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PRESS RELEASE: CCCCC and USAID successfully conclude US$10 million Climate Change Adaptation Program in the Eastern and Southern Caribbean (ESC)
November 16, 2020
(CCCCC Press Release 2020/1104)
CCCCC and USAID successfully conclude US$10 million Climate Change Adaptation Program in the Eastern and Southern Caribbean (ESC)
(City of Belmopan, Belize) The Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre CCCCC) in partnership with the United States Agency for International Development’s Eastern and Southern Caribbean (USAID/ESC), will on Wednesday, November 18, bring the curtains down on the Climate Change Adaptation Program (CCAP) – a four-year initiative that benefited nine States in the Eastern and Southern Caribbean.
CCAP strengthened the adaptive capacity of the region to climate variability with a focus on: improved data capacity necessary for decision-making; modeling of adaptive approaches to water scarcity; and building the institutional capability of countries to develop sound proposals to access international climate financing.
Keynote speakers at the virtual closing ceremony are expected to include: Mr. Joaquin Monserrate, Deputy Chief of Mission for U.S. Embassy Bridgetown, Barbados; Mr. Mark Cullinane, Deputy Chief of Mission, U.S. Embassy Georgetown, Guyana; Her Excellency Karen Williams, US Ambassador to Suriname; a senior representative of the CARICOM Secretariat; and Dr Colin Young, Executive Director of the CCCCC.
Participants at the closing event will also benefit from presentations on the results of the project, featuring short video clips on key accomplishments.
Head of the Programme Development Management Unit (PDMU) at the Centre, Mr. Keith Nichols estimates that 90 participants from across the Caribbean will participate in the event, in what is expected to be “a celebration of the achievements of the project.”
In highlighting the main achievements, Nichols said that the program funded: “equipment for climate information digitization and the establishment of six data nodes; the expansion of the regional modelling and data capture network through the installation of five Coral Reef Early Warning Systems (CREWS) Stations; fifty Automatic Weather Stations (AWS); training in the use of the Caribbean Climate Online Risk and Adaptation Tool (CCORAL); and the acquisition of an airborne Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) system.” According to Nichols, the LiDAR system is critical to supporting advanced bathymetric and topographic data capture across the region.
The beneficiary Member States included Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, St. Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Suriname.
The project was funded by the USAID with a US$10 million grant.
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The Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre coordinates the region’s response to climate change. Officially opened in August 2005, the Centre is the key node for information on climate change issues and the region’s response to managing and adapting 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 through the CARICOM Secretariat. 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 a United Nations Institute for Training and Research recognised Centre of Excellence, one of an elite few. Learn more about how we’re working to make the Caribbean more climate resilient by perusing The Implementation Plan.
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Regional Energy Dialogue: Session 2- Visions and Innovations, Tuesday 17 November 2020
Next week, the The CARICOM Energy is hosting a four-day Regional Energy Dialogue, a CSEF event, from November 16 to 18, 2020. The series of webinars will draw from the expertise of various stakeholders to provide insight into the actions and strategies through which countries can shift their energy systems away from the traditional, legacy designs to modern, smart and resilient alternatives capable of more effectively supporting their sustainable development needs.
On Tuesday 17th November 2020, Session 2 will focus Visions and Innovations and will commence at 10:30 AST.
The Executive Directors of the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC), Caribbean Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (CCREEE), and Caribbean Disaster and Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) – Dr. Colin Young, Dr. Gary Jackson and Ms. Elizabeth Riley – will speak about the mandates of their respective institutions in regard to climate actions, sustainable energy implementation and disaster and emergency management, and provide insights on how energy leaders within the Caribbean could make more effective strategic, policy and business decisions about the energy transition.
The session will be hosted by the Executive Director of the Caribbean Electric Utility Services Corporation (CARILEC), Dr. Cletus Bertin.
In particular, within the theme of CARICOM Energy Month: “A Resilient Community: Energy at the Centre”, the discussions will be forward looking and focused on how countries could deliberately navigate the unprecedented challenges and opportunities of our time to scale and accelerate clean energy and other sustainable solutions.
Register here: https://bit.ly/35gee90
Source: CARICOM Energy
UWI, CCCCC, PAHO & EU Collaborate to Strengthen Climate Resilience of CARIFORUM health systems
(PAHO Press Release) The University of the West Indies (UWI) and the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC), are the first of five partners to sign contribution agreements with the Pan American Health Organization’s Subregional office, to enhance coordination and increase the climate resilience of health systems in the Caribbean Forum (CARIFORUM) community to better prepare and respond to climate threats. The initiative is funded by the European Union.
The University of the West Indies will focus on creating an interdisciplinary cadre of 16 climate change fellows from across the region, trained in Climate Change, One Health and Leadership. It is expected that the establishment of this network will facilitate collaboration and support of local leadership initiatives spearheaded by the climate fellows under the programme. UWI will also assist PAHO in tracking the Caribbean public perceptions on climate and health over the next five years and increase public awareness and visibility. According to Chris Oura, a professor at the Faculty of Medical Sciences at the UWI-St Augustine and Chair of the Technical Working Group – Climate Change and One Health Leadership, “The UWI is really happy to partner with PAHO on this timely and important EU-funded project. Through our fellowship program, which we hope to kick-off in the first half of 2021, we plan to develop a cadre of leaders in Climate Change and Health from across the 16 participating countries”.
Meanwhile, the Belize-based CCCCC, which coordinates the Caribbean region’s response to climate change and provides climate change-related policy advice and guidelines, will support countries in developing health adaptation funding proposals and create opportunities for heightened awareness in the region on the links between climate change and health using various communication channels. “Since in the ultimate analysis, climate change impacts the various dimensions of human health, we view this project as another important avenue to fulfil our mandate to assist Caribbean countries inbuilding resilience to the impacts of climate change by empowering our people to act on climate change,” explained Project Development Specialist, at the CCCCC, Vincent Peter.
The EU/CARIFORUM Strengthening Climate Resilient Health Systems Project assists countries in countering the health impacts of climate change and advocate for their prioritisation at the national level. To do this, representatives from the health sector in each country will support the preparation of a health chapter in the National Adaptation Plans (H-NAP) through engagement with other national partners and following a systematic process based upon PAHO/WHO-UNFCCC guidance. This will ensure that the Caribbean sub-region is better prepared for changes in health outcomes influenced by climate change, assess the current effectiveness of current programmes to manage the health risks of climate variability/change; and make projections of health burdens related to future climate scenarios.
One of the upcoming milestones for the project will be the hosting of a virtual workshop, scheduled for December 2nd, for national focal points in climate change and health, environmental health, as well as National Designated Authorities from beneficiary countries, and universities. The session will focus on reaching an understanding of the current sub-regional state of H-NAP development, best practices and mechanisms to facilitate this process, and agree to set quality control criteria. Over the course of the next four years numerous CARIFORUM countries will receive support through this EU/CARIFORUM grant to develop the H-NAP and subsequent proposals for health adaptation projects.
In the coming months, the first communication products will be developed, as well as a novel survey to better understand Caribbean knowledge and perceptions around climate change and health.
The project includes five collaborating partners and three United Nation agencies: CARICOM, the Caribbean Public Health Agency, the CCCCC, the Caribbean Institute for Meteorology & Hydrology, the UWI, the United Nations Environment Programme, the Food and Agriculture Organization and the United Nations Development Programme.
CREDIT: CARICOM TODAY
The CCCCC and the Ministry of the Environment and Housing, the Bahamas launch video highlighting Anatol Rodgers Energy Retrofits
Today, October 23, 2020, the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre in collaboration with the Ministry of the Environment and Housing, the Bahamas launched the premiere of a short film highlighting the outcomes of the “Identification and Implementation of Bahamas’ Nationally Determined Contributions – Retrofitting of the Anatol Rodgers High School Project”, the resulting benefits as well as the relationship between the Government of the Italy and the Caribbean.
The project, funded by the Italian Ministry of Environment, Land and Sea (IMELS), has effectively implemented energy conservation measures (ECMs) and renewable energy technology through its successful completion, and is contributing to fulfilling The Bahamas’ commitments to a low-carbon economy.
The project improved the energy efficiency of the school and supported reduction the energy demands of the building, which has contributed to improving comfort of students and faculty in the facility. The project procured and installed:
- 250 kW-DC rooftop solar PV array
- Robust exterior lighting control system
- Vacancy sensors in all classrooms, computer labs, and lounges to control lights and ceiling fans
- Programmable thermostats throughout
- Low-flow lavatory aerators
Additionally, the project re-zoned the interior lighting system at the entrance and re-organized refrigerant lines from condensing units.
The knowledge products and lessons learnt from this project are transcending the border of The Bahamas as these are widely disseminated by the CCCCC via the Regional Clearinghouse and utilised in the development of initiatives aimed unlocking climate finance for the region.
Peruse the Anatol Rodgers Energy Retrofit Project, the Bahamas film here.
The launch can be viewed here.
The CCCCC and the Ministry of the Environment and Housing, the Bahamas collaborates to launch GCF Bahamas Readiness Toolkit and Climate Change Film
On Wednesday October, 21, 2020, The Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre in collaboration with the The Ministry of Environment and Housing, Bahamas virtually launched the Toolkit for the Green Climate Fund’s National Designated Authority and GCF Task Force of the Bahamas.
The Bahamas Readiness I project which is funded by the Green Climate Fund is near its completion and sought to support the capacity building and empowerment of the Ministry of the Environment and Housing (MOTEH) as the National Designated Authority (NDA) for the Green Climate Fund (GCF). This objective was achieved through the successful completion of several activities which led to outputs such as:
- NDA personnel trained in operational modalities of the GCF
- The development and elaboration of a Country Strategic Framework to the GCF
- Public Awareness materials disseminated to key national stakeholders
- Definition and elaboration of a Nationally appropriate process for No-objections
- Development and execution of workshops and training
The virtual launch provided stakeholders with a walk-through of the Toolkit as well as a sensitization on the No-Objection Procedure. The agenda included remarks by representatives of the GCF, CCCCC and the Government of the Bahamas.
During the launch, a short filmed on Climate Change in the Bahamas was premiered. The film highlights what is Climate Change, how it is impacting the Bahamas as well as the interventions by the Government of the Bahamas through the Ministry of the Environment and Housing in collaboration with several partners including the Green Climate Fund and the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre .
Peruse the GCF Bahamas Readiness Climate Change Film here.
The launch can be viewed here.
Water storage systems commissioned at six schools in Nevis
Press Release
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NIA CHARLESTOWN NEVIS (October 20, 2020) — Onsite water storage tanks and delivery systems were commissioned at six educational institutions on Nevis on October 20, 2020, as part of a water security project funded by United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC), Global Environmental Fund, United Nations Environmental Program, Government of St. Kitts and Nevis, and the Nevis Island Administration (NIA).
The systems were installed as part of a federal project: “Ensuring Water Security in Vulnerable Schools in St. Kitts and Nevis through onsite Water Storage Capacity.”
Hon. Spencer Brand, Minister of Environment and Water Services in the NIA, officially commissioned the systems during a ceremony at the Charlestown Secondary School, where six 1000-gallon water storage tanks were installed.
He said the impact of this project is significant as it would ensure that students, faculty and staff have an uninterrupted supply of safe drinking water at their schools throughout the day, despite any emergency stoppage in the water system.
“On several occasions in the past for example, the normal operation of some schools would have been affected by a broken transmission line in their area, or due to unforeseen technical issues developed in the water system. Hence, this project is welcomed and very much appreciated.
“In addition, the storage capacity of 54,000 gallons of water installed and retrofitted at our schools would reduce the strain on our water system as it would promote rain water harvesting which is a water conservation and management approach that have proven to be effective throughout the world,” he said.
He said the project is a welcomed addition to the efforts of the NIA to enhance the water system and supply on Nevis.
“The project falls within our development plans for the water sector on Nevis. The NIA has established a Water Resource Management Unit that will work with various stakeholders including the Nevis Water Department and the schools to manage our water resources in an integrated way which involve activities such as promoting public awareness and information, encourage water conservation techniques, rain water harvesting and water storage, and assist in policy formulation emerging from data collection and analysis.”
Mr. Kevin Barrett, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education on Nevis expressed gratitude for the timely project, on behalf of Hon. Troy Liburd, Junior Minister of Education in the NIA.
“I cannot emphasise enough how much a project such as this to the Ministry of Education, and more particularly our schools. It is not only a timely project, it is also a very necessary project…A big thank you has to be to be given to the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre…and also USAID, for not only providing the financing for such a needed project but also for seeing just how important water is to the proper and efficient functioning of our schools,” he said.
Ms. Cheryl Jeffers, Conservation Officer in the Department of Environment in St. Kitts, informed that 12 schools on St. Kitts were also outfitted with similar systems.
She said as the region is projected to get drier due to climate change. Building resilience is of utmost importance, therefore, the project catered for retrofitting systems and installing pumping systems where possible, and the installation of new storage tanks at some institutions.
The recipient schools on Nevis are the Charlestown Pre, Charlestown Primary, St. James’ Primary, Ivor Walters Primary, Cecele Browne Integrated, and Charlestown Secondary schools.
Mr. Denison Paul of WaterWorks Solutions oversaw the installation of the water storage and distribution systems.
The overall budget for the project was approximately EC$490,566, of which $215,947 was allocated for Nevis. The project was a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Environment in St. Kitts and Nevis; as well as the Nevis Disaster Management Department, Public Works Department, and Ministry of Education in Nevis.
Source: SKN Vibes
CARICOM National Elected Vice Chair of the JISC at its 43rd Meeting
Belmopan, Belize; October 21, 2020. – Mr Derrick Oderson of Barbados was elected Vice Chairman of the Joint Implementation Supervisory Committee (JISC) of the Kyoto Protocol at its 43rd session held on Friday, 16 October 2020. Ms Vanessa Leonardi of Italy was elected as the Chair. The JISC approves submissions, determinations and verifications of joint implementation projects among developed countries which are parties to the Kyoto Protocol of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Joint implementation is one of the three flexibility mechanisms established to assist developed countries to meet their obligations to reduce their emissions of greenhouse gases. The other mechanisms are the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) and emission trading.
The second commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol ends on 31 December 2020 and there is no intention for a third commitment period. A new cooperative mechanism is being finalized for the Paris Agreement which will include both market and non-market mechanisms akin to the flexibility mechanisms of Kyoto. Countries that are especially vulnerable to the adverse impacts of climate change and sea level rise such as Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are ensuring that the mechanisms under the Paris Agreement are more stringent than those under the Kyoto Protocol so that the target to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above the pre-industrial level is achieved. Caribbean scientists have ascertained that the 1.5-degree target is at the threshold of the region’s adaptive capacity. Warming above that level could result in irreversible damage to the region’s ecosystems and natural resources upon which the economic sectors such as agriculture, fishing and tourism depend.
JISC 43 reviewed project activity among parties, the state of the carbon market including that being developed for international aviation, and implications of the Doha Amendment to the protocol which will come into force on 31 December 2020, the same day the second commitment period ends.
Mr Oderson was elected to the JISC at COP 25 in Madrid, Spain last December, nominated by SIDS. Mr Carlos Fuller of Belize, International Liaison Officer at the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC), is an alternate member of the JISC, representing the Latin American and Caribbean constituency. JISC 43 like most international meetings this year was held virtually, the fourth consecutive year that the JISC has met in this format. The report of JISC 43 will be submitted to the CMA, the governing body of the Kyoto Protocol when it convenes in Glasgow, Scotland next year.
For more information on the documents considered at the meeting, see https://ji.unfccc.int/MeetingInfo/DB/0Q9AMEZHR2JFDXS/view
Request for Expressions of Interest: Consultancy- Developing Standard Operating Procedures (Sops) For Climate Resilient Water Infrastructure
The Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC), with funding from the Green Climate Fund, is seeking consulting firms to place on a short-list for the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to contribute towards the improvement of water security with the CARIFORUM member states. Companies who are short listed will be contacted subsequently.
Interested applicants can submit EOIs of not more than 3 pages to tsanderson@caribbeanclimate.bz by 2:00 PM Belize time (GMT-6) Wednesday 14th October 2020.
For further information, peruse the Request for EOIs here.
Expression of Interest: GCF National Coordinator, The Bahamas
The Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (the Centre) has received financing from Green Climate Fund (GCF), toward the cost of the project titled “GCF Bahamas Readiness III – Building Blocks for Strengthening The Bahamas Country Programme” and intends to apply part of the proceeds towards the contracting of a consultant for the services of: GCF National Coordinator, The Bahamas.
- Letter of motivation outlining motivation and how your experience, skills, qualifications and professional networks fit with the required job description. (no longer than 2 pages)
- Curriculum vitae or Résumé with full details of qualifications, full description of activities and experience, and achievements.
- Be a national of one of the CARICOM Member States living in and eligible to work in The Bahamas
- Contact details of three (3) professional references
Peruse the documents below for further details.
- Request for Expressions of Interest
- Terms of Reference- GCF National Coordinator, The Bahamas
- Draft Contract – GCF National Coordinator, The Bahamas
The deadline for the submission of EOI’s is on or before 2:00pm (GMT-6), Friday 23 October 2020.
Expression of Interest: GCF Climate Change Technical Officer, The Bahamas
The Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (the Centre) has received financing from Green Climate Fund (GCF), toward the cost of the project titled “GCF Bahamas Readiness III – Building Blocks for Strengthening The Bahamas Country Programme”and intends to apply part of the proceeds towards the contracting of a consultant for the services of: GCF Climate Change Technical Officer, The Bahamas
Applicants wishing to express their interest in undertaking the prescribed services are to submit:
- Letter of motivation outlining motivation and how your experience, skills, qualifications and professional networks fit with the required job description. (no longer than 2 pages)
- Curriculum vitae or Résumé with full details of qualifications, full description of activities and experience, and achievements.
- Be a national of one of the CARICOM Member States living in and eligible to work in The Bahamas
- Contact details of three (3) professional references
Peruse the documents below for further details.
- Request for Expressions of Interest
- Terms of Reference- GCF Climate Change Technical Officer , Bahamas
- Draft Contract – GCF Climate Change Technical Officer , Bahamas
The deadline for the submission of EOI’s is on or before 2:00pm (GMT-6), Friday 23 October 2020.
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