Side event details

he Caribbean is one of the most vulnerable regions in the world with respect to exposure to the effects of natural hazards and climate change. Caribbean wetlands are probably some of the least known, least protected and most threatened wetlands in the World. Human impacts on wetlands are considerable in the Caribbean. Caribbean countries have been affected by land-based activities, which are major sources of pollution of the coastal and marine environment. Wetlands make diverse contributions to human wellbeing, which are valued by people and local communities. The consequences of wetland management and mismanagement affect all sectors of society; however, the values which people assign to wetlands and the impacts of wetland management decisions are not always adequately considered in development planning and other decision-making.

Outcomes and format:

The Interactive dialogue will bring the High-Level officials of the Contracting Parties of the Caribbean to the Convention together to share experiences, identify solutions, to address the challenges of climate change and mainstreaming wetlands values in the current biodiversity and climate crisis to achieve Sustainable Development Goals. The Interactive dialogue will be informed by a summary of the discussions of the High Level Ministerial Segment on wetlands, climate change and ecosystem services that took place in Dominican Republic on 22 August 2022 under the Ramsar Caribbean Regional Initiative. 

The event will be moderated by the Vice Minister of Cooperation of Dominican Republic with remarks of high level officials of Cuba, Belize and Barbados and best practices from Belize, Cuba, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Suriname, Sturt University in Australia and Delft Institute in the Netherlands.