Recently, the CANARI, within the framework of the Blue Tourism Initiative, awarded 17 grants totalling more than USD 100,000 to small and micro-enterprises and community organisations in Tobago, Trinidad, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. These grants represent a significant step toward strengthening the foundations of a thriving, inclusive blue economy.

Supporting Community-Led Tourism

Across the Caribbean, coastal communities depend on the ocean not only for livelihoods, but also for identity, culture, and heritage. The new round of grants empowers grassroots entrepreneurs and local organizations who are actively building tourism models that respect and protect marine ecosystems while generating economic opportunity. The selected projects reflect the diversity and creativity of Caribbean tourism initiatives. Grant recipients are developing:

• Eco-tourism experiences that showcase marine biodiversity

• Heritage and cultural tours that celebrate local traditions

• Community-based marine conservation initiatives

• Sustainable tourism services led by small local enterprises

Together, these initiatives help demonstrate that tourism development and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand.

Beyond Funding: Building Skills and Capacity

Participating enterprises and organizations have also taken part in capacity-building training programs designed to strengthen their impact and long-term sustainability. Training topics included:

• Environmental stewardship and marine conservation
• Sustainable business development
• Marketing and tourism promotion
• Citizen science and community data collection
• Eco-tour guiding and responsible visitor engagement

By investing in knowledge and skills, Blue Tourism Initiative ensures that these projects are not only funded but also equipped to grow and adapt in a changing tourism landscape. The 17 grant recipients represent the heart of Caribbean resilience and creativity. Their work demonstrates how local action can support marine conservation, preserve cultural heritage, and create inclusive economic opportunities.

By supporting community-driven solutions, the Blue Tourism Initiative is helping ensure that tourism development across the region protects natural resources while providing meaningful benefits to the people who call these coasts and islands home.

Looking Ahead

As these projects take shape in the months ahead, they will contribute to a growing network of blue tourism innovators across the Caribbean. Each initiative adds to a shared vision: a tourism sector that celebrates the region’s extraordinary marine environment while strengthening the communities that depend on it.

The Blue Tourism Initiative congratulates all 17 awardees and looks forward to seeing their ideas transform into lasting impact across the region.