD. Executive Director Dr. Ronen Francis highlighted significant achievements, including the successful development of updated soil maps and comprehensive datasets for five Caribbean nations. These tools represent essential resources for national planning, environmental management, and evidence-based decision making.
A major milestone discussed was the Global Environment Facility’s approval of the CSIDS SOILCARE Project Phase 2, which will extend benefits to 14 Caribbean SIDS through enhanced soil mapping capabilities. This new generation of soil information will strengthen countries’ abilities to meet Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) reporting obligations and effectively participate in the UNCCD’s Performance Review and Assessment Implementation System (PRAIS).
Caribbean representatives including Enrique Monize (Guyana), Dr. Eric Browne (St. Kitts and Nevis), Joseph Noel (Grenada), and Karl Augustine (St. Lucia) championed initiatives such as the CARICOM ’25 by 25+5 Initiative,’ Caribbean SOILCARE Phases I & II, and CARSIS—the Caribbean Soil Information System. These programs demonstrate the region’s coordinated approach to achieving land degradation neutrality and safeguarding terrestrial resources for future generations.
The conference follows preparatory events including a November 27-28 training workshop and a UNCCD SIDS Forum on November 29, 2025, underscoring the comprehensive preparation undertaken by Caribbean nations to address land degradation challenges.