The IUCN’s Mexico, Central America and Caribbean (ORMACC) Regional Forum 2024, held in vibrant Mexico City, emerged as a key catalysing moment to bring together a diverse array of innovative solutions under the theme “Sustaining Nature for People and Planet”.

The Caribbean Protected Areas Gateway (CPAG), BIOPAMA’s Resource Hub for the Region, showcased its role in supporting effective environmental data and information management to inform policy and decision-making in the Caribbean. The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) provided insights on developing a Regional Environment information [eco]System in the Caribbean. 

Improved monitoring of information for long-term conservation and sustainable use of natural resources 

The way to look forward is to improve the long-term conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity and natural resources through better use and monitoring of information, and capacity development on management and governance. Regional networks shared the concern on prioritising the importance of and need for effective data and information systems for reporting (SGD 2040, SDGs, UNFCCC, UNCCD, Sendai Framework, Escazu Agreement) and decision-making, especially relevant for KM-GBF Target 3 monitoring for the Caribbean region (i.e., CARICOM Coral Reefs, Protected Coral Reefs, CARICOM Mangrove, Protected Mangroves, Mangroves, CARICOM Seagrass, Protected Seagrasses, Seagrasses). 

Some existing tools that surfaced during discussions are Geonode and REMDAP. Geonode is a web-based application and platform for developing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and deploying Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI). It allows for the performing of simple analysis between datasets, and visualization. The Regional Environmental Monitoring Data Portal (REMDAP) contributes to the conservation of Caribbean ecosystems and natural resources by improving data availability by developing a web-based portal, which will serve as a clearinghouse mechanism to strengthen the process of regional environmental monitoring and assessment. 

Leveraging technology and meaningful partnerships as key enablers 

The importance of technology as a key enabler for the successful implementation of  IUCN’s Nature 2030 Strategy was a key point of discussion. To align long-term resilience challenges robust biodiversity indicators and other tools for data collection and analysis are key tools to inform actionable decision making and track progress. IUCN interventions will systematically address and incorporate inclusive leadership and partnerships, including with youth, women and girls, indigenous peoples and environmental defenders, as well as three key enablers necessary to bring about the intended transformations described in this Programme: i) the application of available technology and data, including innovative uses; ii) the power and outreach of communication, education and public awareness; and iii) the leverage of investment and sustainable financing.” 

As Partnerships with the technology sector are essential in achieving conservation action at scale, participants also discussed the need for engagement with new partners from the banking, insurance, infrastructure, and technology sectors as key to unlocking efforts to redirect investment in opportunities to advance conservation. Developing a business case demonstrating economic feasibility and long-term benefits in biodiversity conservation can be an attractive tool to engage financial stakeholders and support local leadership. 

Building on the importance of networking and collaboration this regional forum served as a pivotal gathering for environmental leaders, policymakers, scientists, and conservationists from across Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). In unprecedented times of pressing global environmental challenges and climate change, it concluded with a global consensus on collective action to address critical issues facing the region’s biodiversity and ecosystems. 

The Caribbean Protected Areas Gateway (CPAG) supports effective environmental data and information management to inform policy and decision-making in the Caribbean.