The Caribbean Biodiversity Fund (CBF), through its partnership with the Sustainable Island Resource Framework (SIRF) Fund, met today with the Minister of Health, Wellness, Environment, and Civil Service Affairs, Sir Molwyn Joseph, to discuss critical next steps in advancing conservation financing and climate resilience initiatives for Antigua and Barbuda.
The meeting formed part of the CBF’s official mission to Antigua and Barbuda, August 28–29, 2025, aimed at strengthening collaboration on the process of the SIRF Fund transitioning to the National Conservation Trust Fund (NCTF) for Antigua and Barbuda. This transition marks a significant milestone in deepening efforts to secure long-term sustainable financing for biodiversity conservation and climate resilience across the twin-island state.
During the engagement, the CBF team highlighted the importance of developing an NGO Window, which will enable civil society organizations and other local stakeholders in Antigua and Barbuda to directly access resources dedicated to biodiversity and climate resilience. The initiative builds on strong government support already extended to the SIRF Fund, reinforcing Antigua and Barbuda’s leadership role in sustainable development across the region.
Minister Joseph commended the work of the CBF and SIRF Fund in strengthening national capacity for climate action and reiterated the Government’s commitment to ensuring that biodiversity protection and climate resilience remain at the forefront of Antigua and Barbuda’s development agenda.
Also in attendance were Junior Minister Senator Michael Joseph, Director of the Department of Environment, Diann Black-Layne, and Ambassador Ruleta Camacho, and other technicians from the Department of Environment who expressed their support for the partnership and emphasized the importance of coordinated efforts to advance Antigua and Barbuda’s environmental and resilience goals.
The discussions also focused on finalizing partnership arrangements and clarifying next steps regarding Cabinet submissions under consideration, further solidifying the strategic collaboration between the Ministry, the CBF, and the SIRF Fund.