Green Climate Fund approves US$44m coastal resilience programme

The Green Climate Fund has approved a five-year programme valued at about US$44 million to support coastal communities in The Bahamas, Belize, Grenada, Jamaica and Saint Lucia, according to the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre. The Climate Actions for Building Resilience in Coastal Communities project was announced on Thursday 29 October.

The centre said the programme will strengthen local institutions, improve access to climate financing and help communities respond to climate-related risks. Executive Director Dr. Colin Young said grant funding is intended for communities exposed to climate impacts, with women and girls included in planning and intended outcomes.

The programme includes a US$25 million grant facility for locally led adaptation. The Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre said its three funding windows will offer up to US$500,000 per project for work including climate-resilient farming, sustainable fisheries, mangrove rehabilitation, early warning systems, resilient health facilities, and measures addressing social and psychological effects of climate change.

Green Climate Fund Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean Kristin Lang said the programme is expected to support at least 118 subprojects and reach nearly one million people. The Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre will coordinate with the five countries and their grant administrators, and said it will provide technical assistance, support coastal policies addressing gender-related needs, and establish a regional Knowledge Hub and community of practice.