Environmental Protection in the Caribbean

What Environmental Protection in the Caribbean does

Environmental Protection in the Caribbean (EPIC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2000 by Natalia Collier and Adam Brown, headquartered in Green Cove Springs, Florida, with regional operations in Sint Maarten and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. EPIC conducts environmental conservation work across more than 20 Caribbean islands through a four-pillar S.E.A.S. framework — Science, Education, Advocacy, and Stewardship. Its scientific output includes more than 100 publications focused on threatened and endangered species (notably the Black-capped Petrel and Brown Pelican), Important Bird Area designations, and Marine Protected Area planning. Education programs have reached over 25,000 people through hands-on, field-based learning, while stewardship initiatives include invasive species removal, tree planting, beach cleanups, and anti-littering campaigns. EPIC also manages the Blue Flag eco-certification program in Sint Maarten and the VI Clean Coasts initiative in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

EPIC operates without a proprietary technology platform; its core capability is field-based conservation science, community mobilization, and grant-funded project delivery. Revenue is generated through a diversified mix of federal and multilateral grants (U.S. EPA, USAID, European Union, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service), private foundation grants (Disney Conservation Fund, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, Norcross Foundation, Deepwater Horizon NRDA funds), individual memberships and Legacy Council major gifts (tiers ranging from $2,500 to $30,000 annually), government consulting contracts, merchandise sales (anniversary calendars, photo contest prizes), and affiliate referral programs with retail partners. The organization serves Caribbean communities, national park foundations, tourism and hospitality operators, students and educators, and government ministries across the region, with go-to-market primarily conducted through community engagement, partnerships, volunteer programs, and signature events like the annual Seas & Scenes Photo Contest. As of 2026, the founders transitioned from day-to-day operations while remaining on the Board, with Dr. Simone Lewis continuing as Program Director.

Name

Environmental Protection in the Caribbean

Legal name

Environmental Protection in the Caribbean (EPIC)

Website

https://epicislands.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2000

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Environmental Protection in the Caribbean (EPIC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2000 that conducts field-based environmental conservation across 20+ Caribbean islands through science, education, advocacy, and community stewardship programs, serving governments, communities, and tourism operators.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Environmental Conservation Services

NAICS

Environment, Conservation and Wildlife Organizations (813312)

SIC

Services-Engineering, Accounting, Research, Management (8700)

akta.pro primary industry

Marine & Freshwater Conservation (BPAGAGAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Marine Conservation & Citizen-Science Experiences (reef monitoring, turtle walks) (THAAAIAH), Advocacy, Policy & Public Awareness (Animal Welfare) (BPAGAIAJ)

Keywords

• Environmental conservation services
• Wildlife habitat restoration
• Marine protected areas
• Seabird conservation research
• Community-based stewardship

Headquarters

HQ city

Green Cove Springs

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Contributions: EPIC relies on membership programs where supporters make recurring gifts to support the organization's conservation work. Membership provides ongoing support for research, education, advocacy, and stewardship initiatives.
2. Individual and Corporate Donations: EPIC accepts donations from individuals, foundations, and corporations to fund their conservation programs across the Caribbean.
3. Shopping with a Purpose (Affiliate): EPIC partners with businesses like Haiti Coffee Co., Stream2Sea, and ShopRaise where a portion of purchases goes directly to EPIC.
4. Merchandise and Calendar Sales: EPIC sells merchandise including the 2026 anniversary calendar featuring Caribbean photography from their photo contest, generating revenue for conservation programs.
5. Grants and Environmental Services: EPIC provides environmental consulting and research services to government agencies, nonprofits, and businesses across the Caribbean region.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

EPIC is a nonprofit conservation organization that delivers environmental research, education, policy advocacy, and community-based stewardship programs across more than 20 Caribbean islands. Its core offerings include the S.E.A.S. framework (Science, Education, Advocacy, Stewardship), the Blue Flag marine and beach certification program, the VI Clean Coasts Eco-Certification for restaurants and charter boats, species-specific conservation programs for the Black-capped Petrel and Caribbean Brown Pelican, and the annual Seas & Scenes Photo Contest.

Product overview

Environmental Protection in the Caribbean (EPIC) is a nonprofit conservation organization offering a portfolio of environmental programs and services rather than a traditional software product. The organization operates through its S.E.A.S. framework (Science, Education, Advocacy, Stewardship) which integrates research, hands-on learning, policy engagement, and community action. Key offerings include the Blue Flag environmental certification program, the annual Seas & Scenes Photo Contest, the VI Clean Coasts Eco-Certification initiative, and species-specific conservation programs for seabirds (Black-capped Petrel, Brown Pelican) and island ecosystems (Grenadines Seabird Restoration). EPIC also produces publications, educational curricula, newsletters, and annual impact reports. The organization works across more than 20 Caribbean islands with local communities, government agencies, and international conservation partners.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Blue Flag Program Management Environmental certification program for beaches and marinas requiring strict standards for water quality, environmental management, safety, and education. EPIC Sint Maarten Foundation administers these programs locally in partnership with the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE).
• VI Clean Coasts Eco-Certification U.S. EPA-funded program across the U.S. Virgin Islands aimed at reducing pollution and single-use plastics. Includes green certification for restaurants, food trucks, and charter boats, with outreach, communications, and community engagement components.
• Grenadines Seabird Restoration Project Multi-year restoration initiative targeting invasive species removal on critical seabird nesting islands including Battowia and the Pillories. Funded by Deepwater Horizon restoration funds with community engagement components.
• Black-capped Petrel Conservation Program Endangered seabird conservation program with nest monitoring throughout Hispaniola, youth outreach in Haiti including the first Black-capped Petrel pride campaign, and expeditions to identify additional nesting sites across the Caribbean.
• Sint Maarten Pelican Project Research and conservation project for Caribbean Brown Pelican population status and habitat management on Sint Maarten, including habitat restoration at Fort Amsterdam, species monitoring, and conservation awareness outreach.
• Sint Maarten Seabird Habitat Restoration Project Seabird habitat restoration project in Sint Maarten focusing on Brown Pelican and Least Tern nesting sites at Fort Amsterdam and Simpson Bay Lagoon, including habitat restoration, species monitoring, and community engagement.
• EPIC 25th Anniversary Calendar Special anniversary 2026 calendar celebrating 25 years of EPIC, featuring 12 Caribbean islands with diverse coastlines, wildlife, and everyday moments, including island-specific trivia and inspirational quotes. Available in digital and print formats.

Quantifiable outcome

• More than 25,000 people reached through environmental education programs
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

45 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• American Bird ConservancycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on Black-capped Petrel conservation and other seabird research initiatives across the Caribbean. EPIC has received funding and support for petrel conservation projects.
• BirdLife InternationalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEPIC contracted to identify Important Bird Areas (IBAs) in the Lesser Antilles. Collaboration on waterbird conservation and seabird monitoring programs.
• BirdsCaribbeancoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional partnership for Caribbean bird conservation, including avian influenza training and seabird research coordination.
• American University of the CaribbeanminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEducational partnership supporting Anderson Jean's background education and potentially student internships.
• Antioch University New EnglandminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partnership for student placements and research collaboration.
• Arizona State UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partnership for research collaboration.
• Arkansas State UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partnership for research collaboration.
• Cornell UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic research partnership.
• University of California Santa CruzminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic research partnership.
• University of MissouriminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic research partnership.
• University of Puerto RicominorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic research partnership.
• University of the Virgin IslandsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partnership for USVI programs and Eco-Schools project.
• St. George's UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partnership for student placements.
• Wildlife Conservation SocietycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on Caribbean avian influenza monitoring and other conservation initiatives.
• Dutch Caribbean Nature AlliancecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership supporting conservation efforts in the Dutch Caribbean including Sint Maarten and surrounding islands.
• Nature ConservancycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on conservation initiatives in the Caribbean region.
• Nature Foundation of Sint MaartencoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal conservation partner for Sint Maarten projects including CORENA biodiversity assessment training.
• Saba Conservation FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on seabird and waterbird conservation on Saba island.
• Sint Eustatius National Parks Foundation (STENAPA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for Important Bird Area assessments and seabird conservation on Sint Eustatius.
• Anguilla Ministry of EnvironmentcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment partner for seabird census and environmental monitoring programs.
• Anguilla National TrustcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerConservation partner for Anguilla environmental initiatives.
• Environmental Awareness Group (EAG)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional partner for environmental conservation in Antigua.
• Dominican Republic Ministry of the EnvironmentcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment partner for Black-capped Petrel research and conservation in Hispaniola.
• St. Lucia Forestry DepartmentcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment partner for seabird conservation and monitoring on St. Lucia.
• Grenada Ministry of Climate Resilience, Agriculture, Forestry, and FisheriescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment partner for Grenadines Seabird Project and transboundary conservation.
• Grenada Ministry of EducationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for seabird education curriculum in Grenada schools.
• St. Vincent and the Grenadines Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, Rural Transformation, Industry, and LabourcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment partner for Battowia restoration project and Grenadines Seabird Project.
• St. Vincent and the Grenadines Ministry of EducationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for seabird education curriculum in St. Vincent schools.
• St. Vincent and the Grenadines Ministry of Health, Wellness, and the EnvironmentcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment partner for Grenadines conservation initiatives.
• Sint Maarten Hospitality and Trade Association (SHTA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for sustainable tourism initiatives and Blue Flag program support.
• Caribbean Hotel and Tourism AssociationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional partnership for sustainable tourism.
• Caribbean Compass MagazinecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerMedia partner for Seas & Scenes Photo Contest, featuring Caribbean conservation stories.
• Island ConservationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on invasive species removal and island restoration projects.
• IGY MarinascoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for Blue Flag certification and Slurpy pumpout boat services in Simpson Bay Lagoon.
• DSL YachtingminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor for Seas & Scenes Photo Contest 2026.
• Horizon Yachts InternationalminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor for Seas & Scenes Photo Contest 2025.
• Community Foundation of the Virgin IslandsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for USVI conservation programs.
• Caribbean Climate Justice Alliance (CCJA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-hosting the 2026 Caribbean Resiliency and Climate Conversations Webinar Series.
• Philadelphia ZoominorStrategic or Co-development PartnerConservation partnership.
• South Carolina Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit (SCCFWRU)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch collaboration on Caribbean wildlife.
• Flora and Fauna InternationalminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational conservation organization partnership.
• Science Initiative for Environmental Conservation and Education (SCIENCE)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership on Grenadines education programs, Waste to Art contests, and drone training.
• Haiti Coffee Co.minorGTM or Marketing PartnerShopping with a Purpose partner - 10% of purchases donated to EPIC.
• Stream2SeaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerShopping with a Purpose partner - 20% of orders donated to EPIC.
• ShopRaiseminorGTM or Marketing PartnerShopping with a Purpose partner - portion of purchases donated to EPIC.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• The Nature Conservancy (TNC): One of the world's largest environmental NGOs, collaborating with EPIC on Caribbean conservation initiatives. TNC is a broad incumbent operating across many geographies and issues, but its Caribbean marine and island ecosystem work directly overlaps EPIC's focus areas.
• Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS): Large international conservation organization working on Caribbean avian influenza monitoring and broader wildlife initiatives alongside EPIC. WCS is a broad incumbent with global programs and significantly greater resources, but overlaps with EPIC on Caribbean species conservation.
• Fauna & Flora International (FFI): International conservation NGO partnering with EPIC on broader species and habitat conservation efforts. FFI is a broad incumbent with global reach, but its species-focused and Caribbean-engaged programs place it within EPIC's peer set.

Direct peers

• Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA): Umbrella conservation organization supporting park and nature organizations across the Dutch Caribbean, including Sint Maarten and surrounding islands. EPIC has partnered with DCNA on regional conservation initiatives, and both serve similar biodiversity and habitat functions across overlapping island geographies.
• American Bird Conservancy: U.S.-based bird conservation organization collaborating with EPIC on Black-capped Petrel conservation and seabird research. Comparable in target species (seabirds, threatened/endangered birds) and Caribbean geographic footprint, though operating from a larger U.S. base.
• BirdsCaribbean: Regional nonprofit dedicated to bird conservation across the Caribbean, with whom EPIC collaborates on avian influenza training and seabird research coordination. Strongly comparable on avian research, monitoring, and community engagement in the same island geographies.
• Island Conservation: Specialist nonprofit focused on invasive species removal and island restoration worldwide, partnering with EPIC on the Grenadines Seabird Restoration Project. Highly comparable on the specific niche of island ecosystem restoration and invasive species management.
• Nature Foundation Sint Maarten: Local Sint Maarten conservation nonprofit that collaborates directly with EPIC on marine and terrestrial conservation projects. It is the closest geographic and programmatic peer, operating as a small island-based environmental NGO with overlapping focus on biodiversity and habitat protection.

Regional players

• Saba Conservation Foundation: Local conservation foundation on Saba collaborating with EPIC on waterbird and seabird conservation initiatives. Operates in the same Caribbean region with overlapping programmatic focus but is constrained to the smaller geographic scope of Saba.
• Sint Eustatius National Parks Foundation (STENAPA): National parks and conservation foundation on Sint Eustatius partnering with EPIC on Important Bird Area assessments and seabird conservation. Comparable in mission and Caribbean island geography but anchored to a single jurisdiction.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/EPICislands
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/epicislands
• Facebookfacebook.com/epicislands
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/environmental-protection-in-the-caribbean
• Instagraminstagram.com/epic.islands

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles21 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Environmental Protection in the Caribbean