Saint Lucia is shifting its climate agenda from policy to action, with government and civil society joining forces to turn ambitious environmental commitments into practical community projects that can attract funding and deliver measurable results.
The Department of Sustainable Development convened government officials, non-governmental organisations and community stakeholders for its “Advocacy to Action” dialogue at the Bay Gardens Hotel, signalling a renewed push to transform the country’s climate commitments into tangible initiatives across communities.
The discussions centred on implementing Saint Lucia’s Third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0), which sets national targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions across the energy, transport, cooling and forestry sectors while supporting global efforts to limit temperature increases to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
Permanent Secretary in the Department of Sustainable Development, Anita Montoute, stressed that civil society organisations remain essential partners in shaping and delivering the country’s climate agenda. She noted that organisations such as the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations, the Saint Lucia National Youth Council and the Caribbean Youth and Environment Network have played an important role through their representation on the National Climate Change Committee, helping to ensure national policies reflect the realities and priorities of local communities.
Rather than focusing solely on climate awareness, participants were encouraged to develop practical, community-based projects capable of delivering real environmental impact. Presentations led by NDC In-Country Facilitator Onika Benn guided stakeholders through the country’s climate commitments while identifying opportunities for stronger collaboration across ten priority climate sectors.
A major highlight of the forum was the emphasis on financing. Representatives from several regional and international funding agencies outlined grant opportunities available to civil society organisations, providing guidance on funding priorities, application requirements and strategies for developing successful proposals.
Participants also received technical support from climate experts representing the UNFCCC’s Action for Climate Empowerment (ACE) Unit and the Caribbean Natural Resources Institute (CANARI), who introduced practical tools designed to help organisations plan and implement resilient climate initiatives.
The event concluded with hands-on design workshops, where participants worked in specialised groups focusing on energy, transport, forestry and cooling to develop project concepts that can be adapted and implemented within communities across Saint Lucia.
Through the initiative, the Department of Sustainable Development aims to strengthen partnerships between government and civil society, improve access to climate financing and accelerate the country’s transition from climate planning to meaningful action.
