Wider caribbean region

Abstract

The Wider Caribbean Region's unique marine and coastal areas support some of the world's most productive and diverse ecosystems and provide numerous products and services for human communities. In combination with the host of stressors already affecting many areas, climate change is likely to lead to further declines in the health and sustainability of coastal ecosystems throughout the Caribbean. A collaborative approach to accelerating climate change adaptation in the region is using the migratory hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) as an umbrella species to highlight the importance of conservation at a seascape level. Through rigorous adaptation planning, encouragement of innovation, and shared learning, the Adaptation to Climate Change for Marine Turtles initiative is building regional capacity to address the challenges of climate change.