The EcoShores Sustainable Futures Network (ESFN) concludes 2025 with extraordinary achievements in community-driven environmental and social programming across Antigua and Barbuda and the broader Caribbean region. This transformative year marked a significant advancement in the organization’s mission to build equitable, resilient futures through grassroots empowerment and ecological stewardship.
Under the leadership of Portfolio Manager Britney McDonald, ESFN implemented thirteen groundbreaking initiatives that translated community input into tangible action. The organization’s philosophy centers on deep listening and proactive response to local needs, creating programs that address both environmental conservation and social welfare simultaneously.
Among the year’s flagship accomplishments was the Endeavour Publication, which gained substantial regional traction by amplifying stories of climate activism, conservation efforts, and youth empowerment. The platform demonstrated how creative storytelling can influence policy decisions and inspire cross-island resilience.
The organization’s conservation work expanded significantly with enhanced sea turtle protection programs in Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica. These efforts involved close collaboration with local communities, rangers, and conservation networks to safeguard nesting habitats and monitor endangered species.
ESFN’s innovative Regenerative Tourism Project forged deeper connections between visitors and local ecosystems while directly contributing to conservation initiatives. This approach transformed tourism from a passive activity into an engaged, educational experience that benefits both communities and the environment.
The network maintained its commitment to social support through targeted programs addressing gender equity, including specialized initiatives for Black men and boys. The Community Swim Programme provided essential survival skills while fostering youth connections to marine environments, creating a foundation for future environmental leadership.
Professional development received significant attention through the Expeditioner Programme, which equipped four exceptional young people with hands-on experience in project management, environmental conservation, finance, disaster relief, and advocacy. This initiative ensures the next generation of Caribbean leaders possesses the skills necessary to drive sustainable development.
Financial empowerment emerged as another critical focus area with the Build Your Future Financial Literacy Workshop, which will expand into an extended virtual series in 2026 accompanied by practical workbooks for families and youth.
ESFN also strengthened regional civil society by providing communications, proposal development, and grant writing support to over ten organizations across the Caribbean. These efforts advanced initiatives in cultural heritage, sustainable finance, and climate-resilient infrastructure.
The Climate and Care Campaign brought heightened awareness to the gendered impacts of climate change, with plans to expand into on-the-ground programs supporting vulnerable groups through capacity-building and resilience planning in 2026.
As ESFN looks toward the new year, the organization has committed to expanding environmental research, scaling regenerative tourism experiences, deepening financial education offerings, growing conservation networks, and maintaining community voices at the core of all operations.