Antigua and Barbuda Hosts High-Level OECS 30×30 Ministerial Biodiversity Roundtable

The Government of Antigua and Barbuda in collaboration with the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), proudly hosted the OECS 30×30 Ministerial Biodiversity Roundtable at the Royalton Resort on Monday, April 28, 2025.

This high-level forum brought together Ministers and senior officials from across the Eastern Caribbean to chart a regional pathway toward achieving the global “30×30” biodiversity target under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

The 30×30 target calls for the effective conservation and management of at least 30% of the world’s terrestrial, freshwater, and marine ecosystems by 2030. In the context of the OECS, this roundtable served as a critical milestone in mobilizing coordinated regional action and aligning national biodiversity efforts with global commitments.

In his opening remarks, the Honourable Minister of Health, Wellness, Environment and Civil Service Affairs, Sir Molwyn Joseph of welcomed delegates to the Roundtable and emphasized the urgent need for regional collaboration in the face of mounting environmental threats.

Honourable Minister of Health, Wellness, Environment and Civil Service Affairs, Sir Molwyn Joseph (Photo by Ministry of Health)

“Climate change, pollution, habitat degradation, and overexploitation are not distant threats—they are already reshaping our coastlines, diminishing our fisheries, and eroding our natural heritage,” the Minister stated. “The Redonda Ecosystem Reserve and Nelson’s Dockyard National Park stand as examples of what is possible when we invest in nature. But our response must be collective, strategic, and rooted in regional solidarity.”

Dr. Didacus Jules, Director General of the OECS Commission, also delivered a keynote address, highlighting the importance of integrated governance, data-driven planning, and youth engagement in building a resilient biodiversity future for the region.

The roundtable explored key themes including the establishment of a Regional Conservation Center under the OECS framework, mechanisms for improved data sharing and financing, and alignment with national biodiversity strategies and socioeconomic priorities.

The Department of Environment of Antigua and Barbuda served as the technical focal point for the event and collaborated closely with the OECS Commission in shaping the agenda and ensuring national inputs were fully reflected.

Antigua and Barbuda’s rich biodiversity—including globally recognized sites such as the Northeast Marine Management Area (NEMMA), Codrington Lagoon National Park, and the restored Redonda Island—has positioned the country as a regional leader in conservation innovation.

As discussions concluded, Member States reaffirmed their commitment to collective action and agreed to develop a roadmap for the OECS 30×30 Transformation Program, with clear benchmarks and institutional support mechanisms.

The Government of Antigua and Barbuda thanks all participating delegations and extends special appreciation to the OECS Commission and partners, including SPACES and McKinsey, for their support and commitment to environmental sustainability across the region.