The Nature Conservancy (TNC), the Government of Grenada, along with the International Climate Initiative (IKI), The Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMU), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), and the Grenada Red Cross Society (GRCS) officially opened a newly constructed Climate-Smart Fisher Facility in Soubise, St. Andrew, Grenada, on Saturday, February 22. The dedication ceremony, themed “A Celebration of Community and Climate Action,” featured remarks from the Hon. Dickon Mitchell, Prime Minister of Grenada; Hon. Kerryne James, Minister for Climate Resilience, the Environment, and Renewable Energy; and representatives from key stakeholders and partners, including the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).
The Soubise Fisher Facility—the first of its kind on the island—was designed with both nature and people in mind, integrating sustainable infrastructure such as solar energy and rainwater harvesting. Rainwater harvesting addresses the need for a constant supply of fresh water, particularly during periods of drought, while solar energy will simultaneously reduce both operational costs and climate emissions.
The facility also features nature-based solutions such as green and grey shoreline stabilization measures that use natural rock sea walls and native coastal vegetation to stabilize the shoreline, absorb wave energy, improve near-shore habitats, and reduce coastal erosion.
Its lockers will provide secure storage for fishers’ gear, including nets, engines, and other tools. In addition to its nature-friendly design elements, the facility also addresses the needs of the fishing community by providing enhanced access to the sea and their livelihoods, as well as a livable green space for community gatherings.
Phase two will see the construction of a jetty that will allow fishers to access the facility better and improve the transport of their catch and gear, especially in situations where the area is inundated by sargassum seaweed. These innovative features make small-scale fishing safer, more efficient, and environmentally sustainable.
“For over 15 years, our work in Grenada has focused on understanding how conservation and restoration can reduce climate vulnerability. This facility is more than just infrastructure—it represents the power of community-led conservation and a holistic approach to resilience, where fishers, farmers, and community members work together to protect both their livelihoods and natural ecosystems,” said Rob Brumbaugh, TNC Caribbean Executive Director.
The Soubise Fisher Facility showcases the ability of coastal communities to harness nature-based solutions to safeguard ecosystems while strengthening local economies. The project exemplifies the nexus between conservation and economic development in addressing a changing climate and biodiversity loss.
“Through the strategic integration of renewable energy, habitat restoration, and community engagement, the Fisher Facility epitomizes our holistic approach to climate resilience, fostering not just adaptation but genuine transformation in our socio-ecological landscape,” said Hon. Kerryne James, Minister for Climate Resilience, the Environment, and Renewable Energy.
The Soubise Fisher Facility was constructed under The Nature Conservancy’s Resilient Islands by Design Initiative—‘Integrating Ecosystem and Community-based Approaches to Enhance Climate Change Adaptation in the Caribbean.’ This initiative is a partnership between the Government of Grenada, The Nature Conservancy (TNC), the International Climate Initiative (IKI), The Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMU), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), and the Grenada Red Cross Society (GRCS).
