Throughout the framework of the Resilient Caribbean Initiative (RCI), funded by the Authorities of Mexico and carried out by the Meals and Agriculture Group of the United Nations (FAO) Subregional Workplace for the Caribbean in collaboration with related authorities ministries, the CARICOM Secretariat, and Mexican South-South cooperation companions, the “Reflection Workshop on Achievements and Classes Discovered ” was held in Panama Metropolis on Sept. 19-20.
This occasion introduced collectively representatives from numerous Caribbean nations, challenge beneficiaries, and key stakeholders to evaluate the progress and challenges in constructing resilience to local weather change and different crises within the area. It additionally allowed to mirror on priorities for the long run.
The workshop opened with remarks from Karen de Brouwer, Director of Financing for Growth and Rising Applied sciences at Mexico’s Ministry of International Affairs (SRE), and Tony Rojas, Normal Director for the Execution of Tasks Overseas of the Mexican Company for Worldwide Growth Cooperation (AMEXCID). Ambassador David Prendergast from the CARICOM Secretariat and Dr. Renata Clarke, FAO Subregional Coordinator for the Caribbean, have been additionally current on the inauguration.
Dr. Clarke emphasised the importance of the occasion stating, “This occasion is of particular significance because it brings our present challenge to a detailed. It gives us with a beneficial alternative to socialize our experiences, course of the teachings we’ve discovered, and forge a transparent imaginative and prescient for future initiatives. The data we acquire right here at the moment will undoubtedly function the muse for future initiatives that construct on the successes of this one.”
The Initiative has educated 130 people within the water-energy-food nexus and put in 44 solar-powered irrigation and hydroponics techniques. It improved kitchens at 26 faculties and established 32 faculty gardens, offering coaching for lecturers and college students. Assist was given to twenty-eight MSMEs, two authorities services, and 7 faculties to develop aquaculture/aquaponics services. In Haiti, over 70 farmers have been educated, and 4 satellite tv for pc nurseries have been geared up. Moreover, the Initiative mobilized over USD 50 million in local weather finance from donors just like the World Setting Facility (GEF) and the Inexperienced Local weather Fund (GCF).
Throughout the “Voices from the Area” panel, Jamaican farmer Latoya Rattray-Ellis expressed gratitude for receiving a 1,000-gallon water storage tank and a solar-powered hydroponic system that may produce 400 seedlings. Sheir Williams from Antigua and Barbuda shared how a 5,000-gallon water storage cistern and solar-powered drip irrigation system considerably boosted her farm’s manufacturing. In Belize, Ms. Seleni Grajales, Principal of Santa Martha Public College, emphasised how the varsity feeding program has change into an important supply of vitamin for college kids, enhancing their focus and vitality for studying, whereas additionally nurturing their general well-being.
The “Nationwide Views” panel emphasised how the Initiative has strengthened local weather resilience in agriculture, offering coaching, renewable vitality options, and boosting faculty feeding and aquaculture applications. Mr. Osmond Harewood of the Barbados Agricultural Growth and Advertising and marketing Company highlighted the Initiative’s function in constructing resilience in Barbados’ agricultural sector, stressing the significance of planning for well timed gear supply.
Throughout group discussions, contributors famous achievements like elevated use of photo voltaic know-how and rainwater harvesting, which stabilized prices and boosted manufacturing throughout dry seasons. Challenges included restricted manufacturing capability, water shortages, crop theft, and challenge delays. Members highlighted the significance of selling native meals manufacturing, adjusting crop schedules to local weather circumstances, and creativity at school menu design as key classes discovered.
On the second day the main target shifted to the way forward for the Resilient Caribbean Initiative. There was a powerful consensus that whereas a stable basis exists, the dedication of all stakeholders is essential for sustained progress. Dr. Ulises Dehesa from the Mexican Institute of Water Know-how emphasised the necessity to combine water and vitality options, highlighting the significance of group collaboration to make sure long-term sustainability and possession.
In her keynote presentation, Catalina Torres outlined the success of Mexico’s Nationwide System for the Integral Growth of the Household in implementing scorching meal applications in faculties, enhancing college students’ entry to nutritious meals. On his finish, Dr. Bernardo Murillo, from the Middle for Organic Analysis of the Northwest, showcased how built-in aquaculture techniques may bolster meals safety and local weather resilience in arid Caribbean areas. He emphasised that adopting these fashions may considerably improve agricultural productiveness and local weather change mitigation efforts.
A high-level panel on regional cooperation for local weather change adaptation featured representatives from AMEXCID, CARICOM, FAO, and Mexico’s diplomatic corps. The panel highlighted the significance of regional partnerships in enhancing agri-food system resilience. Ambassador Víctor Hugo Morales and Tony Rojas underscored Mexico’s dedication to cooperation in agriculture and meals techniques within the Caribbean. The door for a second part of the Initiative was left open given the constructive outcomes achieved. These might be shared with the incoming administration, which was sworn in on Oct. 1.
Group discussions recognized precedence areas for future efforts, emphasizing the mixing of renewable applied sciences, climate-smart practices, and the necessity for youth and gender inclusion to make sure a sustainable imaginative and prescient for the area’s agricultural future.
In closing the occasion, after giving due to the monetary and technical help from Mexico by way of the Ministry of International Affairs, AMEXCID, and South-South and Triangular cooperation companions, Jacinto Buenfil, FAO Venture Coordinator of the Initiative said that “the muse exists to proceed constructing on present achievements.” In settlement, contributors expressed their request to the federal government of Mexico to proceed supporting the Caribbean with a second part of the Resilient Caribbean Initiative.