Excerpt and Photo from impakter.com
The Caribbean’s natural wonders captivate the world, from lush rainforests to vibrant reefs, shaping an iconic landscape cherished for its beauty and biodiversity. Yet, beyond its allure to tourists lies a deeper significance: these ecosystems are the bedrock of our culture, heritage, and community resilience. Against the backdrop of a global push for sustainable solutions, the need to safeguard our natural treasures grows ever more urgent.
In recognition of the outstanding efforts driving regional conservation, the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund (CBF) introduced the Biodiversity Excellence Award for Caribbean Heroes (BEACH Award) in 2023. Named after Mrs. Eleanor Garraway-Phillips and Dr. Jens Mackensen, founding members of the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund Board of Directors, this biennial accolade honors individuals and organizations shaping the Caribbean’s conservation landscape.
On July 28, 2023, World Nature Conservation Day, the inaugural BEACH Awards were announced as Dr. Judith Gobin for the individual award and Reef Check Dominican Republic for the organizational award.