The Caribbean Biodiversity Fund (CBF) has announced its Second Call for Proposals under the Advancing Circular Economy (ACE) Facility, aiming to fund innovative projects that combat marine pollution, enhance waste management, and accelerate the transition to circular economy practices across the Caribbean. The initiative was unveiled during the ACE Facility October Meeting Series, held from October 14–16 in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, which convened regional governments, international partners, civil society organizations, and private sector leaders.
分类： environment
-
Illegal Land Clearing Suspected in Vaca Reserve
Concerns over potential illegal land clearing within Belize’s Vaca Forest Reserve have surfaced, as local farmers from the Cayo District reported suspicious activities to News Five. The farmers expressed alarm over the presence of heavy machinery in the area, suspecting unauthorized deforestation. Friends for Conservation and Development (FCD), a prominent environmental organization, confirmed receiving similar reports. Executive Director Rafael Manzanero stated that the complaints have been forwarded to the Belize Forest Department for investigation. While Manzanero could not confirm if the reports were identical, he emphasized the need for verification to determine whether the clearing occurred on private lands or within the protected reserve. The Forest Department is expected to conduct a site visit to assess the situation. Manzanero clarified that FCD does not directly investigate such claims, as the Forest Department is better equipped to cross-reference maps and pinpoint locations. This incident raises broader questions about the enforcement of environmental protections in Belize, particularly in ecologically sensitive areas like the Vaca Forest Reserve.
-
Partnership Strengthens Vaca Forest Protection
The Vaca Forest Reserve has become a focal point for sustainable agricultural practices, thanks to the collaborative efforts between local farmers and Friends for Conservation and Development (FCD). Known as the ‘Friends of Vaca,’ these certified farmers have embraced their role as stewards, dedicated to preserving the ecological integrity and future of the reserve. While illegal farming activities persist, FCD’s Executive Director, Rafael Manzanero, highlights the significant progress made through years of investment. This initiative has empowered numerous farmers to adopt sustainable practices, ensuring the protection of this vital natural area. Manzanero emphasized the success of the stewardship program, which has fostered a heightened sense of responsibility among the local community. Despite recent challenges, such as the inclusion of Belize on the U.S. list of major drug transit countries, the commitment to conservation remains unwavering. The ongoing partnership between FCD and the ‘Friends of Vaca’ serves as a model for community-driven environmental protection.
-
James champions people-centred approaches to Caribbean sargassum challenge
At the 3rd EU–Caribbean Global Gateway Conference on Sargassum, held on October 8, 2025, in Brussels, Belgium, Honourable Kerryne James, Grenada’s Minister for Climate Resilience, the Environment, and Renewable Energy, delivered a compelling address advocating for inclusive, community-driven strategies to address the persistent sargassum crisis in the Caribbean. Minister James emphasized that sustainable solutions must transcend technical innovation and financial investment, focusing instead on social inclusion and community empowerment. She highlighted the critical role of women, youth, and coastal communities in shaping effective sargassum management strategies, ensuring equitable benefits within the emerging blue-green economy. Minister James asserted, ‘The sargassum crisis is not just an environmental challenge; it is a litmus test for the inclusivity of our development pathways.’ She outlined Grenada’s pioneering efforts to transform sargassum into high-value products such as fertilizers, bioenergy, and construction materials, creating employment and strengthening local livelihoods. Minister James also called for enhanced regional collaboration and international support, urging the EU–LAC Global Gateway Investment Agenda (GGIA) to prioritize equity, innovation, and capacity-building in Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Her intervention underscored Grenada’s leadership in fostering climate resilience and sustainable development across the Caribbean.
-
Samuda: Jamaica closer to ratifying SPAW protocol
Jamaica has taken a significant stride in environmental conservation by nearing the ratification of the Protocol for Specially Protected Areas and Wildlife (SPAW) under the Cartagena Convention. This move underscores the nation’s dedication to safeguarding marine biodiversity and enhancing environmental governance across the Caribbean region. Minister of Water, Environment, and Climate Change, Matthew Samuda, announced this development during the opening ceremony of the 18th Conference of the Parties (COP18) at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel. He emphasized that the ratification process is in its final stages, pending an amendment to the Wildlife Protection Act, which is expected to be presented in Parliament soon. Samuda highlighted that the ratification is not merely symbolic but a practical commitment to the principles and benefits of the Cartagena Convention. The SPAW Protocol, which has been in effect since 2000, provides a legal framework for the conservation and sustainable use of coastal and marine biodiversity. It protects over 300 species of plants and animals through habitat preservation, trade restrictions, and the establishment of protected area networks. Samuda also pointed out the Caribbean’s vulnerability to the triple planetary crisis of climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss, which has led to coral bleaching, declining water quality, and rising sea levels. He stressed the importance of regional cooperation through the Cartagena Convention and SPAW to address these challenges effectively. By ratifying the SPAW Protocol, Jamaica aims to enhance the recognition of its marine protected areas, create new employment opportunities, and access additional funding sources.
-
Jamaica moves to ratify key marine protection treaty under Cartagena Convention
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica is on the verge of ratifying the Protocol Concerning Specially Protected Areas and Wildlife (SPAW), a pivotal move under the Cartagena Convention, signaling its unwavering commitment to environmental preservation. This development underscores the nation’s dedication to protecting marine biodiversity and enhancing environmental governance across the Caribbean region.
-
Internationale coalitie start uitvoering USD 20 miljoen natuurproject
Suriname is making significant strides in biodiversity conservation, thanks to a $20 million commitment from international environmental organizations. The funds, pledged during Climate Week in New York, are earmarked for the restoration and sustainable management of Suriname’s exceptionally rich biodiversity. A delegation led by Re:wild recently met with President Jennifer Simons to discuss the practical implementation of these initiatives. The coalition includes prominent organizations such as Rainforest Trust, Art into Acres, the Andes Amazon Fund, and the Liz Claiborne & Art Ortenberg Foundation. President Simons reiterated her commitment to preserving 90% of Suriname’s forest cover and enacting the Sustainable Nature Management Act by 2025. John Goedschalk, the president’s climate and biodiversity advisor, emphasized that the focus is on practical investments. Projects will include expanding protected areas, promoting regenerative agriculture techniques like permaculture, and developing sustainable ecotourism. Additionally, investments will be made in training, infrastructure, electricity access in remote areas, and enhancing the capacity of wildlife rangers. President Simons expressed satisfaction with the progress and international involvement, highlighting Suriname’s role as a carbon-negative nation. This recognition opens new opportunities for green financing, sustainable tourism, and regional environmental collaboration.
-
Decline in Sargassum Blooms Brings Relief for Antigua and Barbuda
ST. JOHN’S, Antigua (Oct. 1, 2025) — Antigua and Barbuda are experiencing a much-needed reprieve from the overwhelming sargassum seaweed influxes that have plagued the Caribbean region this year. Recent satellite data from the University of South Florida’s Optical Oceanography Lab reveals a dramatic reduction in sargassum levels, dropping from a peak of 38 million metric tons in July to 10.4 million metric tons by September. While the East Atlantic still shows historically high amounts, the overall trend indicates a significant decline across the Caribbean. Marine officials confirm that the region is currently in the decline phase of the 2025 sargassum season. However, they caution that localized inundations remain possible as floating seaweed mats continue to drift through Caribbean waters. The sargassum blooms have had severe economic and ecological impacts, particularly on beaches and cultural sites like Nelson Dockyard National Park. Sub-surface accumulations have also blocked sunlight, threatening coral reefs and seagrass beds vital to marine ecosystems. Authorities emphasize the need for continued vigilance, as ocean currents and bloom dynamics could still bring new influxes. Researchers are working on advanced forecasting models to better predict nearshore movements. Scientists attribute the recurring sargassum blooms to climate change and poor resource management, urging regional collaboration to mitigate their effects. Despite the recent decline, the situation underscores the ongoing challenges posed by this environmental phenomenon.
-
NEPA forges partnerships for coral reef restoration
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a groundbreaking initiative to safeguard Jamaica’s coral reefs, the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) has introduced the first-ever ‘Coral Reef Awareness Month’ in September 2025. This campaign seeks to address the escalating threats of ocean warming, pollution, and disease, which have left the nation’s coral ecosystems—often referred to as the ‘rainforests of the sea’—in a precarious state. Without intervention, the degradation of these reefs could have catastrophic effects on Jamaica’s coastal defenses, which rely on coral to mitigate storm surges and erosion.
The initiative focuses on raising public awareness, fostering community involvement, and supporting marine restoration efforts. A key component of the campaign is a coral spawning program, designed to replenish Jamaica’s reefs and establish a spawning calendar to guide ongoing conservation efforts. This program is part of the broader CoralCarib Project, a collaborative effort led by the Nature Conservancy (TNC) and the Alligator Head Foundation (AHF), which spans Jamaica, Cuba, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic.
From September 7 to 15, 2025, NEPA coordinated a coral spawning blitz, involving 30 scientists and divers from various organizations. These experts conducted nightly dives to document and collect gametes from three threatened coral species: Acropora palmata, Orbicella faveolata, and Orbicella annularis. The event was informed by a prior mapping exercise that assessed coral health within marine protected areas, providing critical data on bleaching, resilience, and restoration planning.
Chanel Raynor, NEPA’s ecosystems coordinator, emphasized the urgency of the initiative, stating, ‘The CoralCarib Project represents a strategic, collaborative approach to coral restoration, with communities and interest groups at its core.’ Anna-Cherice Ebanks-Chin, TNC’s Marine Conservation Programme Manager, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the need to fast-track efforts in response to recent coral bleaching events. The initiative marks a significant step forward in Jamaica’s efforts to restore its marine ecosystems and develop sustainable policies for coral reef management.