The Caribbean Biodiversity Fund (CBF) welcomed Tadzio Bervoets, a Sint Maarten conservation professional, as the new BluEFin Project Leader. This appointment underscores the CBF’s commitment to ongoing funding for conservation and sustainable development in the Caribbean.
Since its inception in 2012, the CBF has become a key player in regional environmental conservation, focusing on initiatives such as the Conservation Finance Program, Climate Change Program, and the Nature Based Economies Program. These efforts have been pivotal in mobilizing substantial resources for biodiversity conservation and sustainable development across the Caribbean.
In his new role, Mr. Bervoets will be at the forefront of the BluEFin Project. This innovative project aims to enhance nature-based Blue Economy opportunities through creative financing mechanisms. Funded by notable contributors including the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the German Development Bank (KfW), the BluEFin Project is a groundbreaking endeavor set to transform sustainable blue economy activities in the region.
The project’s focus is on developing regional Caribbean Ocean financial mechanisms, engaging the private sector, and establishing a Blue Economy Hub to aid marine and coastal conservation. Its goal is to reshape the financial approach to marine and coastal ecosystems, promoting their sustainable use and preservation.
Tadzio Bervoets, with his extensive background in environmental management and intimate knowledge of the Caribbean’s ecological and cultural landscape, is ideally suited for this challenging role. His expertise will be crucial in managing the complexities of the BluEFin Project, ensuring adherence to donor requirements, and nurturing effective partnerships across the Caribbean.
Mr. Bervoets’ journey in environmental conservation is both rich and influential. Raised on St. Martin, he began his career in Bermuda, contributing to coral reef conservation, and later worked in Tanzania on marine park management. His significant role in the establishment of the Man of War Shoal Marine Protected Area in St. Maarten and his leadership in the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance highlight his dedication to environmental causes. His current roles, including consultancy for the Inter-American Development Bank and advisory positions with CARICOM and the United Nations, demonstrate his extensive reach and impact in the field. Under his direction, the BluEFin Project is expected to yield significant benefits for the region’s marine and coastal ecosystems, positively impacting both the environment and the communities that depend on it.
For more information about the CBF and the BluEFin Project, please visit https://caribbeanbiodiversityfund.org
