CARIBBEANCHALLENGEINITIATIVEGovernment and private sector leadership to protect and sustainably manage the Caribbean’smarine and coastal environment

(CCI)

For the first time in history, visionary leaders of Caribbean governments have come

together with responsible business leaders to take collaborative action to protect

and sustainably manage their marine and coastal environment. A growing number of

partners—such as funders and non-governmental organizations—are rallying around this

effort, providing financial and technical support.

This ambitious and collaborative effort is known as the Caribbean Challenge Initiative (CCI). At the heart of this Initiative are two overarching, time-bound goals:

1 20-by-20 Goal In each participating country and territory, to effectively conserve and manage at least 20 percent of the region’s marine and coastal environment by 2020.

2 SuStainable Finance Goal To achieve the “20 by 20” Goal, to have in place fully functioning sustainable finance mechanisms that will provide long-term and reliable funding to conserve and sustainably manage the marine and coastal resources and environment in each participating country and territory.

Achieving these goals, through public-private partnerships and other means, can help

to ensure a prosperous economy and a sustainable future for the Caribbean region,

benefiting this and future generations.

Goals of CCi

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“We are charting a path for future generations.” Dr. the right honourable Keith C. MitChell, PriMe Minister of grenaDa

organizations and agencies that attended the first cci Summit of Political and business leaders (see page 5)

Carbon War Room (CWR)*

Caribbean Biodiversity Fund (CBF)

Caribbean Community Climate Change Center (CCCCC)

CARIBSAVE

Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) Secretariat*

European Commission

Global Island Partnership (GLISPA)*

Global Environment Facility (GEF) Secretariat*

Government of Germany*

Government of Italy*

Government of the United Kingdom

Green VI

InMatt Foundation

International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN)

Island Resources Foundation

Jost Van Dyke Preservation Society

The Moore Charitable Foundation*

Oak Foundation

Oceans5 Foundation Consortium

Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS)

Specially Protected Areas and Wildlife Protocol Regional Activity Center (SPAW-RAC)

The Nature Conservancy*

United Nations Development Program (UNDP)

United Nations Environment Program - Caribbean Environment Program

(UNEP-CEP)*

World Bank

Waitt Foundation

William J. Clinton Foundation

PartiCiPatinG Governments & ComPanies

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Bamboo Sushi

Disney Cruise Line

GOOD Corps

Grupo Propagas

Grupo PuntaCana

Guy Harvey Sportswear

Hublot

KOR Water

NRG Energy

Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines Ltd

Sandals Resorts International

Starwood Hotels & Resorts

Tiffany & Co.

Tropical Shipping

Virgin Group

CCI CompAnIes

nine governments and 15 companies have joined the CCI (as of may 2014).

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BRITISH VIRGINISLANDS(U.K.)

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SAINT VINCENTAND THE GRENADINES

SAINT KITTSAND NEVIS

SAINTLUCIA

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BAHAMAS

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JAMAICA

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* Organizations who have provided support to the CCI.

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�Tourism�generates��US�$25B�annually,��6�million�jobs�and�50%�of��total�income.

25�million�tourists�visit��each�year.�

�Marine�life�attracts�60%�of�the�world’s�scuba�divers.

Coral�reefs�and�coastal�mangroves�protect�coastal�communities��from�storm�damage.

Fisheries�provide�US�$400M�of�revenues,�livelihoods�and��food�security��for�millions.�

Total�annual�value�of�Caribbean�coral�reefs�is�estimated�at�approximately�US�$2B�

Dying�reefs�are�unable�to�support�fish�life.

Reefs�have�lost�their�ability�to�reduce�the�impacts�of�storms�on�coastal�communities.

Marine�biodiversity�has�declined.�

Important�commercial�fisheries�have�been�depleted.

75%�of�coral�reefs�across�the�Caribbean�currently�face�medium�or�high�levels�of�threat.�

�70%�of�the�beaches�in�the�region�are�eroding�at�a�significant�rate.

Unsustainable�tourism�development�can�result�in�loss�and�degradation�of�critical�marine�and�coastal�ecosystems.�

All�major�commercially�important�fishery�species�are��“fully�developed”��or�“over-exploited”.

The�Caribbean�region�is�one�of�the�most�biologically�rich�marine�ecosystems�in�the�Atlantic�Ocean.� Home�to�1,400�species�of�fish�and�marine�mammals

Possesses�10%�of�the�world’s�coral�reefs�and�extensive�mangrove�forests

current impacts in recent years, the marine environment has suffered a dramatic decline in biodiversity and vitality.

Benefits the caribbean sea is the main source of food and livelihoods for more than half of the region’s 39 million people, who mostly live along the coastline. for many, the caribbean region with its 37 countries and overseas territories, vibrant coral reef systems, exotic marine life and abundant seafood, represent paradise.

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WE HAVE REACHED A CRITICAL CROSSROADS FOR ACTION!

mAy 2013 summIT ouTComesTo accelerate regional marine conservation action in the Caribbean, a second phase of CCi was launched at the summit of Caribbean Political and business leaders during may 17 – 18, 2013, in the British virgin Islands. The event brought together—for the first time—government leaders from Caribbean countries and territories, business leaders of companies some with operations in the region, and key partners (e.g. development partners, multilateral agencies, private foundations, and ngos) to agree on a shared vision for the region’s marine and coastal environment and to chart a course of action.

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Dr. The Right Hon. Keith C. Mitchell, Prime Minister of Grenada

Dr. the Hon D. Orlando Smith, OBE, Premier of the British Virgin Islands

Sir Richard Branson, Founder and CEO of the Virgin Group

MAy 2013 SUMMIT CO-HOSTS

LEADERS DECLARATION

(signed by 9 Caribbean governments)

CORPORATE COMPACT

(signed by 15 companies)

SUMMIT COMMUNIqUé

(signed by the 3 Summit co-hosts)

actions:To achieve the two CCI goals, undertake a set of seven broad actions, covering:

1. National action plans

2. Marine protected areas

3. Ecosystem restoration

4. Sustainable fisheries

5. Sustainable tourism

6. Ecosystem-based adaptation to climate change

7. Marine pollution

actions:The 20-by-20 Goal and broad actions in the Leaders Declaration were endorsed.

Create a set of business-specific principles were also endorsed (e.g. “we will change business practices as necessary, engage our value chain to do the same, and be a leading voice in our industry”).

actions:1. The urgent need to create

protection for sharks and rays across the Caribbean region, with the aim of protecting within two years

2. Establish a clear regulatory framework that delivers a systemic and regional approach to conservation of the marine and coastal environment, including increasing considerably the number of marine protected areas

3. Accelerate the transition from fossil fuels to alternative energy sources over the next five years

“We, the Leaders recognize that the Caribbean region is intrinsically linked to the sustainability of the Caribbean’s marine and coastal resources, and that investing in this is an investment in our economic future.”

—leaDers DeClaration, 17 May 2013

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FINANCIAL COMMITMENTSA total of US $75 million of funding commitments were announced, covering existing and new projects. Commitments were announced by: European Commission, GEF, Germany,

NRG Energy, Sandals Resorts International, The Nature Conservancy and the UK.

CONSERVATION COMMITMENTSSpeeches by Caribbean governments and companies contained specific conservation commitments, such as:

the government of bahamas approved the final draft of legislation to establish the Bahamas Protected Areas Fund (BPAF)—a trust fund to provide reliable and long-term funding to support CCI.

The government of Jamaica will protect 25% of its marine environment by 2020.

the government of the british Virgin islands adopted a Protected Areas System Plan, which calls for 33% of the marine and coastal environment to be protected.

grupo Puntacana will host training workshops for coral restoration and other marine-related themes in the Dominican Republic.

sandals resorts international will continue to support management of four fish sanctuaries in Jamaica, provide financial support for sea turtle conservation in Antigua and Jamaica, and reduce pollution from waste water and runoff from its operations.

mAy 2013 summIT ouTComes (ConTInued)

“We join the Caribbean Challenge Initiative as an historic and ambitious effort to protect at least 20 percent of the marine and

coastal environment of the Caribbean by 2020. This requires immediate action at all levels, by all of us: businesses across all

sectors, governments, civil society and citizens. We also call upon other companies to sign this Corporate Compact and join the

Caribbean Challenge Initiative. Delay in action is not an option.”—CorPorate CoMPaCt, 17 May 2013

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A new sustainable finance architecture is being established to support the CCI and composed of a set of trust funds.

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INITIAL DONORS

INVESTMENTMANAGER

CBFSECRETARIAT

ENDOWMENTFUNDS

*At this time overseas territories that are a part of the CCI are unable to receive funding from the CBF.

CARIBBEANBIODIVERSITY

FUNDSThe CBF will channel funding each year

to national trust funds established in CCI countries.*

National trust funds will set up vertical agreements with the CBF as the basis for receiving CBF resources.

BOARD OFDIRECTORS

OTHER FUNDSTrust funds can serve as magnets

to attract other public and

private sources of funding.

LOCAL LEVEL PROJECTSExamples of on-the-ground projects to be funded could include: declaration of new protected areas,

actions to strengthen existing protected areas, sustainable fisheries and sustainable coastal tourism projects.

NATIONAL TRUST FUNDCountries have made solid progress in establishing trust funds.

The Nature Conservancy (TNC)

US $8M

Germany (BMZ-KfW)

US $26M

Global Environment Facility (GEF)

US $7.95M

PURPOSEThe CBF is a legally established UK-based charity designed to provide long term and reliable funding. It seeks to promote, for the benefit of the public, the conservation, protection, management and expansion of national protected area systems and other areas of environmental significance of participating geographies. Efforts are underway to grow the CBF. Both public and private sources of funding will be explored. Fund raising efforts for the CBF will complement and not compete with national fundraising efforts or fundraising for national and territory trust funds.

CArIBBeAn BIodIversITy Fund(CBF)

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“Protecting our natural resources is one of the biggest opportunities

of our lifetime, and nowhere is it moreevident than in the Caribbean.”

—sir riCharD branson, founDer anD Ceo of the Virgin grouP

NATIoNAl CoNservATIoN TrusT fuNds (NCTfs)

PURPOSENCTFs are being designed as mechanisms that can award grants to government and non-government entities, in order to support national protected area systems and other areas of environmental significance.

OPERATIONSEach fund will establish some procedure for periodically soliciting grant proposals, screening / reviewing such proposals, and awarding grants based on agreed criteria, strategic plans, etc.

STRUCTUREConsistent with internationally recognized best practices, national trust funds are being set up outside of government structures, with multi-stakeholder boards (i.e. government and non-government members). Some trust funds are being established through new legislation, while others are being established through alternative mechanisms (e.g. non-profit organization under the Companies Act).

CCitimeline

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May 2008 May 2008 - May 2013 June 2009

launch of Phase i

* CCI launched during the COP-9 meeting of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in Germany.

* The Bahamas, the Dominican Republic, Grenada, Jamaica and St. Vincent and the Grenadines make initial commitments to protect at least 20% of near-shore marine and coastal environment by 2020.

implementation of Phase i

* The British Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, St. Kitts and Nevis and St. Lucia join the Initiative.

* Several funding projects implemented to support CCI, including GEF projects in The Bahamas, Jamaica, Dominican Republic and Eastern Caribbean, as well as, an Italian Government funded project focused on marine protected areas (MPAs) and sustainable finance.

* Over 50 new marine and coastal protected areas established, increasing the total marine area under protection across participating countries and territories from 7% to 10%.

CariCoM endorsement

* CCI endorsed at 30th CARICOM Heads of Government Summit in Guyana.

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SePteMber2012 May 2013 May 2013 -

PreSentGoinG

Forward

Caribbean biodiversity

fund (Cbf)

established

* US $42M of initial financial commitments by Germany (BMU - KFW), Global Environment Facility and The Nature Conservancy, towards the CBF.

Phase ii launched at summit of

CCi Caribbean Political

and business leaders

* Approximately 150 people attend the Summit on Necker Island in the British Virgin Islands and a coalition of governments, companies, partners pledge support for the CCI.

* Approximately US $75M in new funding commitments to support CCI announced.

* 9 CCI governments sign a Leaders Declaration and 15 companies sign a Corporate Compact containing historic commitments.

* CCI expanded to include private sector participation.

implementation of Phase ii

* In October 2013, the CCI and Carbon War Room (CWR) hold a joint workshop exploring renewal energy transition and protection for sharks and rays in the Caribbean.

* In November 2013, Dr. The Right Hon. Keith C. Mitchell, Prime Minister of Grenada, formally agrees to host a Permanent CCI Secretariat in Grenada for an initial two years.

* In April 2014, a preliminary Strategic Plan for Phase II completed and approved by governments.

* CCI countries and territories moving ahead with actions on marine and coastal conservation.

Coordination mechanisms and next CCi

summit by 2016

* Establishment of CCI coordination mechanisms (permanent CCI Secretariat, CCI Council, extended CCI Secretariat and local implementation committees) by mid-2014.

* Completion of National and Territory CCI Action Plans in 2014.

* Establishment of Financing Roundtable and first meeting of CCI Council, a CCI support mechanism comprised of representatives from governments, partners and companies, by early 2015.

“It is important to work together—as a region and across sectors— to tackle the pressing and interlinked issues of marine and coastal conservation,

renewable energy and economic development. We recognized that we can’t have one without the other, and that we can’t do it alone or in isolation from our neighbors. We acknowledge that the solutions are not necessarily easy;

they require political will, business investment, innovation and system-wide solutions. We agreed to work to break barriers on both sides.”

—suMMit CoMMuniqué, 17 May 2013

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How governmenTs & CompAnIes CAn joIn CCI:

wAys pArTners CAn pArTICIpATe In CCI:

For more InFormATIonPlease contact the caribbean challenge initiative Secretariat

cci_zoho@secretariat.com

www.caribbeanchallengeinitiative.org

HOW TO GET INVOLVED

CArIbbeAN GoverNmeNTsA letter from the head of

government or relevant minister stating the government’s formal

endorsement of the Framework for Action in the Leaders Declaration

CompANIesA letter from the CEO or relevant senior representative stating the

company’s formal endorsement of the Corporate Compact

1.Provide financial

or technical support for

implementation of the CCI Goals.

2.Participate in national and territory trust

funds.

3.Participate in

multi-stakeholder processes to

shape the CCI Action Plans in countries and

territories.

4.Participate in

on-the-ground projects to

implement the CCI Goals.