The Saint Lucia National Conservation Fund has brought together its final cohort of environmental stewards to mark the close of a transformative sub-grant programme aimed not only at protecting the island’s natural resources but also empowering the communities that depend on them.
The initiative, which spanned three years, supported a diverse range of grassroots organizations across Saint Lucia, fostering environmental awareness, sustainability, and community development.
Chief Executive Officer of the Saint Lucia National Conservation Fund, Craig Henry, said the closing event served as both a celebration and a moment of reflection for participants.
“The grantees themselves come from all over Saint Lucia, I must say. The reason why we are bringing them together at this point is because this project is closing off,” Henry explained.
He noted that collaboration and shared learning were key elements of the programme’s success.
“Really it was an opportunity for them to learn and share from each other. They have been doing that for the course of the three years but given that the project is coming to an end, hopefully all the initiatives will carry on beyond the life cycle of this current project.”
Henry added that the gathering also aimed to highlight achievements while looking ahead to future opportunities.
“What we wanted to see today is to give them some recognition, celebrate the successes, speak a little bit about the challenges and prospects for the future,” he said.
Among the participating organizations was the Active Food Movement, a youth-led group focused on environmental education and conservation within communities.
Secretary of Food Active Movement, a community-based organization centered around healthy eating, Jada Perineau, highlighted the group’s mission to connect people with their natural surroundings.
“We are a youth-led organization, and we focus on environmental conservation and environmental awareness. Our entire premise is that we want people to enjoy what we have in the community of Ravine Poisson and that includes understanding the wildlife, the flora, and the fauna within the community,” Perineau said.
She acknowledged that while challenges were encountered, the initiative proved worthwhile.
“We’ve had our challenges, but I think we have met all our organizational goals. Overall, it has been a good venture.”
The programme also delivered tangible benefits to vulnerable groups, including members of Farmers with Disabilities.
Treasurer Marco Remy said the support had a meaningful impact on the organization’s development.
“I must admit that the project has been very beneficial to our members and we have achieved most of the components that was planned with regards to our project,” Remy stated.
He pointed to improvements in infrastructure and agricultural expansion as key outcomes.
“For example, making accessibility to infrastructure, also expansion of our apiary, and as well as establishment of a farming project for members.”
As the programme comes to a close, stakeholders remain hopeful that the momentum built over the past three years will continue, ensuring that both environmental protection and community empowerment remain at the forefront of national development efforts.