Imagine the Caribbean’s crystal-clear water and beautiful islands – perfect vacation spots, right? Well, there’s a dark cloud over this paradise. Climate change is hitting the Caribbean islands hard. The rising seas are swallowing coastlines, threatening the coastal communities, crazy storms are wrecking everything, and the whole island way of life for all species is at risk. But here’s the good news: the islands aren’t giving up without a fight. In March 2024, the historic Climate Justice Camp: Caribbean emerged on the shores of Sint Maarten, uniting 120 passionate advocates from across the region. It wasn’t just a meeting, it was a big “we’ve got this” moment. The initiative brought them all in one place so they can unite and work together to create a better future for their islands.
Shared Struggles, Collective Hope: How The Climate Justice Camp: Caribbean Fostered Collaboration
Agustin Maggio, Program Leader of Roots, painted a stark picture of the region’s challenges for us.
“The Caribbean is on the frontlines of the climate crisis facing a multitude of threats, from ocean acidification, heat waves, permanent water inundation due to sea level rise, changes in rainfall patterns, loss of biodiversity to food insecurity, health impacts, loss of tourism revenue, migration, and displacement. There are many strong initiatives centered on issues ranging from human rights and decolonization to social and climate justice in the region, however, these groups are isolated from each other across the many islands, facing hurdles of distances, funding, and resources.”
Agustin Maggio, Program Leader of Roots
The Climate Justice Camp: Caribbean was born from this very need for unity. It aimed to bridge the divides, fostering a space where these isolated voices could come together, share experiences, and forge a collective path forward. For four days, the energy crackled with the electricity of collaboration. Participants, hailing from diverse nations from all over the Caribbean, delved into workshops on critical issues – the transition to a sustainable energy sector, adaptation and resilience, marine conservation, and the crucial intersection of gender and climate justice.
Riddhi Samtani, a young climate leader from Sint Maarten, shared with us why fruitful collaborations are important in the Caribbean region.
“As a local movement builder and organizer from Sint Maarten, I’ve long recognized the fragmentation within the Caribbean due to colonial legacies and political divides. These barriers hinder our ability to convene, share ideas, and collaborate on regional campaigns effectively. Despite our differences, we share common threats from climate change—rising tides, eroding shores, coral bleaching, and severe hurricanes. Beyond environmental challenges, socio-economic issues like minimum wages, gender justice, and political instability plague the region, rooted in our colonial past.”
Riddhi Samtani, Climate Advocate from Sint Maarten
Samtani also reflected on the profound impact of the camp. In her words,
“The Caribbean Climate Justice Camp has been a beacon of hope, igniting solidarity among activists and movement builders. The energy is palpable, as we collectively rewrite the narrative of our collective future. The camp has provided the space for transformative dialogue and collaboration, leaving me feeling hopeful for the future. In these moments, I’ve come to believe that community truly is resistance—the heartbeat of change. As we continue to unite and advocate for our islands, I’m filled with optimism for what lies ahead.”
Riddhi Samtani, Climate Advocate from Sint Maarten
“The camp aimed to create a space and an opportunity for those working at the forefront of social and climate justice in this region to come together – many for the first time – to build knowledge and networks, share stories and skills, and align on strategies and demands to unify the climate justice movement across the Caribbean’s islands and territories.”
Agustin Maggio, Program Leader of Roots
An Unforgettable Set of Impactful Events
Beyond the formal sessions, the camp buzzed with the infectious positive energy of the Caribbean. Cultural evenings illuminated the region’s rich mosaic of heritage. A moving ritual on the first night, led by Sint Maarten’s Head of Culture, Clara Reyes, gathered participants on the beach to honor the place by the art of poetry and offerings of hibiscus flowers to the sea. Stories were exchanged under the starlit sky, each a powerful reminder of their shared struggles and unwavering hope.
One of the most inspiring outcomes of the camp was the birth of cross-border collaborations. During the Marine Conservation thematic track, for instance, which had a program centered around marine threats in the region including blue economy, shark and sea turtle conservation, and the impacts of deep-sea mining; participants fostered future collaborations with local organizations, government agencies, and international conservation groups to amplify their efforts and leverage their resources. Moreover, it opened up research opportunities for participants, allowing them to contribute to ongoing studies on marine biodiversity, habitat restoration, and the effects of climate change on marine ecosystems.
Beyond the Islands: The Reach of the Climate Justice Camp: Caribbean
The success of the Climate Justice Camp: Caribbean extends far beyond the four days spent in Sint Maarten. The organizers, a collaborative effort by 25 organizations, envision a growing network that empowers island communities and fosters a unified voice for climate action on the global stage.
“In just four days, we have seen a strong and diverse community flourish and build bonds that will carry over for years to come. We have seen organizers, activists, and advocates take full ownership of the program and the mission of the camp platform, and use it as a launching point for integration and coordination. Conversations and plans for future collaborations and projects are already underway. We could not be happier with the outcomes.”
Agustin Maggio, Program Leader of Roots
The story of the Climate Justice Camp: Caribbean is not just about a single event; it’s about a movement taking root. It’s about islands scattered like emeralds across the blue Caribbean Sea, coming together to face the storm, not as separate entities, but as a united archipelago. It’s about the powerful hum of collaboration, the unwavering spirit of resilience, and hope for a future where the islands not only survive but thrive.
Learn more about Roots and the Climate Justice Camp.
