March 15, 2024 | CCCCC Press Release 005
Kingston, Jamaica – March 15th, 2024 – The Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC) successfully launched the “Enhancing Eco-systems and Coastal Protection for Climate Change Resilience in the Caribbean” (ECP-Caribbean) project. Held at the ROK Hotel Kingston Tapestry Collection by Hilton, Kingston, Jamaica, yesterday’s event marked a significant milestone in the region’s efforts to increase climate resilience and protect vital coastal ecosystems.
Ms. Patricia Prosser, Senior Development Officer, Caribbean Regional Development Program – NDE, Global Affairs Canada in her remarks declared that the Government of Canada is committed to partnering with CCCCC and organizations throughout the region to advance climate resilience, protect nature, and halt biodiversity loss.
The Government of Canada has allocated CAD12 million 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 objective of the ECP-Caribbean initiative is to strengthen the climate resilience of communities and people in the Caribbean by revolutionizing the management and conservation of coral reefs and coastal ecosystems. 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 nations, namely Belize, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Suriname. With a focus 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. Participants had the chance to familiarize themselves with the goals and initiatives of the ECP-Caribbean project, while also participating in meaningful conversations regarding the significance of preserving coastal ecosystems for the future of the region.
Lead Project Development Specialist Dr. Donneil Cain remarked on the CCCCC’s hope for the project stating: “ 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 and builds bridges amongst the 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 project is expected to reach at least 250,000 direct beneficiaries and 3.3 million indirect beneficiaries through activities that will ensure the protection and health of coastal and marine eco-systems, thereby increasing the Caribbean’s resilience to climate change.
The CCCCC is dedicated to the successful implementation of the ECP-Caribbean project, working closely with local communities, governments, and stakeholders to achieve its ambitious goals. By fostering collaboration, innovation, and sustainability, the project aims to make a lasting difference in the fight against climate change and the preservation of Caribbean ecosystems.
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The Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre is an inter-governmental Caribbean Community (CARICOM) institution that is mandated by the CARICOM Heads of Government to coordinate the Region’s response to climate change. We maintain the Caribbean’s most extensive repository of information and data on climate change specific to the region, which in part enables us to provide climate change-related policy advice and guidelines to CARICOM Member States. In this role, the Centre is recognized by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the United Nations Environment Programme, and other international agencies as the focal point for climate change issues in the Caribbean. The Centre is also one of the few institutions recognized as a Centre of Excellence by United Nations Institute for Training and Research. CCCCC is empowering the Caribbean Community to act on climate change.
