The Gilbert Agricultural and Rural Development Center (GARD Center) has concluded its stakeholder consultations on gender integration in Antigua and Barbuda’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) with a national validation workshop held at Sherlock Hall, Methodist Church Conference Centre, St. John’s, Antigua on 23 June 2026.

This national validation workshop presented findings to support the integration of gender considerations into Antigua and Barbuda’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan. The workshop marked the conclusion of an initiative supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and implemented by GARD Center. Three participants from Barbuda travelled to Antigua to take part in this session.

The session was supported by Peter Mokwe , a Gender Specialist from UNDP, and Ato Lewis , a Specialist from the Department of Environment. Both delivered remarks underscoring the importance of validating the findings, which will inform the development of the Gender and Biodiversity Action Plan.

The consultation was facilitated by Refica Attwood , assistant to the national consultant. She presented the findings and guided participants in identifying remaining gaps following the diagnosis. Participants also prioritized and ranked key gender and biodiversity issues, while identifying strategies and approaches for gender mainstreaming.

Feedback gathered during the consultation will contribute to the development of the Gender and Biodiversity Action Plan.

The organisers expressed appreciation to all participants for their valuable contributions to advancing inclusive and sustainable biodiversity planning in Antigua and Barbuda. They also encouraged those who were unable to attend the consultation to contribute to the national effort by contacting the GARD Center.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: GARD Wraps Up Biodiversity Consultation in Antigua and Barbuda.