Trinidad and Tobago has become the 125th member of the Global Biodiversity Alliance, joining an international initiative aimed at strengthening efforts to protect and restore biodiversity worldwide.

The announcement was made on Wednesday by Guyanese President Dr Irfaan Ali as Caribbean leaders concluded the 51st Regular Meeting of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Heads of Government in Saint Lucia.

The Global Biodiversity Alliance was launched by Guyana following a commitment made by Ali at the United Nations General Assembly. 

The initiative brings together world leaders, experts, Indigenous Peoples, stakeholders and local communities to promote biodiversity conservation, restoration and sustainable investment.

The alliance seeks to promote international cooperation on biodiversity conservation while encouraging investment in nature-based solutions and recognising the economic value of protecting ecosystems. 

Ali welcomed Trinidad and Tobago’s decision to join the alliance, thanking Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar for signing the country onto the initiative.

“I’m very pleased today that Prime Minister Kamla has signed on,” Ali said.

He noted that the alliance will hold its second summit in Guyana later this year and expressed hope that Persad-Bissessar would attend.

“We’re looking forward to having Prime Minister Kamla at that summit as we continue to work on monetising biodiversity assets, safeguarding biodiversity assets, and investment that will rejuvenate biodiversity because this is critical to our existence on Earth,” he said.

Ali also praised the Trinidad and Tobago prime minister for quickly reviewing the proposal and agreeing to make the country the alliance’s 125th member.