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: The United Nations Environment Programme 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.
PEC: the CEP is UNEP Regional Coordination Unit based in Kingston (Jamaica) is in charge of the implementation of the Cartagena Convention for the protection of marine habitats in the Wider Caribbean region. It covers 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)
CaMPAM: The Caribbean Marine Protected Area Management Network and Forum was created in 1997 and gather an important number of marine protected area managers to communicate and exchange information. CaMPAM currently hosts the largest regional marine protected area database
GCFI: The Gulf Caribbean Fisheries Institute manages CaMPAM funds and organises training programmes and meetings between marine protected area managers and fishing professionals.
WIDECAST: The Wider Caribbean Sea Turtle Conservation Network was created in 1981. This network, made up of associations and experts in approximately forty countries, aims at to facilitating the exchange of information and best practices, implementing research programmes and recovery plans, improving knowledge of migrations and nesting, and developing the corresponding regional database.
Fondation Mac-Arthur : this foundation has been, in the past few years, financially supporting actions in the Caribbean region in general for the protection of the environment and particularly marine habitats.
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.
World Commission on Protected Areas : the IUCN’s commission for the protection of natural areas mission is to promote the setting-up of an international representative network of terrestrial and marine protected areas.
Island Resources Foundation is an international organisation based in the British Virgin Islands implements programmes for environmental protection at an insular level.
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.
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.
FoPRoBiM 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 UICN to develop monitoring programs incorporating environmental protection and sustainable development. FoProBim is also working with its partners as SPAW RAC to create haitian marine protected areas.
Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society (WDCS) : The Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society is an important British NGO aiming to protect cetaceans and related species.
IInternational Funds for Animal Welfare (IFAW) : International Funds for Animal Welfare : The IFAW is 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.
Western Hemisphere Migratory Species Initiative : The Western Hemisphere Migratory Species Initiative is an important intergovernmental organisation aiming to improve the conservation of migratory species in America, by notably facilitating cooperation between governmental and NGO interests.
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.
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.
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.
Society for the Conservation and Study of Caribbean Birds : The Society for the Conservation and Study of Caribbean Birds was created in 1988, and 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 est une ONG internationale qui œuvre de manière générale pour la protection de la nature et des oiseaux en particulier. BirdLife offre de la même façon que SCSCB une expertise sur la conservation des oiseaux, la restauration, la protection et la gestion de leurs habitats et conditions de vie.
CAB 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.
Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance is a Dutch West Indies NGO created in 2005 which objective is to promote sustainable management practices for the fragile insular habitat of the Dutch caribbean and Aruba.
Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission, Sub-Commission for the Caribbean and Adjacent Regions (IOCARIBE) 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.
International Coral Reef Initiative: this initiative is an informal 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 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 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 is a US based NGO working toward the conservation of threatened aquatic species, particularly manatees and their habitat.