Joint programme launched to build climate resilience in SVG and Dominica

St Vincent and the Grenadines and Dominica will benefit from a United Nation’s initiative on strengthening climate change resilience and food security. The “Resilient Livelihoods and Food Security Through Data” project was launched last Thursday, September 8 at the
Foreign Affairs Conference Room. The launch was spearheaded by the Ministry of National Mobilization and assisted by the United Nation’s
Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), a release from the Agency for Public Information states.

The two-year project will work towards implementing risk assessments, enhancing livelihoods and boosting social protection.

Minister of National Mobilisation, Orando Brewster, said at last Thursday’s launch that the project would strengthen the sustainable development thrust in both countries. He stressed that it was important to partner with Dominica as linkages can be created which will later become vital to the progress of both countries.

Meanwhile, Minister of Tourism and Sustainable Development, Carlos James said the project forms part of the overall thrust to create sustainable livelihood programs especially for the most vulnerable in rural communities.

Remarks were also delivered by Minister of the Blue Economy, Agriculture and Food Security in Dominica, Fidel Grant. Minister Grant underscored the comments of minister Brewster, noting that linkages between the countries are crucial as St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Dominica share “similar vulnerabilities and challenges.”

Also speaking at the launch was Sub-regional co-ordinator of the Caribbean Food and Agriculture Organization, Renata Clarke and Country Director of the World Food Programme, Regis Chapman who both pledged their commitment to promoting food security in the region.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines and the Commonwealth of Dominica both experienced recent devastating natural disasters coupled with the impact of COVID-19 which have negatively affected livelihoods and created setbacks in national development.