In the sun-drenched buffer zones of the Sierra de Bahoruco National Park in the Dominican Republic, a batch of honey sells out within hours every time it’s posted online. This isn’t just a testament to its sweet, golden allure — it’s a sign of a deeper transformation happening across the Caribbean.
From beekeeping and bird-friendly coffee to climate risk mapping and endangered species protection, the Caribbean Hotspot Project, funded by the World Bank and implemented by the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF), is redefining how conservation is done: by uniting nature and community development.
Beekeeping for Biodiversity in the Dominican Republic
In one shining example, 40 local women near Sierra de Bahoruco National Park have been trained in beekeeping and native tree conservation. Together, they’ve planted over 10 hectares of flora vital for pollinators and are now using modern equipment to scale up honey production.
What started as an environmental initiative has become a powerful economic engine — proving that sustainable livelihoods and conservation can thrive together. Plans are now underway for a payments-for-ecosystem-services scheme, rewarding communities for their environmental stewardship.
Bird-Friendly Coffee: A Win for Farmers and Forests
High in the Dominican Republic’s coffee-growing highlands, SOH Conservación is working with over 56 farmers to produce premium shade-grown, Bird Friendly® certified coffee. More than 34,000 native trees have been planted across 30 hectares, creating habitats for migratory birds while securing better market prices for local growers.
The results? Local coffee producers are now exporting to Japan, Europe, and the U.S. at premium prices. With the support of certification specialists funded by the project, this model is set for long-term success, all while preserving the island’s rich biodiversity.
Saving the Ridgway’s Hawk: Conservation with a Cause
Once on the brink of extinction, the Ridgway’s Hawk now has a fighting chance. Through a 10-year conservation plan by The Peregrine Fund and Fondo Peregrino, supported by CEPF, 125–150 hawk pairs are now monitored and protected in Los Haitises National Park.
Beyond the fieldwork, ten surrounding communities have been engaged in outreach programs, helping people understand the hawk’s importance. A proposed special protection law may soon grant the species legal recognition and declare May 25 as Ridgway’s Hawk Day — a vital step in building national pride and awareness.
Climate Resilience in St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Climate change poses a major threat to the Caribbean, but communities in St. Vincent and the Grenadines are taking proactive steps. Local NGO JEMS has led efforts to develop a 30-layer GIS climate and conservation risk map for six mountain communities, training residents to assess and respond to environmental threats.
When Hurricane Beryl hit in July 2024, these communities were better prepared — a powerful proof of concept. JEMS also helped establish a Climate Change Association, equipping locals with the tools to mobilize quickly in emergencies and shape their own sustainable future.
Island-Wide Action Plans for Endangered Species
Across five Caribbean islands, CEPF is supporting Conservation Action Plans (CAPs) for nine critically endangered species — from the Antiguan Racer to the Saint Lucia Whiptail. The Jamaican Blackbird is the first to benefit from a fully implemented plan, with others soon to follow.
Led by Re:wild, these CAPs emphasize cross-island collaboration, local capacity building, and technical conservation actions. They’re also the foundation for the newly launched Caribbean Species Conservation Action Network (CSCAN), a regional platform that promotes knowledge sharing and amplifies conservation success stories.
A Future Built on Community Empowerment
At its heart, the Caribbean Hotspot Project is more than just environmental protection. It’s a people-first approach to conservation. By funding civil society organizations (CSOs) with grants and training, the initiative has unlocked the power of local action.
With $13.9 million in funding and a reach spanning 32 biodiversity hotspots in 7 countries, the project is a blueprint for sustainable development — one where local voices lead the charge, and communities build both ecological resilience and economic opportunity.
Natalia Magradze, team leader of the project at the World Bank, calls it “a promising model for biodiversity conservation and community empowerment.” And with each successful initiative — from honey farms to hawk habitats — that promise is turning into reality.
Preserving Paradise, One Community at a Time
At Caribbean Escape Realty, we believe in a future where investing in the Caribbean means protecting its natural beauty and empowering its people. These stories show that conservation doesn’t have to be a sacrifice — it can be a pathway to prosperity.
Whether you’re looking to invest, relocate, or simply explore the region, know that your journey supports a broader vision: a Caribbean where people and nature thrive together.
