On June 26, 2023, a significant milestone was reached in the Caribbean as Saint Lucia established its national conservation caucus--the first in the region.
On June 26, 2023, a significant milestone was reached in the Caribbean as Saint Lucia established its national conservation caucus--the first in the region. This historic event took place at the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Environmental Sustainability Conference at the Bay Gardens Hotel in Saint Lucia. The conference, which was hosted by the OECS in partnership with ICCF and the European Union, included a Sustainable Financing Forum, the Validation of the COM:ES Roadmap to 2030, a Partnership Springboard, and an OECS Regional Conservation Caucus meeting. Participants included policymakers, technical officials, development partners, and invited stakeholders and was a prelude to the 10th Council of Ministers Meeting on Environmental Sustainability (COM:ES-10) which was held in Anguilla in July 2023.
The delegation from Saint Lucia, which established the caucus, included Hon. Shawn Edward, Minister for Education, Innovation, Science, Technology, Vocational Training and Sustainable Development; Senate President Hon. Alvina Reynolds; and Hon. Lisa Cassandra Jawahir, Government Senator. Other signatories to the Saint Lucia National Conservation Caucus (SLUCC) were Senators Allison Jean, Kaygianna Toussaint-Charlery, Dominic Fedee, Noorani Azeez, and Alfred Prospere-Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Rural Development.
Through collaborative efforts, the bipartisan SLUCC seeks to address environmental challenges and promote the conservation of natural resources in Saint Lucia.
The integration of conservation initiatives into national policies and practices will safeguard the country’s unique biodiversity, mitigate climate change impacts, and foster sustainable economic growth for present and future generations. The signatories, driven by their expertise and dedication to environmental sustainability, will work together to develop innovative policies, initiatives, and partnerships. Through dialogue and cooperation, they will tackle environmental challenges, protect natural resources, and create a sustainable future for the people of Saint Lucia.
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