Background
Coastal ecosystems, like coral reefs, sea grass beds and mangroves, can contribute towards reducing the negative impacts of climate variability and change. They act as defences against wave action and storm surges, thus protecting coastal populations and infrastructure. Reefs for example, if healthy, have the ability to grow with sea level rise. Moreover, coastal ecosystems support numerous livelihood activities, particularly with regard to fishing and tourism.
On the other hand, these ecosystems are adversely affected by ongoing human activities and climate change is expected to exacerbate their deterioration and to seriously compromise their ability to provide some of the critical ecosystem services outlined above. Of particular concern is the degradation of coral reefs, which is aggravated by increasing sea water temperature and carbon dioxide (CO2) derived acidity both attributed to climate change.
Due to the importance of these coastal ecosystems for reducing negative effects of climate change for CARICOM countries, the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) is supporting the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) through the financing of a project on Coastal Protection for Climate Change Adaptation in the Small Island States in the Caribbean.
Overall objective:
To contribute to the reduction of climate change induced risks for the population of Small Island States of the Caribbean.
Project Objective:
To improve ecosystem services that reduces the impact of climate change on coastal areas.
Details of the Project:
The Project concerns the implementation of local adaptation measures for the sustainable improvement of coastal ecosystems relevant for climate change adaptation in Saint Lucia, Grenada, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Jamaica. The design of the Project is based on an agreement made between KfW (the German Development Bank) and theCaribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC) through the CARICOM Secretariat. The Project shall follow a bottom-up approach in which governmental and non governmental institutions in participating countries can apply with proposals to pursue Local Adaptation Measures. The Local Adaptation Measures will be prepared by the participating organizations with support from the CCCCC.
The Project is comprised of two main components that shall be financed from the Financial Contribution. These are:
Component 1: Investments for sustainable improvements of coastal ecosystems relevant for climate change adaptation, including:
- Measures related to the protection and sustainable management of ecosystems relevant for adaptation;
- Measures related to the rehabilitation or substitution of ecosystems relevant for adaptation; and
- Measures related to the monitoring of coastal ecosystems.
Component 2: Assistance in the preparation and implementation of Local Adaptation Measures, including:
- Assistance in the preparation and implementation of Local Adaption Measures;
- Monitoring of project goals and impacts; and
- Systematization and dissemination of project experiences (best practices and lessons learnt).
Contact Person:
Mr. Kenneth ReidProject Manager
kreid@caribbeanclimate.bz
