The Latin American and Caribbean Network of Environmental Funds – RedLAC, is a collective of environmental funds dedicated to financing and supporting conservation efforts across the region. Founded in 1999, RedLAC has been a critical driver in protecting biodiversity and advancing sustainable development initiatives in Latin America and the Caribbean. Comprising members from 32 countries, RedLAC connects these organisations with international cooperation partners, financial institutions, and strategic allies to mobilise resources and expertise.
Each year, the RedLAC Congress gathers stakeholders from across the globe to explore new strategies, share best practices, and build alliances in the ongoing fight to conserve the region’s rich biodiversity. The congress has become a vital event for regional policymakers, conservationists, funders, and environmentalists working towards a more sustainable future. The 2024 edition, themed “30x30x30: The Path to 2030”, is expected to be one of the most impactful gatherings yet, as it aligns with the ambitious goals of the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), which aims to conserve 30% of the world’s land and sea by 2030.
Why Saint Lucia? Exploring the Venue for the 2024 RedLAC Congress
The 2024 RedLAC Congress presented by the Sandals Foundation will be held in Saint Lucia, a breathtaking island nation in the Eastern Caribbean. Known for its stunning natural beauty, vibrant culture, and commitment to sustainability, Saint Lucia is the perfect setting for this year’s congress. This will be the first time the event is hosted in the Eastern Caribbean, marking a historic milestone for the network and underscoring the growing importance of the Caribbean in global conservation efforts.
Saint Lucia, like many island nations, faces the direct impacts of climate change, biodiversity loss, and ecosystem degradation. Hosting the RedLAC Congress in Saint Lucia allows participants to learn more about the unique environmental challenges that Caribbean islands face and the innovative solutions they are implementing. With its majestic Pitons, lush rainforests, and pristine beaches, Saint Lucia is not only a beautiful backdrop for the event but also a living laboratory for conservation and sustainable development.
The Saint Lucia National Conservation Fund (SLUNCF), which is leading local efforts in biodiversity restoration and conservation, will host this year’s congress. Saint Lucia’s central location makes it an accessible destination for attendees from across Latin America, the Caribbean, and beyond.
Why Attend RedLAC Congress 2024?
The RedLAC Congress has earned a reputation as the ultimate gathering for environmental funds in the Latin American and Caribbean region. However, it offers far more than just a meeting of fund managers and their stakeholders. The congress unites strategic allies, international cooperation partners, impact investors, government representatives, and global conservation finance enthusiasts. Attending RedLAC 2024 offers numerous benefits:
1. Access to Global Financial Insights
The congress will provide participants with unparalleled access to the latest thinking in conservation and sustainability finance. With the involvement of leading financiers and experts in the field, attendees will be exposed to cutting-edge strategies that can help secure funding and drive impactful conservation initiatives at local, regional, and global levels. The discussions on financial strategies and investment opportunities will be especially important for organisations looking to scale up their conservation efforts and explore new avenues for funding.
2. Networking and Collaboration Opportunities
One of the main draws of the RedLAC Congress is the opportunity to network with leaders from across the conservation and environmental finance sectors. The congress facilitates partnerships and collaborations that can lead to long-term, impactful projects. With workshops, panel discussions, and networking events, participants can forge meaningful relationships with funders, conservation advocates, and policymakers who are committed to protecting the region’s biodiversity. Whether you are an environmental fund manager looking for co-financing opportunities or an NGO seeking support for a conservation project, the RedLAC Congress is the place to connect.
3. Focus on Global Conservation Targets
This year’s theme, “30x30x30: The Path to 2030,” reflects the global commitment to conserve 30% of the earth’s terrestrial and marine habitats by 2030, a key element of the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF). The congress will offer a deep dive into the “30×30” conservation target, discussing how RedLAC members and their partners can contribute to achieving this ambitious goal within their national and regional contexts.
The discussions will not shy away from the challenges associated with reaching these targets. In fact, a key component of the Congress will be exploring the realities of implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Latin American and Caribbean regions, particularly in the face of climate change, political instability, and economic constraints. Attendees will leave the event with a clear understanding of the tools, strategies, and collaborations necessary to drive conservation efforts forward.
4. Learning from a Curated Program
The RedLAC Congress features a carefully curated program of events, including keynotes, interactive workshops, and panel discussions. These sessions are designed to be both educational and inspiring, offering participants valuable insights into the latest trends, innovations, and best practices in conservation and sustainable financing. The congress is also known for its hands-on sessions that allow attendees to engage deeply with the material and develop actionable strategies they can implement in their own organisations.
Conservation and Finance Leaders at RedLAC 2024
RedLAC 2024 boasts an impressive lineup of speakers, each bringing a wealth of knowledge and expertise in conservation, sustainable financing, climate change and environmental leadership. Some of the most anticipated speakers include:
Professor Dale Webber – Director, Centre for Marine Sciences, University of the West Indies (UWI)
Professor Webber will deliver the keynote address at RedLAC 2024. With over 35 years of experience at UWI, he is an authority in Coastal Ecology and Environmental Management. He has chaired Jamaica’s Climate Change Advisory Board since 2015 and is known for his work in marine sciences and environmental policy.
Dr. James Fletcher – Founder of Soloricon and Chairman of CCREEE
Dr. Fletcher is a renowned climate action leader who played a key role in securing the Paris Agreement and led the Caribbean’s 1.5-to-Stay-Alive campaign. As Saint Lucia’s former Minister for Sustainable Development and Energy, he modernised the island’s energy sector. He now chairs the Caribbean Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (CCREEE) and leads the consulting firm SOLORICON, while also championing youth engagement in climate action through Youth IRIE.
Amílcar Guzmán – Senior Manager, Impact House by Grant Thornton
Amílcar Guzmán leads global nature finance projects with a focus on Conservation Trust Funds and sustainable financing strategies. His work at Grant Thornton’s Impact House has made him a key player in the world of nature-based financing. Guzmán’s insights into structuring financial models for conservation will be invaluable for attendees looking to scale their impact.
Craig Henry – CEO, Saint Lucia National Conservation Fund (SLUNCF)
As the local host of RedLAC 2024, Craig Henry plays a pivotal role in advancing conservation efforts in Saint Lucia. His work focuses on sustainable financing for biodiversity restoration, and he will provide key insights into how small island nations can lead the way in achieving the 30×30 conservation targets.
A Congress That Transforms Conservation
The RedLAC 2024 Congress in Saint Lucia is shaping up to be a transformative event for conservation leaders, financial strategists, and policymakers across Latin America and the Caribbean. With its distinct focus on financial strategies for environmental sustainability, the event provides attendees with the knowledge, connections, and inspiration they need to tackle the region’s most pressing conservation challenges.
The “30x30x30: The Path to 2030” theme underscores the importance of collaboration and innovation in meeting global conservation goals. The RedLAC Congress is a catalyst for realising these ambitious targets. For anyone committed to conservation in the Latin American and Caribbean region, RedLAC 2024 is an unmissable event.
