The Caribbean islands are one of the world’s top biodiversity hotspots, characterised by both a high level of regionally unique species and a severe degree of habitat loss. It has over 11,000 plant species, about 72 of which are found only in this region, and many exotic fish and bird species.

The World Bank estimates that 320,000 tons of plastic waste remain uncollected yearly in the Caribbean, polluting white sand beaches, the oceans and coral reefs. This far exceeds the global average, with 2,014 litter items per kilometer, compared with 573 worldwide. Plastics represent 12% of solid waste generated in the Caribbean, and since they are resistant to degradation, remain in ecosystems for centuries.