Abstract

Within the Caribbean, there is an abundance of data collected by state, non-governmental and academic agencies on marine and terrestrial protected areas (PAs). However, the region continues to be challenged in its capacity to translate captured data into collective knowledge that can inform actions on biodiversity conservation, while providing socioeco-nomic and cultural benefits for those whose livelihoods depend on these natural resources. A regional approach to this challenge is being facilitated by the Biodiversity and Protected Areas Management (BIOPAMA) Programme (2017-2023), a global programme implemented by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), which aims to improve the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources in PAs and surrounding communities within the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group. IUCN is working with the University of the West Indies to reinforce effective management of biodiversity and governance of PAs within the 15 Caribbean member states. The response is being driven mainly through the Caribbean Protected Areas Gateway (Caribbean Gateway), a regional centre for research and innovation that interprets and shares data to understand, predict and communicate phenom-ena in a changing environment. Natural disaster preparation and response; ecosystem valuations; the identification, collection, storage, assimilation and sharing of data; are among the conservation priorities identified for the Caribbean Gateway. BIOPAMA will also address capacity building to improve decision-making and prioritization of resource allocation in biodiversity and protected area management and governance; and provide financial support, via a competitive process, for site-based targeted conservation actions by local and regional projects.

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