Roseau, July 12, 2022 – In a bid to become the world’s first climate resilient nation, the Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica, with support from the United Nations Development Programme’s (UNDP) Enabling Gender-Responsive Disaster Recovery, Climate and Environmental Resilience in the Caribbean (EnGenDER) Project, is ensuring the island’s most vulnerable possess the skills they need to earn enhanced incomes sustainably and independently.

Ten Dominicans from the Kalinago Territory – five men, and five women – are today better poised to embark on entrepreneurial ventures in wood crafting after completing a seven-week woodwork training course launched by the Ministry of Environment, Rural Modernization and Kalinago Upliftment. The UNDP EnGenDER Project supported the course through the Offer of Complementary Funding (OCF), an initiative funded by the Governments of Canada and the United Kingdom.

“The UK continues to help Dominica become the world’s first climate resilient nation.  We are glad that Dominica is able to champion the improvement of climate resilience, not just for women and girls, but all vulnerable groups in society,” said His Excellency Scott Furssedonn-Wood, British High Commissioner to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, while delivering remarks during a closing ceremony for the OCF, at the Kalinago Barana Aute, where graduates of the recently-concluded workshop also received their certificates. 

“Today’s activity is the capstone on a programme that highlights yet another win for the partnership that we enjoy with Dominica,” he said.

Meanwhile, Head of Cooperation, Global Affairs Canada, Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, Ms. Jennifer Heys, while congratulating the graduates, underscored the importance of a gendered focus to disaster recovery, preparedness and response efforts across the region. “Canada places gender equality at the centre of its international assistance, and is committed to supporting gender-mainstreaming and decision making in all aspects of climate change adaptation, mitigation and sustainable and natural resource management,” Heys said.  “Many of our most important commitments require sustained partnerships, not only with implementing agencies like the UNDP, but also with communities, indigenous partners and governments.”

The OCF is designed to help Caribbean states adapt to the reality of new climate extremes.  In Dominica, activities taking place under this initiative are primarily focused on the Kalinago Community, who are among the island’s most vulnerable.  However, the proposed measures are part of an overall national strategy aimed at achieving climate resilience.

“EnGenDER’s OCF is directly aligned with Dominica’s vision of becoming climate resilient, specifically as it relates to diversifying the economy to enable it to withstand climate impacts,” said Project Manager, Massimilliano Tozzi. “Interventions will contribute to the overall sustainable development priorities of the Government of Dominica by supporting progress with achieving 12 of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, more specifically, Goal One which seeks to eradicate poverty; Goal Five, which speaks to gender equality; and Goal 13, which implores nation states to take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts,” he said.

While delivering the Feature Address during the OFC closing ceremony, the Honourable Dr. Irving McIntyre, Minister for Health, Wellness and New Health Investment told the graduates this targeted intervention is meant to help them gain independence and build sustainable livelihoods, while staying true to their valuable traditions and customs. He encouraged them to use their newly-acquired skills, and access to a recently-launched, low-interest Kalinago Development Fund to start entrepreneurial ventures.

“The fund remains available at the aid bank at the concessional rate of two percent.  I think this falls right in line with one of the objectives of the EnGenDER project, which speaks to the development of more targeted social protection finance tools for the most vulnerable,” he said.  “As government, we have responded to this call, and I encourage you to explore this option for developing and bringing to life your small business ideas, particularly in the areas of arts and crafts.”

Ameila Bedminster, a graduate of the training programme intends to do exactly that, and shared that she saw the training as an opportunity to prove that women can also excel at trades that are traditionally predominately practiced by men.

“It gave me a skill that I can use to earn an income for my family, and this is very important to me because I am not only empowered to do things for myself, but now I am able to teach my children and other interested persons,” she said.

In addition to woodwork training, the EnGenDER OCF recently supported the Government of Dominica with developing assessments required when applying for climate financing.

Dominica will be applying to the Green Climate Fund to access grants for the “Dominica Kalinago Territory Climate Resilience Project”, which seeks to build and enhance the capacity of vulnerable persons on the island, and to manage existing risk and the future uncertainties of a changing climate.

The week-long assessments included discussions on agriculture and fisheries development while focusing on mechanisms that will enable the Kalinago people to better cope with climate change and its impact on their livelihoods.

EnGenDER’s OCF is directly aligned with Dominica’s vision of becoming climate resilient, specifically as it relates to diversifying the economy to enable it to withstand climate impacts, social protection and poverty reduction, environmental management, cultural preservation, and overall sustained growth that is inclusive, ensuring no one is left behind.

This project is part of the work of UNDP Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean in its commitment to promoting economic diversification, job creation and resilience with the “Blue Economy for Green Islands” vision. As the Caribbean continues to seek solutions to mitigate the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, UNDP, in partnership with governments and stakeholders, remains dedicated to the advancement of inclusive and sustainable development throughout the region and building resilient communities that can withstand shocks and crises through targeted projects and programmes.