US$6.1 million project jointly funding by EU and GOJ

Jamaica’s climate change programme has got more international funding with a €6-million (US$6.1-million) programme being rolled out to impact climate change and reduce poverty by protecting livelihoods.

Dubbed ‘A Jamaican Path from Hills to Ocean,’ the project is jointly funded with a grant from the European Union (EU) Global Climate Change Alliance (GCAA+) , which is contributing a grant of €4.9 million (US$5 million) and a contribution of €1.1 million (US$1.12 million) from the Government of Jamaica. The project utilises an integrated and sustainable landscape management methodology in selected watershed management units (WMUs).

PROJECT BEING IMPLEMENTED OVER 5 YEARS

The central goal of the initiative aims to protect at least 30 per cent of the world’s land and ocean by 2030. The 30×30 target is a global target that aims to halt the accelerating loss of species and protect vital ecosystems that are the source of economic security.

The project, which began in November 2020, is being implemented over five years. It will directly benefit the communities and residents who live in or make their livelihood from resources in the targeted WMUs.

Fieldwork commenced for the rapid ecological assessment of the three targeted watershed management units. Speaking at the official launch of the project recently at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Regional Headquarters, Mona, Minister in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation Senator Matthew Samuda said the project is particularly critical, given that Jamaica has committed to the High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People.

Minister Samuda expressed the hope that Jamaica will be able to establish itself as a centre of excellence for environmental management, climate-change mitigation, and climate change adaptation.

For her part, Myriam Ferran, deputy director general, Directorate General for International Partnerships, European Commission, said the project is one piece of the overall contribution that the EU is providing to the government to fight climate change and protect the environment.