The Caribaea Initiative special symposium and training workshop on the study and management of invasive terrestrial vertebrates in the insular Caribbean, initially scheduled to take place in Guadeloupe on September 22–24, 2026, has been cancelled.

This decision was made in light of the current international context, which continues to create major uncertainties regarding funding opportunities and travel costs.

The theme of the symposium remains a priority for Caribaea Initiative. It will be integrated into our next international conference, to be held in Guadeloupe from June 15 to 17, 2027, which will include a dedicated symposium on invasive alien mammals in the Caribbean. Further information about the 2027 conference will be shared soon.

The insular Caribbean is one of the world’s most important biodiversity hotspots, but also one of the most threatened. It is particularly vulnerable to the introduction of invasive alien species, especially terrestrial vertebrates, whose impacts on local wildlife, ecosystems, and certain human activities remain insufficiently documented in many territories.

The lack of information on the ecological and health impacts of the various terrestrial vertebrate species introduced into Caribbean islands is an obstacle to the implementation of appropriate management measures. In this context, it remains essential to foster exchanges between researchers, protected-area managers, students, and regional stakeholders, in order to share knowledge, experience, methods, and available tools.

Caribaea Initiative will continue its efforts to strengthen scientific and technical cooperation at the regional level on these issues, notably through its next international conference.