GARD Centre Hosts Barbuda Consultation on Gender Integration in Antigua and Barbuda’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan

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St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda – 19 May 2026 – A further stakeholder consultation was convened on Tuesday, 19 May 2026, at the Barbuda Community Centre to support the integration of gender considerations into Antigua and Barbuda’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP). The consultation formed part of an initiative supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and implemented by the Gilbert Agricultural and Rural Development Centre (GARD).
The Barbuda consultation was designed to capture the unique experiences, priorities, and challenges of residents, ensuring that the final report and follow-up actions reflect the specific realities of Barbuda. Participants shared perspectives on biodiversity, natural resource management, livelihoods, and community resilience, with particular attention to the different ways women and men are affected by environmental challenges.
The consultation was facilitated by national consultant Mellissa Johnson, with technical support from Refica Attwood. Discussions highlighted several key concerns, including saltwater intrusion into groundwater, which participants identified as a major issue affecting daily life, livelihoods, and sustainable resource use in Barbuda.
Feedback gathered during the consultation will inform the identification of priority entry points for gender integration within the updated NBSAP framework. Given the distinct environmental and social context of Barbuda, the priority entry points identified for Barbuda will be considered separately from those identified in Antigua.
The organisers expressed appreciation to all participants for their valuable contributions to advancing inclusive and sustainable biodiversity planning in Antigua and Barbuda. Persons who were unable to attend the consultation are encouraged to contribute to the national process by contacting the GARD Centre.

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