Abstract

The insular Caribbean is one of the biodiversity "Hot Spots" identified as priority for conservation worldwide, consist-ing of more than 7,000 islands, islets and cays. Its numerous endemic and migratory species dwelling in a fragmented geo-graphical context connected by marine currents, densely populated and with a long history of extractive use of the natural resources make the region a unique, while complex site for achieving conservation goals. This set of factors, at the same time, makes coordination of actions essential to achieve effective conservation and sustainable development. The Biologi-cal Corridor in the Caribbean (CBC) is a government initiative that attempts to address this challenge. With more than 10 years of work, CBC shows positive results while faces huge challenges. We present a summary of the principles on which the CBC initiative is based, and discusses the advances, successes and challenges facing the conservation of connectivity in the insular Caribbean. We discuss the need for a conceptual model based on the principles of socio-ecological networks, with actions beyond protected areas, while contributing to Aichi Targets and Sustainable Development Goals of the Greater Antilles. Our experience shows gaps in national policies for effective conservation of regional connectivity, while it demon-strates how an integrated and multinational cooperation approach is an effective tool for improving conservation effective-ness at a regional level.

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