Caribbean Conservation in Action
Caribbean Conservation is entering a new era—one driven by the very people who call these islands home. In the heart of the Dominican Republic, a rare Ridgway’s Hawk named Leo took center stage at a biodiversity workshop, symbolizing both the region’s rich wildlife and the urgency to protect it. This meeting marked the mid-term review of the Caribbean Hotspot Project, a bold initiative changing how conservation is done across the Caribbean.
Link to the World Bank’s page on biodiversity.
Link to Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF).
The Caribbean Hotspot Project: A New Model
The Caribbean Hotspot Project, funded by the World Bank and executed by the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF), empowers local civil society organizations (CSOs) with direct funding. Rather than top-down mandates, this project trusts those who live closest to nature to lead the way.
Natalia Magradze, Project Team Leader and Senior Environmental Specialist, emphasized:
“Workshops like this are essential to ensure projects stay on track and facilitate peer learning.”
This inclusive and community-focused strategy sets a new global precedent in Caribbean Conservation.
Innovative Grassroots Projects
Local initiatives showcased during the project’s mid-term meeting illustrate how innovation and community empowerment go hand-in-hand.
Beekeeping in the Dominican Republic
In the buffer zones of Sierra de Bahoruco National Park, 40 women were trained in sustainable beekeeping and flora conservation. With 10 hectares of native trees planted, this effort supports both biodiversity and local livelihoods.
Saving the Ridgway’s Hawk
With fewer than 500 Ridgway’s Hawks left in the wild, the Peregrine Fund and Fondo Peregrino are executing a 10-year recovery plan focused on habitat restoration and community education.
Link to conservation groups like The Peregrine Fund or official endangered species listings such as IUCN Red List.
Climate Risk Mapping in St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Volunteer group JEMS has empowered six watersheds with tools for climate risk mapping, helping communities prepare for disasters like Hurricane Beryl.
“If you focus on people… they become protectors of natural resources.” – Dr. Andrew Simmons, JEMS
Bird-Friendly Coffee Farming
In partnership with SOH Conservación, Dominican coffee farmers have planted over 34,000 trees and embraced bird-friendly techniques. These methods not only conserve avian habitats but also yield higher market prices for coffee beans.
Civil Society: The Heart of Caribbean Conservation
Civil society organizations are proving indispensable in advancing Caribbean Conservation:
- Deep local ties allow them to build trust and implement sustainable practices.
- Continuity ensures long-term project success.
- Grassroots perspective leads to more adaptable and relevant solutions.
“They are on the frontlines, working for lasting biodiversity gains.” – Natalia Magradze
This trust in local leadership is what distinguishes the Caribbean Hotspot Project from traditional conservation approaches.
The Power of Regional Collaboration
This project spans seven Caribbean countries, creating a regional network of environmental champions. Despite geographical and political barriers, workshops like the one in Santo Domingo are breaking down walls.
“Bringing people together in a regional workshop overcomes barriers and builds alliances,” says Jack Tordoff, CEPF.
Benefits of Regional Collaboration:
- Shared knowledge and practices
- Resource pooling
- Greater scale and impact
- Faster implementation of successful models
Looking Ahead: A Blueprint for Sustainable Change
As the Caribbean Hotspot Project enters its next phase, efforts will focus on:
- Cross-border cooperation
- Capacity building in climate adaptation
- Sustainable livelihoods expansion
This multi-faceted strategy sets a blueprint for Caribbean Conservation efforts worldwide.
Conclusion: Why Caribbean Conservation Matters
From Ridgway’s Hawks to coffee farmers, Caribbean Conservation is showing what’s possible when local communities take the lead. The Caribbean Hotspot Project is more than a conservation initiative—it’s a movement of people reclaiming their land and future.
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