Jamaica Environment Trust

Climate Change Assessment and Adaptation Plan for Cockpit Country, Jamaica

Photo donated by: Nicole Brown

In January 2023 JET received a grant from the Caribbean Natural Resources Institute (CANARI) under the project Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) Caribbean Islands Biodiversity Hotspot Small Grants Mechanism.

We worked with the Climate Studies Group Mona from the University of the West Indies to prepare a climate change assessment for Cockpit Country. We also worked with representatives from the communities in Southeast Cockpit Country to prepare a community-led adaptation plan.

Here are a few key takeaways from the project:

  • Cockpit Country is a biodiversity hotspot, and its important ecosystems and water resources are being threatened by climate change.
  • Cockpit Country is expected to become hotter and drier- up to the end of the century.
  • Most of the communities in Cockpit Country depend on small-scale farming and will be negatively impacted as it gets hotter and drier.

Adaptation measures were identified, prioritised, and included in the Community Adaptation Plan which would be handed over to the community.

Community-led climate adaptation plans recognize the value of local knowledge and expertise to address climate risk. It ensures that local actors on the front lines of climate change have equitable access to power and resources to build resilience.

CEPF also supported JET’s institutional development and strengthening.

The project ended in January 2024.

As requirement, JET prepared a grievance mechanism which can be found here. This grievance mechanism was put in place to formally receive, record and address complaints. Anyone with a concern about any aspect of the project can make a report so we can improve the way we work.

 

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