Castries, Saint Lucia – The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in collaboration with Saint Lucia’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Rural Development and the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and the Youth Economy launched the FISH-ADAPT Project – a transformative initiative valued at USD 16.7 million on Thursday, July 3, 2025. Funded primarily by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) with a contribution of USD 14.75 million, the project also benefits from co-financing by the Ministry of Agriculture (USD 307,250) and the Ministry of Finance (USD 1.66 million), signaling the largest fisheries investment project in Saint Lucia.Over its five-year implementation period, FISH-ADAPT will target approximately 75,000 beneficiaries, including 13,000 direct and 62,000 indirect participants – representing about 41% of Saint Lucia’s population. Direct beneficiaries include marine fishers (3,500), sea-moss farmers (800), fish vendors and processors (500), inland aquaculture farmers (200), and their families.FISH-ADAPT aims to transform Saint Lucia’s fisheries sector by making fishing safer and more productive despite a changing climate. It will foster a circular economy to help reduce waste, enhance resource efficiency, and promote livelihood diversification for more resilient communities. Fish value chains and markets will be strengthened; coastal fish grounds and aquaculture systems will become more climate resilient; and fishers will have more diversified incomes.  The project will put in place agrifood solutions that build sustainability and resilience to improve efficiency, safety and productivity in the fisheries sector. These include empowering fishers and aquaculture farmers by enhancing access to weather data, upgrading landing sites and promoting sustainable offshore fishing.   It will focus on all fishing zones across the island, prioritizing high-activity sites and those most vulnerable to climate-related hazards. Inland aquaculture operations will also receive targeted support.The Government of Saint Lucia will implement numerous activities including enhancing the safety of fishing operations, increasing the climate-resilience of aquaculture using nature-based solutions, and climate-proofing critical infrastructure, such as boat ramps, jetties, processing facilities, and storage buildings.Strengthening Infrastructure and EcosystemsSaint Lucia’s geographic position and socio-economic dependence on the fisheries sector make it especially vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Fisherfolk who rely on the sea for their livelihoods are finding it increasingly difficult to adapt to a changing climate and declining fish stocks. Increased air temperature and changing rainfall patterns have also been affecting inland aquaculture.  Therefore, FISH-ADAPT will introduce a range of climate-smart solutions to boost productivity, safety, and environmental sustainability in the fisheries sector. This includes improved access to weather data, upgraded landing sites, and support for sustainable offshore fishing – with special focus on women and small-scale operators.Key upgrades of the project include installation of communication and monitoring systems on select vessels, safety training for fishing communities, and the rehabilitation of 15 fish landing sites using engineered and nature-based solutions like mangrove restoration, reef reinforcement, and pier improvements.  The targeted communities include Gros Islet, Castries, Anse La Raye, Canaries, Soufrière, Choiseul, Laborie, Vieux Fort, Savannes, Micoud, Praslin, Dennery, Banannes, Cul de Sac, Roseau, and Marigot.The project will also protect and restore critical ecosystems - coastal mangroves in Praslin Bay and Esperance Harbour, and approximately 7 km² of coral reef ecosystems, especially in Soufrière Bay and Saline Point. These interventions will reduce habitat degradation by addressing upstream pollution, siltation, and fertilizer runoff through ecosystem-based management strategies. To bolster aquaculture and seamoss farming, the project will introduce demonstration farms, energy-efficient technologies, and storm-resilient submersible rafts. Synergy with Ongoing InitiativesFISH-ADAPT is fully aligned with Saint Lucia’s own Fisheries Sectoral Adaptation Strategy and Action Plan, thereby positioning itself  as a cornerstone of Saint Lucia’s climate resilience and blue economy strategy.During the Signing Ceremony for the project, The Honorable Mr. Alfred Prospere, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Rural Development, stated, “The true impact of FISH-ADAPT will not be measured in dollars, but in lives improved, coastlines protected, livelihoods strengthened, and futures made more secure." Mr. Henry Gonzalez, Chief Investment Officer of the Green Climate Fund (GCF), shared a statement indicating that Climate-Resilient Fisheries Project will enhance sustainability and safety in Saint Lucia’s fisheries sector, a key source of livelihoods in one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable Small Island Developing States. In addition, “The approval of this project demonstrates how GCF supports country ownership by strengthening national capacity to enable coastal communities and marine ecosystems to adapt to the impacts of climate change.”Dr. Renata Clarke, Subregional Coordinator for FAO Caribbean highlighted, that, “FISH-ADAPT is a powerful example of how FAO’s mandate to promote sustainable agriculture, food security, and resilience translates into action on the ground. This project strengthens the adaptive capacity of small-scale fishers, protects critical ecosystems, and supports inclusive, climate-resilient livelihoods. We are proud to support Saint Lucia and the wider Caribbean in advancing integrated solutions that safeguard both people and planet, while directly addressing the unique vulnerabilities of Small Island Developing States (SIDS)”.  For more information:Jacinto BuenfilPolicy OfficerJacinto.Buenfil@fao.org Lindis NorlundJunior Professional OfficerLindis.Norlund@fao.org Marquita SugrimNational Communications ConsultantMarquitajuanne.sugrim@fao.org 

Montego Bay, Jamaica – The Twentieth Session of the Western Central Atlantic Fishery Commission (WECAFC), the largest regional fishery body of the Latin America and the Caribbean under the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), officially opened on July 8, 2025, in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Marking the largest-attended biennial session in nearly a decade, this year’s hybrid gathering brought together over 120 participants – 26 members of the Commission, alongside 11 international and regional partner organizations. This included fisherfolk organizations and technical experts convening to review progress, share innovations, and agree on priorities for sustainable fisheries management and marine conservation in the Western Central Atlantic.Over the three-day session, delegates deliberated on key regional priorities, including the strategic reorientation of WECAFC and the implementation of a roadmap to modernize its structure and mandate. Updates from technical working groups will cover progress on species-specific management efforts such as queen conch, spiny lobster, flying fish, dolphinfish, and spawning aggregations. Special attention was given to strengthening regional monitoring systems, including the development of a guidance framework to support countries in implementing regional instruments and tracking progress in areas such as combatting the illegal unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, and curbing the effects of climate and protect marine resources, etc.Participants also examined the growing challenges posed by sargassum influxes, explored solutions for managing bycatch and fishery by-products, and assess collaboration opportunities with global bodies including the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) and the World Trade Organization (WTO). Recent global developments such as the WTO agreement on fisheries subsidies and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement) will be discussed in terms of their implications for the region’s fisheries sector.The biennial session opened with statements underscoring the importance of more effective and inclusive management of aquatic resources and the essential regional cooperation to unlock the region’s potential for food security and economic development.“To grow fisheries and aquaculture in the WECAFC region, it is essential to promote sustainable aquaculture, especially in food-insecure areas, and to expand effective management to fisheries facing sustainability challenges. These solutions and actions are central to FAO’s work in the region, supporting sustainable fisheries, aquaculture, and stronger value chains through its Blue Transformation Roadmap,” said the FAO Assistant Director-General and Acting Regional Representative for Latin America and the Caribbean, Maximo Torero.Outgoing Chair for WECAFC, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, Hon. Floyd Green, reflected on the Commission’s progress over the past biennium and urged members to continue building on that foundation through legacy-focused, coordinated action. “Now, more than ever, as the world battles the effects of climate change, food insecurity, and ecosystem degradation, WECAFC continues to stand as an anchor and a buttress while guiding the region towards a resilient, productive and equitable marine resource management system,” he stated.During his keynote, Minister Green cited several key achievements, in strengthening regional fisheries governance. These included the development of action plans, regional management strategies and capacity-building frameworks that promote responsible harvesting and traceability. He emphasized efforts to increase regional information exchange and coordination particularly in combatting IUU fishing and addressing habitat degradation through legal reform and enhanced regional cooperation.At the session, delegates also reviewed the financial and administrative affairs of the Commission, elected new leadership, and adopted the updated 2025–2027 work plan. The chairmanship, previously held over the last intersessional period by CARICOM countries under the leadership of Hon. Floyd Green, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining of Jamaica, was officially passed on.Election of New Co-Chairs of WECAFCMexico was elected as the new Chair, represented by Isabel Cristina Reyes Robles, Director of International Affairs at the National Aquaculture and Fisheries Commission. St. Kitts and Nevis assumed the role of Second Vice-Chair, represented by Randell Thompson, Chief Fisheries Officer. The First Vice-Chair, to come from the Central America Fisheries and Aquaculture Organization (OSPESCA) membership, will be designated intersessionally.Building on the achievements of the 2023 session held in Bridgetown, Barbados, the Commission continues to address growing demands for science-based, inclusive and climate-resilient fisheries management, while working to formalize stronger institutional arrangements for regional cooperation.WECAFC 20 positions the region’s fisheries and aquaculture sectors as vital pillars for food security, livelihoods and blue economic development, particularly for Small Island Developing States. -end- Dainalyn SwabyCommunication ConsultantFAO Representation for Jamaica, The Bahamas and Belize dainalyn.swaby@fao.org |876-579-9497

Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis – The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is playing a pivotal role in the transition of vegetable farming in Saint Kitts and Nevis from traditional open-field methods to protected agriculture using greenhouse structures, significantly increasing the production of high-value, priority crops. Through its long-standing partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture and drawing on resources from the Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP), FAO has provided comprehensive technical training for farmers and extension officers to strengthen production practices, capacity building for government staff in value chain development, and the provision of essential materials such as greenhouse components, insect nets, and harvest crates.The implementation of the Plant Protection Act and the Saint Kitts and Nevis Agriculture Growth and Transformation Strategy 2022–2031 has provided a solid policy foundation for structured development within key value chains where the market is particularly encouraging to local farmers. In some sectors, farmer earnings have seen marked improvement, bolstered by investments from both the public sector and development partners. In Nevis, a group of progressive farmers has been leading the shift to greenhouse-based vegetable production, particularly lettuce, embracing innovation to improve consistency and quality. With training support from FAO, they have adopted Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs), Integrated Pest Management (IPM), and climate-smart methods. A key intervention was the introduction of closed-circuit hydroponic systems and environmental and water sensors in three greenhouses, enabling precise, data-driven management of crop nutrition, and irrigation. Over the years, the interventions have had a measurable impact. Data from the Department of Agriculture shows that from a baseline of 4,940 kg in 2019, lettuce production volumes rose dramatically to 19,536 kg in 2022 and 45,314 kg in 2023, driven by better practices, and upgraded technologies. These innovative technologies such as the sensors and hydroponic systems are now being further advanced through a focused FAO project titled “Strengthening Protected Agriculture to Improve People’s Livelihoods, Food and Nutrition Security”. The project aims to rehabilitate and enhance greenhouse structures in both Saint Kitts and Nevis, many of which suffered damage from hurricanes.Looking to the future, the integration of digital tools like environmental, soil and water sensors is setting the stage for more intelligent and responsive agricultural practices. According to Mr. Melvin Medina, FAO Plant Production and Protection Officer, “Farmers who adopt digital sensor technologies will gain real-time access to data, enabling them to monitor key factors that directly impact crop yields and make timely, informed decisions.” One such inspiring example is Mr. Richard Paris, a leading commercial greenhouse operator in Nevis, who experienced a significant boost in crop yields after integrating advanced sensor technology into his operations. By installing sensors to monitor key parameters such as air temperature, relative humidity, solar radiation, water pH, water temperature, dissolved oxygen, and electrical conductivity, he was able to pinpoint and address critical issues in real time. Leveraging this data, he implemented targeted improvements across his greenhouse systems. “I am moving to a climate-controlled environment with supplemental lighting to optimize seedling growth,” Mr. Paris explained. “And after removing the shade, I witnessed a dramatic improvement. My yields more than doubled within just 2 to 4 weeks.” FAO’s collaborative efforts with the Ministry of Agriculture along with other partners have laid a solid foundation for sustained growth, increased farmer incomes, and more resilient food systems. As the country progresses toward its 2031 agricultural vision, the vegetable crop value chain driven by innovation, capacity development, and supportive policies emerges as a model of transformation for Small Island Developing States (SIDS). For more information:Melvin Medina NavarroPlant Production and Protection Officer melvin.medinanavarro@fao.org Jefferson JaikissoonAgricultural Value Chain Development Specialist jefferson.jaikissoon@fao.org Marquita SugrimNational Communications Consultant Marquitajuanne.sugrim@fao.org

Kingston, July 10, 2025—Data from the latest Global AIDS Update Report, released by UNAIDS, shows the Caribbean recorded a 62% reduction in AIDS-related deaths, between 2010 and 2024, the steepest decline among eight regions globally. According to the report—AIDS, Crisis and the Power to Transform, over the last fifteen years, there has been a 54% decline in AIDS-related deaths globally. The Caribbean is well above the global average at 62%. The report credits the widespread availability of anti-retroviral treatment (ART) for the progress made since 2010. Reductions have also been recorded in West & Central Africa (60%), Eastern & Southern Africa (59%), Asia & the Pacific (53%), Western & Central Europe and North America (48%), Latin America (31%) and the Middle East & North Africa (6%) while Eastern Europe & Central Asia reported a 48% increase over the same period.UNAIDS commended governments, communities of people living with and most affected by HIV, and key partners, including PEPFAR and The Global Fund, among others for the progress made across the region. “The Caribbean’s stellar performance and achievements are commendable. It shows the resilience of a region constrained by a myriad of social, economic and other challenges such as high debt, declining external funding, and natural disasters and how critical political leadership is to safeguard people’s health without distinction,” Dr Richard Amenyah, the Director of UNAIDS Multi-Country Office in the Caribbean said. “Despite the ongoing challenges, the Caribbean continues to show that great things can be achieved when governments and all stakeholders, including people living with HIV and key populations, work together to protect and promote good health and well-being,” Amenyah said. In 2010, only 53,000 people living with HIV were on treatment in the Caribbean. 13,000 adults and children lost their lives due to AIDS-related conditions that year. However, by 2024, this number climbed to 250,000 people on treatment—with 50,000 of them added between 2020 and 2024. Today, 85% of people living with HIV in the Caribbean know their status, 74% are on treatment, and 66% are virally suppressed (up from 33% in 2017). Last year, deaths declined to 4,800 deaths (down from 6,100 people in 2020).While the organisation applauds stakeholders for the progress in reducing AIDS-related deaths, UNAIDS said it is concerned about the rate of decline in new infections across the region. Noting that the progress is insufficient to reach the targets to end AIDS, UNAIDS urged political leaders, healthcare workers and other stakeholders to do more to prevent new HIV infections.Globally, new HIV infections have been reduced by 40% since 2010 but only 21% of new infections have been reduced in the Caribbean. In 2024, there were 15,000 new infections with Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Cuba, and Jamaica accounting for 90% (Haiti contributed 38%) and young people (15–24 years) account for 25% of new infections overall. UNAIDS’ new report emphasizes integrating HIV into broader health systems, strengthening partnerships with CSOs and communities, and addressing social determinants like stigma and discrimination to prevent new HIV infections, especially among young people and key populations and prevent treatment interruptions. Caribbean governments are also being encouraged to take greater ownership to navigate geopolitical funding shifts, ensuring financial and programmatic sustainability to achieve the 2030 goal of ending AIDS. Noting that domestic funding for the HIV response moved from 30% in 2023 to 38% in 2024, UNAIDS said more needs to be done to achieve the internationally agreed targets to end AIDS as a public health threat. “Governments must continue to prioritize increasing domestic resources, integrate HIV into broader health systems, innovate to keep people living with HIV on treatment toward achieving viral suppression and ensure equitable access for young people and key populations to prevent new infections. Only through sustained partnership and greater country ownership can we end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030 in the region,” Amenyah said.Get more information on the region by accessing the Global AIDS Update 2025: Regional profile for the Caribbean   ****** ContactUNAIDS Caribbean | Jaevion Nelson | tel. +1 876 459 3211 | nelsonj@unaids.org UNAIDSThe Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) leads and inspires the world to achieve its shared vision of zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths. UNAIDS unites the efforts of 11 UN organizations—UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP, UNDP, UNFPA, UNODC, UN Women, ILO, UNESCO, WHO and the World Bank—and works closely with global and national partners towards ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030 as part of the Sustainable Development Goals. Learn more at unaids.org and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.