THE FUTURE
The International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and The Nature Conservancy’s (TNC) partnership, since 2013, has brought together two prominent and global organizations with corresponding knowledge and dedication to the humanitarian and environmental missions to address critical social, economic, and environmental challenges in a more holistic and better-integrated way.
Our partnership in the Caribbean though the Resilient Islands program (phase one) has enabled both organizations to work for and with vulnerable coastal communities, as well as to advance the restoration and protection of natural systems in four countries (Bahamas, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and Grenada).
To secure the continuation of the Resilient Islands program both organizations are currently appealing to a broad range of institutional and private donors and partners to mobilize resources. We envisage a second phase utilizing our demonstrated comprehensive approach (science, tools, policy, site interventions, strategic partnerships and resource mobilization) for the next four to five years to advocate for and use nature-based solutions (NbS) to protect vulnerable people, save lives, avoid damages, reduce suffering, and foster community and environmental resilience. This is a crucial step for the work of both the IFRC and TNC and to further scale up and strengthen the capacities of governments, partner organizations and communities to cope with the effects of global warming and climate change in the entire region and beyond.
the future in science
Increasing the resilience of people in vulnerable communities will continue to be a priority as the impacts of climate change are felt globally. The science-based tools and methodologies provided by the International Federation team, along with the spatial, environmental and socio-economic data and scientific analysis provided by the TNC team continue to be needed to identify places to work and adaptation solutions. climate that can be implemented. to help build more resilient and sustainable communities.
THE FUTURE IN POLICY
Advocating for the inclusion of nature-based solutions (NbS) in law and policy frameworks will continue to be a priority in the target countries. Based upon the evidence-based recommendations that emerged from the research in disaster risk reduction (DRR) and climate change adaptation (CCA), the IFRC and TNC will seek to implement advocacy strategies that aim to promote NbS as a key enabling action for DRR and CCA, that will serve to further enhance legal and policy frameworks in disaster risk management.
THE FUTURE IN JAMAICA
The partnership developed between the Jamaica Red Cross (JRC) and The Nature Conservancy (TNC) Jamaica is a unique, successful and rewarding one, which would be beneficial to continue beyond the Resilient Islands (RI) initiative.
In addition to the implementation of life changing micro projects, the RI initiative developed a portfolio of nature-based solutions that proposes a suite of interventions which, when implemented in Old Harbour Bay, will increase community resilience especially among the most vulnerable. Each of the solutions can be implemented separately or together as a comprehensive project. The RI team has both the technical expertise as well as the support of government and other partners and the local community, with the only missing factor being the necessary funding for implementation.
Continuous capacity building and stakeholder engagement are critical for the full benefits of nature-based solutions to be realized. The humanitarian-scientific partnership forged between the JRC and TNC has demonstrated the resolve to achieve and sustain these benefits. Through the strengths of both organizations, including an island wide network of volunteers bringing communities together, upscaling the mainstreaming of climate change adaptation and nature-based solutions into existing laws and policies and weaving ecosystems deeper into the fabric of risk reduction in the minds of government and local communities, this is attainable.
However, the work of building a more resilient Jamaica, one community at a time requires the continuation of this partnership as well as additional stakeholders, including donors, joining the path to resilience.
THE FUTURE IN GRENADA
The Grenada Red Cross Society (GRCS), through its most treasured asset, its volunteers, and with powerful collaborations of experts like TNC continues to provide invaluable services to improve lives and reduce risks[] to the impacts of climate change. The relationship between the GRCS and TNC reframes and strengthens the programs aligning them more closely with the Sustainable Developments Goals (SDGs), the IFRC Strategy 2030, and the Grenada National Sustainable Development Plan 2020 to 2035. This, we believe, will enable us to make the best use of available resources to meet the needs of the populations we serve.
THE FUTURE IN DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
The Nature Conservancy and the Dominican Red Cross have started the implementation of some of the solutions included in the community resilience plans and continue to seek financing to take from the rest of their portfolio. At the same time, the team works to contribute to the review process of the national risk management legislation, so that it includes aspects of adaptation to climate change and nature-based solutions.
