The Sustainable Development Unit, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF), officially concluded the 2026 BioSleuths Challenge with a closing ceremony on July 1st, 2026. Held at the Methodist Church Hall, the event was themed “Promoting Biodiversity Awareness Through Citizen Science,” serving to honor the participants while highlighting the critical need for public involvement in conservation efforts across the nation.
During the ceremony, Dr. Donna Joyette-Bascombe, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation and Sustainable Development, commended the participants for their dedication. She emphasized that the challenge successfully sparked curiosity and discovery among students, teachers, and community members, fostering a deeper understanding of how the country’s rich biodiversity supports its sustainable development.
Samantha Da Silva, Environmental Resource Analyst 1, provided a comprehensive overview of the initiative’s origins and its significant outcomes. She highlighted that the students involved collected valuable biodiversity data during the competition. Based on these positive results, organizers expressed their intention to expand the programme and establish it as an annual event to further encourage public participation in protecting the environment.
The event wrapped up with a presentation of certificates to the participants, recognizing their enthusiasm and contributions to citizen science and biodiversity awareness in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.