Treasure Beach is the first Jamaican community out of the blocks to take up the Caribbean Climate Smart Accelerator’s challenge. Stakeholders are keen for Treasure Beach to be a climate conscious community.
Treasure Beach, Jamaica: Fishing, farming and community-based tourism are the way of life in the rural, coastal community of Treasure Beach. Here, development must be sustainable. It is the only option. And steps have been taken in recognition of this reality.
“We have been working in Treasure Beach for two years with our Crayons Count early childhood pilot project. This is a tight knit community on the climate change front line where the lives and livelihoods of the residents are inextricably linked to the environment. Resilience is embedded in the culture. So, with the support of the community, we applied for a grant to give the residents tools to become more resilient, adapt and grow” explained Deika Morrison, co-founder of Do Good Jamaica.
Through the Special Climate Change Adaptation Fund – AP&FM Project PPCR, Do Good Jamaica received a grant from the Environmental Foundation of Jamaica (EFJ) to do just that. In explaining his support for the project, Jason Henzell, chairman of Breds Treasure Beach Foundation and Jakes Hotel said, “Since it was founded in 1998, Breds Treasure Beach Foundation has been working to ensure that this special corner of Jamaica is developed in a sustainable manner. Partnering with every member of the Treasure Beach family to protect our environment is integral to that goal.”
So far, the grant has facilitated the creation of a Vulnerability and Capacity Assessment and Disaster Risk Management Plan by professional environmental consultants. This process involved soliciting the experiences and perspectives of a broad cross-section of community and government stakeholders.
Environmental Solutions Ltd. consultants in dialogue with Elliston Deleon of the GOJ’s Fisheries Division & the Greater Treasure Beach Citizen’s Alert Group (centre) and Treasure Beach fishermen on May 1, 2018
NWC Water Production Manager, Lester Morgan, shares a point with the group at a Workshop on the Preparation of a Disaster Risk Management Plan held in Treasure Beach on July 12, 2018
Given the recent announcement of the Caribbean Climate-Smart Accelerator (CCSA) initiative to make the region the world’s first climate-smart zone, the project is timely as the objectives of the Accelerator align with the community’s vision of sustainability.
“As Jamaica’s home of community tourism, Treasure Beach embraces initiatives which maintain its allure for Jamaican and overseas visitors. Most recently, Treasure Beach became one of Jamaica’s first recycling communities. The conscious traveller knows the significance of recycling and conservation and values those programs in a destination. We are fully on board!” said Rebecca Wiersma, Chairman of the Treasure Beach Destination Management Organization and Owner of Treasure Tours Ltd.
The next step in the project will see Do Good Jamaica accelerating climate change awareness with outreach tailored to Treasure Beach’s diverse demographic groups.
“Without exception everybody we have spoken to so far has asked for more information about what climate change would mean for them, and importantly what could they do about it. The mention of Accelerator energized the participants of our first sensitization session even more,” said Morrison.
Seen on entry – Treasure Beach recycles, an initiative that grew out of a schools competition
Eager to adapt and grow, stakeholders are actively exploring partnership opportunities to achieve sustainable growth. Emphasizing this, Denise Wedderburn of the Treasure Beach Women’s Group noted, “The members of Treasure Beach Women’s Group endorse and support this initiative which matches our mission to empower local artisans and craft persons. We know that growing the green and blue economies can only enhance the earning potential for our community.”
In announcing the CCSA’s Speed Award, Usain Bolt, an ambassador for the Accelerator, encouraged everyone to move hastily towards creating the world’s first climate-smart zone. Treasure Beach is on the fast track to helping the region get there.
—
About Do Good Jamaica Do Good Jamaica is a non-governmental organization aimed at encouraging organizations and individuals to work together in activities that are charitable and that improve the lives of Jamaicans. In 2018, Do Good Jamaica launched its first Happy House in Treasure Beach – an early childhood community centre for children to be happy in learning and developing through play, as they should. Follow dogoodjamaica.org for updates on Treasure Beach’s journey.
About PPCR The Pilot Program for Climate Resilience (PPCR) is a funding mechanism under the Climate Investment Funds (CIF) which is helping developing countries integrate climate resilience into development planning and investment. The Government of Jamaica (GOJ) in collaboration with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the World Bank developed Jamaica’s Pilot Programme for Climate Resilience (PPCR) to help the country to strengthen its resilience to climate through enhancing adaptive capacity across priority sectors. For more information about PPCR, visit ppcrja.org.jm.
