GOVERNMENT OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF DOMINICA PROPOSAL FOR PHASE ONE PILOT PROJECT ON CLIMATE RESILIENCE (PPCR)

Transcription

1 GOVERNMENT OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF DOMINICA PROPOSAL FOR PHASE ONE PILOT PROJECT ON CLIMATE RESILIENCE (PPCR) 31 st January

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3 Expected Outcomes: a) In line with national policy frameworks and based on the results and recommendations of SPCR preparation activities together with completed and ongoing national projects and activities; b) in consideration of the capacity needs of key agencies such as the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, Physical Planning and Fisheries, and the Division of Agriculture; and c) with regard to discussions surrounding progress and identified gaps; outcomes include: A 5-year Strategic Plan (SPCR) developed through broad-based participatory stakeholder input to facilitate Dominica s transformation to a climate-resilient economy with PPCR support and support from other development partners; Strategy identified to address climate change impacts on agricultural productivity and food security within vulnerable communities that will promote economic growth while addressing pressing livelihood and poverty issues confronting Dominica; Process launched to engage general public, private sector-specific and decision makers on climate change impacts and risks posed to livelihoods and sustained economic development in Dominica; Comprehensive, holistic and integrated programme developed for climate resilience that is inclusive of key sectors and vulnerable groups; Enhanced coordination and facilitation of climate change risk management in Dominica; Strategy developed for strengthening national and local capacity in climate change risk assessment and management; Improved engagement with development partners in support of Dominica s transition to a climate resilient development path; Procedures developed for assessing economic costs and benefits of priority adaptation measures to guide decision-making and national budgeting process; Linkages established with regional tract of the Caribbean PPCR; Final Dominica SPCR and related Investment Plan prepared for submission. (i) Key Results: Guidance framework for Dominica s transition to a climate resilient development path developed; Public, private sector, policy and decision-makers sensitised to climate change risks in support of behavioural change to facilitate Dominica s transition to a climate resilient development; Development of integrated, collaborative and relevant sectoral and national planning and implementation activities in Dominica to facilitate the transition to a climate resilient development pathway; Appropriate practices on the economics of adaptation (cost-benefit analysis and return on investment analysis) developed to guide future national budget process; Provisional climate change risk and impacts baseline established from existing data, and initial future data needs identified; Climate change adaptive capacity baseline established and future capacity needs identified; Operational framework for Dominica to address climate change in a cross sectoral, integrative manner, through the formulation of an integrated climate resilience-focused investment plan; Effective and efficient data collection, capture, sharing and overall management on Dominica s climate change risks and adaptive capacity established (through built capacity) among agencies in Dominica and at the regional level; An integrated framework and initial activities identified for PPCR Phase II. 3

4 9. Budget (indicative): Three hundred and seven thousand United States Dollars USD$ 306, Expenditures Amount ($) - estimates Consultants: Activity Cost in USD (i) Team Leader and Climate Change Adaptation Specialist (International) with overall 60, responsibility in coordinating the consultancy team, facilitating the public consultation, risk assessment and adaptive capacity assessment, and lead author for the preparation of the SPCR, Investment Plan and Programme Results Framework. o Travel and Per diem 18, (ii) Agricultural and Food Security Specialist (Regional) to lend support to Building Resilience 35, in the Agricultural Sector and Addressing Climate Change Threats to Food Security o Travel and Per diem 15, (iii) Water/Watershed Management Specialist (Regional) to provide technical support on water 25, resources management and irrigation issues for Dominica and contribute to appropriate sections of the SPCR. o Travel and Per diem 10, (iv) Economist (Regional) to undertake cost-benefit analysis of proposed SPCR investments. 30, o Travel and Per diem 10, (v) Data Management Specialist(s) (National) to establish the SPCR website and the 25, development of the databases and linkages to Regional PPCR information networks.. (vi) Inter-governmental coordination and project management (8 months) - PPCR National Project Coordinator 24, Equipment: Operational cost (i.e. Administrative support, supplies, etc.) 30, Local transport/travel: 7, Workshops/seminars: * Holding of eight (8) days of national consultations 10, (approximately 30 persons per consultation) * Convening of local-level consultations with vulnerable communities 10, (approximately 20 community meetings) Contingencies: N/A Total Cost: 306, Other contributions (bilateral or private sector): o Government in-kind support 85, o UNEP Climate proofing agricultural sector and convening of international partners meeting under the Organic Dominica initiative (to be confirmed) 125, Timeframe (tentative) milestones Scoping Mission for project introduction, planning and preparation: March 2010 Tasks related to the development of the SPCR: February June 2011 Joint Mission to review and finalise the SPCR: June 2011 Submission of the final SPCR with specific investment recommendations as the output of Phase I: July 2011 Submission for Trust Fund Committee approval: Phase I Second Joint Mission: June 2011 SPCR for Trust Fund Committee approval: July

5 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.0 Summary of Phase I Proposal Project Background National Overview Country Context Vulnerability Context Related Programmes Participatory Process Key PPCR Issues Cooperation Arrangements with Development Partner PPCR Linkages to National Processes Strengthening National Level Climate Resilience and Enhancing PPCR 32 Phase 1 Implementation 8.0 Outline of Key Action Areas in Preparing the SPCR within the Caribbean 34 Regional Framework and the PPCR Regional Track 8.1 The Regional Framework for the Caribbean PPCR Phase I - Context Pilot Program for Climate Resilience Caribbean Region Country Priority Areas/Sectors and Implications for Regional Activities Outline of Regional PPCR Phase I Activities and Linkages with 39 Dominica s Phase I 8.5 Preparation of Dominica s PPCR Documents Stocktaking, Review and Analysis Broad-based Stakeholder Climate Change Risk Assessment including Prioritization and Ranking of Climate Change Risks Affecting Dominica Critical Review of Dominica s National Capacity Self Assessment (NCSA) and Adaptive Capacity Assessment (institutional, systematic, individual capacity) for Public and Private Sector, Vulnerable Communities, and Sectors Identification of Priority Needs and Investment Opportunities to Facilitate Dominica s Transformation to a Climate Resilient Economy with PPCR Support Cost-benefit Analysis (and Return on Investment Analysis for PPCR Loan) of Proposed SPCR Investment Opportunities Preparation of the SPCR and Related Investment Plan for Submission to the PPCR- 53 5

6 SC, Inclusive of the Development of a Programme Results Framework with Performance Indicators Tailored to Facilitate Dominica s Transformation to a Climate-resilient Economy with PPCR Support 8.7. Capacity Building and Support in Data Management Technical and Administrative Support for PPCR Coordination and Facilitation Work Programme, Timetable, and Funding Requirements 56 Appendices 62 List of Tables and Figures 64 List of Abbreviations and Accronyms 65 6

7 1.0 Project Background As a Small Island Developing State (SIDS) with a high level of vulnerability to climate change, Dominica has been invited to participate in the PPCR as a participating country under the Caribbean regional pilot programme. Within this regional pilot programme, there are six countries involved in the Caribbean pilot (Dominica, Grenada, Haiti, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines) and regional organisations involved in the development of a regional track. The objective of the PPCR is to provide incentives for scaled-up action and transformational change through pilot projects that demonstrate how to integrate climate risk and resilience into core development planning, while complementing other ongoing development activities in pilot countries and pilot regions. The PPCR programme in Dominica is jointly led by the Ministry of Finance and the Environmental Coordinating Unit (ECU) of the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, Physical Planning and Fisheries. This country-driven programme will enable Dominica to transform national and sectoral planning activities in order to reduce climate change risks and vulnerabilities while addressing critical poverty alleviation and economic development concerns. It is expected that at the end of the implementation of Phase II, Dominica will be able to embark upon a climate resilient development pathway, and measurably begin to reduce climate vulnerability across all sectors. Dominica shares climate change adaptation challenges with other vulnerable Caribbean countries. Some common challenges that are more efficiently addressed at a regional level and have been identified by participating countries in the Caribbean pilots will be addressed through the regional track of the Caribbean Pilot for the potential benefit of all CARICOM members. The regional track of the PPCR will focus on five broad lines of activities: 1 (1) climate change and climate change impact monitoring and modelling; (2) enabling environment for climate resilient development planning, including for private sector involvement; (3) technical assistance for improving land use management and spatial planning; (4) awareness raising on climate change issues; and, (5) development of support tools for better integration of climate change impacts into development planning. To achieve this, the regional track of the PPCR will provide financing for critical activities within these themes, with medium and long-term implications. This must be done at a regional scale and must support the development of harmonised approaches, promoting cross-learning and potential for replication across the Caribbean. The Caribbean Regional Programme will benefit from million United States dollars (USD) in grant resources for the preparation and implementation of SPCR for six participating pilot countries, linked by a regional track. 1 See details in Appendix 2. 7

8 It is anticipated that Dominica will benefit from 5 million United States dollars in grants to carry out pilot activities in Phase II. Further, the PPCR also allows for highly concessional loans at the total available concessional finance amount per pilot programme. However, it is recognised that pilot countries will not be obliged to accept concessional loan financing as a condition for receiving grants, and such loans will only be assumed if a sound business case (i.e. return on investment) can be made. In Phase I, Dominica will develop a SPCR that is consistent with the proposed regional activities. Specific projects/programmes that are proposed in SPCR will be implemented in Phase II. The indicative timeframe for Phase I for Dominica is months 5-6 months, with an expected presentation of the SPCR to the PPCR Sub-Committee (PPCR-SC) at the end of this Phase 2. The key activities leading up, to and executed, during Phase I include: Scoping Mission for project introduction, planning and preparation (held from December 02-04, 2009) First Joint Mission to finalise a proposal for Phase I (held in March 2010) Tasks related to the development of the SPCR, including: Document stocktaking, review and analysis including critical review of Dominica s Climate Change Adaptation Policy and Action Plan (2002); Broad-based stakeholder climate change risk assessment including prioritization and ranking of climate change risks affecting Dominica; Critical review of Dominica s National Capacity Self Assessment (NCSA) and Adaptive Capacity Assessment (institutional, systematic, individual capacity) for public and private sector, vulnerable communities, and sectors; Identification of priority needs and investment opportunities to facilitate Dominica s transformation to a climate-resilient economy with PPCR support; Cost-benefit Analysis (and Return on Investment Analysis for PPCR Loan) of proposed SPCR investment opportunities; Preparation of the SPCR and related Investment Plan for submission to the PPCR-SC, inclusive of the development of a programme results framework with performance indicators tailored to facilitate Dominica s transformation to a climate-resilient economy with PPCR support; Building capacity to facilitate Dominica s transformation to a climate-resilient economy that addresses priority climate change risks to agriculture and food security, livelihoods, the economy, water security/quality, and supports national poverty alleviation efforts; Public education and outreach surrounding context-specific climate impacts and the SPCR program; Second Joint Mission to review and finalise the SPCR (proposed in October 2011) Submission of the final SPCR with specific investment recommendations as the output of Phase I (proposed in April 2011). 2 Dominica will build its SPCR on a large number of analyses, reports and consultations that have been carried out over the past years. These are described in more detail in the main text of this proposal. 8

9 1.1 National Overview Country Context Dominica is located at 15 degrees North and 61 degrees west occupying a central position in the eastern Caribbean archipelago. The country is bordered by the French territories of Guadeloupe and Martinique to the north and south respectively. The island is approximately square kilometers and is the largest in the Windward and Leeward groups of the eastern Caribbean. Figure 1: Map of Dominica Dominica is virtually solely volcanic in origin and is characterized by very rugged and steep terrain with approximately ninety miles of coastline. The northern half of the island is dominated by the country s highest summit, Morne Diablotin. A chain of mountains extends from the islands center to the south and the topography is characterized by a number of ridges and steep river valleys with flatter lands being restricted to narrow coastal strips, particularly in the center and northeast of the island. The islands volcanic natural history remains evident in continuing seismic activity and in areas such as the Valley of Desolation and the Boiling Lake. Dominica has rich volcanic soil and is well watered by numerous streams and rivers. The high mountains and deep ravines are covered in rich tropical forests. Since 1975, an extensive system of national protected areas has provided some protection for approximately 20% of the national territory. Protected areas include one (1) marine park, two (2) forest reserves (Central and Northern) and the Morne Trois Pitons National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 9

10 Climate Dominica s climate is characterized as tropical maritime with dominant influences being the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea, and the northeasterly trade winds. As a result of its mountainous terrain the island possesses a number of micro-climates. Rainfall is distributed between a dry season from December to May and a rainy season from June to November. The western Caribbean coast is in the rain shadow of the various mountain ranges and average rainfall along that coast is significantly less than in interior locations. Limitations in measuring equipment have restricted the ability to maintain meteorological records of interior areas. High rainfall makes the island susceptible to landslides particularly in mountainous areas. Dominica s rugged topography results in considerable amount of orographic rainfall. The island s climate is characterized by consistently warm year-round temperatures with a daytime average of C in coastal areas decreasing to C in mountainous areas, while night-time temperatures vary from C on the coast and C at higher elevations. Rainfall patterns display considerable variability both on annual and locational basis. Nevertheless, Dominica s mountainous terrain makes it the wettest island in the eastern Caribbean with annual rainfall totals exceeding 10,000mm (400 inches) in some of the higher elevations. The island experiences a dry season between the months of February to June, with November being statistically the wettest month. Relative humidity remains high throughout the year consistently averaging above 85% in mountainous interior areas. Generally rainfall is less on the islands western Leeward coast which, based on the prevailing winds, is within a rain-shadow of the mountainous interior. The island lies within the Atlantic hurricane belt. Since the late 1970s the island has been affected by a number of hurricanes and tropical storms. In 1979 Hurricane David caused extensive destruction particularly in the southern parts of the island. In 1995, Hurricane Luis also caused wide-spread damage and in August 2007 Hurricane Dean struck the island causing widespread damage to agricultural outputs as well as to road infrastructure estimated at almost 20 percent of GDP (source IMF) Economy The Dominica economy reflects many of the traditional features of a small open economy. This includes a high level of dependence on external trade as a proportion of gross domestic product (GDP), dependence on single sector export products (in this case agriculture) and tourism revenue, high levels of underemployment and unemployment, and dependence on foreign capital (both public and private sector) for investment into productive sectors and for infrastructural development. The economy of Dominica is described as being small, open and primarily agriculturalbased which sector is the largest employer in the country. The island has always been in a 10

11 vulnerable position economically, socially, culturally, and environmentally. Economic developments, in particular, are significantly affected by both natural and man-made external factors as is increasingly evidenced by the negative impact on the local economy of changes associated with such international phenomenon as globalization and trade liberalization. The dependence of the economy on the constricting banana industry exposes its high economic vulnerability. Attempts to diversify are slow, however recent trends indicate that the island is moving towards tourism/ecotourism, as it markets its unique environment and culture. In doing so Dominica becomes more acutely aware of the need to protect the environment. The prevailing economic situation over the past five or more years has given rise to sluggish growth and little improvement in the levels of poverty. As such, the present government was compelled to establish a programme of Economic Stabilization and Recovery in early 2001, which is aimed at, among other things maintaining fiscal stability and energizing economic growth. The stabilization programme, which imposes stringent austerity measures, is intended to reduce public sector expenditure to sustainable levels in line with required standards set by international agencies such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank (WB). Now in 2010, while socially and economically it is still not easy, there is indication that Dominica is making steady progress on the road to recovery. The Annual Report of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) for 2009 indicates that: The outlook for regional economies in 2010 is largely predicated on the timing, pace and magnitude of the incipient global recovery, with recovery in the Region expected to lag behind that of the major world economies by a few quarters. In 2010, growth is expected to return to some of the global economies that contracted in 2009, but the recovery of regional economies is not likely to take hold before In his Budget Address in July 2010, The Honourable Roosevelt Skerrit, Dominica s Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, indicated that the global economic recession continues to affect the country s economy with a 0.3% decline in economic growth being recorded for the previous fiscal year, a 16% decline in tourist receipts, a 51% reduction in family remittance inflows, and a 18% reduction in foreign direct investment. These declines were partly offset by a 5% increase in agricultural production. External current account deficit currently stands at 28% of GDP, and national debt to GDP ratio now stands at 72 percent, which is a marked improvement from the situation in 2003 when national debts was 130% of GDP. Against this background, the Government of Dominica must continue to find resources to fight poverty in the country, which stands at 28.8 percent of the population in

12 Vulnerability Context Dominica, by its very nature is vulnerable, given its susceptibility to natural disasters and its ecological and economic fragility. Vulnerability to climate change in Dominica, like many developing countries, is aggravated by external pressures affecting its resilience and adaptive capacity such as terms of trade, impacts of globalisation (both positive and negative), financial crises, international conflicts, rising external debt, and internal local conditions such as rapid population growth, rising incidence of poverty, political instability, unemployment, reduced social cohesion, and a widening gap between poor and rich, together with the interactions between them. It is widely acknowledged that climate change can exacerbate natural disasters with enormous human and economic costs. The people of the Caribbean region are among the most vulnerable to climate change and related risks and disasters. The impacts of climate change are being seen, yet, an environmentally sustainable approach still remains to be fully mainstreamed into development policy in many countries Agriculture The vulnerability of Dominica s agricultural sector which together with tourism is the mainstay of the country s economy - is manifested in the risks presented by natural disasters and climate extremes, as well as in the sectors vulnerability to climate variability and external economic shocks. The World Bank points out that Dominica s real agricultural sector product and agriculture s share of GDP has fallen consistently with each major natural disaster with the sector failing to recover to previous levels of relative importance 3. Most of this decline is attributable to the crop sector, and within that sector, to the decline in banana production. Otherwise there has been significant growth only within the small livestock sub-sector. The post disaster shift out of agriculture seems to be explained by a combination of a further reduction in larger scale production (failure to invest fully in replacement), a shift of small shareholders into employment in other sectors, and also off-island migration. Agriculture s decline has been particularly marked since Hurricane Hugo. Crop sector product in real terms in the late 1990s was 20% below the 1988 peak caused primarily by the decline of the banana industry, which has maintained this pattern during the 2000s Water Resources The vulnerability of water resources is a major concern. A number of challenges already face development and management of water resources in the Dominica, which depends on its abundance of rivers for its water supply and to sustain agricultural productivity as well as to maintain and expand hydro-power production. Freshwater resources are already under stress as a result of pollution from land-based activities such as agriculture and industry, combined with seasonal changes in flow from climate variability. The water sector is relatively capital intensive while the supply of water is generally regarded 12

13 as an essential social service rather than as a profit centre. Additionally, throughout the Caribbean topographical constraints, limited finances, and other limitations have resulted in small, individualized water storage systems which are costly to manage and maintain. This is particularly so for Dominica where small populations separated by extremely rugged terrain results in high distribution costs. Risks also include seasonal drought like conditions, floods, and landslides particularly in the high rainfall areas as well as hurricane and storm activities. Substantial human and economic losses are attributable to these events. Climate change continues to significantly accentuate these impacts and alter existing patterns of water availability and use Coastal and Zones and Ecosystems Coastal ecosystems are among the most productive and diverse habitat on the island. Dominica s communication infrastructure is concentrated within the coastal zone together with its major urban centers, key institutions, and commercial activities. Its naturally deep coastal waters support its vital water borne commerce including cruise ship and cargo vessel trade. Population and development trends in Dominica indicate a continued coastal orientation in human settlement. This combined with other anthropogenic factors such as a fragmented coastal policy, resource use conflicts, impacts from quarries, toxic chemicals, and nutrient enrichment of riverine and marine ecosystems represent some of the principal stresses on the marine environment. Natural stress factors, disasters, storm surges and the anticipated rise in sea level and increased variability in temperature are likely to exacerbate the problem and increase the stress on these coastal environments and ultimately diminish their natural resilience. The unavailability of flat land is a constraining factor to the sustainable management of Dominica s coastal resources. Nearly all of the islands communication infrastructures such as air and sea ports, roads and telecommunications networks are found exclusively along the coastal peripheries as well as housing developments, schools, churches, and other important services. These developments not only adversely diminish coastal biodiversity but they also alter the pattern of sediment transport, beach accretion and erosion and the short term adaptation responses to them such as the construction of sea defenses is likely to further degrade the resilience of coastal systems Human Health To a large extent, public health depends on the availability of safe drinking water, adequate food and nutrition, secure shelter, and good social conditions. For Dominica, changes in climate continue to affect all of these conditions, with the likelihood of increased incidents of water-borne and vector-borne diseases. The real effects of climate change on human health in Dominica will likely be dependent on the vulnerabilities 13

14 resulting from economic, environmental, social, and health related impacts that will determine the populaces ability to ability to react to a rapidly changing climate. A changing climate presents tremendous challenges to human health in Dominica. The country s natural resource base as well as its commitment to provision of health care has resulted in significant achievements in health. Emerging concerns increasingly involve chronic non-communicable diseases including many, such as cardiac diseases and diabetes, which will be affected by projected changes in climatic parameters such as heat as well as by indirect impacts on food and nutrition. Other existing problems such as solid and liquid waste disposal also reduce resilience in the natural ecosystem and in the population of the country, thereby increasing vulnerability to health risks from a changing climate Infrastructure and Human Settlements Problems associated with inadequate solid and liquid waste management present threats to coastal resource health, while increasing urbanization is resulting in traffic congestion and associated public transportation concerns. Energy issues are also of concern to human settlement planners since relatively long distances, rugged terrain and high costs of fuel make local transportation costs high. Vulnerability to disaster risks, both natural and man-made, are also increasing with urbanization. Underlying many of these problems are significant challenges deriving from the lack of available financing for human settlements. Vulnerability of human settlements in Dominica to existing weather and climate change can be viewed in terms of risks from coastal processes, inland flooding, and landslides. A consistent feature of human settlements in Dominica is the vulnerability of roads and buildings to storm surge flooding. Inadequate planning controls are apparent in the continuing construction of buildings, critical infrastructure and other facilities in active wave inundation areas Tourism Dominica s tourism industry is based largely on its position as an eco-tourism destination, with its verdant forests and related features being the country s principal income earners especially in relation to the cruise ship sub-sector. Popular sites such as Trafalgar Falls and Indian River are all related to forestry biodiversity, and the islands representation as the nature island of the Caribbean is based largely on a scenario of lush forests and accompanying eco-tourism oriented attractions. With the tourism industry as one of Dominica s principal economic sectors and the forest related attractions, along with diving, being the main attractions there is considerable economic interest interrelated with the management of the forest s resources. However, these resources are constantly damaged by hurricanes and threatened by climate variability and associated affects on forest ecosystems and watersheds (see below). 14

15 Forestry and Biodiversity A number of factors currently increasing the vulnerability of Dominica s forests can be identified. All of these also impact the forests resilience to cope with changes in weather and climate. Many natural hazards periodically affect or threaten Dominica; among them are hurricanes, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, storm surges, and landslides. These natural disasters, particularly hurricanes, can be attributed as one of the root causes of biodiversity loss in Dominica. Hurricane David in 1979 did significant damage to the island s forest resources by damaging 50% of the trees in the southern half of the island (Forestry Division, 1993). Hurricanes also cause loss of habitat and food supplies for wildlife species and result in wildlife mortality. An indirect resultant effect of hurricanes such as David is the conversion of wildlife habitat to agriculture. In accessible areas the toppled trees provide an opportunity to more easily clear land for farming, resulting in a further fragmentation of wildlife habitat (National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 2001). More recently Hurricane Dean in 2007 cause extensive defoliation resulting in loss of up to 35 percent of the forest cover over the eastern forest range although the Central, Northern and Roseau Forest Ranges were not so seriously affected. Forest destruction from hurricanes recovers slowly with ecological implications such as land-slides and soil loss and consequent socio-economic impacts such as water quality and availability, and possible short to medium term tourism impacts Fisheries Dominica s fishery is primarily demersal and pelagic species as well as deepwater pelagics and various crustaceans and other marine species. Already these resources face considerable stresses from a number of land based sources of pollution. Existing climate stresses especially hurricane/tropical storm systems and warming oceans present important challenges for the health and sustainability of the ecosystems that sustain the islands fisheries Energy Sector Dominica has no fossil-fuel resources, and energy resources required to sustain development in the country is primarily imported, even though the country has been able to exploit its hydropower potential, and is beginning to develop its geothermal potential. As all other island states and territories in the Caribbean, Dominica is affected by the global economic crisis caused by the heavy dependency on imported petroleum fossil fuels with their price fluctuations. In July 2007, the Prime Minister stated in his Budget Address that: Dominica s energy sector faces immense challenges amidst unstable and speculative global fuel prices as its small consumer and commercial base results in diseconomies of scale and very high energy costs. High energy costs, especially for electricity (the highest in the Caribbean), constitute a real obstacle for numerous sectors, 15

16 with the direct and indirect consequence of curtailing growth and parallel activities linked to the country s sustainable development Educational Sector Vulnerability to climate change is increasing, and opportunities for sustainable adaptive measures not realized, because stakeholders are unable to undertake needed adaptation and mitigation to climate change due to inadequate understanding and information of climate change issues and concerns there is a critical need for increased awareness of climate change among senior technical and managerial level policy makers in public and private sectors, increased awareness of select target groups (e.g. schoolchildren, media, disaster response personnel, building contractors) of climate change issues. 2.0 Related Programmes Recognising the threats posed by climate change, Dominica has, over the last two decades, undertaken a number of initiatives to respond to this threat. Dominica ratified the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in March 1994, and joined the community of nations committed to combating global climate change. In December 2001, Dominica submitted its Initial National Communications (INC) to the UNFCCC, in fulfilment of its obligations under Article 12 of the Convention. This process was followed by the development of a National Climate Change Adaptation Policy, under the Caribbean Planning for Adaptation to Climate Change (CPACC) Project, which was adopted by the Cabinet in In January 2005, the Phase II Enabling Activity, under the UNFCCC was completed. This is a capacity building project which built upon the activities completed in Dominica s INC. Dominica has established a track record working with climate change adaptation, and in this regards was one of the few countries chosen to pilot adaptation measures under the Special Program on Adaptation to Climate Change (SPACC) (se below). Additionally, as a collaborative initiative between the SPACC program and the GEF-funded Sustainable Land Management (SLM) project, Dominica has pioneered: (a) the vulnerability mapping and climate proofing of National Parks Management Plans; and (b) community-based vulnerability mapping and the development, through community engagement and input, of community adaptation plans. Dominica has a history of successful implementation of projects supported by multi-lateral partners that the PPCR can build upon. In particular, the PPCR will build upon the outcomes of and benefits achieved from the following initiatives. 16

17 2.1. Initial National Communication (INC) on Climate Change Executed by the UNDP and Dominica s Environmental Coordinating Unit (ECU), the Initial National Communication was submitted in December 2001 to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Secretariat of the UNFCCC. It details a description of Dominica s National Circumstances and included the following activities: National Greenhouse Gas Inventory (1994); An Assessment of Dominica s Vulnerability to the potential impacts of climate change; An outline of the existing Institutional Framework for mitigation and adaptation; An analysis of potential national response measures to abate the increase in greenhouse gas emissions and to adapt to climate change; and Preparation of a National Action Plan to address climate change and its adverse impacts, including a list of priority actions to be implemented in the short term. The INC process enhanced the general awareness and knowledge of climate changerelated issues in Dominica and strengthened the dialogue, information exchange and cooperation among all relevant stakeholders including Government, non-government, civil society and private sector agencies Initial National Communication (INC) Phase II Project - Building Capacity to Respond to Climate Change Executed by the UNDP and Dominica s ECU, the INC Phase II Project endorsed by Cabinet - May 2005 was a capacity building project intended to build upon the activities completed in the context of Dominica s INC. The overall goal was to allow Dominica to extend current knowledge to facilitate the emergence of national networks and promote the integration of climate change concerns in the developing national dialogue. The analysis indicated that Dominica has significant capacity deficiencies in each of the thematic areas reviewed - Technology Needs, Systematic Observation Networks and Improvement in GHG Emission factors. Also the data being collected was inadequate to support monitoring of climate change trends in Dominica. Additionally, the current economic constraints will limit the extent to which the Government can aggressively respond to these capacity deficiencies. A number of recommendations were made to enable Dominica to improve its capacity to address climate change issues. These will be integrated as activities for the PPCR. The Phase II Project also indicated that Dominica lacks a significant institutional capacity to carry out its responsibilities and obligations. There is no central clearing house for data and no standard procedure for monitoring rainfall and other climate variables. 17

18 Additionally, there is the absence of legal obligations for the collection of GHG related data. As well as there is a lack of sensitization on GHG emissions, its sources and impacts and therefore a lack of awareness among those who are engaged in GHG emission related activities and enterprises Second National Communication (SNC) on Climate Change Executed by the UNDP and Dominica s ECU, the Second National Communication (SNC) is in the final stage of its development, where all components are being compiled into a single document. The SNC is intended to build on activities started in the Initial National Communication, and the Phase II Enabling Activities, and other related climate change activities. It is also intended to address any new areas that may have arisen or needs more emphasis. The PPCR intends to build on all components and recommendations made within the SNC Caribbean Planning for Adaptation to Climate Change (CPACC) Project. In 1994, Barbados hosted the Global Conference on the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States. The resulting Barbados Programme of Action (BPoA) emanating from the Conference identified climate change as a major environmental issue to be addressed by SIDS. As a result, Dominica and other Caribbean countries (twelve CARICOM countries) developed and successfully implemented a GEF-funded regional project the Caribbean Planning for Adaptation to Climate Change (CPACC) The overall objective of the CPACC project, which was executed by the World Bank and Organization of American States (OAS), was to assist Caribbean countries in launching Stage I adaptation measures aimed at building capacity to cope with the adverse effects of global climate change, particularly sea-level rise, in coastal and marine areas, through vulnerability assessment, adaptation planning and related capacitybuilding initiatives. Participating countries in CPACC included the majority of CARICOM members (Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago). CPACC consisted of four regional projects and five pilot projects. The regional projects were: 1. Design and establishment of a sea level/climate monitoring network; 2. Establishment of databases and information systems; 3. Inventory of coastal resources; and 4. Use and formulation of initial adaptation policies. The five pilot projects were: 1. Coral reef monitoring for climate change (Bahamas, Belize, and Jamaica); 2. Coastal vulnerability and risk assessment (Barbados, Guyana, and Grenada); 3. Economic valuation of coastal and marine resources (Dominica, Saint Lucia, and Trinidad and Tobago); 18

19 4. Formation of economic/regulatory proposals (Antigua and Barbuda, and St Kitts and Nevis); and 5. National communications (St Vincent and the Grenadines). Under this project Dominica was one of only three countries in CARICOM that successful developed, through broad-based consultation, and adopted a National Climate Change Adaptation Policy which was approved by the Cabinet in Adaptation to Climate Change in the Caribbean (ACCC) Project Further capacity-building was provided to the region through a CIDA-funded project ( ), the Adaptation to Climate Change in the Caribbean (ACCC) project which was a follow-up to CPACC. This project was designed to sustain activities initiated under CPACC and to address issues of adaptation and capacity building not undertaken by CPACC, thus further built capacity for climate change adaptation in the Caribbean region. ACCC also facilitated the transformation of the Regional Project Implementation Unit (RPIU) originally established through CPACC into a legal regional entity for climate change (the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre). It did so by providing the resources to develop a comprehensive business plan for the Centre and a strategy to ensure its financial sustainability. Under this project the following activities were executed using the same administrative arrangements utilized for CPACC: Project design and business plan development for a regional climate change centre; Public education and outreach; Integration of climate change into a physical planning process using a risk management approach to adaptation to climate change; Strengthening of regional technical capacity, in partnership with the Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology (CIMH), the University of the West Indies (Scenario Projection and Establishment of Climate Change Master's Programme), and the Caribbean Environmental Health Institute, in order to enhance association between Caribbean and South Pacific small island States; Integration of adaptation planning in environmental assessments for national and regional development projects; Implementation strategies for adaptation in the water sector; Formulation of adaptation strategies to protect human health; Adaptation strategies for agriculture and food; and Fostering of collaboration/cooperation with non-caricom countries Mainstreaming Adaptation to Climate Change in the Caribbean (MACC) Programme A regional project funded by the Global Environment facility (GEF) - the Mainstreaming Adaptation to Climate Change (MACC) was implemented in Dominica and 11 other CARICOM countries from 2004 to Executed by the World Bank and the 19

20 Caribbean Community Climate Change Center (CCCCC), the project s main objective was to mainstream climate change adaptation strategies into the sustainable development agendas of the Small Island and low-lying states of CARICOM. MACC adopted a learning-by-doing approach to capacity building, consolidating the achievements of CPACC and ACCC. It built on the progress achieved in these past projects by furthering institutional capacity, strengthening the knowledge base, and deepening awareness and participation. The Mainstreaming Adaptation to Climate Change in the Caribbean (MACC) Programme seeks to reduce vulnerability (physical, social, economic and environmental) of Caribbean countries to the impacts of climate change. It intended to build capacity of the SIDS to develop Stage II adaptation strategies and measures (as defined by the Conference of Parties (COP) to the UNFCCC) through the mainstreaming of adaptation into the national development planning process of the countries in the region. This was done through several programme areas and pilot projects. The climate vulnerability risk assessment foci for MACC are in the areas of Water Resources, Tourism, Agriculture and Coastal Zone. MACC also focused on Public Education and Outreach (PEO) strategies as a major component of the programme. The PPCR process will utilize strategic information from this MACC programme to build on the PEO activities Special Programme for Adaptation to Climate Change: Implementation of Adaptation Measures in Coastal Zones (SPACC) Project. The four-year GEF-funded Special Programme for Adaptation to Climate Change: Implementation of Adaptation Measures in Coastal Zones (SPACC) Project, executed by the World Bank and the Caribbean Community Climate Change Center (CCCCC), is to be completed by 31 December 2011, supports efforts by Dominica, Saint Lucia and St. Vincent and the Grenadines to implement specific (integrated) pilot adaptation measures addressing the impacts of climate change on the natural resource base of the region, focused on biodiversity and land degradation along coastal and near-coastal areas. This will be achieved through: (i) The detailed design of pilot adaptation measures to reduce expected negative impacts of climate change on marine and terrestrial biodiversity and land degradation; (ii) The implementation of pilot adaptation measures. The project also seeks to produce knowledge of global value on how to implement adaptation measures in small island states that can be applied in other countries in the region. In Dominica the two sites identified for the detailed design and implementation of adaptation measures are: (a) The Morne Diablotin National Park (MDNP) and its neighbouring communities of Colihaut, Dublanc and Bioche (CDB) communities 20

21 (b) The Morne Trois Pitons National Parks. As collaborative initiative between the SPACC program and the GEF-funded Sustainable Land Management (SLM) project (see below), Dominica has pioneered: (a) the vulnerability mapping of the country s National Parks and World Heritage Site and climate proofing of the World Heritage Site Management Plan and National Parks Management Plans; and (b) community-based vulnerability mapping and the development, through community engagement and input, of community adaptation plans. Tourism in Dominica is intricately linked to forests (beaches are not the primary attraction since the country is largely devoid of white sandy beaches), with the country promoting eco-tourism as its primary tourism product. The SPACC project has made considerable advances in climate proofing Dominica s forests and protected areas upon which the country s tourism industry relies. This has been achieved by mapping vulnerability of these areas from encroachment and consulting with communities to establish an appropriate buffer area that will reduce threats from human encroachment. A follow-on GEF project which is currently being developed is expected to build on these initiatives by scaling up community-based vulnerability mapping and adaptation planning across all Dominica National Capacity Self Assessment Executed by the UNDP and Dominica s ECU, the National Capacity Self Assessment (NCSA) process commenced in Dominica in January 2004 and was completed by July It focused on three thematic areas, Land Degradation, Biodiversity and Climate Change. The objective of the NCSA process was to allow for a thorough assessment of the capacity needs and constraints facing national efforts to improve environmental conservation and sustainable development programmes, and to meet global environmental management obligations, principally the three Rio Conventions including the UNFCCC). The NCSA process also analyzed the institutional capacity framework that was initiated under the UNFCCC and the NBSAP, and facilitated the identification of management strategies relevant to sustainable environmental development. The PPCR process will utilize information gathered from the NCSA process such as priority issues, capacity constraints, corrective actions and integrated approach to implementation of related Conventions National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan In keeping with Dominica s obligations under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP 2001) was developed. Executed by the UNDP and Dominica s ECU, this project supported country assessments which fed into the Strategy and Action Plan. The Plan was executed for a 21

22 five-year period ( ) and its aim is to establish the mechanisms to provide for the conservation and sustainable management of Dominica s terrestrial and marine biodiversity. The NBSAP examined key areas that impact biodiversity and highlighted several key projects including for climate change. The NBSAP is one of the first documents that comprehensively examined environmental issues in Dominica, and specifically mentions climate change impacts on the country s biodiversity and measures required to address such impacts. Therefore information from the NBSAP will feed into various sections of the PPCR including national circumstances, vulnerability and adaptation, and possibly GHG inventory National Hurricane and Disaster Preparedness Plan for the Agriculture Sector A Preliminary National Report on disaster preparedness for the agriculture sector noted that the primary natural hazard affecting Dominica is intense tropical systems and their attendant impacts, soil erosion, landslides and floods, which result in a tremendous loss of agriculture resources. While the National Disaster Plan (NDP) (1996) outlines activities that will enable the sector to return to normalcy after such occurrences, it does not include any structural changes needed for the sector to address climate change risks, nor disaster preparedness and mitigation interventions required to reduce vulnerability. The absence of such strategies lends to the threats posed to food security, business and financial risk in agriculture. With funding made available from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Dominica has prepared a National Hurricane and Disaster Preparedness Plan for the Agriculture Sector. The project activities are intended to catalyse the accommodation of disaster management considerations within agriculture and related sectors. Since climate change is expected to increase the occurrence/intensity of tropical cyclonic systems it is important that the activities and outcomes of the PPCR feed into this programme where possible and vice versa Capacity Building and Mainstreaming of Sustainable Land Management (SLM) in the Commonwealth of Dominica This three-year GEF-funded project, which commenced in 2009 and is executed by the UNDP and Dominica s ECU, is developing capacities for sustainable land management (SLM) in appropriate government, civil society institutions, communities and other user groups in order to mainstream SLM management considerations into government planning and strategy development. The project is building capacity to contribute to the enhancement and maintenance of the ecological integrity and productivity of terrestrial and near-shore ecosystems the integrated management of land resources. Through the establishment of comprehensive legal, policy and institutional framework for environmental protection and sound natural resource management, the project is ensuring that agricultural, coastal, forestry and other terrestrial land and resources uses in Dominica are sustainable, thereby enhancing ecosystem resilience and allowing for the maintenance of productive systems that assure ecosystem productivity and ecological functions while contributing directly to the environmental, economic and social 22

23 wellbeing of the people of Dominica. The project is working with the SPACC project to develop Community Vulnerability Atlases and Community Climate Change Adaptation Plans that can be replicated throughout Dominica and the Caribbean region The Growth and Social Protection Strategy The Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica (GOCD) Growth and Social Protection Strategy (GSPS) articulates a medium-term strategy for growth and poverty reduction over the next five years. Priorities set in this document make poverty reduction the direct focus of the Government s economic and social policy. GOCD regards the pursuit of sustained strong economic growth to be the main strategy to alleviate poverty. The GSPS provides the framework that informs the medium-term macro-economic framework, the structural reform agenda, the medium-term public investment programme, and the annual budgets to be presented to Parliament. The Government s policies and programmes will seek to ensure that opportunities are available to all, and benefits from growth are shared across the society as widely as possible. To this end, targeting and management of the existing social programmes will also be improved. The GSPS provides the framework for Dominica s economic and social policies over the next five years and sets out the macroeconomic framework; the growth strategy including the enabling environment for private enterprise and sectoral strategies; and poverty reduction and social protection programmes. It also provides for the monitoring and evaluation of the progress in implementing the strategy on an annual basis. The consultative process to which it has been subjected ensures that the GSPS has a high degree of public ownership. The support of the international community, particularly donor agencies, IFI s, and regional organizations for the strategy will also be sought. The PPCR will build on such highly consultative activities which aimed at development of growth strategy including the enabling environment for private and sectoral strategies, and poverty reduction and social protection programmes Development of Alternative Energy Sources The Government of Dominica in seeking to reduce the increasing costs of electricity generation and ensure a cleaner, more environmentally friendly energy source is aggressively exploring the possibilities of alternative energy. While hydroelectric generation does occur (contributing up to ~ 38% of electricity generation), and Dominica has considerable additional potential, hydro-power development is severely affected by changing precipitation patterns association with climate change. Dominica, being a volcanic island has tremendous potential for geothermal energy use. Feasibility studies have already been carried out in this regard. Presently, the government is collaborating with the GEF and the EU to explore and produce geothermal energy. Solar energy is also used in Dominica, but mainly at the residential level for water heating. It is hoped that hydro, solar, wind, wave and biomass as alternative energy sources, will eventually be considered on a commercial scale. 23

24 2.14. Organic Dominica. Dominica is embarking on a 10-year program of action to establish the country as an Organic Island and health tourism destination. The objective of this strategic development is to facilitate the transformation of Dominica into a climate resilient and environmentally sound Organic Island, using ecosystem management principles as a guide. More specifically it will provide the basis for: Addressing climate change impacts on agricultural productivity and food security within vulnerable communities that will promote economic growth while addressing pressing livelihood and poverty issues confronting Dominica; Establishing a sound and sustainable basis for low-carbon economic development; Sustainable utilisation of the environmental and natural resource base (i.e. forests, biodiversity, land, water, etc.) of the country as a basis sustainable development; Supporting the conditions for increasing investment and private sector initiative and enhancing supply capacity, competitiveness and economic growth in Dominica; Establish Dominica as a regional and world leader in the production and processing of organic agricultural products, thereby creating new employment opportunities in the sector, including for the country s trained and qualified specialists; Establish Dominica as a leader for high-quality natural resource and health tourism destination thereby increasing revenues and employment opportunities from the tourism sector; Facilitate the development and implementation of eco-innovation initiatives, particularly in renewable energy and forestry/bio-diversity; Implement key elements of Dominica s Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, and Dominica s National Implementation Plan on Persistent Organic Pollutants; Establish an agricultural export market based on products that are free from genetically modified organisms (GMOs) thereby giving support to Dominica s commitments under the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety; Improve rural development through the establishment of improved natural resources management, in particular, sustainable land management practices that support organic production, including the establishment of a composting program that will reduce the introduction of harmful substances into rivers and soils; Establishment of a governance structure (i.e legal and institutional framework) to support an Environmentally Sound Organic Dominica, including mechanisms to ensure adherence to relevant international environmental, labour and heath standards; Facilitating Dominica s transformation to a climate-resilient economy with support from other development partners. Strong support for this initiative by the Government of Dominica is reflected in the recent Budget address by the Prime Minister. Relevant sections of the Budget Address include the following: 24

25 Budget Address 2007/2008 Furthering our Development, Responsibly Keeping the Nature Island Green Madame Speaker, I am sure that Dominicans are duly proud of the fact that our island aptly qualifies as the Nature Isle of the World. Unfortunately, Madam Speaker, this pride is not always reflected in our personal behaviour. Nor perhaps is this pride sufficiently reflected in our national economic and social planning. It is incumbent on every Dominican to ensure that in his or her personal behaviour, a consciousness of and pride in our Nature Isle is manifested. At the broader level, Madam Speaker, we need more consciously to integrate green principles into our national economic management and planning, and marry environmental preservation and management into our strategy for achieving higher levels of sustained economic growth. In this Budget Address, Government is sending a signal to the population and a message to the world, that we will be seeking consciously to ensure that our Nature Island takes the lead in enshrining green principles as the guide to our national planning, and to inform initiatives in all sectors. Madam Speaker, as the Nature Island, it behoves us to pay attention to the larger environmental issues such as biodiversity, land degradation, climate change and the emission of green house gases that cause global warming. Small island states like those in the Caribbean are among the most vulnerable to the impacts of global environmental phenomena like climate change. Government believes that we have to give priority to pursuing policies and programmes that are consistent with well-researched proposals and programmes developed by the international community, and are consistent with our countries needs and capacities. To this end, the ongoing work on organic island agriculture will be expedited. This work aims at producing a 10-year plan of action to establish Dominica as an organic island and health tourism destination. I take this opportunity to remind you that the main objectives of this plan of action are to: Establish Dominica as a world leader in the production of organic agricultural products; Introduce agricultural practices that will reduce the introduction of harmful substances into rivers and soils and promote sustainable land management. In developing and implementing this program the Government of Dominica has sought the support and assistance of key international partners, including the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO). In 25

26 early 2006, UNEP provided technical assistance to the Government of Dominica to undertake an initial feasibility study and technical evaluation of the proposed organic Island initiative. The report Transforming Dominica into an Organic Island (UNEP/ROLAC February 2006) provided a detailed evaluation of the technical capacity within Dominica to undertake such an initiative, and outlined a strategic capacity building program to achieve Government s objectives while addressing climate change impacts on the country s agricultural sector. Transforming Dominica into an Organic Island recommended the adoption of a ten-year multi-million dollar framework to transform Dominica into an Organic Island as a key pillar to address food security while facilitating sound economic growth. Also in early 2006, the Government of Dominica, with technical assistance from the UNEP, prepared a National Implementation Plan for Persistent Organic Pollutants in support of its commitments under the Stockholm Convention. This project was successfully implemented by the ECU which received an award from UNEP for its timely, thorough and efficient execution of the project. While initially focussed on select organochlorine pesticides and compounds, the National Project Committee enhanced the project by extending the assessment and planning to include all pesticides, as well as other hazardous materials and wastes. A key output of the National Implementation Plan was the preparation of a draft Pesticides and Toxic Substances Management Act. With adoption of this Act, the Government will put in place a key component of an organic agriculture system a mechanism to regulate, reduce and eliminate the use of synthetic pesticides and synthetic fertilizers. Recognising the role of the private sector as an engine of growth and the role of government to provide an enabling environment, it is anticipated that this ten-year multimillion dollar framework to transform Dominica into an Organic Island will support the country s goal to create a climate-resilient, modern, innovative and internationally competitive business environment, attract foreign direct investment, and grow markets and trade in order to reduce poverty. It is anticipated that in pioneering this program, Dominica will be among the first countries in the region to carve out a niche in the growing Green Economy and thereby benefit from improved trade and investment liberalization facilitated through the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with the European Union (EU) that was signed in October In developing this program the Government of Dominica has obtained the continued support of key international partners, including the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO). In February 2010 UNEP providing support under the Small Scale Funding Agreement (SSFA) to facilitate further elaboration of the 10-year US$80 million investment program that will transform Dominica into an environmentally sound Organic Island and health and wellness tourism destination. In taking this vision to the next level, the Government of Dominica sought input from key stakeholders to guide the formulation of an investment program that will be presented later in 2011 to an international donors and business partners meeting to be convened in 26

27 collaboration with key international development partners. UNEP support facilitated the convening of the National Consultation on the 18 th and 19 th February 2010, which was attended by 40 key stakeholders representing a wide range of public and private sector interests. Stakeholders at the National Consultation provided their input into the further refinement and completion of this 10 year investment program. A copy of the report of the National Consultation, which was co-hosted by the Dominica Organic Agriculture Movement (DOAM), is available from the Government of Dominica. Participants in the National Consultation voiced universal strong support for transforming Dominica into an Organic Island as the key pillar to create the enabling environment for sustainable development and to carve out a niche in the growing Green Economy - thereby benefiting from improved trade and investment liberalization facilitated through the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with the European Union (EU) that was signed in October The Government of Dominica is currently seeking US$125,000 technical assistance grant from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to develop and formulate an anticipated US$80 million investment program that will be presented later in 2011 to an international donors and business partners meeting to be convened in collaboration with UNEP, and other international development partners. The technical assistance would assist the Government of Dominica in undertaking: (a) the development of a 10 Strategic program and investment plan (detailed project description, workplan and financing program) that would assist Dominica in establishing the country as an Organic Island; and (b) the convening of the international donors and business partners meeting in collaboration with UNEP and other international agencies. This initiative is to be closely coordinated with the development of Dominica s Strategic Program on Climate Resilience under the Pilot Program for Climate Resilience (PPCR) which is part of the Strategic Climate Fund (SCF), a multi-donor Trust Fund within the World Bank s Climate Investment Funds. In so doing, Dominica will be able to give effect to PPCR Guidelines approved by the international donor community which requires complementarity between activities foreseen for the PPCR and activities of other development partners active in the field of climate change adaptation, including the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the United Nations (UN) organizations, and ensuring effective cooperation between the PPCR and the GEF and UN country activities to maximize synergies and avoid overlap (see - The Pilot Program For Climate Resilience Under The Strategic Climate Fund; Climate Investment Funds. November 2008). 3.0 Participatory Process In 2009, Dominica became a participant in the PPCR, as part of the Caribbean Region. A scoping mission led by the Ministry of Environment, with the World Bank (WB), the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), the Development for International Development (DfID), and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) as members took place between March 4 and the 5th, The main purpose of the 27

28 mission was to: briefly introduce the objectives, structure, and phases of the PPCR to the lead government agencies and ministries; discuss and agree on the institutional arrangements necessary for the preparation and eventual implementation of the PPCR in Dominica; and assist the government with the overall preparation work for the development of the programme. The main activities of the mission included: Mission Team meetings with the national executing agency, namely, the Environmental Coordinating Unit and the Ministry of Finance, consultation involving the National Climate Change Committee, the National Emergency Management Organization, Fisheries, Agriculture, Physical Planning, the Dominica Hotel and Tourism Association, and the Youth and Environment Organization. The sessions included country stocktaking on climate change; discussion of proposed Phase I activities, including a work programme and a funding proposal to develop the SPCR; and discussion of potential Phase II activities. The outcomes of this Scoping Mission included technical input for the development of the Phase 1 proposal and enhanced awareness and understanding of the PPCR Project. It is clear that climate change will affect all sectors of society and many livelihoods, particularly members of the farming community which constitutes one of the country s principal productive sectors. However, certain groups, such as the poor and children are also likely to be severely affected due to their particular vulnerability and their limited ability to cope. Climate change also affects women and men differently, depending on their respective status and roles in society. There is a need to ensure that the concerns and requirements of particular groups and segments are considered, with respect to climate change. This will also require empowering of groups, such as farmers, women and the youth to allow them to participate fully in addressing and adapting to climate change. These needs would include capacity-building, where appropriate, in order to ensure that these particular groups and segments are able to participate, to the fullest extent possible, in the national climate change response effort. It is worth noting that issues of gender, youth, children, poverty, and education, training and public awareness are recognised as being important. The process to engage these constituent groups and ensure their active participation and involvement in the SPCR planning process will be a key focus during Phase 1 SPCR preparation activities Key PPCR Issues While there are several sectors and issues identified as being important to climate change in Dominica, there are a few that requires more/priority attention. Outlined below are the issues considered to be a priority for Dominica within the SNC process and, will possess the potential to contribute to the overall objectives of the PPCR. 1. Addressing climate change impacts on vulnerable sectors (particularly agriculture and water resources) and communities, in order to address threats to food security, human health, poverty alleviation, sustainable livelihoods and economic growth; 28

29 2. Development of a national strategy to facilitate Dominica s transformation to a climate-resilient economy while addressing pressing livelihood and poverty issues confronting Dominica; 3. Expand public education, awareness and training programme on climate change risks and resiliency measures in order to strengthening capacity at the community and sectoral level, within municipalities and local authorities, and the private sector; 4. Developing climate change screening tools and guidelines for climate proofing the tourism sector, human settlement and infrastructure. Development plans for Dominica envisage private sector led growth through sustainable development of the country s natural resources. Additionally there would be a diversified agricultural sector producing high quality, environmentally friendly produce for regional and extra-regional markets, and the associated agro-processing. These priorities, especially for agriculture and tourism, the two drivers of the economy, are closely linked to weather patterns. Consequently, projections for global climate change such as increased variability of rainfall, more coastal erosion, and changes in the strength of tropical storms/hurricanes can be expected to significantly impact developments in this regard. The agriculture sector is already vulnerable to the effects of drought like conditions and hurricanes but benefits from productive natural assets of rich soil and plentiful rainfall. Therefore, PPCR measures should include environmentally sustainable agricultural practices which will better position Dominica to strategically and systematically build resilience to climate change impacts affecting this important economic sector 4. Existing vulnerabilities to extreme weather events and their associated effects already constitute an important obstacle to sustainable development in Dominica. This means that technologies for enabling adaptation to climate change should be at the forefront of climate change technology transfer efforts for Dominica, hence these areas should be focused on throughout the process of the PPCR. 5 Climate change is expected to impact the volume and distribution of rainfall in Dominica. Water resource management will be required in the context of other non-climate related stresses such as population growth. Further, human settlements combine together many of the stresses and problems related to other sectors such as health and water. Topographical conditions have resulted in most settlements being in coastal areas at risk to coastal flooding and sea-level rise. This includes critical roads and other public infrastructure. Priority action should also be focused on strengthening the institutional framework and on increasing stakeholder awareness and participation in the climate change process. 4 See details in Section Refer to the INC Phase II Report and the Technology Needs Assessment. 29

30 5.0 Cooperation Arrangements with Development Partners The cooperation arrangements with development/investment partners are still evolving. This will become more defined as the SPCR and Investment Plan are developed. The PPCR process will also seek to build on past and ongoing projects, as discussed in previous sections. Other potential partners that should be involved in developing Dominica s SPCR, in addition to those identified in the foregoing include, but are not limited to: Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) United States Agency for International Development (USAID) United Nations Development Programme United Nations Environment Programme-Caribbean Environment Programme (UNEP-CEP) Global Environment Facility (GEF) Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States-Environment and Sustainable Development Unit National Association of Non-Governmental Organizations (NANGO) Dominica Association of Industry and Commerce (DAIC) International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources World Conservation Union (IUCN) Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre University of the West Indies (UWI) Civil Society/ Dominica Association of Local Authorities (DALA) For Dominica PPCR, Phase I will be collaboratively executed by Dominica and the World Bank. Cooperation arrangements agreed upon thus far at the national level are addressed in Section 7.0. It is anticipated that cooperation arrangements with development partners for Dominica s PPCR, both at the national and regional level, will evolve over time, as priorities are defined during the Phase 1 process. 6.0 PPCR Linkages to National Processes Many policy documents have been developed and/or approved by the Cabinet of Ministers that are specific to climate change (See Table 2) or that incorporate or specifically mention climate change (Table 3). This is important in the integration of climate change issues and concerns into the national processes. Some of these could be strengthened vis-à-vis climate change integration, through the PPCR or other projects/programmes, as appropriate. Indeed, it is proposed that the Climate Change Policy and Adaptation Plan of 2002 (Table 2) be reviewed and updated, as necessary, 30

31 during Phase I of the PPCR 6. Dominica is also a part of the OECS, ALBA, CARICOM and AOSIS where effort is expended to ensure that climate change is addressed as a critical policy issue. Table 1: Key National Policy Documents that Incorporate or make Specific Reference to Climate Change Year Policy Document 2010 Montreal Protocol (Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer) Regulations, National Strategy for Health 2010 Sector Strategy, Natural Resources and Energy Sector Plan 2010 Tourism 2010 Policy 2010 Draft Environmental & Planning Regulations for Renewable Energy 2010 Draft Geothermal Development Bill 2010 National Energy Policy (Draft) 2010 National Integration Water Resources Management Policy (Draft) 2009 Dominica Forestry Policy 2009 Disaster Management Plan 2009 National Emergency Management Policy 2009 National Shelter Policy 2007 National Policy for the Agriculture Environment (Agri Eco) System, , Submitted for Cabinet s approval 2006 Growth and Social Protection Strategy 2006 St. George s Declaration 2005 National Biosafety Framework 2005 Draft National Implementation Plan on Persistent Organic Pollutants 2004 National Environment Policy/National Environment Management Strategy 2002 Dominica s Policy on Planning for Adaptation to Climate Change 2002 National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 2002 Physical Planning Act 1998 Plan to reduce the vulnerability of school buildings to Natural Disasters In addition to these policy documents that were prepared through extensive consultative processes, climate change has also received some attention in recent budget addresses delivered by the Prime Minister of Dominica over the years. There have also been specific Cabinet Conclusions that are of relevance to climate change 7. The various climate change and other projects undertaken by Dominica, including the MACC, INC, SNC, SLM and SPACC Projects discussed previously, are specific efforts to integrate 6 See Section 8.0 for details. 31

32 climate change into national development processes. The PPCR is expected to reinforce this integration and lead to a more climate-resilient Dominica. 7.0 Strengthening National Level Climate Resilience and Enhancing PPCR Phase I Implementation The following institutional arrangements for the administration and implementation of the PPCR have been agreed upon with the government counterparts met during the scoping mission. Some aspects will be further elaborated upon during the First Joint Mission: The Ministry of Finance will be responsible for overall fiduciary activities, mobilizing of additional resources, and liaising with multilateral agencies such as multilateral development banks (MDBs), as appropriate. The Ministry of Finance will have day-to-day responsibility for fiduciary aspects. The Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, Physical Planning and Fisheries will assume day-to-day administrative responsibility for the programme. Through the PPCR Project Management Unit (PCU) in the Environmental Coordinating Unit (ECU), the Ministry will also assume operational responsibility for the PPCR, leading programme preparation and implementation from a technical standpoint. This will include coordination with key national stakeholders and coopting line ministries when needed. The NCCC, discussed and outlined below, provides a mechanism that facilitates inter-agency coordination pertaining to climate change, through the Environmental Coordinating Unit of the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, Physical Planning and Fisheries consultants will also be hired, who will report to the Director of the Environmental Coordinating Unit, who is also Dominica s Technical Focal Point on climate change. The Cabinet appointed National Climate Change Committee, which seeks to meet on a quarterly basis, will perform an advisory role for the PPCR programme. The Committee comprises: Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, Physical Planning and Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry as represented by the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Forestry, Parks and Wildlife, Dominica Meteorological Services; Ministry of Finance and Tourism; Discover Dominica; Invest Dominica, Office of Disaster Management; Physical Planning Department; Environmental Health Department; Ministry of Energy and Public Utilities; Dominica Solid Waste Management Cooperation; Dominica State College; Dominica Water and Sewerage Company; National Association of Non- Governmental Organizations and Dominica Association of Local Government Authority. The members are involved in the PPCR process, having participated in the Scoping Mission in December 2009, as well as NCCC meetings (most recent being June 2010), where the PPCR has been addressed. 32

33 It is envisaged that a Climate Resiliency Steering Committee for the Programme will be established as a sub-committee of the Cabinet-appointed NCCC and will function as the decision-making body of the PPCR. It is envisaged that such a committee will comprise representative(s) from the Ministry of Finance; the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, Physical Planning and Fisheries; the Ministry of Energy and Public Utilities, Invest Dominica, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry as represented by the Department of Forestry, Parks and Wildlife; and, the Office of the Prime Minister. This Committee will be expected to meet at least once every month and will be responsible for negotiating and determining the best use of PPCR for consideration by Government. The Ministries of Finance and Environment, Natural Resources, Physical Planning and Fisheries will work closely with each other to support and expedite the implementation of the PPCR. A National Coordinator is to provide technical and administrative support to the Environmental Coordinating Unit in the coordination and facilitation of Phase II. This supportive role is expected to be activated towards the end of Phase I. The National Coordinator will also provide support to the Climate Resiliency Steering Committee of the PPCR. As discussed in a previous section, the areas defined under the extensive consultative process undertaken under the SNC Project, will determine the areas of focus. Through further consultations planned with the NCCC, combined with the process to be undertaken for the development of the SPCR and Investment Plan, further prioritisation of focus areas may be necessary. It is envisaged that the coordination mechanism developed under the PPCR will serve as a pilot, which can be replicated, modified or used as a standard scheme for the efficient implementation of Phase 2 implementation and the use of adaption funds other than those received under the PPCR, in support of mainstreaming of climate change into other sectors. 8.0 Outline of Key Action Areas in Preparing Dominica s SPCR within the Caribbean Regional Framework and the PPCR Regional Track 8.1. The Regional Framework for the Caribbean PPCR Phase I Context Given their status as small developing states, Caribbean countries are all highly vulnerable to climate change. The anticipated impacts of this phenomena include changes in precipitation patterns, with the likelihood of more intense storms and longer dry spells, increased hurricane intensity and rise in sea-level leading to coastal erosion and inundation. It is expected that the consequences of climate change will be undermine the region s pursuit of sustainable development. 33

34 Caribbean states have a strong track record of collaboration on climate change and an extensive body of knowledge based on a significant amount of analytical work already done or underway through regional initiatives. These include the Adaptation to Climate Change in the Caribbean (ACCC), Caribbean Planning for Adaptation to Climate Change (CPACC), Mainstreaming Adaptation to Climate Change (MACC) and the Special Pilot for Adaptation to Climate Change (SPACC). These projects focused on facilitating an enabling environment for policy development and have supported the articulation of countries National Adaptation Policies, the UNFCCC National Communications and countries national adaptation policies and related implementation plans. They also included efforts to build climate change monitoring and adaptation capacity and provide lessons learned particularly with regards to institutional arrangements and strengthening and knowledge sharing. These outputs and results are expected to inform the development of the PPCR regional pilot. Recognizing the importance of institutional arrangements to mainstream the implementation of climate change policy, the CARICOM Heads of Government established the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC) in The Centre is responsible for coordinating the region s response to climate change. The CCCCC is the official repository and clearing house for regional climate change data. It provides climate change-related policy advice and guidelines to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and supports the articulation of regional positions in international climate change dialogues. Other regional organizations and development partners have also been active on Caribbean climate change issues. These include the University of West Indies (UWI); Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA); Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM); CARICOM Secretariat, Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Secretariat, Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology (CIMH); International Conservation Union (IUCN); Caribbean Environmental Health Institute (CEHI); Inter-American Development Bank (IDB); World Bank Group (WBG); United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), United Nations Development Program (UNDP), United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (UNECLAC); Department for International Development (DFID); Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA); and the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB). In addition to the outputs of projects such as the CPACC, ACCC and the MACC highlighted above, climate change initiatives completed or under implementation in the region include a regional economics of climate change study (RECCs) in the Caribbean by the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (UNECLAC) sub-regional headquarters in Trinidad and Tobago. Notably also, a Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility (CCRIF) has been established with a work programme that includes analysis of the economics of climate adaptation. There has also been work by non-government organizations, such as that by the Caribbean Natural Resource Institute (CANARI) entitled Assessment of the Impact of Climate Change on Community-based Sustainable Use of Forest Resources. 34

35 In light of the endemic susceptibility of Caribbean countries to the effects of climate change and the implications for their sustainable development, a Caribbean Programme for Development Resilient to Climate Change was formulated and endorsed by Heads of Government in June of The program is aimed at building resilience of Caribbean countries to the impact of global climate change and is intended to build on the earlier initiatives indicated above. It consists of the following five strategic elements: 1. mainstreaming climate change into the sustainable development agenda and work programmes of public and private institutions in all Caribbean Community countries at all levels; 2. promoting systems and actions to reduce the vulnerability of Caribbean Community countries to global climate change wherever possible; 3. implementing adaptation measures to address key vulnerabilities in the region, including enhancing the reliability of water supply systems, improving coastal and marine infrastructure, and adapting tourism infrastructure and activities to climate change; 4. promoting measures to derive benefit from the prudent management of forests, wetlands, and the natural environment in general, and to protect that natural environment; and 5. promoting actions and arrangements to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, including those aimed at energy-use efficiency by increasingly resorting to low-emission renewable energy sources. Following the endorsement of this Regional Programme, an effort to formulate a plan for its implementation was initiated and is currently underway. This effort is being coordinated by the Caribbean Community Climate Change Center, in accordance with its role as the agency responsible for coordinating the region s activities in this area. Each of these five strategic elements has related goals. Following the endorsement of the Regional Programme for Development Resilient to Climate Change, an effort to formulate an Implementation Plan to pursue the strategy and goals, and ultimately to secure climate resilience within the region is on-going. 8.2 Pilot Program for Climate Resilience-Caribbean Region The Pilot Program for Climate Resilience (PPCR) has been identified and targeted to build on the progress made through climate change related initiatives. The Guidance Note on PPCR Regional Programs indicates the objectives and rationale for a regional approach to climate resilience as: o Piloting and demonstrating approaches for integration of climate risk and resilience into development policies and planning o Strengthening capacities at the national levels to integrate climate resilience into development planning 35

36 o Scaling up and leveraging climate resilient investment, building upon other ongoing initiatives and o Enabling learning by doing and sharing of lessons at the country, regional and global levels. o Strengthen cooperation and capacity at the regional level to integrate climate resilience in national and appropriate regional development planning and processes. The governments of the Caribbean accepted an invitation extended by the PPCR Sub- Committee on May 14th, 2009, to join the program as one of its two regional pilots. The Caribbean pilot has a regional approach that will proceed along two closely linked and complementary tracks. The first is country based investments in highly vulnerable nations and the second is a regional track involving regional organizations. Pilot countries in which investments will be made are Jamaica, Haiti, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Dominica and Grenada. As per the Terms of Reference (TORs)/Guidance for the Expert Group in the Selection of Countries to Participate in the Pilot Program for Climate Resilience (PPCR), the activities to be financed under this track are to: a. deliver programmatic funding at scale in highly vulnerable countries to facilitate the transformation of country-led national development planning to ensure climate resilience; b. be country-led and build on National Adaptation Programs of Action (NAPAs) and other relevant country studies, plans and strategies; c. be complementary to existing sources of adaptation funding and supportive of the evolving operation of the Adaptation Fund; d. provide crucial lessons on how to invest in climate resilience through national development planning consistent with poverty reduction and sustainable development goals. The second track of the Caribbean PPCR is the regional track. Given the ongoing regional cooperation through the Caribbean Community integration, region wide activities will include data management and monitoring for improving understanding of climate risk and potential impacts, as necessary to take actions to enhance climate resilience. These will be coupled with activities to tackle risks and vulnerabilities common to all Caribbean countries. The regional track will work through key entities in the Caribbean to provide the scientific analysis so that countries can incorporate climate resilience into their national climate change strategies as well as in regional planning strategies, policies and financing mechanisms. The two tracks will thus be synergistic the regional activities will supplement and strengthen the country-led programs and activities. In addition, all Caribbean states would be able to benefit from the regional activities through regional 36

37 workshops and training events, dissemination of lessons, and provision of regionally relevant information such as monitoring of sea level rise and ocean temperatures Country Priority Areas/Sectors and Implications for Regional Activities: Through their respective processes to prepare for PPCR national track programs, countries have identified and are targeting the following priority sectors/areas. Haiti: Agriculture and food security, coastal zone management and reconstruction (sectors/themes) are the main areas, with sub-sectors/themes being infrastructure, land planning and data management. Jamaica: Agriculture, land-use planning, health, water resources, integrated coastal zone management, climate proofing of national and sectoral plans, tourism, and data management. Saint Vincent and Grenadines: Monitoring and evaluation of environmental hazards, watershed management, public sensitization and awareness, integrated planning, and data management. Grenada: Integrated water resource management, capacity building at the sector level, and data management. Saint Lucia: Agriculture, coastal and marine resources, financial sector, forestry, biodiversity, health, human settlement, critical infrastructure, tourism, and water resource management. Data needs were also highlighted for Saint Lucia particularly the need for Bathometric and Hydrometric data. In the case of Dominica, the priorities are: o Agriculture productivity and Food Security; o Water quality and quantity; o Poverty reduction and sustainable livelihoods; o Economic growth in the face of impacts from the global recession and downturns in Dominica s agricultural productivity; o Climate change impacts on: Fisheries, Coastal and Marine Resources, Human Health, Infrastructure and Human Settlements, Tourism, Forestry, and Disaster Risk Management. During the preparation of the Regional Track PPCR Phase 1 submission, these priority areas/sectors (with the exception of Dominica) have been compared against the following five main sets of activities previously identified for potential development under the PPCR Regional-Track. o Monitoring and climate modeling; o Enabling environment (policy and institutional framework); 37

38 o Raising the political profile of the importance of factoring climate risks into sustainable land-use management and spatial planning; o Capacity building and awareness raising aimed at different levels, including sectors and policy makers; o Integration of climate change into development and budget planning. The result of this exercise was a prioritization of regional activities and preliminary actions for the regional-track program and the identification of areas in which the PPCR regional track activities could support and complement country level PPCR activities. The general findings of the consultation and preparatory process so far are that- o Engaging and accessing the resources of the regional organizations is essential to the development and implementation of country-driven activities; o Data management and information sharing between regional and national agencies are an immediate need for the countries that should be met by regional organizations; o New data collection is needed to better analyze the impact of climate change priority issues. Examples of data needs include sea-levels, near-shore bathymetric and coastal topography, baseline ecosystem data, historical and current hydro-meteorological data; o There is an urgent need for support for strengthening the enabling environments for effective implementation of the PPCR national track program, through: a. Tools and training for capacity-building b. Climate proofing national and sectoral plans c. Need to understand what is underway and who is doing what - mapping of activities Outline of Regional PPCR Phase 1 Activities and Linkages with Dominica s Phase 1 The PPCR Phase I regional track is organized into three modules as described below. Module I: Capacity Development and Information Sharing; This module consists of (1) support for strengthening of data management capacity and (2) identification of data needs for improved analysis of climate change impacts and (3) information sharing and exchange of best practices. In light of the limited information available (in Dominica and other Caribbean PPCR countries which have highlighted agriculture as a key focus namely Haiti and Jamaica) concerning the impacts of climate change and increased global carbon levels on agricultural productivity and plant growth, assistance will be sought from the Regional 38

39 PPCR to support and provide improved analysis in these areas to as to support the risk assessment process which will undertaken as part of Dominica s Phase 1 analysis (see Sections and below). Additionally, the SPCR website that is to be developed in Dominica during Phase 1 will be linked to and draw upon the information sharing modalities established under the Regional Track Phase 1, while best practices in undertaking the cost-benefit analysis (see Section below) will be sought from the CCCCC, and lessons learned from undertaking this analysis will be shared for dissemination with the Regional Track Phase 1. Finally, expertise and information on undertaking costs-benefit analysis for Dominica s SPCR (See Section ) will be sought from the CCCCC under this module of the Regional Track PPCR Phase 1. Module II: Advocacy and Policy Development; Regional Policy Dialogue. This activity entails securing and utilizing space for intervention on climate change in regional policy related meetings in areas of economic activity closely linked to climate resilience. The output of this activity will be articulated measures to support integration of climate risk and climate change adaptation measures into national policies and national and regional strategies. Dominica will actively engage in all regional policy dialogue under the Regional Track PPCR Phase 1, and will share the outcomes of the cost-benefit analysis (see Section below) to inform regional policy dialogue. Stakeholder Consultations. This activity includes focus group consultations and dissemination of information regarding the objectives of the PPCR Phases I and II Regional Track activities. The output of this activity will be measures to support private sector involvement and execution of climate change adaptation activities in the SPCR for implementation in the PPCR Phase II. Dominica will seek assistance from the Regional Track PPCR Phase 1 to engage the country s private sector in undertaking a risk assessment and adaptive capacity assessment (See Section 8.5.) and the identification of measures to improve climate resilience of the private sector in Dominica. Development and Piloting of Climate Risk Screening Toolkit: The output of this activity will be (a) a climate risk screening toolkit and (b) articulated measures to advance climate proofing within the SPCR to be implemented in Phase II. Dominica will seek assistance from the Regional Track PPCR Phase 1 to develop a toolkit for climate risk screening of the agriculture and eco-tourism sectors. Module III: Coordination, Scoping, and SPCR Preparation This module will facilitate the articulation of is Phase II PPCR regional track activities and related implementation timeline and budget. Phase II activities will be geared particularly toward the five areas of scope that have been determined for the PPCR, i.e. (i) monitoring and climate modeling activities, (ii) enabling environment (policy and institutional framework), (iii) raising the political profile of the importance of factoring 39

40 climate risks in sustainable land use management and spatial planning, (iv) capacity building and awareness raising at different levels and (v) integration of climate change into development and budget planning. The process, procedures and lessons learned from undertaking Dominica s National Adaptive Capacity Assessment (see Section below) as part of Phase 1 preparation activities will be shared with the CCCCC for dissemination under the this module of the Regional Track Phase 1 (Gap Analysis of Climate Resilient Systems, Capacities and Practices in the PPCR Pilot Countries). Dominica will collaborate with the CCCCC to ensure that the country s SPCR will inform the regional framework to facilitate high PPCR impact and effective monitoring and evaluation under this module of the Regional Track Phase 1 (Coordination and National Programs Interface) Preparation of Dominica s SPCR A human resource limitation at the Environment Coordinating Unit and Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, Physical Planning and Fisheries as a whole, and the Ministry of Finance, is expected to be a limiting factor during Phases I and II of the PPCR, for which additional technical and administrative assistance will be required and sought under the PPCR. Consultants will be hired under Phase I to conduct tasks as delineated below and in the proposed work programme in Table 4. These consultants will report to the Director of the Environmental Coordinating Unit, who will provide oversight of the PPCR Project and is also Dominica s Technical Focal Point on climate change. In line with regional policy frameworks, such as the Saint George Declaration of Principles for Environmental Sustainability in the OECS and the OECS Development Charter; based on the results and recommendations of completed and ongoing national projects and activities; in consideration of the capacity needs of key agencies; and with regard to discussions in progress and identified gaps; the following are deemed to be important inputs for Phase I of the PPCR for Dominica: 8 Various assessments and studies will be undertaken to provide the technical foundation for the preparation of Dominica s comprehensive Strategic Programme for Climate Resilience (SPCR), including: Document stocktaking, review and analysis including critical review of Dominica s Climate Change Adaptation Policy and Action Plan (2002); Broad-based stakeholder climate change risk assessment including prioritization and ranking of climate change risks affecting Dominica; Critical review of Dominica s National Capacity Self Assessment (NCSA) and Adaptive Capacity Assessment (institutional, systematic, individual capacity) for public and private sector, vulnerable communities, and sectors; Identification of priority needs and investment opportunities to facilitate Dominica s transformation to a climate-resilient economy with PPCR support; 8 Needs related to data management, data capture and analysis of climate change adaptation resources will be linked and contribute towards delivering the overall objectives of the Caribbean PPCR Regional Programme. 40

41 Cost-benefit Analysis (and Return on Investment Analysis for PPCR Loan ) of proposed SPCR investment opportunities; Preparation of the SPCR and related Investment Plan for submission to the PPCR-SC, inclusive of the development of a programme results framework with performance indicators tailored to facilitate Dominica s transformation to a climate-resilient economy with PPCR support; Building capacity to facilitate Dominica s transformation to a climate-resilient economy that addresses priority climate change risks to agriculture and food security, livelihoods, the economy, water security/quality, and supports national poverty alleviation efforts; Public education and outreach surrounding context-specific climate impacts and the SPCR program. Additionally, support will be provided to the Environmental Coordinating Unit in the coordination and facilitation of PPCR activities, and to facilitate linkages with, and benefit from, regional PPCR initiatives in particular private sector initiatives to facilitate Dominica s transformation to a climate-resilient economy. The following activities will be led by the Environmental Coordinating Unit: Document Stocktaking, Review and Analysis Technical assistance is required to conduct various assessments and studies that will provide key input for the preparation of a comprehensive SPCR, as well as the foundation for the implementation of projects during Phase II. The consultants 9 are expected to undertake the following activities: Review and revision of Climate Change Policy and Adaptation Plan, which was developed under the CPACC Project that operated from 1997 to : This policy document was prepared to foster and guide a national process for addressing the short, medium and long term effects of climate change in a coordinated, holistic and participatory manner in order to ensure that, to the greatest extent possible, the quality of life of the people of Dominica and the opportunities for sustainable development are not compromised. A revision of the document, through a consultative process, will ensure that the SPCR is appropriately aligned and provides an opportunity to propose policy changes if deemed necessary. Participatory assessment of public awareness with regard to climate change: In 2005, the first-ever Climate Change Knowledge, Attitude and Practices survey was 9. Given the varied nature of the tasks involved, contracting may represent a mix of individual consultants or consulting firms as required. Tasks will be combined under contract where possible to reduce the contracting and administrative burden. 10 See Section

42 conducted in Dominica as part of the MACC Project, which operated from 2004 to 2009 and the VCA Project, which operated from 2005 to The survey has yielded information that has proved invaluable for the planning of subsequent initiatives. Given the regularity of the topic of climate change in the media, it would be useful to re-conduct the survey with the intention of facilitating a national dialogue on climate change and the risks it poses to livelihoods and well-being, and expand it to other areas, which would assist in directing planning and implementation of climate change activities in Dominica. Review of existing legislation vis-à-vis climate change: A determination needs to be made as to whether specific legislation for climate change is required for Dominica or whether climate change should be incorporated directly into existing legislation. Such a study would also allow for the actual development, if deemed necessary, of climate change legislation or the amendment of existing legislation to incorporate climate change, during Phase II. Review of fiscal regimes that seek to address climate change: Such a review would compile past, current and planned regimes (e.g. regimes on the importation of water saving mechanisms and energy efficient systems) and include recommendations for the improvement of the regimes that would encourage the adoption of appropriate policies and best practices, in Dominica, related to climate change. Dominica is of the firm belief that the foregoing will prove to be instructive, not only in the development of a SPCR, but also in its implementation Broad-based stakeholder climate change risk assessment including prioritization and ranking of climate change risks affecting Dominica; The Assessment of Climate Risks and Vulnerability will build upon the outcomes of the stocktaking exercise, and will be based on process outlined in the Risk Management Guidelines for Climate Change Adaptation Decision Making developed under the ACCC project. The key steps in the process are as follows: (i) Step 1 - Establish the Context and Analyse the Risk The first step in the process includes a definition of the nature of the climate change risk to be evaluated in the context of each vulnerable sector (e.g. agriculture, water, health, etc.). The analysis should ensure the following have been considered - development trends, investment trends, migration trends, social status/capital, loss situation (casualties, injury, livelihood, agricultural lands, crops, human health, livestock, forest, and environmental health), and pollution situation. Where such information is not currently available, appropriate climate change models and projections affecting Dominica, its agriculture sector, tourism sector and forest ecosystems, will be developed in collaboration with the Caribbean Regional PPCR Program. 11 Ibid 42

43 (ii) (iii) Step 2 - Summarise the Risks With reference to each of the vulnerable sectors, the consultants will, utilising available climate change models and projections, summarise the nature of the risks (i.e. what, where, how, when) to the relevant sector, and identify districts/communities that are vulnerable to these risks (see example of map below identifying districts vulnerable to flooding). The summary will include event risk (i.e. the risk of occurrence of any particular hazard or extreme event for example flood, drought) and outcome risk (i.e. the risk of a particular outcome for example loss of life, loss of income, loss of property). Step 3 Estimate Risks - Using the summary of risks to the relevant sector developed under Step 2, the consultant team will assist stakeholders in undertaking an estimation of the following key elements of risks to the relevant sector (if possible by location), namely: (a) Estimate the Severity of the Impact (Event and Outcome Risks) see Table 1 and Table 2; Estimating severity usually focuses on determining the potential health, environmental or financial impacts of risk scenarios. Wherever possible an attempt should be made to quantify the scale of the impact using auditable data, e.g., increase in unemployment, illness, death rates, etc. However, in the context of climate change adaptation, stakeholders can choose to include non-financial criteria such as the loss of life, effect on GDP, impact on social capital and quality of basic services, environmental impacts or any other relevant measure that is suited to best expressing the potential impacts in measurable terms. If possible, some form of common scoring should be used to enable severity to be relatively ranked. Stakeholders develop an impact severity rating scale appropriate to the risk scenarios (event and outcome) such as Table 2 and Table 3a and 3b shown below. The estimation of the frequency of the occurrence of the hazard should be made using the best advice possible. In the case of water shortages due to lack of rainfall or other events outlined in the risk scenarios, historical records supplemented by forecasts by the IPCC, universities, government departments or other credible sources would form the basis of the first estimates. The frequency of each particular event in the risk scenario would be made against a frequency rating scale such as is shown in Table 3 below. TABLE 2: Direct Impact Rating Matrix Impact Severity Very low Low Moderate High Very high Displac ement Social Economic Environmental Health Cultural aspects Loss of livelihood Property loss Financ ial loss GDP loss Air Water Land Biodiver sity / ecosyste 43

44 TABLE 3a: Direct Impact Rating Matrix (Example Event Risk (Flood) in XX District) Impact Social Economic Environmental Severity Displac ement Health Cultural aspects Loss of livelihood Property loss/land house Financ ial loss (crop GDP loss Very low X X X Low Moderate X X X Air Water Land Biodiver sity / ecosyste ms High X X X Very high X X TABLE 3b: Direct Impact Rating Matrix (Example Outcome Risk (Crop/Soil Loss) from Flood Event in XX District) Impact Severity Social Economic Environmental Displacement Health Cultural aspects Loss of Property loss Financial GDP livelihood (hose/land) loss (crop/ loss livestock) Air Water Land Biodiversity / ecosystems services Very low X X X X X Low X Moderate X X High X X Very high X (b) Estimate Frequency or Probability of Event - see Table 4 and Table 5; The consultant team will assist stakeholders to estimate the frequency or probability of an event identified. It is likely that stakeholders will disagree on the frequency/impact ratings used because of their different perceptions of the risks and the degree of influence they believe they may have over future events. If a consensus cannot be achieved it is important to record the differing views on frequency and impact. At a later stage in the risk 44

45 management process the sensitivities of the proposed adaptation and risk control measures to the alternative views can be tested and discussed. The risk analysis should be endorsed by the stakeholders before proceeding to the next step. The stakeholder analysis is expanded to include new stakeholders and new issues, needs and concerns that have been brought out through the dialogue on the estimations of the frequency or probability and the impacts of the hazards. The PPCR risk information library should be updated with all the studies, interviews and other baseline data that was used for the risk estimation including working papers of stakeholder groups. TABLE 4: Frequency/Probability Rating (based on climate change risks that are likely to occur during SPCR period > 5 years) Climate Change Risk Very Unlikely to Happen Occasional Occurrence Moderate Frequent Likely to Occur Often Likely to Occur Regularly CC risks from risk scenario Step 2 (deal with each separately) Not likely to occur during SPCR period May occur sometime but not during SPCR period Likely to occur at least once during SPCR period Likely occur several times during SPCR period to Happened often and will happen again during SPCR period TABLE 5: Frequency/Probability Rating (Example Flood Event in XX District within next 5 years) Climate Change Risk Example 1: (Event Risk) Flood in XX District Example 2: (Outcome Risk) Crop/land loss Very Unlikely to Happen Occasional Occurrence Moderate Frequent Likely to Occur Often X Likely to Occur Regularly X (iv) Step 4 - Evaluate the Risk - Based on expert judgement, identified risks are to examined by stakeholders in terms of costs (Note: costs are to be qualified not quantified), benefits and acceptability, considering the needs, issues and concerns of stakeholders. The purpose of this evaluation is to give consideration to: 45

46 ranking the risks from least severe to most severe from the analyses completed earlier and the perceptions of the stakeholders see Table 6 and Table 7; estimating the costs of potential losses; assessing the acceptability of the risks. The following activities may be conducted to assist in this step. Qualify the costs of the impacts within the 5 year SPCR program and any unexpected benefits (e.g. diversification of crop production in response to threat of droughts) that may be apparent. Consider and analyse perceptions of key stakeholders, including the general public. Assess the acceptability of risks, cost, benefits, etc., to stakeholders (including governments, communities, economic sectors, etc.). It is important to remember that people who deal regularly with risks view them differently than laypersons. This makes an interactive dialogue with stakeholders very important at this step to accurately determine the level of acceptability of the risk to the various stakeholder groups. Undertake dialogue with key stakeholders/communities at high risk locations and begin identifying various adaptation (risk control, avoidance or prevention) strategies for risks that are unacceptable. The consultant team will assist stakeholders to compare levels of risk and acceptability of risk scenarios by reviewing the data that has been recorded during the risk estimation process in a series of tables such as Table 2 (Direct Impact Rating) and Table 4 (Frequency or Probability Rating) in the previous step. This information is used to discuss the risks with other experts and stakeholders and to arrive at an evaluation of the seriousness of the risk by specific location/community. By aggregating the data from the tables and the perceptions of the risk from stakeholders and experts, a Risk Assessment Matrix can be developed to portray the overall level of risk for each risk scenario. An acceptability value is assigned to each based on the scale used by the stakeholder team, which would decide on the comparative ratings based on the level of risk for the shaded areas, such as in Table 6. If there is consensus amongst stakeholders that the risks are unacceptable and that controls or other means for reducing the risk will have to be implemented, then the Team proceeds to the next step in the risk evaluation process. 46

47 Table 6: Risk Assessment Matrix The example of flood event risks within next 5 years is shown in Table 7. It can be seen that this risk exposes the agriculture sector and farmers within the community to extreme risks which may lead to loss of livelihoods/food security and financial loss and therefore require immediate measures. The severity of impact increases from the bottom to the top of the table and the probability or frequency of the event increases from left to right. Risks that are positioned in the upper right of the table are extreme and the severity decreases with risks positioned closer to the bottom left. This graphic display is useful for ranking the risks by severity and in discussing the overall risk levels with participants in the process. 47