Barbados participating in Climate Risk Rapid Assessment Project

Barbados’ coastal experts will soon be in a better position to make more informed decisions relating to climate change and the island’s ocean space.

That’s because the island was one of three countries selected to be a part of the Climate Risk Rapid Assessment Project, which got under way in December last year and runs until March this year.

The Ministry of Maritime Affairs and the Blue Economy has partnered with the Stimson Centre and Commonwealth Blue Charter, to conduct the assessment, which is designed to help Barbados determine vulnerability and prioritise investments in protecting coastal communities.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and the Blue Economy Sonia Foster said as a participating country in the project, Barbados will trial the Rapid Assessment, receive the results and work with expert analysts over the four-month period.

Ms. Foster made these comments during her welcome address at the start of the first of two virtual Barbados Climate and Ocean Risk Vulnerability Index (CORVI) Rapid Assessment workshops.

She added that the project was also welcomed by the Coastal Zone Management Unit (CZMU), as it would enhance work presently being undertaken, and complement the work completed through the National Coastal Risk Information and Planning Platform.

Ms. Foster explained that the CZMU had already made significant advances in integrated coastal zone management in the areas of coastal erosion, resource conservation, institutional strengthening and capacity building.

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