CTO Signs Deal to Promote Nature-Positive Tourism in the Caribbean
by Bruce Parkinson
Thérèse Yarde, Caribbean Fellow/Senior Director, Caribbean SIDS Programming, Conservation International; Kelvin Alie, SVP, Field Programs, Conservation International; Dona Regis-Prosper, Secretary-General & CEO, Caribbean Tourism Organization; and Sharon Banfield-Bovell, CTO’s Director of Resource Mobilization and Development.
The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) has signed what it is calling a landmark two-year agreement with global non-profit Conservation International (CI) to promote nature-positive tourism throughout one of the world’s most popular tourism destinations.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed at CTO’s headquarters in Barbados, establishes a framework for joint efforts to advance sustainable tourism models that protect biodiversity, strengthen local economies, and improve community well-being.
The partnership aligns with CTO’s Reimagine 2025–2027 Plan, which champions “bold, resilient and inclusive strategies” to shape the future of tourism in the region.
Collaborative actions will focus on advancing sustainable, nature-positive tourism through conservation-driven investments, support for community-led initiatives that protect biodiversity and livelihoods, and technical cooperation in research, education and outreach.
Key priorities include building sector capacity, encouraging tourism investment in conservation, and promoting resilient, nature-based economic models across the region.
“This partnership marks a meaningful step forward in our mission to build a regenerative, inclusive and climate-smart tourism sector,” said Dona Regis-Prosper, CTO Secretary-General and CEO.
“By partnering with Conservation International, we reaffirm our commitment to protecting the Caribbean’s rich natural heritage while uplifting the communities that depend on it.”
Kelvin Alie, Senior Vice President, Field Programs at Conservation International, commented:
“This partnership with the Caribbean Tourism Organization marks an exciting step forward for Conservation International as we broaden our network of partners in the Caribbean. Working together with the CTO, we can unlock the potential of nature-positive tourism to protect the region’s oceans and coastlines, support sustainable blue economy growth, and empower communities to thrive in the face of climate change.”
