The conference aims to promote an understanding of the issues and the necessity for government and civil society to partner together in achieving sustainable development. Multi-sector collaboration is essential and this conference aims to emphasize this and investigate how the partners can work together to find solutions to the issues.

Themes addressed in the conference include:
a) Climate Change- informing government and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) on the status of the regional response;
b) Partnerships in Protected Area Management- building awareness and partnerships to work together to create sustainable livelihoods;
c) Involvement of NGOs in Coastal Zone Management
d) WSSD-Relevance to the Caribbean
e) Environmental Education and Awareness Building

The project provides an excellent opportunity for our local NGOs and CBOs to:
a) Learn about the environmental programmes that are executed in the Caribbean region by the CCA
b) Network with colleagues from across the region
c) Make recommendations on key environmental issues and partnerships that can be created or strengthened to achieve out mutually desirable environmental goals.

The criteria used for the selection of NGO/CBO participants aims to promote the exposure of organisations situated in rural areas or that seldom have opportunities to network and to share their experiences with other organisations involved in environmental initiatives. Consideration will also be given to ensure the widest possible geographic spread.