barbudanGO proudly participated in the Commonwealth Blue Finance and Innovation event on Tuesday, 3 November 2026, at the John E. St. Luce Finance and Conference Centre in Antigua and Barbuda, showcasing the organisation’s community-led approach to ocean conservation and sustainable development in Barbuda.
The event brought together investors, governments, innovators and ocean leaders to explore how innovative financing and technology can accelerate ocean conservation, restoration and the sustainable use of marine resources across the Commonwealth.
barbudanGO was honoured to receive an invitation from Dr. Branson Belle, whose support created an opportunity for the organisation to bring Barbuda’s experiences and perspectives into this important regional and international conversation.
Representing the organisation, Pethrolyna Isaac Director of Environment and Rashella Webber Programme Manager hosted an exhibition booth highlighting its work in marine conservation, mangrove restoration, coastal resilience and community-based environmental initiatives. A key feature of the display was an interactive mangrove wave demonstration, offering visitors a visual representation of the role mangroves play in protecting coastlines and supporting healthy marine ecosystems.
The booth also provided an opportunity to raise awareness about coastal erosion at The Breach in Barbuda, where the changing coastline illustrates the urgent challenges facing vulnerable island communities. Through conversations and engagement with visitors, BarbudanGO highlighted the scale and pace of coastal change, including reported erosion rates of up to two feet per day. By bringing attention to The Breach, the organisation sought to encourage greater recognition of the need for coastal monitoring, science-based adaptation measures and investment in locally led solutions.
BarbudanGO believes that places like The Breach must be part of the wider blue finance conversation. The impacts of coastal erosion are not simply environmental concerns; they have implications for community livelihoods, ecosystems, infrastructure and the long-term resilience of small island states.
BarbudanGO was particularly pleased to share exhibition space with Dr. Lamb, BSc, PhD, CEng, MICE, M.ASCE, FRSA, Lecturer in Coastal Engineering and Management at the University of the West Indies (UWI). This provided an opportunity to connect community-based conservation initiatives with academic expertise, coastal engineering and marine innovation.
The event’s focus on blue finance is especially relevant to small island developing states such as Antigua and Barbuda. With the Commonwealth encompassing a third of the world’s ocean under national jurisdiction, 45 per cent of global coral reefs and 25 Small Island Developing States, the need to direct meaningful investment towards ocean protection and restoration is significant.
For barbudanGO, participation provided an opportunity to reinforce an important message: blue finance must reach the communities on the frontline of ocean conservation. Investment in the blue economy should recognise the knowledge, leadership and practical contributions of local organisations and coastal communities who are directly experiencing the impacts of environmental change.
As a locally led organisation working across Culture, History, Education, Environment and Disaster Mitigation (CHEED), BarbudanGO continues to demonstrate that meaningful conservation requires community participation, local capacity and long-term investment.
The organisation extends its sincere thanks to Dr. Branson Belle for the invitation and opportunity to participate, and to Dr. Lamb and the University of the West Indies for sharing the exhibition space.
BarbudanGO remains committed to ensuring that Barbuda’s voice, experience and community-led solutions are represented in the conversations shaping the future of our oceans.
This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: barbudanGO Showcases Community-Led Ocean Conservation at Commonwealth Blue Finance and Innovation Event.