THE SAINT LUCIA NATIONAL CONSERVATION FUND PROVIDES GRANT ASSISTANCE FOR POST-HURRICANE BERYL RECOVERY EFFORTS.

The Saint Lucia National Conservation Fund (SLUNCF) and the Soufriere Marine Management Association Inc. (SMMA) have officially signed a grant agreement for the implementation of a project entitled "Conservation Recovery Fund: Replenishing Resources Lost in Hurricane Beryl." This funding was made possible through the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund (CBF) under a Post Beryl Recovery Programme financed by the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and Le Fonds Français pour l'Environnement Mondial (FFEM).

The SMMA plays a vital role in the effective management of marine and coastal resources within the Soufriere region. The SMMA experienced damage to office infrastructure and equipment. According to the current SMMA Chairman Mr Harald Dalsan, "We have been unable to perform our core management functions effectively given severe impact to some of our vital assets."

The funds received will directly assist in the restoration of the organisation’s monitoring vessel and reinstallation of moorings which are critical to supporting management action in the marine managed area. 

Although not a common occurrence, the Soufriere Bay and its coastal residents endured adverse losses as a result of storm surges associated with Beryl’s strong winds. The livelihoods of local fishers; dive operators and waterfront enterprise owners have been disrupted because they were overexposed and underprepared. Therefore, the project also aims to highlight the crucial importance of disaster preparedness and response, climate impacts as well as sustainable and responsible fishing practice. 

SLUNCF CEO, Mr Craig Henry exclaimed "The goal is not only to recover from losses but also to enhance the sustainability of marine resources and build resilience within the Soufriere bay."

The SLUNCF remains committed to supporting initiatives that foster environmental conservation and resilience in Saint Lucia and this collaboration is a testament to that commitment.