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MoU Signed to Strengthen Climate Change Adaptation

By: , June 10, 2016

The Key Point:

The MoU involves the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development, Jamaica Rural Economy and Ecosystems Adapting to Climate Change (Ja REEACH) II project and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

The Facts

  • As part of the project, climate and weather data and other needed studies will be generated to assist with planning and decision-making.
  • Ja REEACH II will engage key civil society and private-sector partners to promote investments aimed at mainstreaming of climate adaptation practices.

The Full Story

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), aimed at strengthening climate change adaptation and disaster risk management in Jamaica, was signed on Thursday (June 9).

The MoU involves the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development, Jamaica Rural Economy and Ecosystems Adapting to Climate Change (Ja REEACH) II project and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

The partnership will improve the strategic planning, monitoring and evaluation processes of the Ministry and Parish Councils; and better equip local authorities to include disaster and climate-change considerations in projects being undertaken.

Portfolio Minister, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, in his remarks at the signing ceremony held at his Hagley Park Road office in Kingston, noted that the MoU will better prepare the country to address natural disasters, which have cost some US$1 billion over the last 20 years.

He said it will improve planning and coordination of climate and disaster risk reduction activities at the national and municipal levels, and assist the local authorities in developing new skills to attract financing for climate-change initiatives.

“The project is not just about giving some financial assistance; it is about raising the awareness of the local authorities on the very significant agenda called climate change,” Mr. McKenzie stated.

For her part, Mission Director of the USAID, Denise Herbol, said the entity remains a committed partner with the Government of Jamaica in boosting the country’s climate-change resilience.

 

“This partnership will focus particularly on strengthening the enabling environment for climate-sensitive development at both the national and local levels. This includes mainstreaming climate-change adaption policies and planning in key Government sectors and institutions,” Ms. Herbol said.

As part of the project, climate and weather data and other needed studies will be generated to assist with planning and decision-making.

Focus will also be placed on bringing together key partners to proactively minimise the impact of climate change on lives and ecosystems.

Already, the partnership has resulted in the staging of a two-day workshop for local authorities, which focused on the impact of climate change on communities, and the need for greater coordination between local and national entities to formulate effective responses.

The Ja REEACH II project is a four-year initiative funded by the USAID and implemented by the Agricultural Cooperative Development International/Volunteers in Overseas Cooperative Assistance (ACDI/VOCA), and local partners.

ACDI/VOCA is a private, non-profit organisation that promotes broad-based economic growth, higher living standards, and vibrant communities in developing countries.

Ja REEACH II will engage key civil society and private-sector partners to promote investments aimed at mainstreaming of climate adaptation practices.

Last Updated: June 12, 2016

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