Stockholm Environment Institute

Caribbean islands and coastal communities are up to seven times more likely to be affected by natural disasters than larger states, and the damage caused is up to six times greater, according to an IMF study. Yet, healthy coastal ecosystems can buffer against the impacts of storms, flooding and rising sea levels. The project Resilient […]

Caribbean islands and coastal communities are up to seven times more likely to be affected by natural disasters than larger states, and the damage caused is up to six times greater, according to an IMF study. Yet, healthy coastal ecosystems can buffer against the impacts of storms, flooding and rising sea levels. The project Resilient Coasts – Caribbean Sea, led by Stockholm Environment Institute, explores how communities can become more resilient by restoring for example mangroves, seagrass beds, and coral reefs. 

A majority of the Caribbean’s critically important coastal ecosystems have disappeared in the recent decades, but many countries are seeking to reverse these trends. We now know that the unique built-in functions of coastal ecosystems mean that they can protect against many impacts of climate change, for example reducing the energy of the waves and acting as natural breakwaters. Coastal ecosystems also prevent erosion and contribute to income from fishing and tourism. 

The project Resilient Coasts – Caribbean Sea explores how to best protect and restore coastal ecosystems, including how these nature-based solutions can be funded. It is a collaboration between Stockholm Environment Institute and governments, communities and organizations in eight countries: Aruba, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Mexico and Trinidad & Tobago.  

The project is supported with 5 500 000 SEK.

The project is part of The Swedish Postcode Lottery Foundation’s initiative “Coastal Ecosystems”, which aims to contribute to the biodiversity of coastal ecosystems and their ability to protect against the negative effects of climate change along the coasts.