Strengthening Partnerships and Building Capacity for Climate Action in the Caribbean
The European Union, by supporting the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy (GCoM) has achieved a significant milestone in its ongoing efforts to support cities in the Caribbean region. Between November 4 and 13, 2024, GCoM conducted in-person missions to Belize City and Belmopan in Belize, and Portsmouth in Dominica. These missions marked the culmination of two years of intensive collaboration, including capacity-building sessions with the Joint Research Centre (JRC) and regular virtual meetings with city representatives.
Key Outcomes and Successes:
Advancing Climate Action Plans and Data Reporting:
The missions provided tailored technical assistance to local governments, focusing on the development of Climate Action Plans (CAPs) and the accurate registration of climate data through the CDP-ICLEI Track platform. This platform enables cities to monitor their progress toward climate goals, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Engaging Local Stakeholders:
GCoM facilitated dialogues with community leaders, technical staff, and potential partners to establish Advisory Committees and Working Groups. This collaborative approach ensures that CAPs reflect the unique needs and priorities of each city, enhancing their long-term sustainability and effectiveness.
Promoting Climate Resilience and Adaptation:
Risk and Vulnerability Assessments (RVAs) were a key focus, identifying local climate risks and informing adaptive strategies. By leveraging local data and expertise, these assessments will strengthen the scientific and cultural relevance of the cities’ climate action strategies.
Strengthening Political and Institutional Support:
High-level meetings with mayors, city council members, and representatives from the European Union Delegation (EUD) reinforced the missions’ political significance. The EUD’s presence underscored the EU’s commitment to supporting local climate resilience efforts, fostering trust and collaboration between international and local actors.
Voices from the Field
Belize City’s Mayor Bernard Wagner expressed the urgency of addressing climate challenges:
“Belize City stands at a crucial juncture where the effects of climate change are no longer distant threats but immediate realities. Developing a robust climate action plan is not just about resilience; it’s about ensuring that our city thrives sustainably. By committing to proactive measures today, we are safeguarding a healthier, more resilient, and prosperous future for generations to come.”
A Path Forward for the Region
These in-country missions exemplify the power of localized engagement in addressing the pressing climate challenges faced by Caribbean cities. By providing technical support, fostering stakeholder collaboration, and securing political backing, GCoM is helping cities like Belize City, Belmopan, and Portsmouth build a solid foundation for sustainable urban development and climate resilience.
As these cities continue to advance their climate action plans, the lessons learned and partnerships forged during these missions will serve as a blueprint for other cities in the Caribbean and beyond, driving progress toward global climate goals and creating a sustainable future for all.