Since 2015, Belize has engaged with the Green Climate Fund (GCF) to improve access to international funds and to encourage investment in projects and programmes that will help the country adapt and mitigate climate change and its impacts.
The National Designated Authority (NDA) of Belize to the GCF under the Ministry of Economic Development and Petroleum, and the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC), has been engaged with the Belize Sugar Industries (BSI) to design a proposed project “Building the Adaptive Capacity of Sugarcane Farmers in Northern Belize.” This project will help to facilitate the behavioral change necessary to sustain the livelihood of approximately 5,200 northern farmers, in addition to building resilience to the impacts of climate change through the development of knowledge and capacity within the farming community. This project, a joint public-private sector initiative, will improve and sustain agricultural productivity and enhance smallholder’s resilience to degrading natural capital and shifting precipitation patterns resulting from climate change.
The GCF has approved funding under its Product Preparation Facility (PPF), which will allow for the design of an effective and efficient climate adaptation response. The resources under this facility will enable identification of better agriculture farming technologies and practices, a cost benefit analysis, a stakeholder analysis and management engagement plan, gender analysis and action plan, in addition to an economic and financial analysis. Thus, contributing to preparation of a sound funding proposal worth US$20 million (inclusive of US$10 million of GCF grant funds) consistent with the requirements of the GCF. The NDA, CCCCC and BSI will be working closely with key stakeholders on this initiative.
