By Government Press Office | BELIZE
BELIZE, Belmopan – The ministry of finance, economic development and investment, Belize’s National Designated Authority (NDA) to the Green Climate Fund (GCF), is pleased to announce the GCF’s approval of the “National Adaptation Planning for Integrated Water Resources Management in Belize” (Water-NAP).
This project, valued at BZ$1.8 million, is intended to support the capacitation and empowerment of the Ministry of Natural Resources, specifically the National Hydrological Service, to manage Belize’s water resources in a changing climate. The project is nested within national efforts to respond to the impacts of climate change on the water sector (i.e. droughts, floods and saltwater intrusion). This readiness grant will support Belize in addressing key challenges that are necessary for comprehensive adaptation planning in the water sector.
Expected outputs of this project include:
- Climate responsive National Adaptation Plan and Monitoring Evaluation and Learning Framework for the water resources management;
- Climate impacts and coastal influence analyses on groundwater resources to inform adaptation solutions for improved decision making;
- Strengthened observation, monitoring and forecasting systems for integrated water resources management;
- Concept note and financial sustainability action plan for adaptation priorities of the water sector.The Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC) will be the delivery partner. The CCCCC continues to support Belize’s efforts to combat climate change. In addition, key stakeholders including the ministry rural transformation, community development, labor and local government, Belize Water Services, village water boards, and other vulnerable groups will be engaged throughout the implementation project.
Dr Osmond Martinez, chief executive officer in the ministry and the National Designated Authority, thanked the GCF and congratulated Leroy Martinez, economist/GCF focal point; Ryan Zuniga, CCCCC project development specialist; and Tennielle Hendy, principal hydrologist, National Hydrological Service; for their effort and excellent leadership in development and seeking approval of the project proposal.
