USAID launches program to promote Marine Biodiversity in the Caribbean
A program known as the USAID Caribbean Sustainable Ecosystems Activity, which aims to reduce threats to marine biodiversity, will be implemented in 13 Caribbean countries.
Launched recently by the US Agency for International Development (USAID), the regional program is based in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. The program’s priority objectives include improved management of marine protected areas, improved solid waste management, and increased sustainability of fisheries.
This five-year program, active until January 2029, is working with local communities and the private sector to identify priority areas and blue economy initiatives to be supported across 13 countries of implementation.
These countries include Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, and Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Trinidad and Tobago.
Examples of types of initiatives to be supported include the designation of protection zones for marine mammals and sea turtles, investments in improved solid waste management systems, and working with fishers to help them meet large-scale tourism actor procurement requirements.
The USAID Caribbean Sustainable Ecosystems Activity is implemented by the Pan American Development Foundation, in collaboration with The Caribbean Climate Smart Accelerator, the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism, Caribbean Network of Fisherfolk Organisations, CollaborateUp, EarthCheck, and The University of the West Indies Center for Resource Management and Environmental Studies.
To further advance the project objectives, the program is fostering collaboration with key private sector actors, particularly among those in the tourism sector, such as Royal Caribbean Group, Sandals and Sandals Foundation, and Viva Resorts by Wyndham.
Through collaboration with the program, these private sector actors demonstrate their commitment to enhancing their sustainability practices and promoting marine biodiversity in the Caribbean region.
The event highlighted private sector partners and included a call to action for others interested in collaborating with the program.
“At USAID, we recognise that private enterprise is the single most powerful force in driving sustainable development, accelerating change, and promoting inclusive growth. Therefore, we are thrilled by the private sector partnerships that are underway with PADF as a part of this program. The private sector’s willingness to partner with the USAID Caribbean Sustainable Ecosystems Activity demonstrates their commitment to sustainability and community-led development,” stated USAID/Jamaica Country Representative Dr Jaidev Singh.
He added, “Through this program, we also continue to strive toward USAID’s goals of locally-led development. Local leadership is critical for increasing the equity, effectiveness, and sustainability of development programs. We aim to bring the voices and expertise of local communities, including representatives from marginalised and underrepresented groups, front and center through community-driven planning and locally-led blue economy initiatives.”
The two program launch events were planned around World Tourism Day on September 27, a special day highlighting the importance of tourism to the world economy, in recognition of the importance of the tourism industry in achieving marine biodiversity goals.
