Project Overview 📑

Trinidad and Tobago ratified the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in August 1996, committing to the global effort to conserve biological diversity, use its components sustainably, and share the benefits of genetic resources fairly. Article 6 of the Convention requires Parties to prepare national strategies, plans, or programs for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity and to integrate biodiversity considerations into broader national planning.

To fulfil this commitment, Trinidad and Tobago has developed two National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plans (NBSAPs) to date—first in 2001, and then in 2016 for the period 2017–2022. These documents provided strategic direction for national action on biodiversity conservation, aligned with international frameworks such as the Aichi Biodiversity Targets and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

At the 15th CBD Conference of the Parties (COP15) in December 2022, the new Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) was adopted. Parties are required to update their NBSAPs in alignment with this framework, including establishing national biodiversity targets (NBTs) that contribute to the GBF’s 2030 global targets.

Trinidad and Tobago’s NBSAP is being revised with support from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), under the GBF Early Action Support (EAS) Project. One major output of the EAS Project was the development of 2023 National Biodiversity Targets, using a participatory, whole-of-society approach. The revised NBSAP will now outline the pathways, strategies, and mechanisms for implementing these national targets and contribute to achieving the global biodiversity goals.

To update Trinidad and Tobago’s NBSAP as a strategic framework that:

• Aligns with the Kunming-Montreal GBF;

• Integrates biodiversity into national development, poverty reduction, and climate resilience strategies;

• Establishes institutional structures and monitoring mechanisms for effective implementation.

The consultancy will be implemented over a 6-month period (January–July 2025) and includes three main components:

1. Stocktaking and Assessment

• Review relevant national policies, strategies, and biodiversity data;

• Assess drivers of biodiversity loss across ecosystems;

• Identify stakeholders, consultation modalities, and coordination mechanisms.

2. Institutional Monitoring and Reporting

• Recommend institutional arrangements for NBSAP implementation;

• Develop biodiversity indicators and a monitoring and evaluation approach.

3. Strategy and Action Plan Development

• Conduct multi-stakeholder consultations;

• Develop sectoral strategies and integration pathways;

• Draft and validate the revised NBSAP and summary for policymakers.

• A nationally validated, gender-responsive, and evidence-based NBSAP aligned with the GBF;

• Strengthened stakeholder collaboration and coordination;

• A roadmap for biodiversity mainstreaming across key national sectors.

The update is being led by the Ministry of Planning, Economic Affairs and Development (MPEAD), with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and funding from the Global Environment Facility (GEF). Local organisations – Advisors Next Door (AND) and The Cropper Foundation (TCF)– are coordinating public engagement to ensure the updated plan reflects the needs and ideas of people across Trinidad and Tobago.