The Protected Areas Trust participated in the 27th hosting of the Network of Environmental Funds of Latin America and the Caribbean (RedLAC) Congress, a gathering of Conservation Trust Funds from across Latin America and the Caribbean. This year, the event was held in Santiago and Frutillar, Chile, under the theme “ Natural Capital: Finance for the future of the planet”. Our delegation was proud to represent Guyana and the Caribbean region. Our team included Oleta Williams, Executive Director; Toshao Alvoro Simon, Trustee and representative of the National Toshao’s Council; Melanie McTurk, Chairperson of the Board; and myself, Suneel Mistry, Communications Specialist. Each of us was excited to join the delegation, representing both the country and the local team. 

The four-day event offered a mix of urban and natural settings. In Santiago, we experienced the vibrant pace of the city, while in Frutillar and the surrounding areas, we engaged with Chile’s scenic landscapes and national parks. This contrast provided valuable insight into the geographic and ecological diversity of the region and its implications for conservation in the region, as well as being representative of the ways many of our organizations work.

The Congress began with the RedLAC General Assembly, held at the historic Club de la Unión in Santiago. This session provided members and board representatives with updates on organizational developments, ongoing projects, and new opportunities for collaboration. I had the privilege of attending in my temporary role as Communications Officer. It was also vital to witness the emergence of the Protected Areas Trust and other Caribbean Funds to serve in the Executive Committee capacity following the general elections. That aside, the venue itself was remarkable, and the discussions underscored the growing role of Caribbean representation within RedLAC’s governance and strategic direction. Following the Assembly, we attended a cocktail reception at La Moneda Palace, one of Chile’s most iconic government buildings and the Chilean President’s official seat. The event featured remarks from dignitaries and leaders in the conservation sector, setting a celebratory tone for the week ahead.

The Congress officially opened at the former National Congress Palace of Chile. We all received welcome packages and lanyards before settling in for keynote speeches and panel discussions. The historic setting truly showcased the importance of conservation as a national and global priority. The fact that we got to share spaces that are often held for national politics shows the value that conservation needs to be given, and we needed to be there.

After the Santiago sessions concluded, the conference continued in Frutillar. This phase marked the beginning of our team’s active participation in panel discussions. Melanie McTurk and Oleta Williams shared insights from Guyana’s conservation efforts, highlighting regional perspectives and challenges. Their panels on Challenges and Strategies of Protected Areas and Capital in Perpetuity: Conservation Trust Funds and Endowments that Preserve Nature allowed us to show some of the progress we are making here and how Guyana is evolving. Melanie’s presentation led to an interview request from CNN Chile. As the conference progressed, the atmosphere became more relaxed, allowing for networking and different types of conversations. We connected with peers from across the region, learning about their projects and sharing our own experiences. When I heard someone on a panel talk about interesting projects or their local perspectives, it made me want to at least go say hi afterwards or pick their brain to learn from them. These exchanges enriched our understanding and hopefully will open doors for future partnerships.

The following day featured panels with Toshao Alvoro Simon, Oleta Williams and me. We explored the intersection of Indigenous community engagement, communications, and technology in conservation in the panels: Potential of technologies and AI to conserve and Strategic Allies: Conservation Trust Funds and Indigenous Peoples in Territorial Management. These sessions continued to elevate Guyana’s voice within the Congress and emphasized the importance of inclusive, innovative approaches to environmental stewardship. Hopefully, people were able to see our expertise and appreciate the work we have been doing.

The Congress concluded with a farewell and invitation to Bolivia, which will be the host for 2026, along with a performance by the renowned Chilean band Los Jaivas. The energy and joy of the performance truly showcased the spirit of Chile and the shared purpose that defined the week.

On the final day, we joined a field trip to Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park in the Los Lagos region- Chile’s oldest Protected Area. Highlights included a boat tour around the Osorno Volcano and a hike through the crystal clear rivers that intertwined through the park. The vibrancy of the natural landscapes was breathtaking amid the cold weather. It is an important reminder of the intrinsic value of the ecosystems we strive to protect.

The RedLAC Congress remains a cornerstone of our work as a conservation organization. It serves as a vital forum for knowledge exchange, strategic alignment, and collective action. As we move toward the 2030 conservation goals, gatherings like RedLAC are essential for maintaining momentum and ensuring that regions like the Caribbean continue to have a seat at the table.

I am deeply grateful to the team for including me in this year’s Congress. Guyana’s presence at RedLAC is not only necessary, it is impactful. We remain committed to protecting our natural heritage for generations to come.