KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – The Belize-based Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC) has successfully launched the “Enhancing Ecosystems and Coastal Protection for Climate Change Resilience in the Caribbean” (ECP-Caribbean) project which it says marks a significant milestone in the region’s efforts to increase climate resilience and protect vital coastal ecosystems
It said that the objective of the ECP-Caribbean initiative, launched here on Thursday, is to strengthen the climate resilience of Caribbean communities and people by revolutionizing the management and conservation of coral reefs and coastal ecosystems.
The CCCCC said that through innovative approaches and fostering collaborative alliances, the project aims to address the urgent challenges presented by climate change and safeguard the welfare of coastal populations across seven CARICOM countries: Belize, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St.Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Suriname.
It said that by focusing on enhancing the health and resilience of coral reefs and coastal ecosystems, the project is poised to generate widespread benefits, positively impacting both current and future generations.
The launch event brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from civil society organizations, local communities, and project partners.
The senior development officer with the Caribbean Regional Development Programme (NDE) Global Affairs Canada, Patricia Prosser, said Ottawa is committed to partnering with the CCCCC and regional organizations to advance climate resilience, protect nature, and halt biodiversity loss.
Canada has allocated CAD$12 million (One CAD dollar = US$0.74 cents) to support this significant project. This financial contribution, combined with approximately CAD$0.81 million from the CCCCC, underscores the collaborative effort driving impactful initiatives.
The lead project development specialist at the CCCCC, Dr. Donneil Cain, said, “It is our hope that this project marks the beginning of a continuous, country region-driven inclusive consultative process that fosters greater engagement with Global Affairs Canada.”
He said he hopes it builds bridges among technocrats and decision-makers, especially those managing, protecting, and conserving ecosystems across the Caribbean.
“I therefore encourage you to take full advantage of opportunities afforded to us under the ECP-Caribbean Project.”
The CCCCC said the project is expected to reach at least 250,000 direct and 3.3 million indirect beneficiaries through activities that will ensure the protection and health of coastal and marine ecosystems, thereby increasing the Caribbean’s resilience to climate change.
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