Climate Change a Priority – Baguena

Head of Cooperation of the European Union (EU) delegation to Jamaica, Jesus Baguena, says the EU Development Fund Programme and the Government of Jamaica have identified climate change and the environment as a priority sector for support.

Mr. Baguena, who was addressing the launch of Jamaica’s Green Economy Scoping Study, at Devon House, on March 22, said the sector will receive allocation of one-third of all cooperation resources, for the agreed period up to 2020.

He noted that the EU, will this year, in collaboration with the Jamaican Government and all stakeholders and partners, identify the actions to be taken in this sector under this agreement.

Mr. Baguena further noted that this is indicative of the EU’s strong commitment to Jamaica as well as the effort to align its support to National Goal Number Four of Jamaica’s National Development Plan, Vision 2030, which relates to the protection of the environment.

He indicated that the EU has also been providing significant support to Jamaica’s agricultural sector, particularly through a sugar and banana programme. In that framework, he said the EU seeks to promote environment and climate-friendly farming methods.

The EU also funds the Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Reduction project in Jamaica, which focuses on improving the resilience of vulnerable areas and reducing the risks associated with natural hazards, particularly in rural communities.