Antigua and Barbuda is moving closer to establishing a formal parliamentary conservation caucus, following the presentation of preliminary findings from a regional environmental programme to government officials.
According to Antigua News Room, the International Conservation Caucus Foundation (ICCF), through the University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus (UWI FIC), recently presented findings from its Advancing Conservation in the Eastern Caribbean Programme to Minister of Health, Wellness, Environment and Civil Service Affairs, Hon. Michael Joseph, and Mr. Jaabari Reynolds, Biodiversity Focal Point within the Department of Environment.
The UWI FIC delegation was led by Dr. Branson Belle, Executive Director of the Centre of Excellence for Oceanography and Blue Economy, and Dr. Christopher Waters.
The programme aims to strengthen political commitment to environmental conservation by supporting the creation of bipartisan parliamentary conservation caucuses across Eastern Caribbean nations. Saint Lucia, Grenada, and Suriname have already completed the programme and established non-partisan caucuses of their own.
Antigua and Barbuda is now poised to join these regional counterparts. The UWI FIC team is concluding bilateral consultations with key stakeholders ahead of a national validation workshop scheduled for 22 July at the Department of Environment. The workshop will be held in two sessions to facilitate broad stakeholder participation and promote a Whole of Society approach to environmental conservation and sustainable development.
Minister Joseph welcomed the initiative, emphasising the need for coordinated action in the face of climate change.
"The effects of climate change are far-reaching and touch every aspect of our lives. Addressing these challenges requires a coordinated Whole of Society approach that brings together government, civil society, the private sector, academia and our communities. Initiatives such as this are essential in strengthening our national commitment to conservation while fostering innovation and building resilience for future generations," the Minister said.
The Advancing Conservation in the Eastern Caribbean Programme is expected to provide a framework for enhanced parliamentary engagement in environmental policy and strengthen regional cooperation in advancing biodiversity conservation and climate resilience.
