Pioneering a Blue-Green Economic Development Model for Coastal Adaptation, Livelihoods and Sustainability in St. Vincent
Description of project:
Climate change poses a significant risk to the South Coast of St. Vincent. It is the epicentre of tourism on the mainland and a key fishing site, with a population of approximately 29,000 across seven communities. It is also the site of the mainland’s only marine protected area, the South Coast Marine Conservation Area (SCMCA).
Figure 1: Young Island from Fort Duvernette, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Credit: Philip Beckles
This project pilots a local blue-green economic development model that protects, restores and sustainably uses coastal and marine ecosystems to build ecological and livelihood resilience on the South Coast. The project will adopt a landscape approach to address key risks from climate change and land-based pollution, including within the SCMCA, surrounding watersheds and communities.
Figure 2: Calliaqua Bay, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Credit: Philip Beckles
This is a project of the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund, co-financed by the International Climate Initiative (IKI) of the German Federal Ministry for Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection through KfW.
The project has a total budget of USD 643,647 and it will be implemented between November 2021- November 2024.
The project’s beneficiaries are as follows:
10 local blue-green enterprises will be strengthened for sustainable livelihoods within the tourism and fisheries sectors.
100-250 households (~1,000 persons) will benefit from coastal and watershed rehabilitation interventions.
Additionally, stakeholder capacity and institutions will be strengthened for participatory, multi-level governance.
Figure 3: Fisherman with his catch at Calliaqua, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Credit: CANARI
Key activities and reports:
Component 1 – Scaling up EbA solutions for coastal and watershed rehabilitation
Conduct ecosystem valuation to identify priority areas and actions and inform investment in EbA
Conduct adaptation planning with the target communities: a participatory planning workshop was held from January 31-February 2, 2023 to identify appropriate coastal and watershed EbA solutions for the South Coast. See the meeting report here.
Design and implement EbA solutions for coastal and watershed rehabilitation
Component 2 – Reducing threats and developing blue-green enterprises in tourism and fisheries
Develop and implement communications and engagement strategy to raise awareness of unsustainable practices and actions to reduce threats
Design and initiate action plans for local stewardship
Identify and support strengthening and climate proofing of target blue-green MSMEs: The first batch of local blue-green enterprises (LGEs) have been selected and a group of small business experts have been trained to serve as effective mentors. Click here to meet our mentors. Mentors were introduced to CANARI’s Local Green-Blue Enterprise Radar, Climate Proofing Enterprises and Value Chain Analysis tools. See the report of the training workshop for small business mentors here. The mentors have been working with their assigned SMEs since May 2023 to apply these tools. The first cohort of mentees is currently developing microgrant proposals for implementing specific LGE strengthening actions. A call for a second cohort has been launched.
Develop and implement communications and engagement strategy to raise awareness of unsustainable practices and actions to reduce threats: On Monday, April 22nd, a school’s Earth Day video competition was launched by a group of stakeholders trained in advocacy and awareness under the project. The objective of the competition is to raise awareness of the SCMCA, highlighting the impacts of climate change, pollution and human activities on its fragile ecosystems. The competition is open to all primary, secondary and tertiary levels students and runs until May 27, 2024. Winners will be announced on World Ocean Day, June 8, 2024. For competition guidelines please click here.
Design and initiate action plans for local stewardship
Component 3 – Strengthening capacity, partnerships and investments
Develop and conduct a series of training-of-trainers workshops for key management organisations
Update SCMCA management plan and establish coordinating committee
Develop a blue-green economy roadmap and financing plan
