The Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), in partnership with the European Union (EU) and the ICCF Group, hosted an Environmental Sustainability Conference at the Bay Gardens Hotel in Saint Lucia from June 13-15, using a hybrid modality.
The future of the Caribbean region – both socially and economically – depends heavily on the conservation and proper management of the environment. The Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), in partnership with the European Union (EU) and the ICCF Group, hosted an Environmental Sustainability Conference at the Bay Gardens Hotel in Saint Lucia from June 13-15, using a hybrid modality. The theme for the conference was, "Position OECS SIDS for Accelerated and Sustainable Transformation."
Dr. Jamie Cavelier, Vice President for Strategic Partnerships at ICCF Group and former Senior Biodiversity Specialist at the Global Environment Facility (GEF), provided keynote remarks, noting:
"It is in the interest of governments to realize that funding for nature is an investment, not an expense." He added that if investments in natural capital are not made right now, the social and economic costs increase in the future and will, “disproportionately impact the poor women and children … Investments made now will reduce resource requirements in the future."
On the final day of the meeting, the ICCF Group hosted the inaugural OECS Regional Conservation Caucus Co-Chairs meeting, during which parliamentarians from four OECS Member States exchanged dialogue with counterparts from Africa, the UK, the U.S., and Latin America, as well as ICCF leadership, on shared issues and opportunities.
The caucus meeting culminated in the signing of the protocol to launch the Saint Lucia National Conservation Caucus by the following key signatories:
- Hon. Shawn Edward - Minister for Education, Innovation, Science, Technology, Vocational Training and Sustainable Development
- Hon. Alfred Prospere - Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Rural Development
- Hon. Alvina Reynolds - Senate President
- Hon. Lisa Cassandra Jewahir - Government Senator
- Hon. Allison Jean - Government Senator
- Hon. Kaygianna Toussaint-Charlery - Government Senator
- Hon. Dominic Fedee - Senate Leader of Opposition Business
- Hon. Noorani Azeez - Independent Senator
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