Dominica working towards becoming world’s first climate-resilient nation by 2030

Roseau: The Commonwealth of Dominica has been facing enormous challenges caused by climate change. Hurricanes, tropical storms, and cyclones frequently strike the island nation, wreaking havoc and causing significant social and economic losses. After witnessing category-five hurricanes and tropical storms one after another in just a two-year span (2015-2017) the government of Dominica worked relentlessly to overcome the damages.  Dominica is witnessing a speedy recovery after the devastation was caused by Tropical Storm Erika (2015) and Hurricane Maria and Hurricane Irma (2017). The government has been utilizing a Climate Resilient and Recovery Plan (CRRP) to overcome the damages and build resilient infrastructure. Progress is being done at an exceptional pace to build strong, climate-resilient infrastructure that would help the country to withstand any natural calamity.   Hurricane Maria and Hurricane Irma damaged around 90 percent of the total infrastructure after which Prime Minister Dr Roosevelt Skerrit vowed to rebuild and rehabilitate the country, making it the “world’s first climate-resilient nation” by 2030.  Prime Minister Skerrit addressed the 72nd United Nation’s General Assembly in 2017 and stated, “I have come straight from the front line of the war on climate change. My country is dealing with physical and emotional difficulty, these are the moments for which the United Nations exists.” During his address, Prime Minister stated that Dominica will strongly come back and become a climate-resilient nation which would withstand natural catastrophic events, including a category-5 hurricane.  Climate-resilient roads, schools, healthcare centres, hospitals and many other buildings are build as part of the country’s National Resilience Development Strategy 2030. The main aim of the strategy is to examine the overall policy framework of the government. It also underscores 43 resilience goals. Later, the government formed Climate Resilience and Recovery Plan (CRRP). It was established under the leadership of the Climate Resilience Execution Agency for Dominica (CREAD), a mandate under the Climate Resilience Act 2018. The government of Dominica has planned to achieve the Climate Resilience Targets by 2030. The efforts by the government of Dominica were praised by Micha Rose Emmett – CEO of CS Global Partners, a residency and citizenship by investment (CBI) solutions firm.  [caption id="attachment_42729" align="aligncenter" width="401"] Micha Rose Emmett – CEO of CS Global Partners[/caption]  Micha Emmett underlined, “The Dominica Government adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in September 2015, including the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Projects like the geothermal energy plant are putting the Nature Isle ahead of the globe in combating climate change while relieving the country of its reliance on imported fossil fuels.” Despite being small in size, the government has been working so hard to achieve the desired goal of becoming the world’s first climate-resilient country.   The government of Dominica has been working relentlessly and building climate-resilient infrastructure. An international airport is also under construction, which would connect the country to the world, with direct flights from America, Europe and other parts of the world. Housing: The government of Dominica has been delivering homes to the families who were displaced because of Tropical Storm Erika, Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Maria between the years 2015 and 2017 under the “Housing Initiative.” To date, the housing units have been developed islandwide, such as in Roseau City Square, Jimmit, Georgetown, Cotton Hill, Bellevue Chopin, Castle Bruce, San Sauveur, Grand Fond, La Plaine, and Delices.  [caption id="attachment_37857" align="aligncenter" width="532"] Housing Map of Dominica[/caption] Concurrently, several housing units are under construction in several areas, including Scotts Head, Eggleston, Canefield, Marigot, as well as Plat Ma Pierre. The government has handed over keys to more than 1,500 families over the period of four years. In 2019, Prime Minister Dr Roosevelt Skerrit stated, “The government of Dominica will not rest until every Dominican has a resilient roof over their heads.” Schools: The government has been paying equal attention to providing safe, secure and healthy education to the young generation; to do so, it has been constructing climate-resilient schools. Recently, the government commissioned three primary schools – Morne Jaune Primary School, Stevens Primary School, and Wills Strathmore Stevens Primary. These schools now possess modern education technology, climate-resilient infrastructure, and an advanced learning environment.  [caption id="attachment_42731" align="aligncenter" width="509"] Design of the Dominica Grammar School[/caption]  Additionally, the Dominica Grammar School is under construction and will be re-opened soon.  Emergency Shelters: On May 13, 2022, the government of Dominica commissioned two regional emergency shelters in Jimmie and Castle Bruce. The EC $32 million projects were signed on June 17, 2022, between the government and NH International Caribbean Limited.  Dominica, a country known for its unspoiled beauty and 365 rivers, has been moving towards the goal of climate resilience at a perfect pace. [caption id="attachment_42730" align="aligncenter" width="488"] Jimmit Regional Emergency Shelter, Dominica.[/caption]  Officially regarded as the Commonwealth of Dominica, the country is home to the world’s second-largest natural hot-spring – Boiling Lake, Trafalgar Falls, Morne Trois Pitons National Park – which is regarded as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, Cabrits National Park, Titou Gorge and many others.  One more thing which attracts tourists is the country’s unspoiled beauty. Island’s lush mountainous rainforests, rare plants, animals, and bird species make it a must-visit destination.