The Turks and Caicos Islands join UK Overseas Territories at COP28 in Dubai

PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS (December 7th, 2023) – The Turks and Caicos Islands was among the UK Overseas Territories represented at the 28^th Conference of the Parties (COP28) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Dubai from November 30^th to December 12^th, 2023.

The Honourable Josephine Connolly, who holds the portfolio of Minister of Tourism, Environment, Fisheries, Marine Affairs, Culture and Heritage, Agriculture and Religious Affairs, attended COP28 where she participated in discussions around topics “Restoring our Future: Scaling-up Ecosystem-based Adaptation” and “Sustainable Tourism”.

Minister Connolly also attended a reception hosted in the UK Pavilion by Minister for Climate Stuart Graham themed “The missing link? Connecting Parliamentarians and COPSs: Ensuring accountability and driving ambition and delivery” as well as a dinner hosted by Lord Zac Goldsmith themed “Nature Champions at COP28”.

The Honourable Minister was also part of a key meeting with Mr. Alox Sharma, a Conservative British MP who served as President of COP from 2021 to 2022, having previously served as Secretary of State for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy from 2020 to 2021 and Secretary of State for International Development from 2019 to2020.

Mr. Sharma is currently the Climate and Finance Fellow at The Rockefeller Foundation. In this new role, he aids the Foundation’s initiatives in mobilising effective financing for global development and climate action goals.

Minister Connolly and the other delegates sought to secure Mr. Sharma’s support within the Rockefeller Foundation, an internal champion of the Overseas Territories, focusing on a comprehensive approach to addressing their vulnerabilities, resilience, infrastructure, and financial needs.

“It was a pleasure to work in partnership with the UK Government at COP28 and to be granted an opportunity to advocate for our nation at such a prestigious forum. We have been working assiduously in the Turks and Caicos Islands to ensure the preservation of our natural resources for the benefit of all as we continue to attract luxury travellers who prioritise sustainability in their travel choices,” said Minister Connolly.

Minister Connolly’s participation at COP28 was essential to give the Turks and Caicos Islands a voice in the conversation about climate change and its impact on Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

Like many islands in the Caribbean, the Turks and Caicos Islands is vulnerable to the impacts of climate change among them sea-level rises and changes in the frequency and/or intensity of extreme weather such as Hurricanes and extreme temperature.

Our natural resources, including the beautiful seas upon which we are very dependent to attract guests, create employment, and contribute to the livelihood of our citizens, are crucial to the economic development of the islands.

Experience Turks and Caicos, while responsible for marketing and promoting the destination, is also focused on sustainability as one of its key pillars to preserve the environment for our guests and residents alike.