As biodiversity remains a critical area of concern for the Small Island Developing States of the Caribbean, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is strengthening efforts to foster collaboration and protect the region’s ecosystems.
To tackle biodiversity challenges in the Caribbean, the UNDP brought together regional policymakers, scientists, and private sector representatives for the opening of the second Caribbean Regional Trialogue.
Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Planning, Economic Affairs and Development, Candice Ramsaran, noted that this forum offers countries a chance to share experiences and learn from each other to strengthen conservation efforts.
“The Caribbean imports most of its food supply. Our coral reefs, which sustain tourism and fisheries, are increasingly vulnerable. Our communities are adapting to hotter temperatures, more intense storms, and new environmental health risks. These challenges demand integrated, coordinated action rather than isolated interventions. And this is precisely what this trialogue aims to encourage.”
UNDP Resident Representative Ugo Blanco said biodiversity remains overshadowed by other priorities in regional development plans, despite its critical role in sustaining ecosystems and economies. He said this trialogue offers a chance to change that.
“I think we are not doing our work well. We have to push and to position biodiversity at the centre of the development agenda. So my life has changed when I had kids. Until then, I was fine. Now I’m worried about my kids, about the future of the planet for my kids.”
German Ambassador Dr. Christoph Eick emphasised that tackling climate change and biodiversity loss requires stronger global and regional collaboration. He reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to these efforts through its International Climate Initiative, including its support for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services Network (BES-Net).
“Since 2008, Germany’s International Climate Initiative has supported over 1,000 climate and biodiversity projects in 150 countries with a total of US$8 billion.”
The trialogue runs from December 2nd to 4th at the Hyatt Regency in Port of Spain, bringing together delegates from Antigua and Barbuda, Cuba, Dominica, the Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guyana, and Trinidad and Tobago.