Empowering Civil Society and MSMEs for Ocean Conservation & Sustainable Blue Economies

PROCARIBE+ recognizes that local communities and civil society organizations are at the heart of effective and inclusive ocean conservation. Their deep-rooted knowledge, lived experiences, and proximity to coastal ecosystems make them essential partners in building resilient, sustainable, and equitable blue economies.

By empowering these actors, PROCARIBE+ fosters social inclusion, community ownership, and locally driven action—ensuring that solutions are not only environmentally sound but also socially just and economically viable. This approach strengthens the link between policy frameworks and on-the-ground implementation, bridging the gap between regional strategies and local realities.

PROCARIBE+ is committed to amplifying the role of civil society organizations and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in driving ocean conservation and sustainable development across the Caribbean. Through targeted support and innovative financing, we are unlocking the potential of grassroots actors to lead transformative change in coastal communities.

Small Grants, Big Impact

To catalyze action, PROCARIBE+ is investing in replicable small grants and micro-finance initiatives that align with key regional and national ocean governance instruments including Strategic Action Programmes, Regional SAPs, and marine/coastal components of Nationally Determined Contributions.

Investment Targets

  • Minimum USD 2.5 million in micro-financing, which includes USD 1 million in co-financing from the GEF Small Grants Programme, UNDP
  • At least 30 grants awarded across five target countries: Antigua & BarbudaHaitiJamaicaSt. Kitts & Nevis and St. Lucia

Thematic Areas 

Our micro-financing initiatives are designed to support a wide range of community-led actions that contribute to ocean health, climate resilience, and sustainable livelihoods. Priority themes include:

🌿 Nature-Based Solutions
Promoting ecosystem-based approaches to climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction.

🌊 Ecosystem Conservation and Restoration
Protecting and rehabilitating coastal and marine ecosystems to enhance biodiversity and ecosystem services.

🎣 Sustainable Harvesting of Ecosystem Goods
Supporting small-scale fisheries and other sustainable uses of marine resources.

💡 Development of Sustainable “Blue” Businesses
Encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship in ocean-based sectors, including technology-driven solutions.

🌀 Post-COVID, Hurricane, and Earthquake Recovery
Strengthening community resilience and rebuilding livelihoods in the wake of natural disasters and health crises.

🌍 Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation and Resilience
Supporting local actions that reduce emissions and build adaptive capacity in vulnerable coastal zones.

👩‍👧‍👦 Enhanced and Alternative Livelihoods
Creating inclusive economic opportunities with a focus on gender equality, youth empowerment, and household resilience.


Partnering with the GEF Small Grants Programme, UNDP on local action for ocean sustainability

The GEF Small Grants Programme (SGP) is a corporate programme of the Global Environment Facility implemented by the United Nations Development Programme. Since its inception in 1992, SGP has empowered communities in 127 countries through over 28,000 community-based projects focused on biodiversity conservation and sustainable use, climate change mitigation and adaptation, sustainable land management, conservation of international waters and chemicals and waste management. GEF SGP promotes community-based innovation, capacity development, and empowerment, with special consideration for Indigenous Peoples, women, youth, and persons with disabilities.

Under PROCARIBE+ Component 3, SGP will:

  • Channel funding directly to local communities and civil society organisations to lead and implement initiatives aligned with national and regional priorities related to the sustainable blue economy.
  • Strengthen local capacities for sustainable ocean management and community resilience.
  • Provide technical guidance and build partnerships to support local communities.
  • Foster inclusive development by prioritizing gender-responsive and youth-led projects.
  • Promote replicable models for nature-based solutions and blue economy innovation.

Countries and territories that are eligible for direct financial support from the GEF and that are full PROCARIBE+ participants.

Antigua and Barbuda
Bahamas
Belize
Brazil
Colombia
Costa Rica
Cuba
Dominican Republic
Guatemala
Guayana
Haiti
Honduras
Jamaica
Panama
Saint Lucia
St Kitts and Nevis
Suriname
Trinidad and Tobago
Venezuela

Countries and territories that can participate in and stand to benefit from the regional-level project activities

Anguilla
Aruba
Barbados
Bonaire
British Virgin Islands
Cayman Islands
Curaçao
Dominica
France, Guadeloupe, Saint Barthélemy, Saint Martin
French Guiana
Grenada
Martinique
Mexico
Montserrat
Netherlands
Nicaragua
Puerto Rico
Saba
Sint Eustatius
Sint Maarten
St Vincent and the Grenadines
Turks and Caicos Islands
United Kingdom
United States of America
United States Virgin Islands

Lead Agencies

Co-Executing Partners