The Ministry of Maritime Affairs and the Blue Economy (MMABE) has partnered with the Stimson Centre and Commonwealth Blue Charter, to conduct a rapid assessment of Barbados’ coastal climate risks and options.
According to Director of the Coastal Zone Management Unit (CZMU), Dr. Leo Brewster, the Climate Risk Rapid Assessment Project is designed to help Barbados determine vulnerability and prioritise investments in protecting coastal communities.
Describing the project as a critical one, he explained that at this time, Barbados is prone to the ever-increasing threats associated with climate change, warming ocean waters and frequent and destructive hurricanes and tropical storms.
He warned that such events, along with other climate impacts threatened Barbados’ natural environment and tourism-based economy.
However, through the partnership, Barbados will be able to collect empirical data on the nature and extent of climate and ocean risks affecting the island, interview experts and consider next steps in 2022.
“We are incredibly excited as the CORVI (Climate and Ocean Risk Vulnerability Index) Rapid Assessment will be integral in triaging our most necessary actions to improve planning and decision-making so that we can intervene Barbados’ climate threats as efficiently and effectively as possible,” Dr. Brewster said.
Lead for the Commonwealth Blue Charter programme, Dr. Jeff Ardron, explained the pilot project would give Barbados a tractable and holistic view of threats to the island and indicate good options for delegating resources to mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change.
He also thanked the Government of Barbados for stepping forward as one of three pilot countries to be part of the trial in the new approach, and noted that the development of CORVI Rapid Assessment was a welcomed opportunity for Blue Charter member countries.