A groundbreaking collaborative publication between The Centre of Excellence for Oceanography and the Blue Economy (COBE) at The University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus and UK-based sustainability consultancy greenCrowd reveals transformative approaches to marine conservation financing across the Caribbean region. Released in January 2026, the comprehensive study documents how Small Island Developing States are overcoming significant resource constraints through financial innovation and community engagement.
The research examines the unique challenges Caribbean nations face, including limited terrestrial space, expansive marine territories requiring protection, and constrained human and financial resources. Despite these obstacles, the publication demonstrates how regional governments are achieving remarkable conservation milestones through creative financing mechanisms and localized management strategies.
Notable case studies include Jamaica’s community-operated fish sanctuaries, The Bahamas’ pioneering nature bond initiatives, and the Dominican Republic’s significant achievement in protecting 30% of its marine territories. The research highlights that marine tourism contributed approximately $48 billion to regional economies in 2019, representing 14% of the Caribbean’s collective GDP.
Dr. Branson Belle, Executive Director of COBE, emphasized the critical role of protected areas for island nations confronting climate change. “These conservation zones serve as essential buffers against environmental degradation while providing ecosystem services that our communities depend upon for both survival and resilience,” stated Dr. Belle. The publication aims to provide actionable frameworks that other island nations can implement to meet international conservation targets while addressing climate vulnerability.
The collaboration bridges ocean science with practical conservation finance, exploring sustainable funding approaches including blue bonds and debt-for-nature swaps that several Caribbean nations have successfully implemented. COBE, established in 2024 to strengthen regional capacity in ocean and coastal management, continues to work with governments to implement the strategies outlined in the publication.
GreenCrowd brings expertise in mobilizing institutional capital through their Impact Fund into scalable, climate-positive ventures, advising SMEs, public bodies, and financial institutions on clean energy, climate infrastructure, and nature-based solutions. The partnership represents a significant advancement in translating scientific research into practical conservation finance solutions for vulnerable island nations.