The Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines is receiving support from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), to boost its ongoing efforts to tackle climate change.
The Board of Directors of the CDB has approved financing of 13.4 million U.S Dollars to enhance resilience of Sandy Bay and other North Windward communities to coastal hazards and the potential impacts of climate change.
The Sandy Bay Sea Defence Resilience Project aims to reduce the rate of coastal erosion, through the construction of sea defences in sections along the Sandy Bay coastline.
Daniel Best, Director of Projects at the CDB said the Project will reduce the vulnerability of Sandy Bay and other North Windward communities to aggressive coastal erosion, caused by wave action and storm surges associated with the passing of tropical storms and hurricanes.
Mr. Best said the erosion of the Sandy Bay coastline threatens the Windward Highway and the social and economic activities of the surrounding community. He noted that the Windward Highway provides the community’s only access to key economic activities, including the geothermal site currently under development and to popular attractions in the north-eastern section of the coast.
The key project components include: preparation of a feasibility study inclusive of an environmental and social monitoring plan; construction of sea defences along approximately 730 metres of shoreline, as well as auxiliary works such as green space and pavement construction; engineering and construction-related services; and project management, monitoring and evaluation. The CDB says the investment is consistent with the Bank’s Disaster Management Strategy and Operational Guidelines, and Climate Resilience Strategy.
This initiative also supports the vision of the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines to improve the quality of life for all of its citizen, as outlined in the National Economic and Social Development Plan (2013-2025). Goal 4 of the Plan stresses improving physical infrastructure, preserving the environment and building resilience to climate change. 6;