Strengthening Caribbean Conservation Efforts Through Gender-Inclusive Approaches

The Caribbean Biodiversity Fund (CBF), in partnership with Cuso International and supported by Global Affairs Canada (GAC), has launched the Caribbean Organizations for a Resilient Environment (CORE) Project, a major initiative aimed at bolstering biodiversity conservation and climate resilience across the Caribbean. This ambitious project focuses on empowering National Conservation Trust Funds (NCTFs) in eight Caribbean countries: Belize, Jamaica, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, and Suriname.

The CORE Project will address pressing environmental challenges by enhancing the effectiveness of NCTFs. These conservation funds play a crucial role in conserving natural resources and mitigating the effects of climate change in the region. The CORE Project aims to strengthen their capacities through both on-the-ground actions and strategic support. A key aspect of the project is its commitment to integrating inclusive gender responsive (IGR) approaches, ensuring that gender equality is a fundamental component of conservation and climate adaptation strategies.

A significant milestone for the CORE Project is the arrival of the first Cuso International volunteer in Jamaica on September 9, 2024, for a one-year placement. Magenta Hayne, a seasoned gender specialist, will be serving as the Gender Advisor for the National Conservation Trust Fund of Jamaica (NCTFJ). Her role will involve providing technical assistance to enhance the NCTFJ’s gender mainstreaming efforts, ensuring that gender considerations are woven into all aspects of their conservation work.

Magenta brings a wealth of experience and expertise in gender equality, and her appointment marks a crucial step forward in the CORE Project’s mission to foster more inclusive and effective environmental conservation practices. Her involvement underscores the project’s commitment to not only addressing environmental challenges but also promoting equitable and sustainable development across the region.

Through its innovative approach and dedicated personnel like Magenta, the CORE Project, aims to make a meaningful impact in tackling biodiversity loss and climate change. By strengthening the NCTFs and embedding gender-responsive strategies into conservation efforts, the project is setting a new standard for resilience and inclusivity in the Caribbean.