Caribbean Association of Banks joins partners to launch pioneering nature reporting forum to advance sustainable finance

The Caribbean Association of Banks (CAB), in partnership with the UN Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) and the Global Caribbean Blue Carbon (GCBC), has successfully introduced the pioneering initiative known as the Nature Reporting Preparer Forum.

A CAB press release describes it as a groundbreaking programme, developed collaboratively by the aforementioned entities, which is the first of its kind specifically designed for financial institutions operating within the Caribbean region. Its primary goal is to strengthen the capacity of local financial entities to evaluate, manage, and publicly disclose risks related to nature, aligning with emerging international standards.

The inaugural session of this programme took place on March 4, 2026, beginning with opening remarks from CAB’s Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Wendy Delmar. She emphasized the critical need to enhance the Caribbean’s readiness for nature-focused financial reporting, noting that it is a shared responsibility within the region’s financial sector to integrate environmental considerations into strategic planning. Ms. Delmar further highlighted the importance of fostering environmental stewardship across the Caribbean through these efforts.

At the launch, participants were introduced to several core components essential to the programme’s success, including:

– The principles and guidelines of the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD)
– The interconnectedness of climate change and biodiversity, along with systemic risks posed by nature-related issues
– International biodiversity frameworks that influence actions related to nature
– The structure, goals, and anticipated outcomes of the initiative

The establishment of the Nature Reporting Preparer Forum marks a significant step forward in the Caribbean’s journey toward sustainable finance. Over the upcoming months, the initiative will host a series of hybrid sessions, combining technical training, practical workshops, regional case studies, and opportunities for peer learning and knowledge sharing.

As an active supporter, CAB remains committed to fostering this collaborative effort, aiming to elevate the Caribbean’s leadership in sustainable financial practices and to protect its unique ecosystems for future generations.