PRESS RELEASE
A key stakeholder consultation was held in the community of Belles on October 14, 2024, to discuss the proposed construction of a river wall as part of a project funded by the Adaptation Fund. This initiative, led by the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC), aims to enhance climate resilience in the area and is estimated to cost US$10 million.
The consultation brought together a range of important stakeholders, including the Parliamentary Representative for the St. Joseph Constituency, Darron Lloyd, and the Minister for Environment, Rural Modernisation, Kalinago Upliftment, and Constituency Empowerment, Cozier Frederick. Other notable attendees were the Project Development Officer for the CCCCC project, Mr. Colin Guiste, the Project Development Consultant for CCCCC Mrs. Carla Walsh, and Senior Technical Adviser, Mr. Edgar Hunter, all attached to the Ministry of Environment, Rural Modernisation, Kalinago Upliftment, and Constituency Empowerment.
Lloyd noted that the river wall project in Belles represents a vital step in ensuring the resilience of one of Dominica’s vulnerable communities, building a sustainable future
for the country amidst the growing threats of climate change.
According to him, “This project marks a significant effort to address the increasing climate vulnerabilities faced by Dominica’s rural communities, particularly in flood-prone areas such as Belles. The planned river wall will mitigate the risk of flooding, protecting both lives and property while promoting environmental sustainability.”
The Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC), established in 2005, has been at the forefront of coordinating the region’s response to climate change, providing valuable data and guidance to Caribbean nations as they navigate the complex challenges posed by global climate shifts.
The Adaptation Fund, which finances projects in developing countries that are parties to the Kyoto Protocol, has committed over US$1.2 billion to date. Its efforts have benefited over 45 million people across 176 projects worldwide.