Following an integrated “ridge-to-reef” approach, the proposed project will be implemented in selected marine/coastal areas of St. Lucia and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Recognizing the high vulnerability of coastal farming and fishing communities to climate change as well as increasing climatic and anthropogenic pressures on coral reefs and coastal zone agro-ecosystems. B- Resilience4SIDS seeks to safeguard the natural defense services of coral reefs by expanding and replicating successful community-centered restoration initiatives in both target countries. These will include the promotion of alternative or supplemental livelihood opportunities and sustainable financing mechanisms with the private sector. B-Resilience4SIDS will also strengthen the technical and financial capacities of small-scale coastal farmers, fishers and aquaculturists to convert to sustainable, climate-resilient production and conserve coastal zone agro-ecosystems to maintain their essential services for food and water security. Lastly, the project aims to enhance EbA-related knowledge sharing and documentation at national level and regional level, and to support the formalization of appropriate governance structures for sustained EbA interventions. All project initiatives incorporate gender considerations, social inclusion principles and a participatory methodology acknowledging traditional knowledge of local stakeholders. The intervention logic design was informed by scientific evidence of adverse climate change impacts affecting target countries and guided by relevant best practice manuals.
