Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the U.S. Representative to the United Nations, has announced a new funding initiative aimed at tackling climate and biodiversity challenges in the Caribbean. The announcement was made during the 46th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) held in Georgetown, Guyana.
The initiative includes $15.8 million in new USAID funding as part of a broader $43 million package for climate adaptation and resilience projects in the region. This move underscores ongoing collaboration between the United States and CARICOM.
The funding will support several key areas:
1. **Marine Biodiversity and Climate Resilience**: USAID is allocating $5.8 million to protect coastal-marine biodiversity and enhance community resilience against climate change impacts. Efforts will focus on preserving ecosystems like mangroves and coral reefs, as well as species such as sharks, rays, and marine turtles.
2. **Water Security in Haiti**: An initial $10 million will be directed towards improving water sector institutions in Haiti, ensuring safe drinking water access for one million Haitians amidst various crises.
3. **Climate Finance Initiatives**: As part of a previously announced $20 million Caribbean Climate Investment Program (CCIP), two new projects have been introduced to boost climate investment through business advisory services and support for small enterprises with an emphasis on women entrepreneurs.
4. **Caribbean Resilient Economies and Sectors (RESET)**: A recent allocation of $6.1 million aims to reduce financial barriers for building climate resilience across critical sectors.
Additionally, USAID has invested $1.75 million into developing CARICOM's Resilience Fund, expected to raise $100 million for adaptation investments in Eastern and Southern Caribbean regions.
These initiatives align with President Biden’s Emergency Plan for Adaptation and Resilience (PREPARE), which seeks to strengthen U.S.-Caribbean partnerships focused on climate adaptation goals outlined by PACC 2030.
Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield led the U.S. delegation at CARICOM alongside officials including Assistant Secretary Brian A. Nichols, USAID Assistant Administrator Marcela Escobari, Ambassador Jessica Lapenn, and Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Laura Lochman.