On 1st July 2024, Hurricane Beryl struck Barbados, causing significant damage to marine and coastal infrastructure and fisheries-dependent livelihoods. In response, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), under Regional Technical Cooperation Project financed by the Japan Special Fund RG-T4170 (Strategic knowledge building for effective climate-resilient and sustainable blue economy public policy implementation), is collaborating with the Barbados Fisheries Division (BFD) to launch a recovery initiative targeting the blue economy sector, with a focus on fisheries. This initiative includes the following:
- Support for the general engineering (future) design of climate-resilient ports and coastal and marine infrastructure.
- Support for the development of recovery plans through participatory processes centered on affected fishing communities (aimed at strengthening long-term and sustainable community resilience).
The objectives of this kick-off workshop are: to introduce the two activities and their frameworks, along with the respective teams, to key stakeholders in Barbados; to confirm the implementation mechanisms, coordination structure, focal points, and schedule; and to lay the foundation for effective collaboration during the implementation period.
In addition, the workshop will include a brief presentation of the results of the Damage and Loss Assessment (DALA) conducted by ECLAC. In conjunction with this workshop, ECLAC will provide DALA training to government officials from the afternoon of the 23rd July to Friday, the 25th July 2025 .
Cover photo credit: C.O.Williams Construction Limited