The Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) economy largely relies on tourism, which in turn is heavily dependent on natural landscapes, clean coastal waterways and vibrant coral reefs. Although TCI’s ecosystems are integral to the local economy, there is a disconnect between the benefits these generate and the investments made in their management. 

To bridge the financing gap for effective marine protected area management, a collaborative initiative with the Department of Environment and Coastal Resources (DECR) focused on three strategic actions: identifying feasible mechanisms for long-term conservation financing; building the case for protected area and coral reef funding; and building capacity to monitor and report impacts of coral reef conservation. Through engagement with protected area managers and decision makers, the initiative increased support towards concrete financing solutions. As a result, a working group of relevant ministries was initiated to reinstate a national environmental fund.