CASTRIES, St. Lucia, Jun 5, CMC – The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) says it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (Mo)U) with Conservation International, an accredited agency for the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the Green Climate Fund (GCF).
The St. Lucia-based OECS Commission said that the MoU is to formalise a strategic partnership aimed at advancing conservation, sustainable development, and climate resilience across the Eastern Caribbean.
The MoU was signed by the OECS Director General Dr. Didacus Jules and CI’s Senior Vice President for Field Programmes, Kelvin Alie, at the recent 12th OECS Council of Ministers meeting on Environmental Sustainability (COM:ES 12) in Antigua and Barbuda.
It said that the agreement outlines a shared vision to support the conservation, sustainable use, and effective management of the region’s natural resources. It also commits both organisations to enhancing climate resilience through collaborative action focused on financing, partnership building, capacity development, and informed decision-making.
“This partnership is a game-changer for our region. It’s about more than just protecting nature, it’s about securing a thriving future for our people. By investing in our environment, we’re also creating jobs, strengthening resilience, and upholding the values of fairness and sustainability at the heart of the St. George’s Declaration 2040,” Jules said.
The CI is a non-profit organisation that operates internationally in over 30 countries across six continents with a wide range of partners in order to empower societies to responsibly and sustainably care for nature for the well-being of humanity.
“We’re honored to stand with the OECS in this critical work.The Caribbean’s natural resources, its coral reefs, forests, and coastlines, are the foundation of life here. By safeguarding them, we’re securing a better future for millions,” said Alie.
Under the agreement, the OECS said the CI will bring its expertise to the table by unlocking funding and helping OECS countries access finance for climate and conservation goals as well as advise on blue carbon projects like mangrove and seagrass restoration and nature-based climate solutions.
It will also be supporting stronger environmental laws in line with global standards and improving data sharing and decision-making for a greener economy as well as helping small and medium-sized enterprises thrive in nature-friendly industries.
The Commission said that the OECS will offer policy insights for the Lesser Antilles Landscape programme, bring governments, communities, and partners together for a bigger impact and co-creating projects that fight climate change while protecting biodiversity.
The sub-regional grouping will also be rallying financial and political backing to scale up successful initiatives and both organisations will also share knowledge on conservation funding, green economic shifts, and climate resilience strategies.
“This collaboration highlights the OECS’s role as a regional leader in environmental action, proving once again that innovative, science-driven solutions can drive real change,” the OECS Commission said, adding that the agreement will run for three years, with the option to extend, marking the start of a long-term commitment to a healthier, more resilient Eastern Caribbean.
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