Regional Virtual Meeting

Welcome remarks by Dr. Patricia Rosa (Founder of FCAL). Kick off the conference with fun and interactive icebreakers designed to spark conversation and build connections. Enjoy engaging activities like creative word clouds, a lively show and tell, and a memorable group photo to set the tone for an exciting event!

Jeanelle Brisbane (WildDominique, Dominica): The Ripple Effect: How One Connection Can Make Waves in Caribbean Conservation?

Jeanelle Brisbane is Dominica’s first female ecologist, dedicated to advancing conservation across the Caribbean. She earned a BSc in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation (Summa Cum Laude) from the University of Florida and an MRes in Tropical Forest Ecology (Distinction) from Imperial College London. Her global conservation experience spans Belize, Madagascar, and Malaysia. Following Hurricane Maria, she founded WildDominique, a conservation NGO promoting community-centered conservation. Through initiatives like the award-winning Friend of Conservation program, she has led species monitoring, education, and policy development. A National Geographic Explorer and recipient of the 2022 National Youth Award for Climate Activism, Jeanelle has represented Dominica at CITES CoP19 and the BirdsCaribbean Conference. She fosters regional collaboration through expert working groups. Currently pursuing a PhD at Université des Antilles in Guadeloupe, she strives to enhance ecosystem health and inspire future generations in environmental stewardship.

Joshel Wilson (Environmental Awareness Group Antigua & Barbuda): Exploring Lasting Impacts in Conservation and Beyond

A Grenadian and alumnus of St. George’s University (SGU), he serves as the Wildlife Officer at the Environmental Awareness Group (EAG). In this role, he leads biodiversity monitoring efforts, manages data collection, and supports conservation initiatives at national, regional, and international levels. As the Principal Investigator for the critically endangered Antiguan Racer (Alsophis antiguae), he plays a vital role in the development and implementation of the Antiguan Racer Conservation Action Plan (ARCAP). Utilising adaptive techniques such as mark-capture for species tracking and data analysis, he ensures informed decision-making based on extensive field research. His work is driven by a deep commitment to conservation, ecosystem restoration, invasive species control, and the protection of endangered species.

Five12-minute talks followed by a 3-minute question period. Highlights innovative work from leaders in conservation, showcasing insights, key findings, and forward-thinking approaches that shape the future of Caribbean conservation efforts.

1. Paula Spiniello (St. George's University, Grenada): From Roots to Shoots: 4 Years of Seagrass Science at SGU.

2. Sharlene Beharry (St. George's University, Grenada): Connections Between Climate and Ecosystems

3. Giselle Deane (Bahamas National Trust): The Pros of Tech: Using Conservation Technology in Bahamian National Parks

4. Jody Daniel (Gaea Conservation Network): Survival of the Fittest in Paradise: How Grenada's Mangroves Shape Their Living Communities.

5. Garry Auguiste (University of the West Indies at Cave Hill, Barbados): Evaluating Population Baseline and Distribution of Dominica's Two Endemic Parrots Post Hurricane Maria

Tell us your shared and unique challenges faced when working in the field of conservation throughout the Caribbean. Discuss how island-specific factors, including ecological, social, and cultural contexts, influence conservation efforts. By comparing experiences, we aim to foster a deeper understanding of how geographical and institutional settings shape conservation strategies and collaboration opportunities.

Where do we go from here? Reflect on key takeaways and explore the future direction of the organization. Discuss goals such as creating an expert directory, developing a data repository, forming working groups, and publishing conference proceedings to strengthen collaboration and impact.