International Development Partners Invest In Caribbean Disaster Risk Management

Bridgetown, Barbados, July 16th, 2015 (CDB) - The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has joined forces with the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development of Canada and the Department for International Development of the United Kingdom to strengthen the sustainable development agenda of CARICOM states. Through the USD24 million (mn), Community Disaster Risk Reduction Fund (CDRRF), CDB has for the third time announced the availability of grants to build community-level capacity for disaster risk management.

Speaking about the Fund, Interim Project Manager of CDRRF advised that financing is available in the priority areas of disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation in 18 eligible CDB Borrowing Member Countries (BMCs). “This is a critical Call for the CDRRF as we attempt to get as many potentially fundable sub-projects as possible. To be fundable projects must address disaster issues in crucial areas that strengthen the ability of residents to respond to and reduce the risk or exposure to natural hazards such as flooding, land movement and impacts from high winds during hurricanes”, stated McDonald Thomas.

The CDRRF is open to a range of institutions. “Qualified, not-for-profit entities such as community-based organisations, non-government organisations, Government and quasi-government bodies as well as research institutions working with interest groups such as farmers can apply. Importantly, the initiatives must be community-based and community driven. Currently applicants may access between USD400,000 and USD650,000 for the implementation of projects for up to 24 months”, he continued.

It is expected that in the medium-term, projects will enable populations to become safer and more resilient as they reduce the risk to environmental and socio-economic vulnerabilities caused by climate variability. Moreso, projects are set to improve the knowledge capacity of the Region as lessons learned in risk management from each project will be collected and shared. “In addition to projects in the priority areas, related projects that can demonstrate sustenance or enhancement in livelihoods and build awareness about these hazards and how to reduce vulnerabilities can benefit from funding”, Mr Thomas emphasised.

Advancing the inclusive approach of the Fund, a key enabling activity was highlighted. “We understand that this may be a large size of funding for many communities. We are looking for innovative ideas with potential for developing into projects so we encourage pooling of resources for a substantive proposal. After reviewing Concept Notes, further assistance to develop the idea may be provided in the form of project development assistance. Groups should, therefore, not be discouraged from submitting a proposal even if they feel that they have not fully satisfied the criteria”, Thomas said.

The CDRRF is a six year medium-size grant opportunity that is strengthening the capacity of CDB BMCs to mainstream climate change into the sustainable development agenda. Since inception, approximately USD1.3 mn in grants have been awarded to community-based organisations. Interested groups are encouraged to visit the CDRRF’s website at http://www.caribank.org/programmes/cdrr1 to download the required documents and apply by August 7 to access the Fund.

For further information, please contact:
McDonald Thomas
Interim Project Manager
Community Disaster Risk Reduction Fund, Caribbean Development Bank
E-Mail: cdrrf@caribank.org; Telephone: 1-246-431-1785