N.B.: the following list is far from exhaustive. It aims to present current Caribbean partners particularly involved in the implementation of the SPAW programme of work and mentioned in the latter. It does not detail the very large number of players working in each country, and probably overlooks partners working on a regional or international level. Please do not hesitate to report any important further information (Contact us section)!
UNEP: United Nations Environment Programme
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP, Programme des Nations Unies pour l'Environnement in French, Programa de las Naciones Unidas para el medio Ambiante PNUMA in Spanish) is an organisation created in 1972 aiming to:
- coordinate United Nations activities regarding environmental issues,
- assist countries in the implementation of environmental policies,
- encourage sustainable development.
These activities cover a large range of issues. From the protection of terrestrial and atmospheric ecosystems to the promotion of environmental sciences, it also finds means of prevention and quick solutions to environmental disasters.
It plays a catalyst, defensive, educational and facilitative role, working to promote the sensible use and sustainable development of the environment throughout the world.
CEP (Caribbean Environment Programme): the CEP is the programme, which applies the Cartagena Convention for the protection of marine habitats in the wider Caribbean region. The UNEP Regional Coordination Unit based in Kingston (Jamaica) is in charge of the implementation of the CEP. It covers any Cartagena Convention’s secretarial duties and its three application protocols: land-based pollution (Land-based sources, LBS), hydrocarbon pollution (Oil spills), and specially protected areas and wildlife (SPAW)
UNEP HAITI: the United Nations Environment Programme branch in Haiti.
CaMPAM: Caribbean Marine Protected Area Management Network and Forum: created in 1997, this management network for Caribbean marine protected areas allows marine area managers to communicate and exchange information. CaMPAM currently hosts the largest regional marine protected area database
GCFI: Gulf Caribbean Fisheries Institute: the Regional Caribbean Fisheries Institute. The GCFI manages CaMPAM funds and organises training programmes and meetings between marine area managers and fishing professionals.
WIDECAST: Wider Caribbean Sea Turtle Conservation Network: This network was created in 1981 for the conservation of sea turtles in the wider Caribbean region. The main objectives of this network, made up of associations and experts in approximately forty countries, are to facilitate the exchange of information and best practices, implement research programmes and recovery plans, improve knowledge of migrations and nesting, and develop the corresponding regional database.
Mac-Arthur Foundation: this foundation has been, in the past few years, financially supporting actions in the Caribbean region for the protection of the environment in general and marine habitats in particular.
WW2BW: White Water to Blue Water: this American initiative aims to improve practices within the framework of an integrated approach concerning upstream catchment areas to improve and facilitate the management of downstream marine resources.
WCPA: World Commission on Protected Areas: the IUCN’s commission for the protection of natural areas. Its mission is to promote the setting-up of an international representative network of terrestrial and marine protected areas.
IUCN: International Union for Conservation of Nature: one of the main international Non-Governmental Organisations dedicated to nature conservation. The IUCN launched the Caribbean Initiative, in view of promoting the creation and management of adapted protected areas, to encourage more durable biodiversity conservation activities and practices, analyse the risks of endangerment or threats burdening species, etc.
IRF: Island Resources Foundation: This international organisation based in the British Virgin Islands implements programmes for environmental protection at an insular level.
NOAA: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration: this American agency is responsible for studying the ocean and atmosphere. This unit comes under the authority of the American Department of Trade. In partnership with the Marine Mammal Commission, it funds cetacean research projects in the Caribbean.
TNC: The Nature Conservancy: this important American NGO aims to preserve plants, animals and natural communities representing biological diversity in nature reserves, notably running The Caribbean Challenge initiative.
ECCN: Eastern Caribbean Cetacean Network: a cetaceous study and monitoring network for the entire Eastern Caribbean area.
FoProBiM: it is an Haitian foundation that aims to protect marine biodiversity in Haiti. Very involved on the field with local communities, it also works regularly with UNEP, UNDP and other large organizations such as the IUCN to develop programs combining environmental protection and sustainable development. FoProBiM also working with its partners, including the SPAW RAC to create the first marine protected areas Haitian.
WDCS: Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society: an important British NGO aiming to protect cetaceans and related species.
IFAW: International Funds for Animal Welfare: a longstanding and important Canadian international organisation that fights for animal protection and conservation. It has a special advisory status with the United Nations economic and social council.
WHMSI : Western Hemisphere Migratory Species Initiative: an important intergovernmental organisation aiming to improve the conservation of migratory species in America, by notably facilitating cooperation between governmental and NGO interests.
CARIBWhale: The Caribbean Whale Watchers Association: this young association works to preserve cetaceans and their habitats as well as promote an eco-responsible form of whale- and dolphin-watching.
ECCEA: Eastern Caribbean Coalition for Environmental Awareness: this important NGO develops sustainable conservation programmes on a regional level. It has an advisory role with the United Nations.
SCCN: Southern Caribbean Cetacean Network: this young organisation based in the Dutch Caribbean works within a network and looks to promote awareness, research and protection of marine mamals in the Caribbean Sea.
SCSCB: Society for the Conservation and Study of Caribbean Birds: created in 1988, this society is the largest NGO of its kind and leads various conservation, research and awareness actions throughout the region. It offers its expertise and advice to international organisations.
BirdLife International: this international NGO works to protect nature in general and birds in particular. Much like the SCSCB, BirdLife offers expertise on bird conservation, recovery, protection and management of habitats and environmental conditions for species.
CABI: CAB International (ex Commonwealth Agricultural Bureau): this international and intergovernmental organisation supplies information to all agricultural sectors on an international level. It notably coordinates a project for the prevention and fight against invasive alien species in the Caribbean.
DCNA: Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance: this Dutch West Indies NGO created in 2005 aims to promote sustainable management practices for the fragile insular habitat of the Dutch caribbean and Aruba.
IOCARIBE: Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission, Sub-Commission for the Caribbean and Adjacent Regions: this is the regional body for the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission responsible for the development and coordination of scientific programmes, sustainable seawater management, as well as awareness programmes – training for the populations concerned.
ICRI : International Coral Reef Initiative: this initiative is a network that brings together all stakeholders working towards the sustainable use and conservation of coral reefs for future generations. The ICRI notably ensures that developing countries can take advantage of funds to protect their coral reefs in a sustainable way.
REEF CHECK: It is an NGO based in the Dominican Republic which works on marine protection and public awareness. It regularly provides training to many users of the sea. REEF CHECK has coordinated in 2010 the last training of hispanic trainers of marine protected areas with the CaMPAM and the SPAW RAC and is currently working with it's partners including the SPAW RAC on development of regional strategy against the lionfish.
REEF: It is an American NGO founded in 1990 whose purpose is the protection of marine environments through training and capacity building for marine professionals (divers, scientists) and public awareness. REEF works among others with the SPAW RAC and currently preparing a handbook of best practices for use of professionals of the sea (marine protected area managers, scientists, divers...) to help them better understand and fight against the lionfish, and thus better control the invasion.
Sea to Shore Alliance: Sea to Shore Alliance is a US based NGO working toward the conservation of threatened aquatic species, particularly manatees and their habitat.