Summary of CCI Summit outcomes : outcomes of the Caribbean Summit of Political and Business Leaders to launch the second phase of the Caribbean Challenge Initiative (CCI)

Abstract

To accelerate marine conservation action in the Caribbean, a second phase of the Caribbean Challenge Initiative (CCI) was launched at a Summit of Caribbean Political and Business Leaders. The Summit was co-hosted by Dr. The Right Hon. Keith C. Mitchell (Prime Minister of Grenada), Dr. the Hon D. Orlando Smith, OBE (Premier of the British Virgin Islands), and Sir Richard Branson (Founder of the Virgin Group) to bring together—for the first time—government leaders from Caribbean countries and territories, business leaders of companies with operations in the region, and key partners (e.g. development partners, multilateral agencies, private foundations, and NGOs) to agree on a shared vision for the region’s marine and coastal environment, and to chart a course on how to achieve this vision. The consensus reached during the Informal, High-level Leaders Dialogue at the outset of the meeting was summarized in a Communiqué and this summary, which highlighted some new issues for further action, such as protection for sharks and rays across the Caribbean region, and alternative energy.