Commonwealth NGOs related to forestry

REGIONAL

Eastern Caribbean Coalition for Environmental Awareness

HQ address:   ECCEA PO Box 456

Goodwill

Roseau

 Dominica

Email:   

Website: www.eccea.org

Region: Americas

Type of Organisation: NGO,  

Interest in Forestry:  peripheral

Description:

The Eastern Caribbean Coalition for Environmental Awareness (ECCEA) is an independent non profit making organisation, founded in 1995. Its priority action is to coordinate and implement regional conservation programmes and the development and preparation of project proposals for national environmental and non governmental organizations, grass roots movements and communities. These are articulated into common themes specific to the needs of small island states and their ecology.

Projects are designed to integrate an environmental dimension into the sustainable development process of the islands and contribute positively to their economic growth. Education; skills training and capacity building are seen as key elements for such initiatives to succeed.

International conventions

ECCEA has observer status at UN and International Conventions that govern the environment, wildlife, sustainable development and tourism. The Coalition recognizes that in the interest of global cooperation governments, ngo's, civil society and the media have key roles to play in correcting existing imbalances in global environment negotiations.

Environmental protection laws

The Cartagena Convention, and it's Protocol for Specially Protected Areas for Wildlife in the Caribbean and it's Protocol (SPAW)1 are seen as the most appropriate conservation instruments for the implementation of ECCEA's mandate.

ECCEA's objective is to develop strategies that are beneficial to both communities, wildlife and the environment, establishing mechanisms which ensure ecologically sustainable development. Strengthening of cross sectoral relationships is emphasized as well as community structure and the importance of local traditions and cultures.

Programmes are designed to enhance and reinforce the local economy, national conservation policies, productivity and the unique diversity of island ecosystems.

As international aid has decreased in the Caribbean so have the natural resources. The ECCEA monitors and evaluates the effects of deforestation, coastal development, coastal and distant water fishing fleet activities in the Caribbean, encouraging development of management plans that correspond to regional need, rather than international exigencies.

The participatory approach and sustainable low impact development projects are high priorities for the ECCEA. Whenever possible, alternative initiatives are proposed when it is seen that a major development project has the potential to inflict damage on ecosystems and biological diversity and adversely affect the communities that depend on them.