The Government of Dominica, in partnership with the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC), has officially launched a US$26 million project aimed at strengthening climate resilience and sustainable development in some of the country’s most vulnerable communities.
The Dominica Community Resilience Enhancement Project (DOMCREP), funded primarily through the Green Climate Fund (GCF) with additional support from the Government of Dominica, is designed to help the island advance its goal of becoming the world’s first climate-resilient nation.
Announced on Wednesday, a CCCCC release said the initiative will focus on improving food security, enhancing disaster preparedness systems, expanding early warning capabilities, and equipping communities with the skills and resources needed to cope with the increasing effects of climate change.
Eight communities identified as highly vulnerable to hurricanes, flooding, and other climate-related threats have been selected to benefit from the project. They are Bagatelle, Campbell, Colihaut, Coulibistrie, Good Hope, Petite Soufriere, Pichelin, and San Sauveur.
Addressing the launch ceremony, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit highlighted the direct impact the programme is expected to have on local residents.
“This project is an EC$ 70 million investment that will go directly to the people in those communities,” he said. “More than 50 % of that $70 million will go towards agriculture, agro-processing, and ensuring that women, in particular, are highlighted in a dramatic way in their access to the opportunities. It is important for us in the communities to prepare ourselves for these investments.”
Reportedly, a significant portion of the funding will support climate-smart agriculture by providing farmers with improved technologies and resilient production methods aimed at boosting yields, reducing climate-related losses, and strengthening national food security.
The project will also finance upgrades to critical disaster management infrastructure, including emergency shelters and associated facilities, to improve their ability to withstand severe weather events and provide greater protection for residents during emergencies.
Executive Director of the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre, Dr. Colin Young, stressed the broader social and economic value of investing in climate adaptation measures.
“When we invest in a farmer’s ability to adapt, we invest in a family’s food security and a community’s economic future,” he said.
According to the release, in addition to infrastructure improvements, DOMCREP will enhance Dominica’s multi-hazard early warning systems and strengthen national preparedness and response capabilities. The programme will also include extensive training initiatives and public education campaigns intended to increase awareness and build local capacity to respond to evolving climate challenges.
An important component of the project is its emphasis on inclusivity. Women, young people, and other vulnerable groups are expected to play a significant role in the programme, which seeks to create sustainable economic opportunities while improving community resilience.
Dr. Young said the true impact of the initiative would be reflected in the lives of the people it serves.
“Ultimately, the success of this project will be measured not by budgets or outputs, but by the difference it makes in people’s lives,” he said. “By investing in women and youth, we are investing in the longterm resilience, prosperity, and sustainability of communities across this country. As the CARICOM institution with responsibility for coordinating the region’s response to climate change, the CCCCC remains committed to supporting Dominica and our Member States in assessing climate finance and transforming those investments into meaningful results for people and communities.”
The project will be implemented over the next five years and is expected to make a significant contribution to Dominica’s climate resilience agenda while supporting broader sustainable development goals.
The Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre is an intergovernmental organization established by CARICOM Heads of Government to coordinate regional efforts to address climate change. The Centre also serves as a key climate finance delivery partner, a repository of climate-related information, and a provider of policy guidance and technical support to CARICOM member states.
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