CEPF Caribbean Islands Regional Implementation

Alto Velo Island, Dominican Republic.  © SOH Conservacion.

This edition, we begin by acknowledging the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa on Jamaica and the Dominican Republic, two of our project countries.

We then highlight the work of CEPF grantee partners who are safeguarding the Caribbean’s unique ecosystems. From tackling invasive species and restoring dry forests to strengthening financial and technical capacity, their efforts show the power of collaboration, knowledge sharing, and local stewardship.

Start by exploring our visual story on dry forest restoration efforts led by CEPF grantee partners in Jamaica, the Dominican Republic and Saint Lucia. Then dive into features on regional collaboration through a conservation exchange in Anguilla, innovative approaches to building sustainability among Caribbean CSOs, and community-led invasive species control reshaping landscapes and livelihoods in the Jaragua-Bahoruco-Enriquillo Biosphere Reserve.

Cockpit Country, Jamaica,  in a photograph taken before Hurricane Melissa. © Lauren Creary/Jamaica Environment Trust.

Supporting CEPF grantee partners after hurricane Melissa

Hurricane Melissa made landfall in south-western Jamaica on 28 October 2025 as a Category 5 storm after bringing heavy rains to Haiti and the Dominican Republic, and then later affected Cuba and parts of The Bahamas. Although Jamaica is the worst affected, the storm has disrupted lives and operations across the Greater Antilles and The Bahamas.

In the immediate term, CANARI and CEPF are committed to supporting grantee partners affected by the hurricane and contributing to their recovery efforts. 

Restoring dry forests in the Caribbean Islands

Dry forest restoration team in southern Enriquillo Lake, Duvergé Municipality, Dominican Republic. © Héctor Andújar-Grupo Jaragua

Often overlooked, dry tropical forests are among the world’s most threatened ecosystems. In Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, and Saint Lucia, CEPF-supported initiatives are addressing this challenge by restoring these fragile landscapes and strengthening local stewardship. 

From replanting native species and controlling invasive ones to protecting endangered iguanas and updating management plans, CEPF grantee partners are building resilience in both ecosystems and communities. 

Their work highlights how collaboration and local action can revive degraded dry forests and ensure that these unique Caribbean habitats continue to sustain life and livelihoods.

Lesser Antillean iguana measurements being taken. © Connor Blades.

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Leucaena leucocephala intended for livestock feed, Dominican Republic. © Fundación CI-Atabey.

From May 2024 to April 2025, Fundación CI-Atabey led a CEPF-supported project to combat the spread of the invasive Leucaena leucocephalaplant species in the Jaragua-Bahoruco-Enriquillo Biosphere Reserve. 

Through community training, awareness campaigns and strengthened monitoring techniques, the initiative promoted sustainable management, transformed local attitudes and built lasting capacity for biodiversity conservation and community-led environmental stewardship.

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SAVE THE DATE:

CEPF Caribbean Islands learning labs

Floating Classroom participants holding an Antiguan Racer (Alsophis antiguae), alongside Shanna Challenger from the Environmental Awareness Group (EAG), Antigua & Barbuda. © Credit: Chaso Media/EAG.

CEPF Caribbean small grants call opening soon

View of the Maria Islands from Pointe Sable beach,  Saint Lucia. © CANARI.

We are pleased to announce that the 11th Call for Letters of Inquiry (LOIs) under the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) investment in the Caribbean Islands Biodiversity Hotspot will open on Wednesday, 26 November 2025. 

This round will focus exclusively on small grants. We encourage you to share this upcoming opportunity with your networks and begin thinking about project ideas aligned with CEPF’s priorities.

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Update on the Caribbean islands  phase II portfolio status

Check out our infographic that provides a snapshot of the current status of CEPF grant-making in the Caribbean Islands Biodiversity Hotspot.

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Critically endangered Sandy Cay rock iguana Cyclura rileyi cristata), The Bahamas. © Kelly Kingon.

Approved grants

To date, CEPF has issued thirty-one (31) large and thirty-one (31) small grants totalling over US$9.2 million under its second investment in the Caribbean region.

Explore our interactive map of current CEPF-funded projects in the Caribbean.

For more details on the grants that have been issued, click here.

Meet the CEPF Caribbean Islands Regional Advisory Committee (RAC)

RAC members at the CEPF Caribbean Islands Midterm Assessment Meeting, Dominican Republic.  © Fondazione AVSI.

The CEPF Regional Advisory Committee (RAC) is a group of experts from across the Caribbean working to ensure grant applications are reviewed with integrity, scientific rigour, and alignment with national and regional environmental priorities. 

Their breadth of experience spans biodiversity conservation, climate change, forest and ecosystem management, protected areas, and civil society

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