Biodiversity and Ecosystems

Biodiversity and Ecosystems Programme

Ma Kote Mangrove Forest (PSEPA) CCecil Sylvester CSaint Lucia National Trust

CEPF, IIF, Jamaican Rock Iguana (Cyclura collei) release, species conservation, Hellshire Hills, Portland Bight Protected Area (PBPA) Apr22

Facilitating the conservation, sustainable use and restoration of biodiversity and ecosystems in support of Caribbean social, cultural and economic development.

Protecting biodiversity and using natural resources sustainably is a core part of what we do. We are developing and sharing methods for managing biodiversity and ecosystems that align with national, regional, and international frameworks, including the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States Biodiversity and Ecosystems Framework (2020-2035) and the FAO Sub-Regional Strategy for Climate Resilience in the Forestry Sector (2019-2029).

Explore our latest projects focused on Biodiversity and Ecosystems

Haitian fellowship programme to strengthen sustainable livelihoods for biodiversity conservation (Yves Renard Fellowship Programme)

Biodiversity and Ecosystems, Civil Society and Governance, Haiti, Local Ecosystem Stewardship, Past Projects, Projects / March 25, 2025

Strengthening nature-based enterprises and livelihoods in support of the global environment facility-integrating water, land and ecosystems management in Caribbean small island developing states (GEF-IWEco)

Biodiversity and Ecosystems, Equity and Justice, Jamaica, Local Ecosystem Stewardship, Local Green-blue Enterprises, Past Projects, Saint Kitts And Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines / March 25, 2025

Capacity building and knowledge products to enhance the use and uptake of the national ecosysyem assessment of the tri-island state of Grenada, Carriacou and petite Martinique

Biodiversity and Ecosystems, Grenada, Local Ecosystem Stewardship, Past Projects, Projects, Resilience / March 25, 2025

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Why it matters
Sustainably managing Caribbean biodiversity and ecosystems is crucial for maintaining the natural resources and services that Caribbean livelihoods and economies depend on. Protecting biodiversity is also essential for building resilience to climate change, from rising sea levels and warming seas to the increasing frequency and intensity of storms and hurricanes. To address these challenges, holistic management approaches that operate on multiple scales and address multiple aspects are vital.

Our approach
Biodiversity conservation and sustainable use have always been central to CANARI’s mission. Since 2011, we’ve led numerous initiatives under our Forests, Livelihoods and Governance Programme and Coastal and Marine Livelihoods and Governance Programme. As part of our 2020-2030 Strategic Plan, we have unified these efforts under a Biodiversity and Ecosystems Programme, recognising the need for holistic approaches to tackle shared threats across coastal, marine, terrestrial, and now freshwater ecosystems.

Our work in Biodiversity and Ecosystems drives action and delivers measurable results aligned with national, regional, and international environmental frameworks, including the post-2020 targets of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We also align with regional strategies such as the CARICOM Biodiversity Strategy and the FAO Sub-Regional Strategy for Climate Resilience in the Forestry Sector and Associated Livelihoods in the Caribbean.

Our goal
To enhance environmental stewardship, strengthen capacities, and support institutional frameworks that lead to better conservation and sustainable use of the Caribbean’s biodiversity.

Key areas of focus

Local stewardship: Supporting communities in managing their natural resources.
Landscape management: Promoting management practices that consider entire landscapes.
Ecosystem protection and restoration: Protecting, managing, and restoring vital ecosystems.
Institutional strengthening: Enhancing frameworks, mechanisms, and knowledge-sharing efforts.

For more information on the Biodiversity and Ecosystems Programme contact Dr. Natalie Boodram at: [email protected]

Top photo: Hummingbird

Credit: CANARI