Phase One of Climate Resilience Project to Conclude June

Phase One of a pilot project, aimed at integrating climate resilience in the national policy-making process, should be completed by June 2013.

Some $7 million has been set aside in the 2013/2014 Estimates of Expenditure, now before the House of Representatives, for the conclusion of studies on the development of Jamaica’s Strategic Programme for Climate Resilience (SPCR) and conduct financial audit and final evaluation.

The primary objective of the pilot programme, which got underway in December 2010, is to conduct the studies necessary for the development of the SPCR and formulate the programme for presentation to the Climate Investment Fund.

It is being funded through a grant from the Inter American Development Bank, with the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) as the implementing agency.

Physical achievements up to December 2012 include: procurement of equipment and furniture for the Meteorological Service and Water Resources Authority (WRA); completion of Climate Change Knowledge Attitude and Practices (KAP) Survey and report submitted, so too climate data assessment and projections consultancy, and a communication strategy and action plan.

Also undertaken was a review of policies, plans and legislation relating to climate change.

By Latonya Linton, JIS Reporter