Latest content: Environment and climate change

Terrestrial ecosystems and the services they provide are fundamental to human well-being. However, they face an increasing triple threat from climate change, land degradation and biodiversity loss.

On current trends, 95 per cent of the Earth’s land areas could become degraded by 2050. Similarly, despite ongoing efforts, biodiversity is deteriorating at a global scale, and this decline is projected to continue or worsen. Further, climate change puts the well-being of billions of Commonwealth citizens at risk, especially those residing in small island developing states (SIDS) and other vulnerable states. Collectively, these challenges will impede the achievement of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) throughout the Commonwealth.

This toolkit offers practical guidance on how to implement gender-responsive practices in marine conservation, fisheries, maritime transportation and tourism, in order to empower women and gender minorities and unlock the full potential of sustainable blue economies. Based on research and stakeholder consultations, and designed to provide clear guidance on meaningfully integrating gender perspectives into ocean policies and practices through practical guidance and best practices, the toolkit should serve as a valuable resource for it is an invaluable resource for policymakers, organisations and individuals dedicated to advancing gender equity in ocean sectors.

As an island nation, Antigua and Barbuda is vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and, despite recent classification as a middle-income country, pockets of poverty heighten this risk for some parts of society. Recognising this challenge, the Sustainable Island Resource Framework (SIRF) Fund was established in 2019 as a financial vehicle to deliver climate and environment-related projects and programmes both domestically and across the Eastern Caribbean.