Stakeholders Advance Gender Mainstreaming in Antigua and Barbuda’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan

The workshop, organized under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) framework and supported by the NBSAP Accelerator Partnership, brought together representatives from government agencies, non-governmental organizations, academia, and international development partners to explore the critical relationship between biodiversity conservation and gender equality.

The event was hosted by the Gilbert Agricultural and Rural Development (GARD) Center, where participants engaged in meaningful dialogue facilitated by Ms. Refica Attwood, who led discussions on the importance of mainstreaming gender throughout biodiversity planning and implementation. Through her facilitation, participants examined how inclusive and equitable approaches can strengthen biodiversity conservation while ensuring that women, men, youth, and vulnerable groups all have opportunities to contribute to environmental decision-making.

Throughout the day, technical presentations focused on biodiversity mainstreaming, gender-responsive planning, and practical approaches for incorporating gender perspectives into national biodiversity policies. Participants also explored the different roles that women and men play in natural resource management and how these contributions can be better recognized within national planning frameworks.

Interactive group discussions encouraged participants to identify existing gaps, propose practical solutions, and recommend actions to strengthen the updated National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan. Working collaboratively, stakeholders reviewed current policies, shared experiences, and developed recommendations that will help ensure biodiversity conservation efforts are both environmentally effective and socially inclusive.

The workshop also benefited from the participation of international development partners, including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the GEF Small Grants Programme, whose continued support reinforces global and national efforts to promote sustainable biodiversity management and gender equality.

One of the key outcomes of the workshop was the identification of eight priority gaps requiring attention as Antigua and Barbuda advances the implementation of its National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan. These gaps will help guide future policy development, capacity-building initiatives, and collaborative actions aimed at ensuring gender considerations are effectively mainstreamed across biodiversity programmes and projects.

The workshop concluded with a renewed commitment from participants to continue working together in developing a Gender and Biodiversity Action Plan that complements the country’s broader biodiversity objectives. Stakeholders reaffirmed that achieving sustainable biodiversity conservation requires inclusive partnerships, equitable participation, and coordinated action across all sectors.

As Antigua and Barbuda continues to strengthen its environmental policies and fulfill its commitments under the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Sustainable Development Goals, initiatives such as this workshop demonstrate the country’s dedication to protecting biodiversity while promoting gender equality as an essential pillar of sustainable development.