On 16 September 2026, Caribaea Initiative Switzerland held a fundraising evening at the Casino de Morges in support of the conservation of the exceptional natural heritage of the Caribbean islands. This event marked the launch of a fundraising campaign in support of Caribaea Initiative’s activities, which will continue over the coming weeks and months.
The evening began with a cocktail reception, offering guests an opportunity to meet and exchange with one another and with the representatives of Caribaea Initiative attending the event. Once everyone was seated, Vera Michalski-Hoffmann, President of Caribaea Initiative Switzerland, warmly welcomed all participants. Christopher Cambrone, Scientific Coordinator of Caribaea Initiative, and Sophie Labaude, Communications Officer, both holding PhDs in ecology, then presented the four projects highlighted during the evening.
Following a dinner prepared by Chef Rémy Gravelaine, an auction led by Benoît Repellin (Phillips Auction House), made possible thanks to the generosity of several donors, raised funds in support of these projects. The evening concluded with an exceptional concert by Cuban artist Yilian Cañizares (pictured above), accompanied by her group of musicians.
Four projects for concrete action
The four projects presented during the evening address major challenges for biodiversity conservation across the Caribbean islands.
The first project aims to protect and enhance the birdlife of the Salinas de Baní in the Dominican Republic. This site provides an important refuge for waterbirds, with more than 40 species recorded, six of which regularly breed there. The project notably plans to create floating artificial islands, installed away from the dykes, to provide small shorebirds with breeding areas that are less accessible to feral cats and mongooses.
The second project focuses on the conservation of the American crocodile population of Lake Enriquillo in the Dominican Republic. This population, the only one remaining in the country, is threatened by predation on eggs and juveniles by mongooses and feral cats, as well as by poaching. The project will include monitoring of adults and nests, genetic analyses, and the involvement of Dominican students and young researchers.
The third project focuses on the conservation of Amazon parrots endemic to the Caribbean islands. All nine Amazon parrot species found in the region are threatened with extinction, including two that are Critically Endangered. Following an initial pilot project dedicated to the Imperial Amazon in Dominica, Caribaea Initiative aims to develop a regional programme including the Red-necked Amazon and the Hispaniolan Amazon, notably through the construction of artificial nest boxes, the development of a conservation centre, and stronger cooperation among Caribbean stakeholders.
Finally, the fourth project aims to strengthen expertise in conservation biology across the insular Caribbean. It will enable Caribaea Initiative to continue providing financial support to Caribbean students and contribute to the organisation of its annual conference, scheduled for June 2027 in Guadeloupe, helping to consolidate the regional network of people committed to biodiversity conservation.
Be part of the adventure!
The Morges evening marked the launch of a fundraising campaign in support of Caribaea Initiative’s activities. This first mobilisation created valuable momentum, but further support is needed to ensure that these projects can be fully implemented.
Every donation counts. Those wishing to contribute can choose the project they would like to support and make a dedicated donation. For contributions of CHF 1,000 or more, we are pleased to offer a range of benefits. We invite interested donors to read the detailed project descriptions to discover the different ways they can provide support:
>> Download the full description of the four projects (in French) <<
To select the project you wish to support and benefit from these advantages, you can complete the support form (in French) or write to: anouck.volery@lemotta.ch.
Donations can be made either to Caribaea Initiative Switzerland or to Caribaea Initiative (the association based in Guadeloupe). Depending on the account used, donations may be eligible for a tax deduction in Switzerland or France.
- Make a tax-deductible donation in Switzerland (bank transfer): https://www.caribaea.ch/en/make-a-donation/
- Make a tax-deductible donation in France (bank card or bank transfer): https://www.caribaea.org/donation
Every contribution, whatever its amount, helps us protect threatened species, support young Caribbean researchers and sustainably strengthen local conservation expertise across the insular Caribbean. Thank you to everyone who took part in this evening, and to all those who will continue to bring these projects to life through their support.
Acknowledgements
Caribaea Initiative Switzerland would like to thank everyone who contributed to the success of this evening: the guests who joined us in Morges, the donors, the volunteers, and all those who helped organise the event.
We would also like to express our gratitude to Vera Michalski-Hoffmann, as well as to the representatives of Caribaea Initiative who attended the evening.
Finally, Caribaea Initiative Switzerland wishes to express its sincere thanks to its partners and sponsors: Domaine Pierre Latine, L’Évasion Florale, Rhum Chantal Comte, Julien Aubert Intérieur, Montalba Architects, Denogent, Hôtel La Couronne, Pronatec and Phillips Auction.
