Resilient Islands: Advancing Caribbean Climate Adaptation Through Natural Solutions

Summary

Resilient Islands is a four-year initiative designed to reduce climate vulnerability and strengthen adaptive capacity in Caribbean island communities through ecosystem-based adaptation. Caribbean nations face increasing threats from hurricanes, flooding, wind damage, and sea level rise, placing people, infrastructure, and essential services at growing risk. Resilient Islands responds by promoting the protection and restoration of natural coastal defenses—such as coral reefs and mangroves—while supporting governments and communities to integrate nature-based solutions into disaster risk reduction and development planning. Led by The Nature Conservancy in partnership with the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the initiative works in the Dominican Republic, Grenada, and Jamaica to develop adaptation toolkits, train local leaders, implement demonstration projects, strengthen policy frameworks, and launch a regional coalition to scale up impact. The project demonstrates how ecosystems can reduce climate risks while supporting livelihoods, food security, and sustainable economic development across Small Island states.