Enhancing resilience to climate change in vulnerable coastal communities in La Gônave: an Ecosystem-based Adaptation project

The Enhancing resilience to climate change in vulnerable coastal communities in La Gônave: an Ecosystem-based Adaptation project proposes a ridge-to-reef approach for natural resource management and interventions to reduce vulnerability to climate risks by (i) developing an integrated coastal management plan to promote nature-based solutions; (ii) developing blue economy plans to support economic and biological values of coastal ecosystems, (iii) restoring natural ecosystems by improving mangrove systems’ health and ecologically connected upland forest management. The project takes place in La Gônave island in the West Department of Haiti. La Gônave is the largest island around Hispaniola with approximately 743 km2. The island’s mangroves and coral reefs reduce wave energy, prevent shoreline erosion, provide habitats for innumerable species, and offer protection from storm surges potentially affecting mainland communities in Haiti.

PADF is working with Fondation pour la Protection de la Biodiversité Marine (FoProBiM) as their implementing partner. FoProBiM has extensive experience carrying out marine, coastal and terrestrial biodiversity and resource management activities across Haiti, and has established connections within target vulnerable communities. As such, FoProBiM and PADF shall co-lead the creation of several key management plans and processes, while empowering local community members to weigh in and make decisions and fully participate in natural resource management activities. For sustainability, the plans will promote economic incentives, such as payment for ecosystem services, circular economy activities, linkages to markets, and access to finance. Both the integrated coastal management plan and Blue Economy plans will aid the community in the maintenance and restoration of critical shoreline and freshwater ecosystems. While it is unlikely that the project will see the results from the growth of the Blue Economy sector on La Gonave during the time frame of the project, activities funded by the EbA Facility will lay the groundwork for continued work in these vulnerable ecosystems and communities.