Union Island Gecko (gonatodes daudini). Credit: Reptiles4All
The Caribbean Regional Implementation Team (RIT) for the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) is pleased to announce plans to expand the list of species prioritised for CEPF investment in the Caribbean Islands Biodiversity Hotspot. To support this process, the Caribbean Natural Resource Institute (CANARI) has launched a nomination process to identify additional species for inclusion in the CEPF investment priority list.
The current situation
The current list of prioritised species, outlined in Appendix 9 of the CEPF Caribbean Islands Ecosystem Profile, includes 138 species (75 animals and 63 plants). These species have been recognised as Critically Endangered (CR) or Endangered (EN) on the IUCN Global Red List. They are all single-island endemics that occur in one of the original 33 priority sites or islands such as Barbados and Grenada, known for their island-endemic species.
Why expand the list?
Since the Ecosystem Profile was prepared in 2019 and the original list in Appendix 9 compiled, there have been further IUCN species assessments, and the status of some species has been updated. Additionally, several stakeholders have petitioned for the inclusion of other species that may now meet the criteria for conservation funding under CEPF.
In response to these developments and recognising the evolving nature of biodiversity conservation, the Caribbean RIT has opened a nomination process to consider additional species for inclusion in Appendix 9. This is an opportunity to ensure that species whose conservation status has changed or those previously overlooked are now considered for CEPF funding.
New Key Biodiversity Areas
CEPF is also adding 11 new Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) to its list of priority sites for conservation. Species found in these newly recognised KBAs are now eligible for inclusion in the revised Appendix 9. This expansion broadens the scope for species conservation and helps ensure that critical ecosystems and species receive the attention they deserve.
Nomination criteria
CANARI is inviting stakeholders to participate in this nomination process. This is a unique opportunity to nominate species that meet the following criteria:
- Single-island endemic species
- Critically Endangered (CR) or Endangered (EN) status on the IUCN Global Red List
- Occurrence in one or more of the priority sites in the following countries: Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Nomination process
The process for expanding Appendix 9 is as follows:
- Stakeholder nominations for species: 17 – 28 March 2025 (Nominations close at 11.59 p.m.)
- Review of nominations by CEPF and experts/Advisory Committee: 31 March – 4 April 2025
- Notification of selected species: Week of 7 April 2025
Please note that nominations submitted after 11.59 p.m. on 28 March 2025 will not be considered.
How to submit nominations?
To submit a nomination, please use the online nomination form available here. Each species must be nominated using a separate form. Submissions will only be accepted via this form; email submissions will not be considered. The deadline for nominations is 11.59 p.m. on 28 March 2025, so please ensure your nominations are submitted on time.
Spread the word
Share this announcement with other conservation practitioners, stakeholders, and anyone interested in species conservation in the Caribbean. Together, we can ensure that the region’s most vulnerable species receive the attention they need.
Have questions?
If you have any questions or encounter any difficulties with the nomination form, please contact the CEPF Regional Implementation Team at CANARI via email at caribbeanrit@canari.org.