Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Conservation Fund Inc.

The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Conservation Fund (SVGCF) is a vital organization dedicated to environmental conservation and sustainability. Since its inception, the SVGCF has committed itself to safeguarding the rich biodiversity of St. Vincent and the Grenadines while building resilience to environmental challenges like climate change.

Mission and Goals:

The SVGCF’s mission is to mobilize and manage financial resources to support conservation efforts that protect ecosystems and promote sustainable livelihoods for local communities. The fund strives to contribute to the preservation of terrestrial, marine, and coastal ecosystems while addressing climate change, promoting biodiversity, and ensuring long-term environmental sustainability.

Key Achievements:

Over the years, SVGCF has made significant contributions to conservation efforts, investing USD $561,334.90 across 17 conservation projects. These projects support the management of 6,450 hectares of protected marine ecosystems and 42 hectares of areas of ecological significance. These initiatives play a crucial role in preserving habitats and species that are essential to the natural heritage of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

One of the hallmark achievements includes securing a USD $359,000 grant from the Inter-American Foundation (IAF) Project Title: Empowering Community Based Organizations (CBOs) and communities to be active stewards of biodiversity conservation through capacity building, strengthening food security and creating livelihood options. , which has enhanced local conservation capacity. Additionally, the SVGCF actively responded to natural disasters, such as fundraising and donating to the Bahamas Protected Areas Fund (BPAF) following Hurricane Dorian in 2019 and providing relief funding for the St. Vincent and the Grenadines volcanic eruption in 2021.

Current Activities:

The SVGCF is currently on its 4th call for proposals, continuing its dedication to funding impactful conservation projects. Through this initiative, local and regional stakeholders are invited to propose projects that align with the organization’s mission, further driving environmental sustainability in the region.

Moreover, SVGCF is about to launch new funding opportunities, providing additional resources for conservation efforts and climate change resilience.

Key Projects:

Hurricane Beryl Relief Grant (supported by AFD and CBF) – Targeted towards helping the region recover from the environmental damage caused by Hurricane Beryl.

Gender-Smart Facility (supported by Global Affairs Canada) – This initiative addresses climate change and gender mainstreaming, recognizing the importance of inclusive approaches in environmental conservation.

Pro-Nature Grant (supported by USAID) – Focuses on promoting nature-based solutions and enhancing biodiversity conservation.

Future Planned Activities:

Looking ahead, the SVGCF aims to enhance its impact through regional partnerships and broader fundraising efforts. A significant future project under the Builders Initiative, spearheaded by the BPAF, seeks to strengthen the capacity of eight National Conservation Trust Funds (NCTFs) in the Caribbean by developing a market-ready capital fundraising strategy. This initiative will boost the capacity of SVGCF and other regional conservation funds to generate financial resources that ensure long-term sustainability and conservation success.

Through these and future endeavors, the SVGCF continues to evolve, positioning itself as a key player in the fight to protect the natural beauty and ecological integrity of St. Vincent and the Grenadines for generations to come.