Coastal ecosystems in Antigua and Barbuda, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic are experiencing multiple climate change stressors, including increased sea surface temperatures, sea level rise and more frequent and severe hurricanes and droughts. These add to existing impacts from farming, settlement expansion, pollution, inadequate waste disposal and unsustainable fishing. The combined pressures lead to coral reef dieback and loss of protective mangrove cover, particularly affecting coastal communities who depend strongly upon resources and services from these ecosystems. In addition, declining water and beach quality have more widespread impacts, affecting tourism and fishing which are central to the economies of Caribbean nations. To increase the resilience of coastal ecosystems, communities and the wider economy, the project will restore coral reefs, mangroves and riverine vegetation and support alternative sustainable livelihoods based on coastal ecosystem services, as well as improvements to fishing and agriculture practices. This is expected to enhance socio-economic well-being both in the short and longer term. The project’s results will be documented through consistent ecological and socio-economic monitoring, and lessons learned will be shared through a knowledge management platform that provides access to data and information to improve the efficiency and outcomes of future EbA initiatives and national adaptation action more widely.
