Dominica has officially launched the Dominica Community Resilience Enhancement Project (DOMCREP), an EC$70.2 million investment from the Green Climate Fund in stronger communities, climate-smart agriculture and disaster resilience.

Eight communities-Campbell, Colihaut, Coulibistrie, Pichelin, Bagatelle, Good Hope, Petite Soufriere and San Sauveur- will benefit directly from the project.

“This project is a $70 million investment that will go directly to the people in those communities. More than 50% of that $70 million will go towards agriculture and agro processing and ensuring that women in particular are highlighted in a dramatic way in the access to the opportunities. And so it’s important for us in the communities to prepare ourselves for this for this investments,” Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit stated at the official launch ceremony on Wednesday.

The project will provide support to more than 520 farmers and agro-processors through climate-smart technologies, irrigation systems and greenhouse infrastructure, while expanding water storage capacity in rural communities, strengthening food security and improving disaster preparedness.

“When we invest in a farmer’s ability to adapt, we invest in a family’s food security and a community’s economic future. DOMCREP will also strengthen early warning systems, emergency shelters, and disaster preparedness, while supporting the policies, data systems, and institutional capacity needed to sustain resilience long after the project concludes,” said Dr. Colin Young, Executive Director of the Caribbean Community Climate Change Center, the implementing organization.

“Ultimately, the success of this project will be measured not by budgets or outputs, but by the difference it makes in people’s lives,” he added, noting  that targeted communities will benefit from hurricane shelters built to withstand powerful storms and that investments under the project aim to cut food production recovery time after climate disasters by half by 2030.

“The project will contribute to greater water security through a 30 percent increase in communal water storage capacity in rural districts and will support more inclusive economic opportunities through its matching grant programme, with at least 40 percent of grants awarded to female-led enterprises.

“More than 8,300 people are expected to benefit directly from this project, with positive impacts extending across communities throughout Dominica,” he said.

Dominica’s Minister for Agriculture, Hon. Roland Royer welcomed the launch of the project.

“While pressures on food systems will undoubtedly continue growing due to climate change, I remain optimistic because I know the strength of our farming communities, I know the determination of our people and I know what becomes possible when Government, communities and development partners work together around a shared vision for resilience and sustainable development.

“The launch of DOMCREP today, represents that vision, represents that partnership and represents our continued commitment to ensuring that the people who continue feeding this nation are given every opportunity to adapt to changing conditions and to succeed despite them,” Minister Royer said.