Jamaica becomes newest member of Global Biodiversity Alliance as international coalition grows to 129 members

Kurt Campbell

Topic

Greenline

Published

June 26, 2026

Jamaica becomes newest member of Global Biodiversity Alliance as international coalition grows to 129 members

Credit: Conservation International

Jamaica has officially become the newest member of the Global Biodiversity Alliance, further expanding the rapidly growing international coalition dedicated to protecting biodiversity while promoting sustainable development.

The announcement was made by President Irfaan Ali during Friday's joint engagement with Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness, shortly after the two countries signed four new bilateral cooperation agreements.

"I am also very pleased to welcome our newest member of the Global Biodiversity Alliance, Jamaica," President Ali announced.

Jamaica's accession brings the Alliance's total membership to 129 governments, organisations and institutions worldwide, underscoring growing international support for the initiative spearheaded by Guyana.

Credit: Conservation International

The announcement follows the recent decision by the United Nations to join the Alliance, marking another significant milestone in its expanding global reach.

The Global Biodiversity Alliance seeks to build international partnerships around biodiversity conservation, sustainable development and environmental stewardship while recognising the economic value of protecting natural ecosystems.

Guyana has positioned itself as a global leader in biodiversity conservation through its Low Carbon Development Strategy and extensive forest conservation efforts.

Jamaica's membership further strengthens Caribbean participation within the Alliance and reflects increasing regional commitment to biodiversity protection amid growing climate challenges.

The announcement came during a visit that also saw Guyana and Jamaica deepen cooperation across energy, agriculture, security, financial services and climate resilience, signalling an increasingly comprehensive strategic partnership between the two CARICOM nations.

President Ali has consistently advocated for greater international collaboration on biodiversity financing, arguing that countries protecting forests and ecosystems should receive greater global recognition and investment.

With Jamaica's inclusion, the Alliance now comprises 129 members, continuing its expansion as governments and international institutions increasingly align behind efforts to safeguard the world's biodiversity while pursuing sustainable economic growth.

Jamaica becomes newest member of Global Biodiversity Alliance as international coalition grows to 129 members

Role

Based

Kurt Campbell is a Guyanese journalist with more than a decade of experience covering politics, public policy, and community-focused stories. His reporting blends investigative depth with clear, accessible storytelling, giving voice to perspectives often left out of mainstream coverage. Raised on the East Coast of Demerara, Kurt brings a grounded, people-centred approach to complex national issues, including Guyana’s rapidly evolving oil and gas sector.