The 26th RedLAC Congress presented by the Sandals Foundation concluded last week in Saint Lucia, marking a historic first for the Caribbean island as host of the premier annual gathering of environmental funds from Latin America and the Caribbean. Over 200 delegates, representing 34 conservation trust funds and 25 countries, convened from October 7 to 10 at the Sandals Grande St. Lucian Spa & Beach Resort, where they shared strategies, explored new opportunities, and strengthened their commitment to achieving the 30x30x30 global conservation targets.

Held under the theme "30x30x30: The Path to 2030," the congress focused on advancing the region’s collective efforts toward protecting 30% of terrestrial and marine ecosystems by 2030. This landmark goal, set during the 2022 UN Biodiversity Conference (COP15), remains a focal point in the Caribbean's response to climate change, habitat degradation, and biodiversity loss.

Karen McDonald Gayle, CEO of the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund (CBF), reflected on the significance of the event, stating, "Bringing many RedLAC delegates to the Caribbean, particularly to a small island like Saint Lucia, has been an enriching experience for all. The discussions we’ve had over the past few days highlight both the progress we've made and the steps we need to take as we work together to meet the 30x30 targets."

Key Highlights of RedLAC 2024:

Keynote Addresses: Notable speeches included an opening keynote by Professor Dale Webber, a leading Caribbean coastal ecologist, and a closing address by former Saint Lucian Sustainable Development Minister, Dr. James Fletcher, who emphasized the critical links between the 30x30 conservation goal and the global climate goal of keeping temperature rises below 1.5°C.

Marine Health Alliance (MHA) Launch: The Saint Lucia Hospitality and Tourism Association (SLHTA) and the Saint Lucia National Conservation Fund (SLUNCF) launched the Marine Health Alliance—a collaborative effort to safeguard Saint Lucia’s coastal ecosystems through sustainable tourism practices and environmental protection.

Ecosystem-Based Adaptation (EbA) Grants: The CBF announced its fifth round of ecosystem-based adaptation grants, totaling USD 15.5 million, aimed at enhancing coastal and marine resilience across the Caribbean.

Partnership Building: Panels and workshops during the congress focused on fostering collaboration between conservation funds, local communities, private sector entities, and international organizations. These discussions highlighted the importance of aligning financial mechanisms with sustainable development and conservation priorities.

In his closing keynote, Dr. Fletcher delivered a call to action, drawing attention to the "twin crises" of biodiversity loss and climate change. He urged participants to incorporate climate action into their conservation strategies, emphasizing the role of community education and engagement in driving successful outcomes.

Looking Ahead to COP16 and RedLAC 2025

With the UN Biodiversity Conference (COP16) set to take place later this month in Colombia, the RedLAC Congress served as an important primer for the region’s participation in global biodiversity negotiations. Delegates expressed optimism that the ideas discussed in Saint Lucia will gain further traction at COP16, as the Caribbean and Latin American conservation trust funds push to amplify their impact on the world stage.

As the congress closed, Chile was officially announced as the host of RedLAC’s 27th Congress in 2025. Representatives from the Chile Nature Fund shared their excitement for next year’s event, which will take place against the backdrop of the country’s rich biodiversity and natural beauty.

The 2024 RedLAC Congress was hosted by the Saint Lucia National Conservation Fund with support from the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund and RedLAC in partnership with Sandals Foundation. Other event partners include the BRIDGE Project, Enduring Earth, Belize Fund for a Sustainable Future, The Nature Conservancy, Visit Saint Lucia, Conservation International, Blue Nature Alliance, the PEW Charitable Trusts and Heineken Saint Lucia