In September and early October 2025, Fernando Bretos traveled to Chile to participate in the annual RedLAC Conference — a major regional gathering that brings together environmental funds, public agencies, and nonprofit partners advancing conservation finance in Latin America and the Caribbean. Held in Santiago and Frutillar, at the gateway to Patagonia, the event offered an ideal setting for Fernando to move forward with his CFA Incubator project: supporting the Government of Cuba in establishing its national conservation trust fund (NCTF) and laying the groundwork for a future debt conversion for nature.
As part of his ongoing work with the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund, Fernando also used the trip to conduct interviews for a regional finance mobilization strategy for marine protected areas. This dual purpose made RedLAC an invaluable space for learning, exchange, and collaboration.
Experiences on the Ground
Attending RedLAC for the first time, Fernando found it energizing to meet practitioners who have implemented conservation trust funds across the region—offering critical lessons for Cuba’s own emerging mechanism. Engaging with peers from the Caribbean was especially helpful for advancing the MPA finance strategy he is co-leading.
Some of the most inspiring moments came from seeing Chile’s strong national commitment to protected areas and witnessing how far the country has progressed in structuring conservation finance. Conversations with leaders such as Karen Panton of the Bahamas Protected Areas Fund—who played a key role in the recent Bahamian debt conversion—offered concrete insights for shaping Cuba’s pathway.
Fernando also connected with fellow CFA Incubator finalist Melissa Carmody (WCS Chile), with whom he shares a commitment to community-centered conservation. Despite logistical challenges that prevented two Cuban finance experts from attending, the conference reaffirmed the importance of patience, persistence, and collaboration when working in complex contexts.
Key Takeaways
All Photos: Fernando Bretos
RedLAC provided a powerful reminder that a wide and active community exists for supporting conservation trust funds and debt conversions. By speaking with representatives from several national conservation trust funds (NCTFs), Fernando gathered critical intelligence to inform both the Cuba debt conversion for nature concept and the Caribbean MPA finance strategy.
The conference also helped Fernando raise awareness about Cuba’s progress—many attendees were unaware that the country already has a USD 10 million endowment for its NCTF through support from the German Development Bank (KfW), facilitated by the CBF. Presenting the Cuba initiative opened new doors and strengthened his ability to refine the model and identify potential allies.
Next Steps
After an attempted trip to Cuba in early November—postponed because official visas were not issued on time—the next milestone is to return to Havana in early 2026. There, Fernando and his colleagues will meet with the Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment (CITMA) and convene key government and finance actors to advance both the NCTF and the debt conversion for nature proposal.
The contacts made at RedLAC will play a central role in this next phase. Fernando now has trusted peers across the region who can share practical insights and help support Cuba’s journey in developing innovative finance solutions.