***Source https://thecaribbeannewsnow.com/, Caribbean New Editor, First Published Aug, 31, 2023
Dominica is the next Caribbean country slated for a rapid special assessment by a U.S. think tank, which aims to identify climate vulnerability and risks in coastal communities.
The think tank, Stimson Center, along with the Commonwealth Secretariat have started conducting the groundbreaking project in a number of countries vulnerable to climate change.
The project was first conducted in Barbados, Sri Lanka, and Kiribati. Now with the Phase 2, the primary objective is “to enhance decision-making processes and promote climate-smart investments by providing an integrated understanding of the financial, political, and ecological risks associated with climate change in small island countries and coastal cities,” according to The Commonwealth.
The Ocean Risk and Resilience Action Alliance (ORRAA) is supporting this project, along with the Government of Canada through the federal Department of Environment and Climate Change. “This renewed backing underscores ORRAA’s global commitment to address ocean-related risks and enhance resilience in vulnerable coastal regions,” the statement said.
“We are dedicated to empowering Commonwealth Small Island Developing States (SIDS) by establishing the necessary foundations and frameworks to effectively combat the multifaceted impacts of climate change,” said Heidi Prislan, Blue Charter Adviser at the Commonwealth Secretariat. “This programme exemplifies our resolve to safeguard our vulnerable coastal communities and create a sustainable and resilient future for all.”
The rapid assessment aims to deliver data in six months from the initial phase of 12 to 18 months.
The results of the assessment are expected to help officials in Dominica and Mauritius to determine next steps required to advance climate-smart policies and build resilience in their coastal communities.
Dominica, which is working on becoming the world’s first climate-resilient nation, has also been taking steps to mitigate the effects of climate change in the island.
Partnering with MMC Development Ltd., Dominica has built thousands of climate-resilient housing units and healthcare and educational facilities with the help of its Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programme.
