Sustainable Development Unit SVG

Our Nature, Our Future: A Call to Action!

St. Vincent and the Grenadines' stunning biodiversity is facing threats like climate change, pollution, and habitat loss. But we have a plan!

The draft National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) is our nation's bold commitment to a greener, more resilient future. It outlines key actions to protect our iconic species, restore our ecosystems, and build a sustainable future for all. While the plan is still in the approval process, we want you to be a part of the journey.

Let's build a future where both people and nature thrive.

🔎🌿 Biosleuths Challenge = real science in the real world. Under the GEF-funded GBF-EAS Project, UNDP is partnering with the @sustainabledevelopmentunitsvg to bring youth and communities into the field to identify and document species using tools and mobile apps - building a snapshot of local biodiversity. The first of two events was held on April 22 #EarthDay 🌎 👏 Shout-out to community volunteers and students from: • SVG Community College • West St. George Secondary School • Fairhall Government School • Belair Government School

The transition toward circular economy systems in the Caribbean depends on enabling local actors with the tools and resources to scale solutions that reduce plastic waste.

The Sustainable Small Grants Programme (SSGP), under the initiative, targets Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, Saint Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, supporting actors closest to both the challenge and the opportunity for change. Eligible applicants include micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, with particular attention to women- and youth-led initiatives.

An upcoming webinar will provide detailed information on programme priorities, eligibility, and expected outcomes.

Launch of the Sustainable Small Grants Programme, Closing the Caribbean Plastic Tap Project

30 April 2026 | 10:00–11:00 AM AST
Enrol here: https://engage.iucn.org/event/launch-sustainable-small-grants-community-based-action-program-closing-caribbean-plastic-tap

The Closing the Caribbean Plastic Tap initiative is implemented by the IUCN Regional Office for Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean (ORMACC), with support from the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) and the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI)

Plastic pollution in the Caribbean requires locally driven solutions that reflect the realities of Small Island Developing States. In response, the Sustainable Small Grants Programme (SSGP), under the initiative is designed to support practical, community-level action.

The programme will focus on five eligible countries:
Antigua and Barbuda
Grenada
Saint Lucia
St. Kitts and Nevis
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Priority will be given to MSMEs, particularly those that are community-based and led by women and youth. However, the programme is also open to a broader range of actors, including community-based organisations, NGOs, cooperatives, associations, schools, and informal groups with demonstrated community
engagement. An informational webinar will be held to provide further details on the programme’s objectives, structure, and approach ahead of the launch of applications.

30 April 2026 | 10:00–11:00 AM AST
Enroll here: https://engage.iucn.org/event/launch-sustainable-small-grants-
community-based-action-program-closing-caribbean-plastic-tap
The Closing the Caribbean Plastic Tap initiative is implemented by the IUCN Regional Office for Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean (ORMACC), with support from the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) and the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI)

🌿 THANK YOU, BIOSLEUTHS!

To every student, family member, educator, and community volunteer who joined us at Montreal Watershed on Earth Day - your dedication to documenting Saint Vincent's biodiversity matters. Your observations of plants, birds, insects, reptiles, and aquatic species are now part of SVG's permanent environmental records.

Every photo uploaded, every species identified, every data point recorded strengthens our understanding of the ecosystems we are committed to protecting.

You proved that conservation begins with curiosity, that science belongs to everyone, and that protecting our natural heritage is a community effort. From the SDU team and our expert guides John Renton and L. Fitzgerald Providence - thank you for being citizen scientists, environmental stewards, and BioSleuths.

See you on May 22 for our second field event! 🔬🌿

🔬 REGISTRATION NOW OPEN: BioSleuths Challenge 🌿
Calling all nature enthusiasts, students, families, and curious minds!
Join us for an exciting citizen science adventure this Earth Day and International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB).

What is a BioSleuths Challenge? It is a time-limited field science event where participants systematically explore and document as many plant and animal species as possible within a defined area. It combines scientific rigor with community engagement, making biodiversity research accessible. Participants are organized into teams and rotate through four habitat zones -forest, river/stream, and community interface and open field recording observations using mobile apps, field notebooks, and photography. The data collected contributes to real scientific research, informing conservation decisions and national biodiversity databases in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Funded through the GEF Global Biodiversity Framework Early Action Support Project, implemented by United Nations Development Programme - UNDP

Two Opportunities to Participate:
📅 Earth Day Event: Tuesday April 22, 2026 📍 Location: Montreal Watershed
📅 International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB) Event: Thursday May 22, 2026 📍 Location: Vermont Nature Trail

What Will You Do: ✓ Use smartphone apps to identify species
✓ Learn from biodiversity experts
✓ Contribute data to SVG's national records

No experience necessary -all ages welcome!
If schools are interested, you are kindly asked to make contact via telephone to obtain further details regarding participation.

How to Join: 🔗 Registration Period: April 9-14, 2026 ⚠️ First come, first serve
• Limited spots available
🖥️ Virtual Orientation: April 16-17
📧 Register now: [email protected]
Include in your email: Full name, age, contact number, and which event date(s) you plan to attend (April 22, May 22, or both).
☎️ Questions? Call: +1 784-456-1111 ext. 5922

Become a citizen scientist for a day and help protect SVG's natural heritage!
Tag a friend who loves nature and come explore with us!

JOB OPPORTUNITY!

We’re hiring a Short-Term National Consultant- GIS & Stakeholder Engagement Specialist.
Deadline: April 14, 2026
Apply now: https://procurement.gov.vc/eprocure/index.php/current-bids