The Caribbean Natural Resources Institute (CANARI) is an independent technical institute dedicated to ensuring those who rely on renewable natural resources for their livelihoods and well-being have a say in how these resources are managed across the region. For more than 30 years, CANARI has been a persistent and influential voice for justice in the stewardship of natural resources across the Caribbean. Our work is deeply rooted in our mission, vision, and values.

We are working for a transformative shift in the way the region approaches development, to achieve the equity, wellbeing and resilience that are the basis for a healthy environment and long-term prosperity. We believe that shift is only possible when Caribbean people are empowered with the information, capacity and intra-regional and global linkages needed to transform systems and institutions.

Mission

Our mission is to promote and facilitate stakeholder participation and collaboration in the stewardship of natural resources in the Caribbean.

Vision

Empowered Caribbean people, with the information, capacity and intra-regional and global linkages needed to transform systems and institutions, are working together to deliver equity, wellbeing and resilience throughout the region.

Values

The values that inform the way we work to achieve our mission and vision are:

Equity:

• CANARI seeks to overcome structural discrimination and power imbalances based on economic status, gender, age, ethnicity, or beliefs, and to ensure fairness.

• We promote justice by supporting equitable access to and use of natural resources, restoration of natural capital that is the foundation of nature-based livelihoods, and protection of those most vulnerable to disasters and climate change.

• We value and respect all forms of knowledge, including traditional and local knowledge, as well as diversity in people, cultures, perspectives, languages, and social systems.

• We support empowerment through self-organisation and amplifying the voices of marginalised stakeholders.

Adaptability:

• CANARI focuses on building the resilience in social and ecological systems needed to adapt to changing conditions, with particular attention to the poor and vulnerable.

• We take a continuous learning, adaptive management approach to our work, and support the organisations we work with to become better prepared for change through greater flexibility and resilience.

Integrity:

• CANARI is committed to honesty, transparency and accountability in all our work and to meaningful partnerships and collaboration with others.

• We respect the rights of all stakeholders to participate in natural resource management. Building trust is an essential component of our work.

• We are accountable to all our stakeholders for results and processes and strive constantly to ensure a high standard of our work.