A launch event at the Bowmanston water pumping station has marked the start of the Water Sector Resilience Nexus for Sustainability in Barbados (WSRN S-Barbados) project, the first GCF-funded project in the Caribbean to move to implementation.
The project will strengthen the resilience of Barbados to the impacts of climate change, as well as supporting adaptation measures in the water sector, and reducing the carbon footprint of the Barbados Water Authority (BWA). The project is being undertaken by the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC), a direct access Accredited Entity that carries out GCF projects in the region.
Speaking at the project launch, Wilfred Abrahams, Minister of Energy and Water Resources, stated, “This is a big deal – a very big deal for us. We are the proud recipients of a mix of funding from GCF totalling USD 27 million. The project will provide a replicable framework for countries of the Eastern Caribbean, all of which experience similar issues.”
On behalf of GCF, ecosystems management senior specialist Patrick Van Laake said, “GCF is keenly aware of the challenges which the Caribbean faces, not the least of which is the threat of hurricanes, and how these are exacerbated by climate change. GCF is particularly pleased to have CCCCC, as a regional direct access entity, demonstrating leadership and I wish to congratulate them for their tremendous work, as well as recognising the support of the National Designated Authority and the efforts of the Barbados Water Authority.”