Environment – CARICOM https://caricom.org Caribbean Community Fri, 11 Jul 2025 14:56:39 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.6 Jamaica commits to strong advocacy for climate finance and justice https://caricom.org/jamaica-commits-to-strong-advocacy-for-climate-finance-and-justice/ Fri, 11 Jul 2025 14:56:35 +0000 https://caricom.org/?p=46790 For the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the impact of climate change is a reality and not academic, manifesting as a sobering reminder especially during the hurricane season that lasts from July to November.

It is for this reason, that the Community must continue to strongly advocate for climate justice and climate finance. Jamaica’s Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, who assumed the Chairmanship of CARICOM on 1 July 2025, pledged that his country will be a “strong advocate” on the climate front. He made the commitment at the opening ceremony of the Forty-ninth Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM on 6 July in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Climate finance, a matter of “the Region’s survival and prosperity”, was one of the key items on the agenda of the Meeting.

Chair of CARICOM, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, Prime Minister of Jamaica

“For others, the issue of climate change may be an academic discussion between scientists trying to determine whether the data set is accurate or whether historically, climate has changed overtime, and therefore climate changing now is nothing new. But last year, just around this time, Jamaica was staring down the earliest forming and perhaps the quickest forming Category 4 hurricane, which devastated a third of our island. So, for us, climate change is not an academic discussion; climate change is real. We live it almost every day. The impact of this has to be understood at the fiscal level, need for financing, but certainly because of our size,” he pointed out during his address at the opening of the Conference.

Dr Holness added that as the Region prepares for COP30 in Brazil later this year, “our call is urgent and clear: the promises of the Paris Agreement must be met—both in emissions reductions and access to climate finance at the level and scale required.”

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Caribbean Schools Shine in 2025 Caribbean Lightning Safety Awareness Contest https://caricom.org/caribbean-schools-shine-in-2025-caribbean-lightning-safety-awareness-contest/ Tue, 01 Jul 2025 16:23:56 +0000 https://caricom.org/?p=46514 The Caribbean Meteorological Organization (CMO) has announced the winners of the 2025 Caribbean Lightning Safety Awareness Contest, a regional initiative to boost public knowledge of lightning safety and first aid through creative expression by school children.

Twelve schools from across the Caribbean submitted entries showcasing outstanding creativity, accuracy, and inclusiveness in delivering vital safety messages. Judges from the meteorology, education, public health, and disaster risk management sectors noted the exceptional quality of entries, which made the task of selecting winners extremely challenging.

The winners in each age category are:
6-11 Years

  • First Place: Camperdown Primary & Infant School – Jamaica
  • Second Place: St Mary’s Primary School – Dominica
  • Third Place: St Andrew’s Anglican School – The Bahamas

12-18 Years

  • First Place: Manzanilla Secondary School – Trinidad & Tobago
  • Second Place: St Catherine’s Academy – Belize
  • Third Place: Mopan Technical School – Belize

First-place winners will each receive a lightning detector and a weather station, while second and third-place schools will receive weather stations, all sponsored by AccuWeather. The top three schools in each category will also receive cash awards, compliments of the CREWS Initiative, Campbell Scientific, Vaisala, and Stevens Water Monitoring Systems Inc., supporting their continued learning and community safety efforts.

This year’s contest coincided with International Lightning Safety Awareness Week, an annual event that culminated in International Lightning Safety Day, 28 June. The week’s activities sought to raise global awareness of lightning hazards and the steps that can be taken to protect lives and property.

The contest was conceptualised by the CMO and World Meteorological Organization (WMO), with key inputs from the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC), the Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology (CIMH), the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), and the support of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat. The initiative also benefited from private sector partnerships with HydroMeteorological and Environmental Industry (HMEI) members: AccuWeather Inc., Campbell Scientific, Vaisala, and Stevens Water Monitoring Systems Inc.

The activity formed part of a broader regional effort under the Climate Risk and Early Warning Systems (CREWS) Caribbean Project Phase 2, aimed at enhancing multi-hazard early warning systems and disaster risk knowledge across the Region. It complements other key activities, including the development of a pilot lightning detection network, capacity building among National Meteorological and Hydrometeorological Services (NMHSs) in issuing lightning warnings, and regional public education campaigns on lightning safety and first aid.

The CMO extends its deepest appreciation to all participating schools for their dedication and creativity, and for contributing to the advancement of a culture of safety and resilience in the Caribbean. (Adapted from Caribbean Meteorological Organization Press Release)

The Caribbean Meteorological Organization (CMO) is a specialised agency of the Caribbean Community that coordinates the joint scientific and technical activities in weather, climate and water–related sciences in sixteen English-speaking Caribbean countries (Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Belize, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands). The Organs of the CMO are: (i) The Caribbean Meteorological Council (CMC)‐the Supreme, Governing Body, (ii) The Headquarters Unit (Secretariat), headed by a Coordinating Director, located in Trinidad and Tobago; (iii) The Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology (CIMH) located in Barbados; and (iv) The Caribbean Meteorological Foundation (CMF). The CMO originated from the British Caribbean Meteorological Service, founded in 1951.

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CARICOM Secretary-General lauds work of 5Cs on milestone anniversary https://caricom.org/caricom-secretary-general-lauds-work-of-5cs-on-milestone-anniversary/ Fri, 27 Jun 2025 16:36:54 +0000 https://caricom.org/?p=46463 The Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC) celebrated its 20th anniversary on 25 June 2025, with a banquet and award ceremony.

The CCCCC is at the forefront of the Caribbean’s climate resilience movement, working with governments, communities, international and regional partners to advance sustainable development and strengthen the Region’s capacity to adapt to the ever-evolving impacts of climate change.

In a message to mark the occasion, Dr. Carla Barnett, CARICOM Secretary-General, lauded the work of the regional institution, which she said has become central in the fight for CARICOM’s survival in the face of growing adverse effects of climate change.

“Member States can better understand, prepare for, and respond to climate threats. The international community is also more aware of the impacts of climate change on the sustainable development and survival of the Caribbean. As climate risks continue to escalate, the leadership engagement and partnership of 5Cs with the regional and international community will be instrumental in securing a resilient future for the Region and its peoples. I applaud the hard work and many achievements of past and present leaders and staff of this important regional institution over the past two decades. Happy 20th anniversary,” the Secretary-General said.

Listen to the Secretary-General’s message:

CARICOM Deputy Secretary-General, Dr Armstrong Alexis, also contributed to the milestone event, applauding the 5Cs for its contribution to the Region, particularly the “extraordinary scientific work that is done at the Centre”.

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July Meeting of CARICOM Heads of Government to focus on security, food systems, climate change, geopolitics – CARICOM SG https://caricom.org/july-meeting-of-caricom-heads-of-government-to-focus-on-security-food-systems-climate-change-geopolitics-caricom-sg/ Thu, 19 Jun 2025 14:35:53 +0000 https://caricom.org/?p=46165 The upcoming Forty-Ninth Meeting of the CARICOM Heads of Government will place emphasis on improving regional security, enhancing food and nutrition security and combatting climate change, CARICOM Secretary-General, Dr. Carla Barnett, said.

The Meeting convenes 6-8 July, in Montego Bay, Jamaica, with Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, as the Chair. Prime Minister Holness assumes the six-month rotating Chairmanship of the Community on 1 July 2025.

Discussions will be held under the theme: ‘People, Partnerships, Prosperity: Promoting a Secure and Sustainable Future’, which Secretary-General Barnett said reflects CARICOM’s strategic focus on working collaboratively to ensure that “future generations of our Region will be resilient, and safe, and will thrive.”

In a video message ahead of the Meeting, the Secretary-General said the Heads of Government will also focus on emerging geopolitical issues, including the impact of US tariffs on the Region, and how the provisions of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) can contribute to national and regional growth and sustainable development.

“Our expectation is that this Meeting of the Conference will engender those discussions and decisions that will lead to meaningful outcomes for the Caribbean Community,” she said in the message.

Listen to the message below:

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CCCCC to Celebrate 20 Years of Regional Climate Leadership with Anniversary Banquet, Awards Ceremony https://caricom.org/ccccc-to-celebrate-20-years-of-regional-climate-leadership-with-anniversary-banquet-awards-ceremony/ Mon, 16 Jun 2025 14:25:24 +0000 https://caricom.org/?p=46079 The Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC), the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) institution mandated to coordinate the Caribbean’s response to climate change, is proud to announce the celebration of its 20th Anniversary.

This milestone marks two decades of steadfast leadership, scientific innovation, meaningful collaboration, and measurable progress in advancing climate resilience across the Caribbean.

To commemorate this historic occasion, the CCCCC will host its 20th Anniversary Banquet and Awards Ceremony at the Best Western Plus Belize Biltmore Plaza in Belize City on Wednesday, 25 June 2025. The evening will celebrate the CCCCC’s remarkable journey, honour its pioneers and visionaries, and acknowledge the invaluable partnerships that have shaped the CCCCC’s evolution, growth, legacy and regional influence.

The Anniversary Banquet will be preceded by a series of afternoon panel discussions beginning at 1:30pm, which will explore the factors that led to CCCCC’s establishment, its operationalisation and expansion, and its future direction in the face of intensifying climate challenges.

Guests in attendance will be a wide cross-section of dignitaries, including Heads of Government, regional ministers, members of the diplomatic corps, development partners, academic leaders, private sector stakeholders, civil society champions and CCCCC staff.

Their presence underscores the growing importance of climate leadership, regional and international collaboration and strategic partnerships, and affirms the central role the CCCCC has played since its official opening in 2005.

“For two decades, the CCCCC has stood as a pillar of knowledge, support, and innovation in the region’s collective response to climate change,” said Colin A. Young, PhD Executive Director of the CCCCC.

“From strengthening water security in drought-prone nations and safeguarding coastlines through nature-based solutions, to unlocking over $200 million in climate finance for our Member States, the work of the CCCCC continues to impact lives and livelihoods across CARICOM and beyond. This celebration not only honors our shared past and the individuals who helped build this institution – it also sets a vision for where we’re headed as a region in the decades ahead.”

The 20th anniversary celebration will highlight major achievements, recognise the dedication of staff and partners, and honor individuals and institutions who have made significant contributions to the Caribbean’s climate agenda. Attendees will also get a glimpse of the CCCCC’s forward-looking initiatives in climate innovation, data services, and sustainable development.

Belize’s Prime Minister, Honourable John Briceño, a long-standing advocate for climate action and whose government hosts the CCCCC’s headquarters, lauded the CCCCC’s enduring legacy and leadership.

“Since its establishment in Belize in 2005, the CCCCC has evolved into a true Centre of Excellence—advancing climate science, supporting national and regional policy frameworks, and mobilising climate finance for adaptation and mitigation across our Caribbean nations.”

As the CCCCC looks ahead to the next 20 years, it is driven by an ambitious vision to deepen its regional footprint, deliver value to its Member States, expand access to inclusive climate finance, foster greater awareness and knowledge of climate change among our citizens, and strengthened partnerships that prioritize the most vulnerable communities across the Caribbean.

The CCCCC extends its heartfelt appreciation to the Member States of CARICOM, the Government of Belize, development agencies, international partners, implementing partners, academic institutions, and grassroots organisations whose support has been critical to the CCCCC’s mission. Their contributions have sustained the work of the CCCCC and helped steer the Caribbean toward a more climate-resilient and sustainable future for all. (CCCCC Press Release)

The Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre is an intergovernmental organisation established by the Heads of Governments of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to coordinate the region’s response to managing and adapting to climate change. The CCCCC also serves as a delivery partner for climate finance for the Region, a repository for regional climate change information and data provider of climate change-related policy advice and guidelines to the CARICOM Member States.

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‘No Ocean Declaration without small islands’: Delegates push for inclusion as UN summit nears end https://caricom.org/no-ocean-declaration-without-small-islands-delegates-push-for-inclusion-as-un-summit-nears-end/ Fri, 13 Jun 2025 18:25:28 +0000 https://caricom.org/?p=46065 H.E. Safiya Sawney, Special Envoy and Ambassador for Climate of Grenada, told UN News that she is pleased to see the reference in the draft outcome to the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for Small Island Developing States, or ABAS, which was adopted during the fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States in May 2024. Ms. Sawney said that including the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda in the UNOC3 political declaration signals growing unity among island nations. She emphasised that, despite numerous challenges, small islands are committed to implementing every obligation under ABAS, demonstrating their determination to turn commitments into action.


With one day remaining before the conclusion of the Third UN Ocean Conference, delegates in Nice are preparing for the adoption of the summit’s eagerly anticipated political declaration. Small Island Developing States, facing the direct effects of climate change and marine resource decline, are pushing to ensure their perspectives are reflected in global ocean policy.

With the conference, known as UNOC3, set to close Friday, the stakes couldn’t be higher.

Li Junhua, the UN’s Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, told UN News on Thursday that the past four days have been marked by a rare sense of solidarity around Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG 14) – protection of life below water.

“This is the true testament to the impact of this Conference on the future of our ocean,” he added.

Draft outcome signals sense of urgency

Under way since Monday on France’s sun-drenched Côte d’Azur, UNOC3 is set to conclude with the adoption of a consensus-backed package aimed at securing the future of the world’s oceans.

Delegates are preparing to endorse a political declaration alongside a sweeping set of voluntary commitments from participating nations – collectively known as the Nice Ocean Action Plan.

The declaration itself, titled ‘Our Ocean, Our Future: United for Urgent Action,’ has undergone four rounds of intense intergovernmental negotiations at UN Headquarters in New York since January, alongside informal consultations with key delegations and civil society groups.

At the heart of the conference’s mission –mobilizing action to safeguard and sustainably manage marine ecosystems– the declaration, in draft form, signals a marked shift in tone, underscoring an unprecedented sense of urgency.

It calls for immediate and transformative measures to protect oceans, reflecting growing concerns over climate change, biodiversity loss, and the depletion of marine resources.

In addition, the draft declaration outlines measures to protect marine ecosystems and foster sustainable ocean-based economies. It also emphasizes accelerating action, highlighting that SDG 14 remains one of the least funded UN goals. 

To drive global ocean initiatives forward, the draft declaration calls for significant, accessible financing and the fulfillment of existing commitments under international agreements.

The draft highlights the ocean’s deep ties to climate and biodiversity, urging nations to fully implement the Convention on Biological Diversity. It also reaffirms commitment to an international, legally binding agreement on plastic pollution, emphasizing a comprehensive approach that addresses plastics across their entire life cycle.

Final negotiations are under way, and tomorrow we’ll report on whether nations have reached a consensus to tackle the global ocean emergency, turning decades of pledges into meaningful marine protection.

Small island voices are vital to ocean policy

Among all the stakeholders, small island nations have a key role in shaping the Declaration. As communities most vulnerable to rising seas and marine degradation, their firsthand experience and leadership are essential to crafting effective, inclusive ocean policy.

Safiya Sawney, Special Envoy and Ambassador for Climate of Grenada, told UN News that she is pleased to see the reference in the draft outcome to the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for Small Island Developing States, or ABAS, which was adopted during the fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States in May 2024.

H.E. Safiya Sawney, Special Envoy and Ambassador for Climate, Government of Grenada

Ms. Sawney said that including the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda in the UNOC3 political declaration signals growing unity among island nations. She emphasized that, despite numerous challenges, small islands are committed to implementing every obligation under ABAS, demonstrating their determination to turn commitments into action.

“A big part of our heritage, of our culture, of our economy is derived from the ocean,” she said, “So for us, you cannot have an ocean declaration without SIDS.”

‘No compromise with nature’

As for the negotiation process on the draft declaration, Ms. Sawney said that Grenada and other delegations in the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) affirmed that they were leveraging strength and experience from past climate talks and bringing that to the ocean space.

Part of healthy multilateralism is knowing that you have to compromise,” she admitted, but also adding that “the one thing that we cannot compromise with, however, is nature”.

To ensure that “we’re able to all be successful together in supporting this ocean agenda”, she suggested that “there are some countries that need to do more than others”. She added that small island developing States are asking those countries to show their leadership, not just through offsets or financing, but through “real action”.

Caribbean governments acting together

Calling themselves “large ocean nations” at UNOC3, small island developing States are aggregating their weight to not only participate in but shape the global ocean agenda, said Ms. Sawney. Among these efforts, Caribbean governments have been keen to demonstrate political unity and regional ambition throughout the run of the conference.

On the opening day of UNOC3, the Actioning Blue: Caribbean 30×30 Vision for the Ocean was officially launched. It reflects an urgent call by political leaders of the Caribbean to advance collective regional advocacy aligned with theKunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, as well as SDG14.

“Coming into UNOC3, we endorsed 12 Caribbean governments, including independent states and territories, and we’ve had one additional signature and expression of interest from three different governments,” explained Ms. Sawney.

Changing the tide of over-reliance

Recalling the 2008 Caribbean Challenge Initiative that advanced the protection of roughly 49,000 km of marine protected areas in the region, Ms. Sawney said part of what the newly launched Vision does is remind the international community that “we will continue to work, we’ll continue to show up, and we really like their help”.

Describing the Caribbean as “capacity-constrained”, she however pointed to the region’s over-reliance on external help, experts, and capacity.

“We’re trying to change the tide,” she continued, by stressing the importance of letting donors know that the region is very invested in building its own capacity and owning its own implementation.

Seeing UNOC3 as an important opportunity to get across this message, Ms. Sawney stated that Caribbean Islands are not just looking forward to the end of the Conference, but what happens afterwards.

“The real work begins after all of this is over,” she concluded with hope. (UN News) 

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CARICOM and CITES  Secretariats Partner to Launch Electronic CITES-Permitting System in The Bahamas https://caricom.org/caricom-and-cites-secretariats-partner-to-launch-electronic-cites-permitting-system-in-the-bahamas/ Fri, 06 Jun 2025 20:13:13 +0000 https://caricom.org/?p=45907 The Bahamas is gearing up to launch an electronic system to modernise the regulation of international trade in wildlife. This milestone reflects The Bahamas’ commitment to global best practices for sustainable wildlife trade and positions the country as a regional leader in digital environmental governance.

The system – electronic Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (eCITES)-Permitting System – is an initiative of the Caribbean Hub’s efforts under the ‘Capacity Building related to Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) in African, Caribbean and Pacific Countries (ACP MEAs) Project. The project supports enforcement and compliance with biodiversity-related conventions.

Developed with technical support from the CITES Secretariat, eCITES leverages modern information and communication technologies and international electronic data standards to streamline the permitting process. It also enhances efforts to combat illegal wildlife trade and promotes legal, sustainable international commerce in wild species.

Following successful pilot testing and system integration with the national customs platform, the Department of Agriculture of The Bahamas will officially launch the new eCITES system. Once fully operational, the eCITES system will enable agencies such as the Departments of Agriculture, Marine Resources, and Customs to better regulate and monitor wildlife trade, ensuring compliance with both national and international standards.

Representatives of the CARICOM and CITES Secretariats with Customs Officers of The Bahama

To support the national launch of the system, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat, in collaboration with the Secretariat of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), completed a two-day mission to The Bahamas last month.

The visit was conducted in partnership with the Bahamas Department of Agriculture, Department of Marine Resources, and the Bahamas Agricultural Health and Food Safety Authority (BAHFSA). Team members conducted site visits, held direct engagements with The Bahamas’ CITES Management and Scientific Authorities, and led hands-on training for enforcement officers.

The team also reviewed system integration and facilitated knowledge transfer to ensure the effective implementation of eCITES through The Bahamas’ national single window platform, Click2Clear.

“This initiative will mark a significant milestone in The Bahamas’ efforts to align with global best practices for sustainable trade in wildlife. It also serves as a pilot that other CARICOM Member States can use to develop similar monitoring and reporting tools for combating illegal trade in wildlife,” said Ms. Teshia Jn Baptiste, Project Coordinator for the ACP MEAs Project.

CITES Secretary-General, Ivonne Higuero, added: “As CITES marks 50 years since its entry into force this year, we welcome the continued effort by the government of The Bahamas in advancing eCITES towards strengthened implementation of the Convention.”

Editor’s Notes:

For media enquiries:

  • Communications Unit| CARICOM Secretariat| Email: media@caricom.org| Website: https://caricom.org
  • cites-media@un.org

For general enquiries: info@cites.org

About CARICOM

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) was established on 4 July 1973 with the signing of the Treaty of Chaguaramas, which was revised in 2001 to allow for the establishment of a single market and economy. The Community comprises fifteen Member States and six Associate Members. It is home to approximately sixteen million citizens, 60% of whom are under 30 years old. CARICOM rests on four main pillars: economic integration; foreign policy coordination; human and social development; and security cooperation.  Through the combined efforts to build a “Community for All”, it remains one of the best examples of integration in the developing world and is the oldest surviving integration movement.

The CARICOM Secretariat, the principal administrative organ of the Community, is headquartered in Georgetown, Guyana.

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About CITES

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) was signed on 3 March 1973 and entered into force on 1 July 1975. With 185 Parties (184 countries + the European Union), it remains one of the world’s most powerful tools for wildlife conservation through the regulation of international trade in over 40,900 species of wild animals and plants. CITES-listed species are used by people around the world in their daily lives for food, health care, furniture, housing, tourist souvenirs, cosmetics or fashion. CITES seeks to ensure that international trade in such species is sustainable, legal and traceable and contributes to both the livelihoods of the communities that live closest to them and to national economies for a healthy planet and the prosperity of the people in support of UN Sustainable Development Goals.

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Find out more: https://cites.org/eng

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Climate change of highest priority for CARICOM – CARICOM Secretariat Official https://caricom.org/climate-change-of-highest-priority-for-caricom-caricom-secretariat-official/ Fri, 06 Jun 2025 14:58:59 +0000 https://caricom.org/?p=45886 Climate change is a top priority for CARICOM Member States, requiring a comprehensive and multifaceted approach, according to Ambassador David Prendergast, Director, Sectoral Programmes at the CARICOM Secretariat.

He reiterated the Region’s position at the 2025 Wet/Hurricane Season Caribbean Climate Outlook  Forum which was held in St. George’s, Grenada, 22-23 May. The Climate Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology (CIMH), a CARICOM Institution, organised the Forum with support from its partners.

The event was held as the Region continues preparations for the 2025 hurricane season which is forecast to be above average.

Ambassador Prendergast said that the presentations at the forum were comprehensive, detailed and informative, providing important perspectives and planning tools for the season.

“The two key takeaway messages from my presentation today are that:

  • Climate change is of highest priority for CARICOM Member States;
  • The response and approach to the climate crisis is complex and multi-faceted, its coordination is not centered in any one institution – hence the value of being here today with all key partners and stakeholders.

“We are, indeed, in this together,” he told participants at the Forum.

Please read Ambassador Prendergast’s presentation below:

  • Representatives of the Government of Grenada;
  • Mr. Adrian Trotman and Team, CIMH;
  • Representatives from CARICOM Member States, other States, stakeholders, media;
  • Representatives of all Regional Institutions and Partner institutions

Ladies and gentlemen,

At the outset, as a first-time participant, I will not hesitate to emphasize the value of this collaborative exercise for the Region, given the indisputable importance of planning, forecasting taking into account our vulnerabilities, particularly as Small Island Development States, and the implications of the weather and other climate related events for our Region. The presentations at this Forum have been comprehensive, detailed and informative and have provided important perspectives and planning tools for the Season ahead. We commend the CIMH and partners for continuing to execute this critical exercise.

The two key takeaway messages from my presentation today are that:

  • Climate Change is of highest priority for CARICOM Member States;
  • The response and approach to the climate crisis is complex and multi-faceted, its coordination is not centered in any one institution – hence the value of being here today with all key partners and stakeholders.

We are, indeed, in this together.

CARICOM, specifically the Secretariat, coordinates climate change response through several key mechanisms:

Political coordination and Governance Mechanisms

  • The Secretariat works closely with the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC), which has the mandate to coordinate the Region’s position on climate change, and with other Regional Institutions, to provide support and coordination to Member States as they prepare for the Conference of the Parties.  5Cs will also make a short presentation following my presentation.
  • Activities include capacity building workshops, preparatory workshops for negotiators (typically 2 in a year), high-level dialogues and endorsements of negotiating positions by the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) and Heads of Government ( which are enshrined in the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas), Briefings and Caucuses coordinated during COP, and post-COP debriefings before repeating the process the following year.
  • The Community has understood the need for continuous and sustained high-level engagements in sync with, and complementary to, technical preparatory processes.  This has effectively been done by identifying political champions from the Member States to represent CARICOM on key negotiating issues. 
  • Likewise, CARICOM Heads of Government have signaled their leadership by making Climate Change a standing agenda item at Regular Meetings of the Conference of Heads of Government, which occur twice per year. In the CARICOM Heads of Government quasi-cabinet structure, the Prime Minister of Saint Lucia has lead responsibility for Sustainable Development, inclusive of climate change and, in that capacity, chairs the Prime Ministerial Sub-Committee on Climate Change (PMSC).
  • Despite the arrangements in place to secure ongoing engagement on the complex set of global climate change deliberations, there are often insufficient resources to facilitate consistent ministerial representation by the Region in key discussions. 
  • To further bolster high-level advocacy, CARICOM Heads of Government at their Forty-Sixth Regular Meeting held in February 2024 in Georgetown, Guyana, agreed that the appointment of a CARICOM Envoy on Climate Change, Dr. James Fletcher, aligns with the prioritisation of climate change at the top of the CARICOM Development Agenda and will enable climate change perspectives to be articulated at a high level through all facets of the Community’s undertakings.

 Technical Coordination

  • The updated CARICOM Regional Framework for Climate Resilience serves as a comprehensive strategy for guiding the Caribbean region in adapting to and mitigating climate change impacts. It emphasizes political coordination through bodies like the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) and promotes governance measures such as regional partnerships with organizations like CDEMA, CIMH, and United Nations agencies.
  • CARICOM focuses on policy development to help Member States integrate climate change considerations into national strategies while strengthening data management systems for informed decision-making. Regional mechanisms are being established to enhance resilience at both national and regional levels, aligning with strategic priorities.
  • The Framework also prioritizes project development and implementation through the CCCCC, which leads initiatives for climate adaptation and mitigation. Efforts include capacity building, raising public awareness, and securing international climate finance to support actions across CARICOM nations.
  • Additionally, CARICOM facilitates engagement in global climate processes and negotiations under the UNFCCC to ensure the region’s interests are represented. By combining technical coordination, regional partnerships, financial access, and policy mainstreaming, the Framework sets a robust foundation for long-term climate resilience in the Caribbean community.
  • The revised framework 2025-2035 underwent intense review by and consultation with Member States and regional stakeholders.  It was endorsed by Ministers of Environment at the 118th Special COTED, 30 April 2025.   It is now cleared to be presented to Heads of Government since the original strategy was approved by Heads.

Resource Mobilisation, Project Development and Implementation

There are two specific aspects of mobilizing financial support:

1. Donor engagement; and

2. Project development.

Donor Engagement

  • A key function of the CARICOM Secretariat is engagement with third States and international Partners to communicate aid and intervention priorities to the Community.  In almost every engagement with donors (countries, funding agencies, philanthropic), climate change is a top priority for donor support in terms of energy transition, climate adaptation, early warning etc. 
  • The Secretariat therefore helps to coordinate and to set the tone for interventions in the region before partners engage directly with Member States and Regional Institutions

Project Development

The CCCCC plays a crucial role in developing and implementing climate change adaptation and mitigation projects across the region.

  • Capacity Building and Awareness: CARICOM coordinates initiatives to build technical capacity within member states and raise public awareness about climate change issues.
  • Securing Climate Finance: CARICOM, through the CCCCC, works to enhance access to international climate finance mechanisms to support regional and national climate action.
  • Engagement in International Processes: CARICOM coordinates the region’s engagement in global climate change negotiations and agreements under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

Sectoral Coordination Efforts (non-exhaustive)

CARICOM Energy Policy

  • The CARICOM Energy Policy plays a pivotal role in the region’s response to the climate crisis by promoting a fundamental transformation of the energy sector across its Member States. Consideration is currently being given to undertaking an update/revision of the Policy.
  • At its core, the policy aims to ensure secure, sustainable, and affordable energy access while minimizing environmental impact. It emphasizes the diversification of energy sources, particularly through the accelerated deployment of renewable and clean energy technologies.
  • This shift not only reduces dependence on fossil fuels but also aligns with global climate goals by lowering greenhouse gas emissions. The policy also supports energy efficiency and conservation across all sectors, including transportation, and encourages the development of regional energy trade and infrastructure.
  • In addition to technical and infrastructural goals, the CARICOM Energy Policy fosters institutional and human capacity building to support a resilient energy transition. It outlines strategies for increasing investment in renewable energy, enhancing technology transfer, and establishing emissions targets with corresponding mitigation actions.
  • These efforts are guided by the Caribbean Sustainable Energy Roadmap and Strategy (C-SERMS), which provides a framework for implementing regional energy goals. By setting ambitious targets—such as achieving 47% electricity generation from renewables by 2027—the policy positions CARICOM as a proactive player in climate adaptation and mitigation, particularly important for its vulnerable small island and low-lying coastal states.

Climate Smart Agriculture

  • CARICOM’s Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) initiatives are central to the region’s strategy for building resilience in the face of climate change. Recognizing the vulnerability of its agriculture-dependent economies, CARICOM is seeking to address CSA to enhance food security, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and improve the livelihoods of rural communities.
  • A key flagship approach is the “25 by 2025” initiative, which aims to reduce the region’s food import bill by 25% by the year 2025. This strategy integrates climate adaptation and mitigation through the promotion of sustainable farming practices, investment in agricultural research and innovation, the development of climate-resilient crops and infrastructure, youth engagement, Agri-insurance and focus on the reduction and removal of barriers to trade.
  • In addition to regional strategies, CARICOM supports national adaptation planning and has secured significant funding—such as the US$6.73 million from the Green Climate Fund—for climate resilience projects in member states like The Bahamas and St. Kitts and Nevis. These projects focus on strengthening institutional frameworks, improving access to climate finance, and expanding the use of technologies that support CSA. Through these efforts, CARICOM is working to transform its agricultural systems into more adaptive, productive, and environmentally sustainable models.

CARIBSMART- Maritime Climate Resilience

  • The CARIBSMART (Sustainable Maritime Transport in the Caribbean) programme is a regional initiative designed to enhance climate resilience and sustainability in the maritime sector of Caribbean Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Funded by the Government of Norway and supported by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the programme aims to help the region “build back better” following the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • CARIBSMART focuses on developing a SMART (Sustainable Maritime Transport) system that ensures the safe, secure, efficient, and environmentally responsible movement of goods and people across the Caribbean. This includes reducing pollution, improving energy efficiency, and conserving marine and coastal resources.
  • CARICOM’s approach to the IMO shipping decarbonization negotiations has been marked by a significant transformation from fragmented representation to a more cohesive and influential force. Initially, the Caribbean region’s presence at the IMO was minimal, with only a few member states participating in critical meetings.
  • Recognizing the need for stronger representation, led by the Belize Port Authority, United Nations Foundation, and University College London an important coalition was formed. This was joined by several Caribbean countries, and the established Caribbean Shipping Lanes Project[1] – focused on building technical and diplomatic skills necessary for effective negotiation. Pre-negotiation sessions and technical support from regional experts helped align positions and forge alliances, particularly with Pacific states, to advocate for a just and equitable transition in shipping decarbonization.
  • Leading up to the 83rd Meeting of the IMO’s Marine Environmental Pollution Committee (MEPC 83) meeting, CARICOM’s strategy centered on advocating universal carbon levy and stringent fuel standards. The region emphasized the importance of generating revenue to support capacity building, food security, and addressing the needs of disproportionately impacted regions. Despite the final agreement adopting a more complex two-tier system combining pricing, incentives, and compliance flexibility, CARICOM played a pivotal role in shaping the design of the world’s first global emissions pricing mechanism for shipping. The region’s efforts ensured that equity and the needs of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) were central to the negotiations.
  • At MEPC 83, CARICOM’s coordinated efforts culminated in the approval of the Net-Zero Framework, which includes stringent GHG fuel intensity targets and a system for rewarding the use of zero and near-zero emission fuels. The framework also establishes the IMO Net-Zero Fund to support a just and equitable transition, with specific provisions for food security and technical cooperation. While the final outcome fell short of the region’s high ambition, CARICOM’s voice was instrumental in anchoring equity in the global conversation on shipping emissions, marking a historic milestone in the region’s engagement at the IMO.

[1] The Project offers technical and legal support to Caribbean nations, assisting them in understanding and participating in international maritime regulations, particularly those related to emissions reduction. 

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Message from Dr. Carla Barnett, CARICOM Secretary-General, on the occasion of World Environment Day 2025 https://caricom.org/message-from-dr-carla-barnett-caricom-secretary-general-on-the-occasion-of-world-environment-day-2025/ Wed, 04 Jun 2025 20:57:09 +0000 https://caricom.org/?p=45748 The threat to our natural environment remains real, and the impact on the health and livelihoods of our people cannot be ignored.  On this World Environment Day, CARICOM remains engaged and committed to tackling this pressing environmental challenge.


Plastic pollution has wide-ranging consequences for CARICOM states. Plastics threaten marine biodiversity, including sea turtles, seabirds, and fish as well as coral reefs which are vital to marine life and coastal protection. Plastic pollution harms the fishing industry, a critical source of food and livelihoods in many CARICOM countries. Lost fishing gear and plastic waste can damage equipment. Moreover, cleaning up plastic waste places a significant financial burden on local governments, diverting resources from other essential services.  Open burning of plastic waste releases toxic chemicals into the air, while microplastics can enter the food chain through seafood consumption, potentially leading to negative health effects.

The Caribbean Sea has high levels of plastic pollution and is receiving attention at the highest levels of decision-making in CARICOM, through policy, advocacy, and collaboration. The Declaration adopted at the Fortieth Conference of CARICOM Heads of Government held in Saint Lucia in 2019 addressed the high levels of plastics and microplastics in the Caribbean Sea, and their adverse impact on Caribbean sustainable development.  Additionally, since 2023, the issue of plastics management has been on the agenda of CARICOM Environment Ministers to coordinate CARICOM engagement during negotiations of a new global legally-binding treaty to reduce plastics pollution.

Many CARICOM countries have introduced legislation or policies to restrict or ban certain plastic products. This action is supported by the Caribbean Alliance for Sustainable Tourism (CAST) and the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) which have launched the “Plastic-Free Caribbean” initiative, which encourages hotels and tourism businesses to phase out single-use plastics.

The Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM), a CARICOM institution, is working with Member States to address “ghost fishing gear”, which refers to abandoned, lost, or discarded fishing gear (ALDFG), many of which contain plastics, and which remain in ocean space, trapping marine life, damaging ecosystems, and contributing to ocean pollution.

The threat to our natural environment remains real, and the impact on the health and livelihoods of our people cannot be ignored.  On this World Environment Day, CARICOM remains engaged and committed to tackling this pressing environmental challenge.

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Youth at the heart of CARICOM’s sustainable development agenda https://caricom.org/youth-at-the-heart-of-caricoms-sustainable-development-agenda/ Tue, 20 May 2025 13:35:32 +0000 https://caricom.org/?p=45272 The sustainable agenda that is being pursued at the national and regional levels, is for the future of our youths, says Senator the Hon. Dr. Joyelle Clarke, Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment, Climate Action and Constituency Empowerment of St. Kitts and Nevis.

Dr. Clarke made the assertion during an interview with the Communications Unit of the CARICOM Secretariat in the margins of the 118th Special Meeting of the Council for Trade and Economic Development which focused on the environment and sustainable development. The Meeting was held in Antigua and Barbuda 30 April 2025.

Responding to a question on stakeholder involvement in environmental decision-making, the Minister highlighted the steps St. Kitts and Nevis is taking towards inclusiveness in sustainable development.

Listen:

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