Boost for Country’s Climate Resilience

Jamaica’s ability to withstand the impact of extreme weather conditions related to climate change, such as drought and flooding, has been further boosted with the provision of $1.97 billion (US$17 million) by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).

The allocation, comprising a loan of $1.15 billion (US$10 million), and $902.9 million (US$7.8 million) in grants, has been provided under the IDB’s Adaptation Programme and Financing Mechanism for the Pilot Programme for Climate Resilience (PPCR).

This input will facilitate implementation of Phase Two of the PPCR by the Government, which has earmarked $219.9 million (US$1.97 million) for the undertaking.

The PPCR is a five-year programme aimed at strengthening Jamaica’s institutional and infrastructural capacity to counter the impact of severe weather, through the adaptation and implementation of preventative measures and safeguards at the local and national levels.

Activities under the second phase will focus primarily on mainstreaming adaptation measures; creating financing mechanisms to assist small businesses, primarily involved in agribusiness and tourism, among others, to make adjustments to debilitating weather-related occurrences; and a public education campaign to heighten awareness about the challenges associated with climate change and safeguards to be undertaken individually and collectively at the community and national levels.

A Project Management Unit (PMU) will be established in the Ministry of Water, Land, Environment and Climate Change to oversee the PPCR’s second phase implementation, in partnership with the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ).

The IDB will collaborate with the entities in determining the beneficiaries, based on a preliminary analysis undertaken during initial implementation of the PPCR.

Finance and Planning Minister, Dr. the Hon. Peter Phillips, and IDB Country Representative for Jamaica, Therese Turner-Jones, today (February 4), signed the agreements formalising the arrangement, during a brief ceremony at the Ministry in Kingston.

In his remarks, Dr. Phillips described the arrangement as “one of the more important elements of the cooperation between the Government of Jamaica and the Inter-American Development Bank.”

“It is focused on, perhaps, the most important issue of our times, which is climate change, and the development of climate (change) resilience in Jamaica. We are seeking to adapt to this particular predicament (climate change)…to which we are particularly vulnerable. As a consequence, we are faced with the need to undertake adjustments, which are costly. To that extent, we are particularly pleased to be the beneficiary of (this) financing arrangement,” the Minister said.

For her part, Mrs. Turner-Jones said the current arrangement presents Jamaica with a “good opportunity” to “mainstream the whole concept of climate change.”

“The bank is very happy to be signing this (agreement), and we are looking forward to implementing (the project) with the Ministry of Water, Land, Environment and Climate Change, and all (other stakeholders) involved,” she added.

Meanwhile, State Minister for Water, Land, Environment and Climate Change, Hon. Ian Hayles, said the PPCR may be considered as a “very important contribution” to Jamaica’s adaptive response to climate change.

“I, therefore, welcome the signing (of this) agreement, and see this as an excellent opportunity to build on the work that has already begun in fostering strong action on climate change,” he added.