The Marine Health Alliance Safeguards Caribbean Seas With Community-Driven Approach

The Caribbean’s prosperity is bound to the health of its seas. Coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass beds, and fisheries not only underpin local biodiversity but also sustain economies, culture, and food security. Yet, these marine ecosystems are under increasing pressure. Rising sea surface temperatures, stronger and more frequent storms, coastal development, and unsustainable practices are threatening the very resources that Caribbean communities depend on.

In response, the Saint Lucia National Conservation Fund (SLUNCF) has launched the Marine Health Alliance (MHA), an ambitious initiative that brings together local communities, government agencies, and regional partners to drive a new era of conservation, one that is collaborative, inclusive, and deeply rooted in community ownership.

What is the Marine Health Alliance?

The Marine Health Alliance unifies marine conservation efforts in Saint Lucia and amplifies them across the wider Caribbean. Backed by the SLUNCF and supported by the Tourism Enhancement Fund of the Saint Lucia Hospitality and Tourism Association, the Alliance serves as both a funding mechanism and a coordination body. It directs resources toward locally led projects while building bridges between policymakers, scientists, tourism operators, and community groups.

“A healthy marine environment is critical for the success of our tourism industry,” said Karolin Troubetzkoy, Chairperson of SLUNCF. While the SLUNCF had long worked to protect biodiversity, the creation of the Marine Health Alliance gave marine issues a clear identity and visibility. “We wanted to ensure that there was a simple donation mechanism that visitors could use to support conservation, but also to create opportunities for hotels and local organisations to become sponsors and partners in marine protection,” she added. This dual focus, mobilising resources from visitors and empowering local stakeholders, defines the Alliance’s model.

Community engagement is ‘critical’

On September 16, 2025, the Marine Health Alliance co-hosted a panel session on community-driven conservation at the Virtual Island Summit, Island Innovation's international online conference attended by hundreds of island communities from the Caribbean to the Indian Ocean.

Watch the session recording

“Community involvement is not a voluntary idea or something to be considered on the side, it is critical,” stressed Craig Henry, the CEO of SLUNCF.

“Communities have the knowledge, the experience, and the proximity to the resources. They must be empowered to participate, whether through sustainable livelihoods, decision-making processes, or restoration projects.”

The SLUNCF has made some significant investment in the seamoss sector in Saint Liucia.That support included promoting the profile of seamoss as a sustainable livelihood. Additionally,  10 sea moss farmers provided access to formal training and certification in sustainable seamoss farming

This is in recognition of  the economic potential and ecological challenges of expanding production. Saint Lucia already has developed standards for best practices in seamoss farming, and so the SLUNCF interventions are aligned with government agencies such as the Department of Fisheries.

More strategic collaboration and coordination is necessary to further develop the industry. “We recognise that duplication of efforts was frustrating communities,” Henry said. “So we made it a priority to coordinate across agencies and NGOs, streamlining support so that farmers received consistent messaging and tangible results.”

The SLUNCF will continue to support the sector through the MHA. With the Alliance’s help, sea moss farming will be pursued as a real sustainable livelihood that also safeguards seagrass and coral ecosystems.

The Marine Health Alliance also contributed to the effective management of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), following a collaborative approach where fisherfolk, tourism operators, and coastal residents are consulted and involved. “Marine conservation is really not just about protecting fish or habitats, it’s about safeguarding livelihoods, strengthening community resilience, and preserving our culture and identity,” explained Thomas Nelson, Deputy Chief Fisheries Officer of Saint Lucia.

Nelson also pointed to the use of innovative monitoring tools, from mobile apps and drones to citizen science networks, as a way to strengthen MPA management while engaging the public. “Citizen science has been a very powerful tool, and we must never underestimate the power of communities in data collection and education. These approaches turn marine protection into a shared community asset, not just a government mandate,” he shared.

Collaborations across borders

While the Marine Health Alliance is grounded in Saint Lucia, its vision is regional. Caribbean nations must come together to strengthen natural defences as climate change intensifies. “We know funding is often limited, but when projects align and share resources, we can leverage partnerships for biodiversity, climate resilience, and the blue economy,” highlighted Orisha Joseph, Executive Director of Sustainable Grenadines Inc. 

She also stated that working with regional organisations such as the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism or the OECS is essential to harmonise marine conservation across borders. Projects supported by GIZ Global in Saint Lucia and the wider Eastern Caribbean have also piloted innovative approaches, from digital payment systems for conservation funding to pilot studies on mangrove protection.

Annett Fleischer, Programme Coordinator at GIZ Global said, “It is vital that we integrate resilience into all aspects of conservation.” With this, the Marine Health Alliance is positioned to be part of the collective bargaining power that makes the Caribbean stronger on the global stage.

Financing the future of marine conservation

Conservation projects often struggle with financial sustainability. “Endowment funds are one way to provide long-term resources, but we also need innovative mechanisms such as debt-for-nature swaps, blue carbon financing, and public-private partnerships,” shared Tanja Lieuw, Conservation Finance Programme Manager at the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund (CBF).

The Marine Health Alliance connects these high-level financial instruments with community-level action. For instance, MHA inspires tourists to donate for the good of Saint Lucia’s oceans.“It’s not always about millions. If we can find a hundred people willing to contribute modestly every month, that too can create sustainable, long-term impact,” Lieuw said. In the end, financial systems that channel consistent support to local actors is key.

A blueprint for island resilience

The Marine Health Alliance shows what is possible when communities, governments, the private sector, and international partners unite under a shared vision. “We wanted to create something that could link our visitors, our government agencies, and our communities, a framework that would not only protect marine biodiversity but also advocate for sustainable livelihoods and responsible tourism,” Troubetzkoy concluded. In many ways, the MHA is a blueprint for how small islands can shape their own futures.