Castries, Saint Lucia - October 2024 – The Saint Lucia National Conservation Fund (SLUNCF) proudly announced the formal launch of the Marine Health Alliance (MHA), which took place during the 26th ReDLAC Congress held in Saint Lucia this October. The MHA aims to consolidate support for marine-related conservation and sustainability initiatives in Saint Lucia through meaningful partnerships and investments in local sustainable activities.

 

The establishment of the Marine Health Alliance marks a significant step forward in the commitment to safeguarding Saint Lucia’s rich marine ecosystems. The MHA will focus on fostering collaboration among stakeholders, ensuring that conservation efforts are impactful and sustainable. A critical principle that underpins the success of the MHA is the pursuit of actions through collaborative initiatives. The announcement was made jointly  by the Mrs Karolin Troubetzkoy – Chairperson of the SLUNCF, CEO of the SLUNCF, Mr Craig Henry and representatives from the Saint Lucia Hospitality and Tourism Association (SLHTA) including Ms Donette Ismael, TEF Programme Manager.

 

"We recognize that the health of our marine environments is vital not only for biodiversity but also for the livelihoods of our communities," said Mrs Karolin Troubetzkoy. "The Marine Health Alliance represents our commitment to working alongside our partners to promote sustainable practices and protect our precious marine resources for future generations."

 

In a demonstration of the collaborative spirit that the MHA embodies, the alliance has already garnered the support and endorsement of the Saint Lucia Hospitality and Tourism Association (SLHTA). Earlier this year, SLHTA and SLUNCF formalized their partnership by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which included an initial donation of USD 100,000 from the SLHTA's Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), the philanthropic arm of the organization.

 

"The hospitality and tourism sectors are intrinsically linked to the health of our marine environments," stated Ms Donette Ismael. "We are excited to partner with SLUNCF in this initiative that not only enhances our tourism offerings but also ensures the preservation of our marine ecosystems."

 

The MHA invites other stakeholders, including local businesses, government agencies, and non-profit organizations, to join this vital effort to promote marine conservation and sustainability in Saint Lucia. Together, through shared resources and expertise, the MHA aims to create a resilient marine environment that benefits all.

 

For more information about the Marine Health Alliance and how to get involved, please visit saintluciamha.com or contact ceo@sluncf.org.