The RedLAC Congress opened with a significant ceremony, featuring a keynote speech by Professor Dale Webber, who presented a comprehensive roadmap for achieving the 30×30 goal in the Caribbean. His address emphasized the need for a coordinated regional approach, outlining critical strategies and steps for effective implementation. “Achieving these ambitious conservation goals requires more than setting targets. It demands effective collaboration, inclusive strategies, and careful consideration of diverse social, economic, environmental, and, for us in the Caribbean, historical and cultural factors. The interconnected nature of Caribbean ecosystems requires robust regional cooperation. Transboundary conservation initiatives, shared resources, and collaborative policies will be crucial to achieving the 30×30 goal across the region. The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and other regional bodies can play a pivotal role in coordinating these efforts.” – Prof. Dale Webber, keynote speaker and Director of the Centre for Marine Sciences at the University of the West Indies Jorge Oviedo, President of RedLAC and Executive Director of FIAES (Environmental Investment Fund of El Salvador), inaugurated the activities alongside the executive directors of the host funds: Karen McDonald Gayle, CEO of the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund; Craig Henry, CEO of the Saint Lucia National Conservation Fund (SLUNCF); and Karolin Troubetzkoy, Chair of the Board of the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund and the SLUNCF. Their remarks underscored the urgent need for collective action to safeguard biodiversity, address climate change, and promote sustainable development through enhanced collaboration. 1. “Our unity as networks of environmental funds and our collaboration with communities, organizations, and international allies enable us to chart a path toward a more sustainable future. Together, we are the heart of conservation and the hope for a sustainable future. Let us remember that every action counts, and through collaboration and commitment, we can achieve the ambitious goal of protecting 30% of our lands and seas by 2030 and bring our conservation vision to life. The power to change is in our hands, which is why there is reason for hope!” – Jorge Oviedo, President of RedLAC and Executive Director of FIAES 2. “We have created innovative financial mechanisms and partnerships that mobilize resources to conserve our valuable ecosystems. Every protected hectare, every conserved species, and every engaged community brings us closer to a sustainable future. During the RedLAC 2024 Congress, we will share knowledge, discuss challenges, and forge new partnerships that will allow us to maximize the power of RedLAC, which lies in the diversity of our members.” – Karen McDonald Gayle, CEO, Caribbean Biodiversity Fund 3. “At the Saint Lucia National Conservation Fund, we have recognized the importance of strategic alliances to effectively channel investments and resources. Without the participation and commitment of the community, we cannot establish strong environmental stewardship. When discussing climate resilience, biodiversity restoration, and sustainable livelihoods, we must ask: What do these mean to community members—fishermen, sea moss growers, and community leaders?” – Craig Henry, CEO, Saint Lucia National Conservation Fund 4. “As we convene at the 2024 RedLAC Congress, our focus is on how we will achieve the ambitious global conservation goals for 2030. These goals represent a global milestone and our commitment to safeguarding the planet for future generations. Environmental funds within the RedLAC network are critical to this mission. Hosting the 26th RedLAC Congress in Saint Lucia for the first time, and by extension in the Eastern Caribbean, holds immense symbolism, representing profound recognition of our region’s unique environmental and cultural wealth.” – Karolin Troubetzkoy, Chair, Caribbean Biodiversity Fund and Saint Lucia National Conservation Fund