INTERNATIONAL CLIMATE CHANGE CONFERENCE FOR

THE CARIBBEAN

Conference Brief andAgenda

October 9th to 12th, 2017Hilton Hotel, Port-of-Spain

Trinidad & Tobago

Despite the wealth of information contained in reports published by the IPCC, including the science of CC, its impacts and future risks, and options for adaptation and mitigation, countries with economies in transition including CDB’s BMCs, experience difficulties in applying this information to their national circumstances or in conveying information to relevant stakeholders, including entrepreneurs and civil society, in a way that enables them to become more resilient and responsive to CC. Small Island Developing States (SIDS) such as CDB’s BMCs, are frequently not equipped with the right tools or sufficient expertise to apply the information presented in IPCC reports to national or local circumstances. This leads to a separation between the science and politics of CC at the national level.

Like the IPCC, the CCCCC has sought to address this gap by publicising and disseminating findings from coordinated research to its key audiences, including the scientific and policymaker communities regionally, by supporting the producing of outreach materials and organising outreach activities such as workshops by regional and national representatives at various national and international meetings. These events target technical personnel and policymakers at national and local levels; regional institutions/organisations; the climate and disaster risk management community; private sector; civil society organisations; the academia community; youth groups and students; national, regional and international media. CDB has previously supported outreach activities of the IPCC such as the Caribbean launch of the AR5 SIDS chapter which took place in Barbados in October 2014. Such events are important in bringing together key stakeholders, in highlighting priority areas to be addressed and for discussing the way forward in the Region.

Given its mandate as the Centre of excellence for the development of policy, technical research and the mobilisation of financial and other resources to address CC and related matters within CARICOM, CCCCC is partnering with the CDB to stage an international climate change conference for the Caribbean Region. The CCCCC International Climate Change Conference for the Caribbean Region will engage participants in a science policy-based interface dialogue with a view to raising awareness among BMCs and other participants about the scientific, adaptation and mitigation initiatives done and propose to be done within BMCs along with the CCCCC role and proposed activities. It will provide an opportunity for regional participation in defining the priority areas of investigation in the process of developing the Sixth Assessment Report (AR6), which will cover the period 2016-2022, while highlighting CC challenges and solutions for the Region.

The International Climate Change Conference for the Caribbean Region will introduce climate science, policy-making synergies and the process for integration of climate variability and change into national and regional development planning and implementation. The workshop will also take on a Caribbean focus, summarising the key findings of the 1.5 to Stay Alive Initiative. The CCCCC will present an overview of its role and activities, including the production of the scientific research, strategies, action plans, adaptation and mitigation development programmes, and policy documents it has supported and will continue to support over the past and upcoming years. There will also be presentations and discussions from regional institutions, where the intrinsic and extrinsic vulnerability of SIDS will be discussed and adaptation and mitigation options explored.

The conference will provide opportunities for dialogue between a range of stakeholders on climate change socio-economic assessments and impacts including cost benefit analysis and loss and damage assessment; and the utility and application of climate change impact tools/models. Through a series of working sessions, it will allow for in-depth dialogue and development of a road map with regards to lessons learnt; best practices; knowledge and information gaps, sharing and management; technology transfer particularly in relation to early warning systems; and using relevant and appropriate tools in decision making. The conference will also, provide opportunities for dialogue among a range of stakeholders including local/national and regional policymakers, the business/private sector, civil society organisations and the national and regional

INTERNATIONAL CLIMATE CHANGE CONFERENCE IN THE CARIBBEAN2017

Conference BriefPROJECT SUMMARY The Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC) is mandated to coordinate the Caribbean region’s response to climate change, through effective solutions and projects, as well as to inform climate change-related policy and guidelines. The European Commission's Directorate-General for International Cooperation and Development (DG DEVCO) Global Climate Change Plus flagship initiative (GCCA+) is mandated “to foster dialogue and cooperation on climate change among the EU and poor developing countries most vulnerable to climate change and help ensuring that these countries increase their capacities to adapt to the effects of climate change, and, where it benefits their poverty reduction objectives, participate in the global climate change mitigation effort” and has been active in the Caribbean region since 2008.

The GCCA+, Caribbean Development Bank, UNDP Japan Caribbean Climate Change Partnership (UNDP-JCCCP), Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) and CCCCC propose a joint international climate change conference for the Caribbean. This conference will address the role of climate information (from global, regional and local models) into shaping and implementing climate policy and programmes in the Caribbean region. The various sessions will discuss the crucial nexus of science-policy to build the required resilience capacity and programmes in the Caribbean region based on available climate information, highlighting how theories translate in research and how these research findings are used to formulate actions and policies that are critical to building resilience in the Caribbean and transferable to other regions. In particular, a range of technical and management experience from hands-on applications of climate information in the Caribbean region will be presented fostering interaction and knowledge sharing among natural scientists, social scientists, policy makers and development partners. Finally, this conference will foster the exchange and partnerships among a variety of stakeholders (including SIDS from other regions) involved in global, regional and national climate programmes as well as climate negotiations. This is particularly important for soliciting feedback necessary to refine the region’s research focus as well as for developing programmes and projects to suit the region’s needs that could be funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and other international donors. Accessing climate financing will also feature at this proposed conference. This conference will highlight potential sources of climate financing and the nuisances associated with accessing those funds as well as identify ways to circumvent some of these hindrances. It will draw on the experiences of regional institutions such as Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC) and international institutions such as the EU-GCCA and GCF. Broadly, the objectives of the conference include: • building consensus and synergies between scientific analysis and policy formulation and implementation; • exposing primary stakeholders within the Caribbean region to the various tools available to integrate climate variability and change into national planning and policies; • building capacity with regards to climate financing and implementation; • creating linkages and a network of researchers, programme/project developers, donors and policy makers; • raising awareness on the roles of Caribbean scientists, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC ) process in general and the opportunities for local/regional scientists during the development of the Sixth Assessment Report (AR6); • giving exposure to scientific documentation in the Caribbean region with the intention for such to be incorporated into the IPCC report through a peer review and journal publication process; and, more generally, • raising public awareness about climate change related works being done

BACKGROUND AND RATIONALE The CCCCC coordinates the Caribbean region’s response to climate change. Officially opened in August 2005, the Centre is the key node for information on climate change issues and on the region’s response to managing and adapting to climate change in the Caribbean. The main goal of the Centre is to improve the ability of Caribbean people living in communities at risk from climate change to adopt more sustainable lifestyles. It does this through the provision of services designed to improve knowledge of climate change and foster adaptation to the effects of climate change. These services include:

1. A Clearing House – The Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre’s (CCCCC) Regional Clearinghouse Database is the region’s premier repository of information and data on climate change specific to the region. Community Projects – The Centre’s expertise is used to facilitate projects for communities-at-risk and to expedite community “buy-in” and adaptation measures. The Centre seeks to conceptualize, develop, and implement projects which result in behaviour change through a participatory process involving the communities as partners. The Centre is particularly interested in the areas of Health, Water Resources, Tourism, Agriculture, and Renewable Energy.

2. Joint Programmes – Regional and international agencies, educational institutions, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and other civil organizations will find a ready and receptive partner for climate change projects at the Centre. The Centre has a network of experts who are available for all stages of project design and management.

3. Environmental Scanning – The Centre has access to the necessary information and expertise to identify climate-related threats. It uses this information to help its stakeholders, to develop and implement adaptation strategies based on scenarios developed by the Centre. The Centre would also be an integral part of any regional early-warning system.

4. Training – The Centre has developed appropriate training courses for different stakeholders for the application of several tools e.g. CCORAL, CARIWIG, SMASH.

5. Consultancy Services – Using its network of expert consultants, the Centre can provide services for a wide range of situations and projects. It can conceptualise, plan, develop, implement, monitor, and evaluate projects and programmes in areas related to climate change.

6. GCF - The Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC) was accredited as a regional implementing entity by the Board of the Green Climate Fund (GCF), a key multilateral financing mechanism to support climate action in developing countries on July 09, 2015. As a regionally accredited organization, the CCCCC is now the interface and conduit for GCF funding to the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) of the Caribbean. Application for GCF funding takes place in consultation with country focal points (NDAs) and the CCCCC.

The CCCCC has coordinated the production of a series of reports providing comprehensive and up-to-date scientific assessments of climate variability, CC, vulnerability, adaptation, and mitigation issues. These reports are written by experts from developing countries and help to inform national climate-related policies.

IPCC reports have identified the Caribbean as one of the most vulnerable regions in the world to CC. The IPCC Fifth Assessment Report (AR5) recognises that “adaptation is the only effective option to manage the impending impacts of CC which mitigation cannot reduce.” Furthermore, “effective adaptation strategies can, and should, strengthen livelihoods, enhance well-being and human security, and reduce poverty today.” Adaptation to CC can reduce the risks to livelihoods, eco-systems, and infrastructure, to create economic stability. Sustainable management of these factors are critical for increasing the resilience of CDB’s BMCs to CC.

in the region, climate change financing and sustainable development and charting the way forward.

The International Climate Change Conference for the Caribbean region will seek to: i. build consensus and synergies between scientific analysis and policy formulation and implementation; ii. expose primary stakeholders within the Caribbean region to the various tools available to integrate climate variability and change into national planning and policies; iii. provide stakeholders with information on the availability of and access to climate finance; iv. give visibility to scientific documentation generated in the Caribbean region with the intention for such to be incorporated into the IPCC reports; v. introduce climate science to a range of local and regional stakeholders and present the key findings of the 1.5 to Stay Alive research project for the Caribbean region; vi. provide opportunities for discussions of CC impacts, vulnerability, mitigation and adaptation among borrowing member countries of the Caribbean Development Bank, regional and international organisations; vii. create dialogue between regional and national policymakers, businesses, the public sector and other stakeholders on the challenges and priority actions relating to CC, with input from Caribbean scientists; viii. raise awareness on the role of the Caribbean Scientists, the IPCC process in general and the opportunities for local scientists during development of AR6; and, ix. provide a platform for regional & national organisations to share information on climate change activities being implemented under their respective portfolios.

This proposed conference should realise the following outputs and outcomes: • a database and network of researchers, sector-specific experts and programme/project developers that will help shape the region response to climate variability and change; • strengthened South-South and North-South partnerships and a better understanding of the challenges related to climate change faced by the Caribbean region and other SIDS; • live streaming of the opening of the conference, special presentations and the panel discussion slated for the last day of the conference as well as several other hours of audio-video footage and print media coverage, which will be made accessible to the general public via several medium; • a roadmap for the Caribbean region to move its scientific work through a peer review process for eventual incorporation into the IPCC report; • increased awareness among all Caribbean stakeholders of the work done and being done in the Caribbean region and other SIDS in building resilience and developing low carbon economies in response to the adverse effects of climate variability and change; • a greater understanding among key stakeholders of the role of regional organisations (CARICOM, CCCCC, CDB, CIMH, CDERA, CARDI, CARPHA, UWI, UG, UB) in enhancing the knowledge of CC impacts and potential solutions for the region.

The International Climate Change Conference for the Caribbean region will also ensure that policymakers and the general public have a better insight on how CC scientific findings can be integrated into national and regional development policies and strategies, and relayed to specific stakeholders to influence their behaviour and responsiveness to address CC issues and leading to more informed, science-based processes for effective decision-making in the region. These outputs have the potential to shape the regions response to climate variability and change as well as equip negotiators from the region with up-to-date and relevant information to be tabled at the 23rd session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 23) to the UN Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

research communities, with input from international scientists focusing on financing mechanisms/opportunities; regional negotiators for COP and discussion on accounting and compliance, and information to support negotiators; and a Science-Policy-Finance interface panel discussion.

There is a need for a greater appreciation and understanding of the science behind CC in order to promote integration into national and regional climate policy and resilience strategies. It is important that the technical information relayed in reports from the Caribbean and from other researchers such as the IPCC are fully understood by all stakeholders, including decision makers, business owners, the media and the general public, so that they can positively respond and develop evidenced-based strategies to adapt to CC. It is also relevant that CARICOM provide unfiltered feedback to the IPCC on the accuracy and adequacy of Caribbean information and the expectations for coverage in future IPCC reports.Furthermore, this conference is aligned with aims and objectives of the GCCA+, CDB, UNDP JCCP and the CCCCC. This conference will aid the GCCA+ to realise its goal of boosting the efficiency of response to the needs of vulnerable countries and groups by fostering effective dialogue and cooperation on climate change among policymakers, private sector, civil society, research scientists and regional negotiators. This is aligned with the first pillar of the GCCA+, which serves as a platform for dialogue and exchange of experience between the EU and developing countries, focusing on climate policy and bringing renewed attention to the issue of international climate finance, with aim that these results feed into negotiations for a new climate deal under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

In the case of CDB, the Conference will enhance the knowledge and understanding of CDB’s BMCs on CC impacts in the Region so that they will better be able to identify priority areas to focus resilience efforts. Additionally, the discussions at the Conference will promote an exchange in best practices and lessons learnt throughout the Region so that countries can identify which solutions are practicable within their respective socio-economic contexts. Identification of these priority areas will enable CDB to fulfill its objective of knowledge building and capacity development for climate resilience at the regional and national levels as outlined in its Climate Resilience Strategy 2012-2017. CDB will be able to assist its BMCs in the execution of plans and strategies that will enable them to increase their resilience to CC, based on Caribbean specific projections, and recommendations by regional stakeholders and IPCC scientists. This conference is also aligned with UNDP Japan Caribbean Climate Change Partnership (UNDP-JCCCP), which is aimed at encourages policy innovation via three outcomes. These are: • Outcome 1 - Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Actions (NAMAs) and National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) to promote alternative low-emission and climate-resilient technologies. • Outcome 2 - Adoption and implementation of mitigation and adaptation technologies. • Outcome 3 - Strengthened knowledge networks through shared South-South and North-South experiences.

The proposed conference is closely linked to Outcome 3 since its aim is to foster knowledge sharing of experiences surrounding climate change, natural hazard risk and resilience through strengthened networks in Caribbean via channels of South-South and North-South cooperation. It is expected that the proposed conference will aid with capacity building within the region to sustain and enhance approaches to climate change adaptation and mitigation and disaster risk management as well as facilitate transfer of technical and process-oriented information on experiences, good practice, lessons and examples of relevance to medium to long-term national, sector and local planning and budgeting processes.

Despite the wealth of information contained in reports published by the IPCC, including the science of CC, its impacts and future risks, and options for adaptation and mitigation, countries with economies in transition including CDB’s BMCs, experience difficulties in applying this information to their national circumstances or in conveying information to relevant stakeholders, including entrepreneurs and civil society, in a way that enables them to become more resilient and responsive to CC. Small Island Developing States (SIDS) such as CDB’s BMCs, are frequently not equipped with the right tools or sufficient expertise to apply the information presented in IPCC reports to national or local circumstances. This leads to a separation between the science and politics of CC at the national level.

Like the IPCC, the CCCCC has sought to address this gap by publicising and disseminating findings from coordinated research to its key audiences, including the scientific and policymaker communities regionally, by supporting the producing of outreach materials and organising outreach activities such as workshops by regional and national representatives at various national and international meetings. These events target technical personnel and policymakers at national and local levels; regional institutions/organisations; the climate and disaster risk management community; private sector; civil society organisations; the academia community; youth groups and students; national, regional and international media. CDB has previously supported outreach activities of the IPCC such as the Caribbean launch of the AR5 SIDS chapter which took place in Barbados in October 2014. Such events are important in bringing together key stakeholders, in highlighting priority areas to be addressed and for discussing the way forward in the Region.

Given its mandate as the Centre of excellence for the development of policy, technical research and the mobilisation of financial and other resources to address CC and related matters within CARICOM, CCCCC is partnering with the CDB to stage an international climate change conference for the Caribbean Region. The CCCCC International Climate Change Conference for the Caribbean Region will engage participants in a science policy-based interface dialogue with a view to raising awareness among BMCs and other participants about the scientific, adaptation and mitigation initiatives done and propose to be done within BMCs along with the CCCCC role and proposed activities. It will provide an opportunity for regional participation in defining the priority areas of investigation in the process of developing the Sixth Assessment Report (AR6), which will cover the period 2016-2022, while highlighting CC challenges and solutions for the Region.

The International Climate Change Conference for the Caribbean Region will introduce climate science, policy-making synergies and the process for integration of climate variability and change into national and regional development planning and implementation. The workshop will also take on a Caribbean focus, summarising the key findings of the 1.5 to Stay Alive Initiative. The CCCCC will present an overview of its role and activities, including the production of the scientific research, strategies, action plans, adaptation and mitigation development programmes, and policy documents it has supported and will continue to support over the past and upcoming years. There will also be presentations and discussions from regional institutions, where the intrinsic and extrinsic vulnerability of SIDS will be discussed and adaptation and mitigation options explored.

The conference will provide opportunities for dialogue between a range of stakeholders on climate change socio-economic assessments and impacts including cost benefit analysis and loss and damage assessment; and the utility and application of climate change impact tools/models. Through a series of working sessions, it will allow for in-depth dialogue and development of a road map with regards to lessons learnt; best practices; knowledge and information gaps, sharing and management; technology transfer particularly in relation to early warning systems; and using relevant and appropriate tools in decision making. The conference will also, provide opportunities for dialogue among a range of stakeholders including local/national and regional policymakers, the business/private sector, civil society organisations and the national and regional

Follow the event at #CaribbeanClimate

For more information visit caribbeanclimate.bz or gcca.eu

Conference BriefPROJECT SUMMARY The Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC) is mandated to coordinate the Caribbean region’s response to climate change, through effective solutions and projects, as well as to inform climate change-related policy and guidelines. The European Commission's Directorate-General for International Cooperation and Development (DG DEVCO) Global Climate Change Plus flagship initiative (GCCA+) is mandated “to foster dialogue and cooperation on climate change among the EU and poor developing countries most vulnerable to climate change and help ensuring that these countries increase their capacities to adapt to the effects of climate change, and, where it benefits their poverty reduction objectives, participate in the global climate change mitigation effort” and has been active in the Caribbean region since 2008.

The GCCA+, Caribbean Development Bank, UNDP Japan Caribbean Climate Change Partnership (UNDP-JCCCP), Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) and CCCCC propose a joint international climate change conference for the Caribbean. This conference will address the role of climate information (from global, regional and local models) into shaping and implementing climate policy and programmes in the Caribbean region. The various sessions will discuss the crucial nexus of science-policy to build the required resilience capacity and programmes in the Caribbean region based on available climate information, highlighting how theories translate in research and how these research findings are used to formulate actions and policies that are critical to building resilience in the Caribbean and transferable to other regions. In particular, a range of technical and management experience from hands-on applications of climate information in the Caribbean region will be presented fostering interaction and knowledge sharing among natural scientists, social scientists, policy makers and development partners. Finally, this conference will foster the exchange and partnerships among a variety of stakeholders (including SIDS from other regions) involved in global, regional and national climate programmes as well as climate negotiations. This is particularly important for soliciting feedback necessary to refine the region’s research focus as well as for developing programmes and projects to suit the region’s needs that could be funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and other international donors. Accessing climate financing will also feature at this proposed conference. This conference will highlight potential sources of climate financing and the nuisances associated with accessing those funds as well as identify ways to circumvent some of these hindrances. It will draw on the experiences of regional institutions such as Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC) and international institutions such as the EU-GCCA and GCF. Broadly, the objectives of the conference include: • building consensus and synergies between scientific analysis and policy formulation and implementation; • exposing primary stakeholders within the Caribbean region to the various tools available to integrate climate variability and change into national planning and policies; • building capacity with regards to climate financing and implementation; • creating linkages and a network of researchers, programme/project developers, donors and policy makers; • raising awareness on the roles of Caribbean scientists, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC ) process in general and the opportunities for local/regional scientists during the development of the Sixth Assessment Report (AR6); • giving exposure to scientific documentation in the Caribbean region with the intention for such to be incorporated into the IPCC report through a peer review and journal publication process; and, more generally, • raising public awareness about climate change related works being done

BACKGROUND AND RATIONALE The CCCCC coordinates the Caribbean region’s response to climate change. Officially opened in August 2005, the Centre is the key node for information on climate change issues and on the region’s response to managing and adapting to climate change in the Caribbean. The main goal of the Centre is to improve the ability of Caribbean people living in communities at risk from climate change to adopt more sustainable lifestyles. It does this through the provision of services designed to improve knowledge of climate change and foster adaptation to the effects of climate change. These services include:

1. A Clearing House – The Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre’s (CCCCC) Regional Clearinghouse Database is the region’s premier repository of information and data on climate change specific to the region. Community Projects – The Centre’s expertise is used to facilitate projects for communities-at-risk and to expedite community “buy-in” and adaptation measures. The Centre seeks to conceptualize, develop, and implement projects which result in behaviour change through a participatory process involving the communities as partners. The Centre is particularly interested in the areas of Health, Water Resources, Tourism, Agriculture, and Renewable Energy.

2. Joint Programmes – Regional and international agencies, educational institutions, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and other civil organizations will find a ready and receptive partner for climate change projects at the Centre. The Centre has a network of experts who are available for all stages of project design and management.

3. Environmental Scanning – The Centre has access to the necessary information and expertise to identify climate-related threats. It uses this information to help its stakeholders, to develop and implement adaptation strategies based on scenarios developed by the Centre. The Centre would also be an integral part of any regional early-warning system.

4. Training – The Centre has developed appropriate training courses for different stakeholders for the application of several tools e.g. CCORAL, CARIWIG, SMASH.

5. Consultancy Services – Using its network of expert consultants, the Centre can provide services for a wide range of situations and projects. It can conceptualise, plan, develop, implement, monitor, and evaluate projects and programmes in areas related to climate change.

6. GCF - The Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC) was accredited as a regional implementing entity by the Board of the Green Climate Fund (GCF), a key multilateral financing mechanism to support climate action in developing countries on July 09, 2015. As a regionally accredited organization, the CCCCC is now the interface and conduit for GCF funding to the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) of the Caribbean. Application for GCF funding takes place in consultation with country focal points (NDAs) and the CCCCC.

The CCCCC has coordinated the production of a series of reports providing comprehensive and up-to-date scientific assessments of climate variability, CC, vulnerability, adaptation, and mitigation issues. These reports are written by experts from developing countries and help to inform national climate-related policies.

IPCC reports have identified the Caribbean as one of the most vulnerable regions in the world to CC. The IPCC Fifth Assessment Report (AR5) recognises that “adaptation is the only effective option to manage the impending impacts of CC which mitigation cannot reduce.” Furthermore, “effective adaptation strategies can, and should, strengthen livelihoods, enhance well-being and human security, and reduce poverty today.” Adaptation to CC can reduce the risks to livelihoods, eco-systems, and infrastructure, to create economic stability. Sustainable management of these factors are critical for increasing the resilience of CDB’s BMCs to CC.

in the region, climate change financing and sustainable development and charting the way forward.

The International Climate Change Conference for the Caribbean region will seek to: i. build consensus and synergies between scientific analysis and policy formulation and implementation; ii. expose primary stakeholders within the Caribbean region to the various tools available to integrate climate variability and change into national planning and policies; iii. provide stakeholders with information on the availability of and access to climate finance; iv. give visibility to scientific documentation generated in the Caribbean region with the intention for such to be incorporated into the IPCC reports; v. introduce climate science to a range of local and regional stakeholders and present the key findings of the 1.5 to Stay Alive research project for the Caribbean region; vi. provide opportunities for discussions of CC impacts, vulnerability, mitigation and adaptation among borrowing member countries of the Caribbean Development Bank, regional and international organisations; vii. create dialogue between regional and national policymakers, businesses, the public sector and other stakeholders on the challenges and priority actions relating to CC, with input from Caribbean scientists; viii. raise awareness on the role of the Caribbean Scientists, the IPCC process in general and the opportunities for local scientists during development of AR6; and, ix. provide a platform for regional & national organisations to share information on climate change activities being implemented under their respective portfolios.

This proposed conference should realise the following outputs and outcomes: • a database and network of researchers, sector-specific experts and programme/project developers that will help shape the region response to climate variability and change; • strengthened South-South and North-South partnerships and a better understanding of the challenges related to climate change faced by the Caribbean region and other SIDS; • live streaming of the opening of the conference, special presentations and the panel discussion slated for the last day of the conference as well as several other hours of audio-video footage and print media coverage, which will be made accessible to the general public via several medium; • a roadmap for the Caribbean region to move its scientific work through a peer review process for eventual incorporation into the IPCC report; • increased awareness among all Caribbean stakeholders of the work done and being done in the Caribbean region and other SIDS in building resilience and developing low carbon economies in response to the adverse effects of climate variability and change; • a greater understanding among key stakeholders of the role of regional organisations (CARICOM, CCCCC, CDB, CIMH, CDERA, CARDI, CARPHA, UWI, UG, UB) in enhancing the knowledge of CC impacts and potential solutions for the region.

The International Climate Change Conference for the Caribbean region will also ensure that policymakers and the general public have a better insight on how CC scientific findings can be integrated into national and regional development policies and strategies, and relayed to specific stakeholders to influence their behaviour and responsiveness to address CC issues and leading to more informed, science-based processes for effective decision-making in the region. These outputs have the potential to shape the regions response to climate variability and change as well as equip negotiators from the region with up-to-date and relevant information to be tabled at the 23rd session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 23) to the UN Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

research communities, with input from international scientists focusing on financing mechanisms/opportunities; regional negotiators for COP and discussion on accounting and compliance, and information to support negotiators; and a Science-Policy-Finance interface panel discussion.

There is a need for a greater appreciation and understanding of the science behind CC in order to promote integration into national and regional climate policy and resilience strategies. It is important that the technical information relayed in reports from the Caribbean and from other researchers such as the IPCC are fully understood by all stakeholders, including decision makers, business owners, the media and the general public, so that they can positively respond and develop evidenced-based strategies to adapt to CC. It is also relevant that CARICOM provide unfiltered feedback to the IPCC on the accuracy and adequacy of Caribbean information and the expectations for coverage in future IPCC reports.Furthermore, this conference is aligned with aims and objectives of the GCCA+, CDB, UNDP JCCP and the CCCCC. This conference will aid the GCCA+ to realise its goal of boosting the efficiency of response to the needs of vulnerable countries and groups by fostering effective dialogue and cooperation on climate change among policymakers, private sector, civil society, research scientists and regional negotiators. This is aligned with the first pillar of the GCCA+, which serves as a platform for dialogue and exchange of experience between the EU and developing countries, focusing on climate policy and bringing renewed attention to the issue of international climate finance, with aim that these results feed into negotiations for a new climate deal under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

In the case of CDB, the Conference will enhance the knowledge and understanding of CDB’s BMCs on CC impacts in the Region so that they will better be able to identify priority areas to focus resilience efforts. Additionally, the discussions at the Conference will promote an exchange in best practices and lessons learnt throughout the Region so that countries can identify which solutions are practicable within their respective socio-economic contexts. Identification of these priority areas will enable CDB to fulfill its objective of knowledge building and capacity development for climate resilience at the regional and national levels as outlined in its Climate Resilience Strategy 2012-2017. CDB will be able to assist its BMCs in the execution of plans and strategies that will enable them to increase their resilience to CC, based on Caribbean specific projections, and recommendations by regional stakeholders and IPCC scientists. This conference is also aligned with UNDP Japan Caribbean Climate Change Partnership (UNDP-JCCCP), which is aimed at encourages policy innovation via three outcomes. These are: • Outcome 1 - Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Actions (NAMAs) and National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) to promote alternative low-emission and climate-resilient technologies. • Outcome 2 - Adoption and implementation of mitigation and adaptation technologies. • Outcome 3 - Strengthened knowledge networks through shared South-South and North-South experiences.

The proposed conference is closely linked to Outcome 3 since its aim is to foster knowledge sharing of experiences surrounding climate change, natural hazard risk and resilience through strengthened networks in Caribbean via channels of South-South and North-South cooperation. It is expected that the proposed conference will aid with capacity building within the region to sustain and enhance approaches to climate change adaptation and mitigation and disaster risk management as well as facilitate transfer of technical and process-oriented information on experiences, good practice, lessons and examples of relevance to medium to long-term national, sector and local planning and budgeting processes.

Despite the wealth of information contained in reports published by the IPCC, including the science of CC, its impacts and future risks, and options for adaptation and mitigation, countries with economies in transition including CDB’s BMCs, experience difficulties in applying this information to their national circumstances or in conveying information to relevant stakeholders, including entrepreneurs and civil society, in a way that enables them to become more resilient and responsive to CC. Small Island Developing States (SIDS) such as CDB’s BMCs, are frequently not equipped with the right tools or sufficient expertise to apply the information presented in IPCC reports to national or local circumstances. This leads to a separation between the science and politics of CC at the national level.

Like the IPCC, the CCCCC has sought to address this gap by publicising and disseminating findings from coordinated research to its key audiences, including the scientific and policymaker communities regionally, by supporting the producing of outreach materials and organising outreach activities such as workshops by regional and national representatives at various national and international meetings. These events target technical personnel and policymakers at national and local levels; regional institutions/organisations; the climate and disaster risk management community; private sector; civil society organisations; the academia community; youth groups and students; national, regional and international media. CDB has previously supported outreach activities of the IPCC such as the Caribbean launch of the AR5 SIDS chapter which took place in Barbados in October 2014. Such events are important in bringing together key stakeholders, in highlighting priority areas to be addressed and for discussing the way forward in the Region.

Given its mandate as the Centre of excellence for the development of policy, technical research and the mobilisation of financial and other resources to address CC and related matters within CARICOM, CCCCC is partnering with the CDB to stage an international climate change conference for the Caribbean Region. The CCCCC International Climate Change Conference for the Caribbean Region will engage participants in a science policy-based interface dialogue with a view to raising awareness among BMCs and other participants about the scientific, adaptation and mitigation initiatives done and propose to be done within BMCs along with the CCCCC role and proposed activities. It will provide an opportunity for regional participation in defining the priority areas of investigation in the process of developing the Sixth Assessment Report (AR6), which will cover the period 2016-2022, while highlighting CC challenges and solutions for the Region.

The International Climate Change Conference for the Caribbean Region will introduce climate science, policy-making synergies and the process for integration of climate variability and change into national and regional development planning and implementation. The workshop will also take on a Caribbean focus, summarising the key findings of the 1.5 to Stay Alive Initiative. The CCCCC will present an overview of its role and activities, including the production of the scientific research, strategies, action plans, adaptation and mitigation development programmes, and policy documents it has supported and will continue to support over the past and upcoming years. There will also be presentations and discussions from regional institutions, where the intrinsic and extrinsic vulnerability of SIDS will be discussed and adaptation and mitigation options explored.

The conference will provide opportunities for dialogue between a range of stakeholders on climate change socio-economic assessments and impacts including cost benefit analysis and loss and damage assessment; and the utility and application of climate change impact tools/models. Through a series of working sessions, it will allow for in-depth dialogue and development of a road map with regards to lessons learnt; best practices; knowledge and information gaps, sharing and management; technology transfer particularly in relation to early warning systems; and using relevant and appropriate tools in decision making. The conference will also, provide opportunities for dialogue among a range of stakeholders including local/national and regional policymakers, the business/private sector, civil society organisations and the national and regional

INTERNATIONAL CLIMATE CHANGE CONFERENCE IN THE CARIBBEAN2017

Conference BriefPROJECT SUMMARY The Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC) is mandated to coordinate the Caribbean region’s response to climate change, through effective solutions and projects, as well as to inform climate change-related policy and guidelines. The European Commission's Directorate-General for International Cooperation and Development (DG DEVCO) Global Climate Change Plus flagship initiative (GCCA+) is mandated “to foster dialogue and cooperation on climate change among the EU and poor developing countries most vulnerable to climate change and help ensuring that these countries increase their capacities to adapt to the effects of climate change, and, where it benefits their poverty reduction objectives, participate in the global climate change mitigation effort” and has been active in the Caribbean region since 2008.

The GCCA+, Caribbean Development Bank, UNDP Japan Caribbean Climate Change Partnership (UNDP-JCCCP), Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) and CCCCC propose a joint international climate change conference for the Caribbean. This conference will address the role of climate information (from global, regional and local models) into shaping and implementing climate policy and programmes in the Caribbean region. The various sessions will discuss the crucial nexus of science-policy to build the required resilience capacity and programmes in the Caribbean region based on available climate information, highlighting how theories translate in research and how these research findings are used to formulate actions and policies that are critical to building resilience in the Caribbean and transferable to other regions. In particular, a range of technical and management experience from hands-on applications of climate information in the Caribbean region will be presented fostering interaction and knowledge sharing among natural scientists, social scientists, policy makers and development partners. Finally, this conference will foster the exchange and partnerships among a variety of stakeholders (including SIDS from other regions) involved in global, regional and national climate programmes as well as climate negotiations. This is particularly important for soliciting feedback necessary to refine the region’s research focus as well as for developing programmes and projects to suit the region’s needs that could be funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and other international donors. Accessing climate financing will also feature at this proposed conference. This conference will highlight potential sources of climate financing and the nuisances associated with accessing those funds as well as identify ways to circumvent some of these hindrances. It will draw on the experiences of regional institutions such as Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC) and international institutions such as the EU-GCCA and GCF. Broadly, the objectives of the conference include: • building consensus and synergies between scientific analysis and policy formulation and implementation; • exposing primary stakeholders within the Caribbean region to the various tools available to integrate climate variability and change into national planning and policies; • building capacity with regards to climate financing and implementation; • creating linkages and a network of researchers, programme/project developers, donors and policy makers; • raising awareness on the roles of Caribbean scientists, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC ) process in general and the opportunities for local/regional scientists during the development of the Sixth Assessment Report (AR6); • giving exposure to scientific documentation in the Caribbean region with the intention for such to be incorporated into the IPCC report through a peer review and journal publication process; and, more generally, • raising public awareness about climate change related works being done

BACKGROUND AND RATIONALE The CCCCC coordinates the Caribbean region’s response to climate change. Officially opened in August 2005, the Centre is the key node for information on climate change issues and on the region’s response to managing and adapting to climate change in the Caribbean. The main goal of the Centre is to improve the ability of Caribbean people living in communities at risk from climate change to adopt more sustainable lifestyles. It does this through the provision of services designed to improve knowledge of climate change and foster adaptation to the effects of climate change. These services include:

1. A Clearing House – The Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre’s (CCCCC) Regional Clearinghouse Database is the region’s premier repository of information and data on climate change specific to the region. Community Projects – The Centre’s expertise is used to facilitate projects for communities-at-risk and to expedite community “buy-in” and adaptation measures. The Centre seeks to conceptualize, develop, and implement projects which result in behaviour change through a participatory process involving the communities as partners. The Centre is particularly interested in the areas of Health, Water Resources, Tourism, Agriculture, and Renewable Energy.

2. Joint Programmes – Regional and international agencies, educational institutions, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and other civil organizations will find a ready and receptive partner for climate change projects at the Centre. The Centre has a network of experts who are available for all stages of project design and management.

3. Environmental Scanning – The Centre has access to the necessary information and expertise to identify climate-related threats. It uses this information to help its stakeholders, to develop and implement adaptation strategies based on scenarios developed by the Centre. The Centre would also be an integral part of any regional early-warning system.

4. Training – The Centre has developed appropriate training courses for different stakeholders for the application of several tools e.g. CCORAL, CARIWIG, SMASH.

5. Consultancy Services – Using its network of expert consultants, the Centre can provide services for a wide range of situations and projects. It can conceptualise, plan, develop, implement, monitor, and evaluate projects and programmes in areas related to climate change.

6. GCF - The Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC) was accredited as a regional implementing entity by the Board of the Green Climate Fund (GCF), a key multilateral financing mechanism to support climate action in developing countries on July 09, 2015. As a regionally accredited organization, the CCCCC is now the interface and conduit for GCF funding to the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) of the Caribbean. Application for GCF funding takes place in consultation with country focal points (NDAs) and the CCCCC.

The CCCCC has coordinated the production of a series of reports providing comprehensive and up-to-date scientific assessments of climate variability, CC, vulnerability, adaptation, and mitigation issues. These reports are written by experts from developing countries and help to inform national climate-related policies.

IPCC reports have identified the Caribbean as one of the most vulnerable regions in the world to CC. The IPCC Fifth Assessment Report (AR5) recognises that “adaptation is the only effective option to manage the impending impacts of CC which mitigation cannot reduce.” Furthermore, “effective adaptation strategies can, and should, strengthen livelihoods, enhance well-being and human security, and reduce poverty today.” Adaptation to CC can reduce the risks to livelihoods, eco-systems, and infrastructure, to create economic stability. Sustainable management of these factors are critical for increasing the resilience of CDB’s BMCs to CC.

in the region, climate change financing and sustainable development and charting the way forward.

The International Climate Change Conference for the Caribbean region will seek to: i. build consensus and synergies between scientific analysis and policy formulation and implementation; ii. expose primary stakeholders within the Caribbean region to the various tools available to integrate climate variability and change into national planning and policies; iii. provide stakeholders with information on the availability of and access to climate finance; iv. give visibility to scientific documentation generated in the Caribbean region with the intention for such to be incorporated into the IPCC reports; v. introduce climate science to a range of local and regional stakeholders and present the key findings of the 1.5 to Stay Alive research project for the Caribbean region; vi. provide opportunities for discussions of CC impacts, vulnerability, mitigation and adaptation among borrowing member countries of the Caribbean Development Bank, regional and international organisations; vii. create dialogue between regional and national policymakers, businesses, the public sector and other stakeholders on the challenges and priority actions relating to CC, with input from Caribbean scientists; viii. raise awareness on the role of the Caribbean Scientists, the IPCC process in general and the opportunities for local scientists during development of AR6; and, ix. provide a platform for regional & national organisations to share information on climate change activities being implemented under their respective portfolios.

This proposed conference should realise the following outputs and outcomes: • a database and network of researchers, sector-specific experts and programme/project developers that will help shape the region response to climate variability and change; • strengthened South-South and North-South partnerships and a better understanding of the challenges related to climate change faced by the Caribbean region and other SIDS; • live streaming of the opening of the conference, special presentations and the panel discussion slated for the last day of the conference as well as several other hours of audio-video footage and print media coverage, which will be made accessible to the general public via several medium; • a roadmap for the Caribbean region to move its scientific work through a peer review process for eventual incorporation into the IPCC report; • increased awareness among all Caribbean stakeholders of the work done and being done in the Caribbean region and other SIDS in building resilience and developing low carbon economies in response to the adverse effects of climate variability and change; • a greater understanding among key stakeholders of the role of regional organisations (CARICOM, CCCCC, CDB, CIMH, CDERA, CARDI, CARPHA, UWI, UG, UB) in enhancing the knowledge of CC impacts and potential solutions for the region.

The International Climate Change Conference for the Caribbean region will also ensure that policymakers and the general public have a better insight on how CC scientific findings can be integrated into national and regional development policies and strategies, and relayed to specific stakeholders to influence their behaviour and responsiveness to address CC issues and leading to more informed, science-based processes for effective decision-making in the region. These outputs have the potential to shape the regions response to climate variability and change as well as equip negotiators from the region with up-to-date and relevant information to be tabled at the 23rd session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 23) to the UN Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

research communities, with input from international scientists focusing on financing mechanisms/opportunities; regional negotiators for COP and discussion on accounting and compliance, and information to support negotiators; and a Science-Policy-Finance interface panel discussion.

There is a need for a greater appreciation and understanding of the science behind CC in order to promote integration into national and regional climate policy and resilience strategies. It is important that the technical information relayed in reports from the Caribbean and from other researchers such as the IPCC are fully understood by all stakeholders, including decision makers, business owners, the media and the general public, so that they can positively respond and develop evidenced-based strategies to adapt to CC. It is also relevant that CARICOM provide unfiltered feedback to the IPCC on the accuracy and adequacy of Caribbean information and the expectations for coverage in future IPCC reports.Furthermore, this conference is aligned with aims and objectives of the GCCA+, CDB, UNDP JCCP and the CCCCC. This conference will aid the GCCA+ to realise its goal of boosting the efficiency of response to the needs of vulnerable countries and groups by fostering effective dialogue and cooperation on climate change among policymakers, private sector, civil society, research scientists and regional negotiators. This is aligned with the first pillar of the GCCA+, which serves as a platform for dialogue and exchange of experience between the EU and developing countries, focusing on climate policy and bringing renewed attention to the issue of international climate finance, with aim that these results feed into negotiations for a new climate deal under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

In the case of CDB, the Conference will enhance the knowledge and understanding of CDB’s BMCs on CC impacts in the Region so that they will better be able to identify priority areas to focus resilience efforts. Additionally, the discussions at the Conference will promote an exchange in best practices and lessons learnt throughout the Region so that countries can identify which solutions are practicable within their respective socio-economic contexts. Identification of these priority areas will enable CDB to fulfill its objective of knowledge building and capacity development for climate resilience at the regional and national levels as outlined in its Climate Resilience Strategy 2012-2017. CDB will be able to assist its BMCs in the execution of plans and strategies that will enable them to increase their resilience to CC, based on Caribbean specific projections, and recommendations by regional stakeholders and IPCC scientists. This conference is also aligned with UNDP Japan Caribbean Climate Change Partnership (UNDP-JCCCP), which is aimed at encourages policy innovation via three outcomes. These are: • Outcome 1 - Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Actions (NAMAs) and National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) to promote alternative low-emission and climate-resilient technologies. • Outcome 2 - Adoption and implementation of mitigation and adaptation technologies. • Outcome 3 - Strengthened knowledge networks through shared South-South and North-South experiences.

The proposed conference is closely linked to Outcome 3 since its aim is to foster knowledge sharing of experiences surrounding climate change, natural hazard risk and resilience through strengthened networks in Caribbean via channels of South-South and North-South cooperation. It is expected that the proposed conference will aid with capacity building within the region to sustain and enhance approaches to climate change adaptation and mitigation and disaster risk management as well as facilitate transfer of technical and process-oriented information on experiences, good practice, lessons and examples of relevance to medium to long-term national, sector and local planning and budgeting processes.

Despite the wealth of information contained in reports published by the IPCC, including the science of CC, its impacts and future risks, and options for adaptation and mitigation, countries with economies in transition including CDB’s BMCs, experience difficulties in applying this information to their national circumstances or in conveying information to relevant stakeholders, including entrepreneurs and civil society, in a way that enables them to become more resilient and responsive to CC. Small Island Developing States (SIDS) such as CDB’s BMCs, are frequently not equipped with the right tools or sufficient expertise to apply the information presented in IPCC reports to national or local circumstances. This leads to a separation between the science and politics of CC at the national level.

Like the IPCC, the CCCCC has sought to address this gap by publicising and disseminating findings from coordinated research to its key audiences, including the scientific and policymaker communities regionally, by supporting the producing of outreach materials and organising outreach activities such as workshops by regional and national representatives at various national and international meetings. These events target technical personnel and policymakers at national and local levels; regional institutions/organisations; the climate and disaster risk management community; private sector; civil society organisations; the academia community; youth groups and students; national, regional and international media. CDB has previously supported outreach activities of the IPCC such as the Caribbean launch of the AR5 SIDS chapter which took place in Barbados in October 2014. Such events are important in bringing together key stakeholders, in highlighting priority areas to be addressed and for discussing the way forward in the Region.

Given its mandate as the Centre of excellence for the development of policy, technical research and the mobilisation of financial and other resources to address CC and related matters within CARICOM, CCCCC is partnering with the CDB to stage an international climate change conference for the Caribbean Region. The CCCCC International Climate Change Conference for the Caribbean Region will engage participants in a science policy-based interface dialogue with a view to raising awareness among BMCs and other participants about the scientific, adaptation and mitigation initiatives done and propose to be done within BMCs along with the CCCCC role and proposed activities. It will provide an opportunity for regional participation in defining the priority areas of investigation in the process of developing the Sixth Assessment Report (AR6), which will cover the period 2016-2022, while highlighting CC challenges and solutions for the Region.

The International Climate Change Conference for the Caribbean Region will introduce climate science, policy-making synergies and the process for integration of climate variability and change into national and regional development planning and implementation. The workshop will also take on a Caribbean focus, summarising the key findings of the 1.5 to Stay Alive Initiative. The CCCCC will present an overview of its role and activities, including the production of the scientific research, strategies, action plans, adaptation and mitigation development programmes, and policy documents it has supported and will continue to support over the past and upcoming years. There will also be presentations and discussions from regional institutions, where the intrinsic and extrinsic vulnerability of SIDS will be discussed and adaptation and mitigation options explored.

The conference will provide opportunities for dialogue between a range of stakeholders on climate change socio-economic assessments and impacts including cost benefit analysis and loss and damage assessment; and the utility and application of climate change impact tools/models. Through a series of working sessions, it will allow for in-depth dialogue and development of a road map with regards to lessons learnt; best practices; knowledge and information gaps, sharing and management; technology transfer particularly in relation to early warning systems; and using relevant and appropriate tools in decision making. The conference will also, provide opportunities for dialogue among a range of stakeholders including local/national and regional policymakers, the business/private sector, civil society organisations and the national and regional

Follow the event at #CaribbeanClimate

For more information visit caribbeanclimate.bz or gcca.eu

Conference BriefPROJECT SUMMARY The Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC) is mandated to coordinate the Caribbean region’s response to climate change, through effective solutions and projects, as well as to inform climate change-related policy and guidelines. The European Commission's Directorate-General for International Cooperation and Development (DG DEVCO) Global Climate Change Plus flagship initiative (GCCA+) is mandated “to foster dialogue and cooperation on climate change among the EU and poor developing countries most vulnerable to climate change and help ensuring that these countries increase their capacities to adapt to the effects of climate change, and, where it benefits their poverty reduction objectives, participate in the global climate change mitigation effort” and has been active in the Caribbean region since 2008.

The GCCA+, Caribbean Development Bank, UNDP Japan Caribbean Climate Change Partnership (UNDP-JCCCP), Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) and CCCCC propose a joint international climate change conference for the Caribbean. This conference will address the role of climate information (from global, regional and local models) into shaping and implementing climate policy and programmes in the Caribbean region. The various sessions will discuss the crucial nexus of science-policy to build the required resilience capacity and programmes in the Caribbean region based on available climate information, highlighting how theories translate in research and how these research findings are used to formulate actions and policies that are critical to building resilience in the Caribbean and transferable to other regions. In particular, a range of technical and management experience from hands-on applications of climate information in the Caribbean region will be presented fostering interaction and knowledge sharing among natural scientists, social scientists, policy makers and development partners. Finally, this conference will foster the exchange and partnerships among a variety of stakeholders (including SIDS from other regions) involved in global, regional and national climate programmes as well as climate negotiations. This is particularly important for soliciting feedback necessary to refine the region’s research focus as well as for developing programmes and projects to suit the region’s needs that could be funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and other international donors. Accessing climate financing will also feature at this proposed conference. This conference will highlight potential sources of climate financing and the nuisances associated with accessing those funds as well as identify ways to circumvent some of these hindrances. It will draw on the experiences of regional institutions such as Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC) and international institutions such as the EU-GCCA and GCF. Broadly, the objectives of the conference include: • building consensus and synergies between scientific analysis and policy formulation and implementation; • exposing primary stakeholders within the Caribbean region to the various tools available to integrate climate variability and change into national planning and policies; • building capacity with regards to climate financing and implementation; • creating linkages and a network of researchers, programme/project developers, donors and policy makers; • raising awareness on the roles of Caribbean scientists, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC ) process in general and the opportunities for local/regional scientists during the development of the Sixth Assessment Report (AR6); • giving exposure to scientific documentation in the Caribbean region with the intention for such to be incorporated into the IPCC report through a peer review and journal publication process; and, more generally, • raising public awareness about climate change related works being done

BACKGROUND AND RATIONALE The CCCCC coordinates the Caribbean region’s response to climate change. Officially opened in August 2005, the Centre is the key node for information on climate change issues and on the region’s response to managing and adapting to climate change in the Caribbean. The main goal of the Centre is to improve the ability of Caribbean people living in communities at risk from climate change to adopt more sustainable lifestyles. It does this through the provision of services designed to improve knowledge of climate change and foster adaptation to the effects of climate change. These services include:

1. A Clearing House – The Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre’s (CCCCC) Regional Clearinghouse Database is the region’s premier repository of information and data on climate change specific to the region. Community Projects – The Centre’s expertise is used to facilitate projects for communities-at-risk and to expedite community “buy-in” and adaptation measures. The Centre seeks to conceptualize, develop, and implement projects which result in behaviour change through a participatory process involving the communities as partners. The Centre is particularly interested in the areas of Health, Water Resources, Tourism, Agriculture, and Renewable Energy.

2. Joint Programmes – Regional and international agencies, educational institutions, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and other civil organizations will find a ready and receptive partner for climate change projects at the Centre. The Centre has a network of experts who are available for all stages of project design and management.

3. Environmental Scanning – The Centre has access to the necessary information and expertise to identify climate-related threats. It uses this information to help its stakeholders, to develop and implement adaptation strategies based on scenarios developed by the Centre. The Centre would also be an integral part of any regional early-warning system.

4. Training – The Centre has developed appropriate training courses for different stakeholders for the application of several tools e.g. CCORAL, CARIWIG, SMASH.

5. Consultancy Services – Using its network of expert consultants, the Centre can provide services for a wide range of situations and projects. It can conceptualise, plan, develop, implement, monitor, and evaluate projects and programmes in areas related to climate change.

6. GCF - The Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC) was accredited as a regional implementing entity by the Board of the Green Climate Fund (GCF), a key multilateral financing mechanism to support climate action in developing countries on July 09, 2015. As a regionally accredited organization, the CCCCC is now the interface and conduit for GCF funding to the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) of the Caribbean. Application for GCF funding takes place in consultation with country focal points (NDAs) and the CCCCC.

The CCCCC has coordinated the production of a series of reports providing comprehensive and up-to-date scientific assessments of climate variability, CC, vulnerability, adaptation, and mitigation issues. These reports are written by experts from developing countries and help to inform national climate-related policies.

IPCC reports have identified the Caribbean as one of the most vulnerable regions in the world to CC. The IPCC Fifth Assessment Report (AR5) recognises that “adaptation is the only effective option to manage the impending impacts of CC which mitigation cannot reduce.” Furthermore, “effective adaptation strategies can, and should, strengthen livelihoods, enhance well-being and human security, and reduce poverty today.” Adaptation to CC can reduce the risks to livelihoods, eco-systems, and infrastructure, to create economic stability. Sustainable management of these factors are critical for increasing the resilience of CDB’s BMCs to CC.

in the region, climate change financing and sustainable development and charting the way forward.

The International Climate Change Conference for the Caribbean region will seek to: i. build consensus and synergies between scientific analysis and policy formulation and implementation; ii. expose primary stakeholders within the Caribbean region to the various tools available to integrate climate variability and change into national planning and policies; iii. provide stakeholders with information on the availability of and access to climate finance; iv. give visibility to scientific documentation generated in the Caribbean region with the intention for such to be incorporated into the IPCC reports; v. introduce climate science to a range of local and regional stakeholders and present the key findings of the 1.5 to Stay Alive research project for the Caribbean region; vi. provide opportunities for discussions of CC impacts, vulnerability, mitigation and adaptation among borrowing member countries of the Caribbean Development Bank, regional and international organisations; vii. create dialogue between regional and national policymakers, businesses, the public sector and other stakeholders on the challenges and priority actions relating to CC, with input from Caribbean scientists; viii. raise awareness on the role of the Caribbean Scientists, the IPCC process in general and the opportunities for local scientists during development of AR6; and, ix. provide a platform for regional & national organisations to share information on climate change activities being implemented under their respective portfolios.

This proposed conference should realise the following outputs and outcomes: • a database and network of researchers, sector-specific experts and programme/project developers that will help shape the region response to climate variability and change; • strengthened South-South and North-South partnerships and a better understanding of the challenges related to climate change faced by the Caribbean region and other SIDS; • live streaming of the opening of the conference, special presentations and the panel discussion slated for the last day of the conference as well as several other hours of audio-video footage and print media coverage, which will be made accessible to the general public via several medium; • a roadmap for the Caribbean region to move its scientific work through a peer review process for eventual incorporation into the IPCC report; • increased awareness among all Caribbean stakeholders of the work done and being done in the Caribbean region and other SIDS in building resilience and developing low carbon economies in response to the adverse effects of climate variability and change; • a greater understanding among key stakeholders of the role of regional organisations (CARICOM, CCCCC, CDB, CIMH, CDERA, CARDI, CARPHA, UWI, UG, UB) in enhancing the knowledge of CC impacts and potential solutions for the region.

The International Climate Change Conference for the Caribbean region will also ensure that policymakers and the general public have a better insight on how CC scientific findings can be integrated into national and regional development policies and strategies, and relayed to specific stakeholders to influence their behaviour and responsiveness to address CC issues and leading to more informed, science-based processes for effective decision-making in the region. These outputs have the potential to shape the regions response to climate variability and change as well as equip negotiators from the region with up-to-date and relevant information to be tabled at the 23rd session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 23) to the UN Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

research communities, with input from international scientists focusing on financing mechanisms/opportunities; regional negotiators for COP and discussion on accounting and compliance, and information to support negotiators; and a Science-Policy-Finance interface panel discussion.

There is a need for a greater appreciation and understanding of the science behind CC in order to promote integration into national and regional climate policy and resilience strategies. It is important that the technical information relayed in reports from the Caribbean and from other researchers such as the IPCC are fully understood by all stakeholders, including decision makers, business owners, the media and the general public, so that they can positively respond and develop evidenced-based strategies to adapt to CC. It is also relevant that CARICOM provide unfiltered feedback to the IPCC on the accuracy and adequacy of Caribbean information and the expectations for coverage in future IPCC reports.Furthermore, this conference is aligned with aims and objectives of the GCCA+, CDB, UNDP JCCP and the CCCCC. This conference will aid the GCCA+ to realise its goal of boosting the efficiency of response to the needs of vulnerable countries and groups by fostering effective dialogue and cooperation on climate change among policymakers, private sector, civil society, research scientists and regional negotiators. This is aligned with the first pillar of the GCCA+, which serves as a platform for dialogue and exchange of experience between the EU and developing countries, focusing on climate policy and bringing renewed attention to the issue of international climate finance, with aim that these results feed into negotiations for a new climate deal under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

In the case of CDB, the Conference will enhance the knowledge and understanding of CDB’s BMCs on CC impacts in the Region so that they will better be able to identify priority areas to focus resilience efforts. Additionally, the discussions at the Conference will promote an exchange in best practices and lessons learnt throughout the Region so that countries can identify which solutions are practicable within their respective socio-economic contexts. Identification of these priority areas will enable CDB to fulfill its objective of knowledge building and capacity development for climate resilience at the regional and national levels as outlined in its Climate Resilience Strategy 2012-2017. CDB will be able to assist its BMCs in the execution of plans and strategies that will enable them to increase their resilience to CC, based on Caribbean specific projections, and recommendations by regional stakeholders and IPCC scientists. This conference is also aligned with UNDP Japan Caribbean Climate Change Partnership (UNDP-JCCCP), which is aimed at encourages policy innovation via three outcomes. These are: • Outcome 1 - Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Actions (NAMAs) and National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) to promote alternative low-emission and climate-resilient technologies. • Outcome 2 - Adoption and implementation of mitigation and adaptation technologies. • Outcome 3 - Strengthened knowledge networks through shared South-South and North-South experiences.

The proposed conference is closely linked to Outcome 3 since its aim is to foster knowledge sharing of experiences surrounding climate change, natural hazard risk and resilience through strengthened networks in Caribbean via channels of South-South and North-South cooperation. It is expected that the proposed conference will aid with capacity building within the region to sustain and enhance approaches to climate change adaptation and mitigation and disaster risk management as well as facilitate transfer of technical and process-oriented information on experiences, good practice, lessons and examples of relevance to medium to long-term national, sector and local planning and budgeting processes.

Despite the wealth of information contained in reports published by the IPCC, including the science of CC, its impacts and future risks, and options for adaptation and mitigation, countries with economies in transition including CDB’s BMCs, experience difficulties in applying this information to their national circumstances or in conveying information to relevant stakeholders, including entrepreneurs and civil society, in a way that enables them to become more resilient and responsive to CC. Small Island Developing States (SIDS) such as CDB’s BMCs, are frequently not equipped with the right tools or sufficient expertise to apply the information presented in IPCC reports to national or local circumstances. This leads to a separation between the science and politics of CC at the national level.

Like the IPCC, the CCCCC has sought to address this gap by publicising and disseminating findings from coordinated research to its key audiences, including the scientific and policymaker communities regionally, by supporting the producing of outreach materials and organising outreach activities such as workshops by regional and national representatives at various national and international meetings. These events target technical personnel and policymakers at national and local levels; regional institutions/organisations; the climate and disaster risk management community; private sector; civil society organisations; the academia community; youth groups and students; national, regional and international media. CDB has previously supported outreach activities of the IPCC such as the Caribbean launch of the AR5 SIDS chapter which took place in Barbados in October 2014. Such events are important in bringing together key stakeholders, in highlighting priority areas to be addressed and for discussing the way forward in the Region.

Given its mandate as the Centre of excellence for the development of policy, technical research and the mobilisation of financial and other resources to address CC and related matters within CARICOM, CCCCC is partnering with the CDB to stage an international climate change conference for the Caribbean Region. The CCCCC International Climate Change Conference for the Caribbean Region will engage participants in a science policy-based interface dialogue with a view to raising awareness among BMCs and other participants about the scientific, adaptation and mitigation initiatives done and propose to be done within BMCs along with the CCCCC role and proposed activities. It will provide an opportunity for regional participation in defining the priority areas of investigation in the process of developing the Sixth Assessment Report (AR6), which will cover the period 2016-2022, while highlighting CC challenges and solutions for the Region.

The International Climate Change Conference for the Caribbean Region will introduce climate science, policy-making synergies and the process for integration of climate variability and change into national and regional development planning and implementation. The workshop will also take on a Caribbean focus, summarising the key findings of the 1.5 to Stay Alive Initiative. The CCCCC will present an overview of its role and activities, including the production of the scientific research, strategies, action plans, adaptation and mitigation development programmes, and policy documents it has supported and will continue to support over the past and upcoming years. There will also be presentations and discussions from regional institutions, where the intrinsic and extrinsic vulnerability of SIDS will be discussed and adaptation and mitigation options explored.

The conference will provide opportunities for dialogue between a range of stakeholders on climate change socio-economic assessments and impacts including cost benefit analysis and loss and damage assessment; and the utility and application of climate change impact tools/models. Through a series of working sessions, it will allow for in-depth dialogue and development of a road map with regards to lessons learnt; best practices; knowledge and information gaps, sharing and management; technology transfer particularly in relation to early warning systems; and using relevant and appropriate tools in decision making. The conference will also, provide opportunities for dialogue among a range of stakeholders including local/national and regional policymakers, the business/private sector, civil society organisations and the national and regional

Conference BriefPROJECT SUMMARY The Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC) is mandated to coordinate the Caribbean region’s response to climate change, through effective solutions and projects, as well as to inform climate change-related policy and guidelines. The European Commission's Directorate-General for International Cooperation and Development (DG DEVCO) Global Climate Change Plus flagship initiative (GCCA+) is mandated “to foster dialogue and cooperation on climate change among the EU and poor developing countries most vulnerable to climate change and help ensuring that these countries increase their capacities to adapt to the effects of climate change, and, where it benefits their poverty reduction objectives, participate in the global climate change mitigation effort” and has been active in the Caribbean region since 2008.

The GCCA+, Caribbean Development Bank, UNDP Japan Caribbean Climate Change Partnership (UNDP-JCCCP), Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) and CCCCC propose a joint international climate change conference for the Caribbean. This conference will address the role of climate information (from global, regional and local models) into shaping and implementing climate policy and programmes in the Caribbean region. The various sessions will discuss the crucial nexus of science-policy to build the required resilience capacity and programmes in the Caribbean region based on available climate information, highlighting how theories translate in research and how these research findings are used to formulate actions and policies that are critical to building resilience in the Caribbean and transferable to other regions. In particular, a range of technical and management experience from hands-on applications of climate information in the Caribbean region will be presented fostering interaction and knowledge sharing among natural scientists, social scientists, policy makers and development partners. Finally, this conference will foster the exchange and partnerships among a variety of stakeholders (including SIDS from other regions) involved in global, regional and national climate programmes as well as climate negotiations. This is particularly important for soliciting feedback necessary to refine the region’s research focus as well as for developing programmes and projects to suit the region’s needs that could be funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and other international donors. Accessing climate financing will also feature at this proposed conference. This conference will highlight potential sources of climate financing and the nuisances associated with accessing those funds as well as identify ways to circumvent some of these hindrances. It will draw on the experiences of regional institutions such as Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC) and international institutions such as the EU-GCCA and GCF. Broadly, the objectives of the conference include: • building consensus and synergies between scientific analysis and policy formulation and implementation; • exposing primary stakeholders within the Caribbean region to the various tools available to integrate climate variability and change into national planning and policies; • building capacity with regards to climate financing and implementation; • creating linkages and a network of researchers, programme/project developers, donors and policy makers; • raising awareness on the roles of Caribbean scientists, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC ) process in general and the opportunities for local/regional scientists during the development of the Sixth Assessment Report (AR6); • giving exposure to scientific documentation in the Caribbean region with the intention for such to be incorporated into the IPCC report through a peer review and journal publication process; and, more generally, • raising public awareness about climate change related works being done

BACKGROUND AND RATIONALE The CCCCC coordinates the Caribbean region’s response to climate change. Officially opened in August 2005, the Centre is the key node for information on climate change issues and on the region’s response to managing and adapting to climate change in the Caribbean. The main goal of the Centre is to improve the ability of Caribbean people living in communities at risk from climate change to adopt more sustainable lifestyles. It does this through the provision of services designed to improve knowledge of climate change and foster adaptation to the effects of climate change. These services include:

1. A Clearing House – The Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre’s (CCCCC) Regional Clearinghouse Database is the region’s premier repository of information and data on climate change specific to the region. Community Projects – The Centre’s expertise is used to facilitate projects for communities-at-risk and to expedite community “buy-in” and adaptation measures. The Centre seeks to conceptualize, develop, and implement projects which result in behaviour change through a participatory process involving the communities as partners. The Centre is particularly interested in the areas of Health, Water Resources, Tourism, Agriculture, and Renewable Energy.

2. Joint Programmes – Regional and international agencies, educational institutions, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and other civil organizations will find a ready and receptive partner for climate change projects at the Centre. The Centre has a network of experts who are available for all stages of project design and management.

3. Environmental Scanning – The Centre has access to the necessary information and expertise to identify climate-related threats. It uses this information to help its stakeholders, to develop and implement adaptation strategies based on scenarios developed by the Centre. The Centre would also be an integral part of any regional early-warning system.

4. Training – The Centre has developed appropriate training courses for different stakeholders for the application of several tools e.g. CCORAL, CARIWIG, SMASH.

5. Consultancy Services – Using its network of expert consultants, the Centre can provide services for a wide range of situations and projects. It can conceptualise, plan, develop, implement, monitor, and evaluate projects and programmes in areas related to climate change.

6. GCF - The Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC) was accredited as a regional implementing entity by the Board of the Green Climate Fund (GCF), a key multilateral financing mechanism to support climate action in developing countries on July 09, 2015. As a regionally accredited organization, the CCCCC is now the interface and conduit for GCF funding to the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) of the Caribbean. Application for GCF funding takes place in consultation with country focal points (NDAs) and the CCCCC.

The CCCCC has coordinated the production of a series of reports providing comprehensive and up-to-date scientific assessments of climate variability, CC, vulnerability, adaptation, and mitigation issues. These reports are written by experts from developing countries and help to inform national climate-related policies.

IPCC reports have identified the Caribbean as one of the most vulnerable regions in the world to CC. The IPCC Fifth Assessment Report (AR5) recognises that “adaptation is the only effective option to manage the impending impacts of CC which mitigation cannot reduce.” Furthermore, “effective adaptation strategies can, and should, strengthen livelihoods, enhance well-being and human security, and reduce poverty today.” Adaptation to CC can reduce the risks to livelihoods, eco-systems, and infrastructure, to create economic stability. Sustainable management of these factors are critical for increasing the resilience of CDB’s BMCs to CC.

in the region, climate change financing and sustainable development and charting the way forward.

The International Climate Change Conference for the Caribbean region will seek to: i. build consensus and synergies between scientific analysis and policy formulation and implementation; ii. expose primary stakeholders within the Caribbean region to the various tools available to integrate climate variability and change into national planning and policies; iii. provide stakeholders with information on the availability of and access to climate finance; iv. give visibility to scientific documentation generated in the Caribbean region with the intention for such to be incorporated into the IPCC reports; v. introduce climate science to a range of local and regional stakeholders and present the key findings of the 1.5 to Stay Alive research project for the Caribbean region; vi. provide opportunities for discussions of CC impacts, vulnerability, mitigation and adaptation among borrowing member countries of the Caribbean Development Bank, regional and international organisations; vii. create dialogue between regional and national policymakers, businesses, the public sector and other stakeholders on the challenges and priority actions relating to CC, with input from Caribbean scientists; viii. raise awareness on the role of the Caribbean Scientists, the IPCC process in general and the opportunities for local scientists during development of AR6; and, ix. provide a platform for regional & national organisations to share information on climate change activities being implemented under their respective portfolios.

This proposed conference should realise the following outputs and outcomes: • a database and network of researchers, sector-specific experts and programme/project developers that will help shape the region response to climate variability and change; • strengthened South-South and North-South partnerships and a better understanding of the challenges related to climate change faced by the Caribbean region and other SIDS; • live streaming of the opening of the conference, special presentations and the panel discussion slated for the last day of the conference as well as several other hours of audio-video footage and print media coverage, which will be made accessible to the general public via several medium; • a roadmap for the Caribbean region to move its scientific work through a peer review process for eventual incorporation into the IPCC report; • increased awareness among all Caribbean stakeholders of the work done and being done in the Caribbean region and other SIDS in building resilience and developing low carbon economies in response to the adverse effects of climate variability and change; • a greater understanding among key stakeholders of the role of regional organisations (CARICOM, CCCCC, CDB, CIMH, CDERA, CARDI, CARPHA, UWI, UG, UB) in enhancing the knowledge of CC impacts and potential solutions for the region.

The International Climate Change Conference for the Caribbean region will also ensure that policymakers and the general public have a better insight on how CC scientific findings can be integrated into national and regional development policies and strategies, and relayed to specific stakeholders to influence their behaviour and responsiveness to address CC issues and leading to more informed, science-based processes for effective decision-making in the region. These outputs have the potential to shape the regions response to climate variability and change as well as equip negotiators from the region with up-to-date and relevant information to be tabled at the 23rd session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 23) to the UN Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

research communities, with input from international scientists focusing on financing mechanisms/opportunities; regional negotiators for COP and discussion on accounting and compliance, and information to support negotiators; and a Science-Policy-Finance interface panel discussion.

There is a need for a greater appreciation and understanding of the science behind CC in order to promote integration into national and regional climate policy and resilience strategies. It is important that the technical information relayed in reports from the Caribbean and from other researchers such as the IPCC are fully understood by all stakeholders, including decision makers, business owners, the media and the general public, so that they can positively respond and develop evidenced-based strategies to adapt to CC. It is also relevant that CARICOM provide unfiltered feedback to the IPCC on the accuracy and adequacy of Caribbean information and the expectations for coverage in future IPCC reports.Furthermore, this conference is aligned with aims and objectives of the GCCA+, CDB, UNDP JCCP and the CCCCC. This conference will aid the GCCA+ to realise its goal of boosting the efficiency of response to the needs of vulnerable countries and groups by fostering effective dialogue and cooperation on climate change among policymakers, private sector, civil society, research scientists and regional negotiators. This is aligned with the first pillar of the GCCA+, which serves as a platform for dialogue and exchange of experience between the EU and developing countries, focusing on climate policy and bringing renewed attention to the issue of international climate finance, with aim that these results feed into negotiations for a new climate deal under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

In the case of CDB, the Conference will enhance the knowledge and understanding of CDB’s BMCs on CC impacts in the Region so that they will better be able to identify priority areas to focus resilience efforts. Additionally, the discussions at the Conference will promote an exchange in best practices and lessons learnt throughout the Region so that countries can identify which solutions are practicable within their respective socio-economic contexts. Identification of these priority areas will enable CDB to fulfill its objective of knowledge building and capacity development for climate resilience at the regional and national levels as outlined in its Climate Resilience Strategy 2012-2017. CDB will be able to assist its BMCs in the execution of plans and strategies that will enable them to increase their resilience to CC, based on Caribbean specific projections, and recommendations by regional stakeholders and IPCC scientists. This conference is also aligned with UNDP Japan Caribbean Climate Change Partnership (UNDP-JCCCP), which is aimed at encourages policy innovation via three outcomes. These are: • Outcome 1 - Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Actions (NAMAs) and National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) to promote alternative low-emission and climate-resilient technologies. • Outcome 2 - Adoption and implementation of mitigation and adaptation technologies. • Outcome 3 - Strengthened knowledge networks through shared South-South and North-South experiences.

The proposed conference is closely linked to Outcome 3 since its aim is to foster knowledge sharing of experiences surrounding climate change, natural hazard risk and resilience through strengthened networks in Caribbean via channels of South-South and North-South cooperation. It is expected that the proposed conference will aid with capacity building within the region to sustain and enhance approaches to climate change adaptation and mitigation and disaster risk management as well as facilitate transfer of technical and process-oriented information on experiences, good practice, lessons and examples of relevance to medium to long-term national, sector and local planning and budgeting processes.

INTERNATIONAL CLIMATE CHANGE CONFERENCE IN THE CARIBBEAN2017

Despite the wealth of information contained in reports published by the IPCC, including the science of CC, its impacts and future risks, and options for adaptation and mitigation, countries with economies in transition including CDB’s BMCs, experience difficulties in applying this information to their national circumstances or in conveying information to relevant stakeholders, including entrepreneurs and civil society, in a way that enables them to become more resilient and responsive to CC. Small Island Developing States (SIDS) such as CDB’s BMCs, are frequently not equipped with the right tools or sufficient expertise to apply the information presented in IPCC reports to national or local circumstances. This leads to a separation between the science and politics of CC at the national level.

Like the IPCC, the CCCCC has sought to address this gap by publicising and disseminating findings from coordinated research to its key audiences, including the scientific and policymaker communities regionally, by supporting the producing of outreach materials and organising outreach activities such as workshops by regional and national representatives at various national and international meetings. These events target technical personnel and policymakers at national and local levels; regional institutions/organisations; the climate and disaster risk management community; private sector; civil society organisations; the academia community; youth groups and students; national, regional and international media. CDB has previously supported outreach activities of the IPCC such as the Caribbean launch of the AR5 SIDS chapter which took place in Barbados in October 2014. Such events are important in bringing together key stakeholders, in highlighting priority areas to be addressed and for discussing the way forward in the Region.

Given its mandate as the Centre of excellence for the development of policy, technical research and the mobilisation of financial and other resources to address CC and related matters within CARICOM, CCCCC is partnering with the CDB to stage an international climate change conference for the Caribbean Region. The CCCCC International Climate Change Conference for the Caribbean Region will engage participants in a science policy-based interface dialogue with a view to raising awareness among BMCs and other participants about the scientific, adaptation and mitigation initiatives done and propose to be done within BMCs along with the CCCCC role and proposed activities. It will provide an opportunity for regional participation in defining the priority areas of investigation in the process of developing the Sixth Assessment Report (AR6), which will cover the period 2016-2022, while highlighting CC challenges and solutions for the Region.

The International Climate Change Conference for the Caribbean Region will introduce climate science, policy-making synergies and the process for integration of climate variability and change into national and regional development planning and implementation. The workshop will also take on a Caribbean focus, summarising the key findings of the 1.5 to Stay Alive Initiative. The CCCCC will present an overview of its role and activities, including the production of the scientific research, strategies, action plans, adaptation and mitigation development programmes, and policy documents it has supported and will continue to support over the past and upcoming years. There will also be presentations and discussions from regional institutions, where the intrinsic and extrinsic vulnerability of SIDS will be discussed and adaptation and mitigation options explored.

The conference will provide opportunities for dialogue between a range of stakeholders on climate change socio-economic assessments and impacts including cost benefit analysis and loss and damage assessment; and the utility and application of climate change impact tools/models. Through a series of working sessions, it will allow for in-depth dialogue and development of a road map with regards to lessons learnt; best practices; knowledge and information gaps, sharing and management; technology transfer particularly in relation to early warning systems; and using relevant and appropriate tools in decision making. The conference will also, provide opportunities for dialogue among a range of stakeholders including local/national and regional policymakers, the business/private sector, civil society organisations and the national and regional

Conference BriefPROJECT SUMMARY The Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC) is mandated to coordinate the Caribbean region’s response to climate change, through effective solutions and projects, as well as to inform climate change-related policy and guidelines. The European Commission's Directorate-General for International Cooperation and Development (DG DEVCO) Global Climate Change Plus flagship initiative (GCCA+) is mandated “to foster dialogue and cooperation on climate change among the EU and poor developing countries most vulnerable to climate change and help ensuring that these countries increase their capacities to adapt to the effects of climate change, and, where it benefits their poverty reduction objectives, participate in the global climate change mitigation effort” and has been active in the Caribbean region since 2008.

The GCCA+, Caribbean Development Bank, UNDP Japan Caribbean Climate Change Partnership (UNDP-JCCCP), Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) and CCCCC propose a joint international climate change conference for the Caribbean. This conference will address the role of climate information (from global, regional and local models) into shaping and implementing climate policy and programmes in the Caribbean region. The various sessions will discuss the crucial nexus of science-policy to build the required resilience capacity and programmes in the Caribbean region based on available climate information, highlighting how theories translate in research and how these research findings are used to formulate actions and policies that are critical to building resilience in the Caribbean and transferable to other regions. In particular, a range of technical and management experience from hands-on applications of climate information in the Caribbean region will be presented fostering interaction and knowledge sharing among natural scientists, social scientists, policy makers and development partners. Finally, this conference will foster the exchange and partnerships among a variety of stakeholders (including SIDS from other regions) involved in global, regional and national climate programmes as well as climate negotiations. This is particularly important for soliciting feedback necessary to refine the region’s research focus as well as for developing programmes and projects to suit the region’s needs that could be funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and other international donors. Accessing climate financing will also feature at this proposed conference. This conference will highlight potential sources of climate financing and the nuisances associated with accessing those funds as well as identify ways to circumvent some of these hindrances. It will draw on the experiences of regional institutions such as Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC) and international institutions such as the EU-GCCA and GCF. Broadly, the objectives of the conference include: • building consensus and synergies between scientific analysis and policy formulation and implementation; • exposing primary stakeholders within the Caribbean region to the various tools available to integrate climate variability and change into national planning and policies; • building capacity with regards to climate financing and implementation; • creating linkages and a network of researchers, programme/project developers, donors and policy makers; • raising awareness on the roles of Caribbean scientists, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC ) process in general and the opportunities for local/regional scientists during the development of the Sixth Assessment Report (AR6); • giving exposure to scientific documentation in the Caribbean region with the intention for such to be incorporated into the IPCC report through a peer review and journal publication process; and, more generally, • raising public awareness about climate change related works being done

BACKGROUND AND RATIONALE The CCCCC coordinates the Caribbean region’s response to climate change. Officially opened in August 2005, the Centre is the key node for information on climate change issues and on the region’s response to managing and adapting to climate change in the Caribbean. The main goal of the Centre is to improve the ability of Caribbean people living in communities at risk from climate change to adopt more sustainable lifestyles. It does this through the provision of services designed to improve knowledge of climate change and foster adaptation to the effects of climate change. These services include:

1. A Clearing House – The Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre’s (CCCCC) Regional Clearinghouse Database is the region’s premier repository of information and data on climate change specific to the region. Community Projects – The Centre’s expertise is used to facilitate projects for communities-at-risk and to expedite community “buy-in” and adaptation measures. The Centre seeks to conceptualize, develop, and implement projects which result in behaviour change through a participatory process involving the communities as partners. The Centre is particularly interested in the areas of Health, Water Resources, Tourism, Agriculture, and Renewable Energy.

2. Joint Programmes – Regional and international agencies, educational institutions, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and other civil organizations will find a ready and receptive partner for climate change projects at the Centre. The Centre has a network of experts who are available for all stages of project design and management.

3. Environmental Scanning – The Centre has access to the necessary information and expertise to identify climate-related threats. It uses this information to help its stakeholders, to develop and implement adaptation strategies based on scenarios developed by the Centre. The Centre would also be an integral part of any regional early-warning system.

4. Training – The Centre has developed appropriate training courses for different stakeholders for the application of several tools e.g. CCORAL, CARIWIG, SMASH.

5. Consultancy Services – Using its network of expert consultants, the Centre can provide services for a wide range of situations and projects. It can conceptualise, plan, develop, implement, monitor, and evaluate projects and programmes in areas related to climate change.

6. GCF - The Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC) was accredited as a regional implementing entity by the Board of the Green Climate Fund (GCF), a key multilateral financing mechanism to support climate action in developing countries on July 09, 2015. As a regionally accredited organization, the CCCCC is now the interface and conduit for GCF funding to the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) of the Caribbean. Application for GCF funding takes place in consultation with country focal points (NDAs) and the CCCCC.

The CCCCC has coordinated the production of a series of reports providing comprehensive and up-to-date scientific assessments of climate variability, CC, vulnerability, adaptation, and mitigation issues. These reports are written by experts from developing countries and help to inform national climate-related policies.

IPCC reports have identified the Caribbean as one of the most vulnerable regions in the world to CC. The IPCC Fifth Assessment Report (AR5) recognises that “adaptation is the only effective option to manage the impending impacts of CC which mitigation cannot reduce.” Furthermore, “effective adaptation strategies can, and should, strengthen livelihoods, enhance well-being and human security, and reduce poverty today.” Adaptation to CC can reduce the risks to livelihoods, eco-systems, and infrastructure, to create economic stability. Sustainable management of these factors are critical for increasing the resilience of CDB’s BMCs to CC.

in the region, climate change financing and sustainable development and charting the way forward.

The International Climate Change Conference for the Caribbean region will seek to: i. build consensus and synergies between scientific analysis and policy formulation and implementation; ii. expose primary stakeholders within the Caribbean region to the various tools available to integrate climate variability and change into national planning and policies; iii. provide stakeholders with information on the availability of and access to climate finance; iv. give visibility to scientific documentation generated in the Caribbean region with the intention for such to be incorporated into the IPCC reports; v. introduce climate science to a range of local and regional stakeholders and present the key findings of the 1.5 to Stay Alive research project for the Caribbean region; vi. provide opportunities for discussions of CC impacts, vulnerability, mitigation and adaptation among borrowing member countries of the Caribbean Development Bank, regional and international organisations; vii. create dialogue between regional and national policymakers, businesses, the public sector and other stakeholders on the challenges and priority actions relating to CC, with input from Caribbean scientists; viii. raise awareness on the role of the Caribbean Scientists, the IPCC process in general and the opportunities for local scientists during development of AR6; and, ix. provide a platform for regional & national organisations to share information on climate change activities being implemented under their respective portfolios.

This proposed conference should realise the following outputs and outcomes: • a database and network of researchers, sector-specific experts and programme/project developers that will help shape the region response to climate variability and change; • strengthened South-South and North-South partnerships and a better understanding of the challenges related to climate change faced by the Caribbean region and other SIDS; • live streaming of the opening of the conference, special presentations and the panel discussion slated for the last day of the conference as well as several other hours of audio-video footage and print media coverage, which will be made accessible to the general public via several medium; • a roadmap for the Caribbean region to move its scientific work through a peer review process for eventual incorporation into the IPCC report; • increased awareness among all Caribbean stakeholders of the work done and being done in the Caribbean region and other SIDS in building resilience and developing low carbon economies in response to the adverse effects of climate variability and change; • a greater understanding among key stakeholders of the role of regional organisations (CARICOM, CCCCC, CDB, CIMH, CDERA, CARDI, CARPHA, UWI, UG, UB) in enhancing the knowledge of CC impacts and potential solutions for the region.

The International Climate Change Conference for the Caribbean region will also ensure that policymakers and the general public have a better insight on how CC scientific findings can be integrated into national and regional development policies and strategies, and relayed to specific stakeholders to influence their behaviour and responsiveness to address CC issues and leading to more informed, science-based processes for effective decision-making in the region. These outputs have the potential to shape the regions response to climate variability and change as well as equip negotiators from the region with up-to-date and relevant information to be tabled at the 23rd session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 23) to the UN Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

research communities, with input from international scientists focusing on financing mechanisms/opportunities; regional negotiators for COP and discussion on accounting and compliance, and information to support negotiators; and a Science-Policy-Finance interface panel discussion.

There is a need for a greater appreciation and understanding of the science behind CC in order to promote integration into national and regional climate policy and resilience strategies. It is important that the technical information relayed in reports from the Caribbean and from other researchers such as the IPCC are fully understood by all stakeholders, including decision makers, business owners, the media and the general public, so that they can positively respond and develop evidenced-based strategies to adapt to CC. It is also relevant that CARICOM provide unfiltered feedback to the IPCC on the accuracy and adequacy of Caribbean information and the expectations for coverage in future IPCC reports.Furthermore, this conference is aligned with aims and objectives of the GCCA+, CDB, UNDP JCCP and the CCCCC. This conference will aid the GCCA+ to realise its goal of boosting the efficiency of response to the needs of vulnerable countries and groups by fostering effective dialogue and cooperation on climate change among policymakers, private sector, civil society, research scientists and regional negotiators. This is aligned with the first pillar of the GCCA+, which serves as a platform for dialogue and exchange of experience between the EU and developing countries, focusing on climate policy and bringing renewed attention to the issue of international climate finance, with aim that these results feed into negotiations for a new climate deal under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

In the case of CDB, the Conference will enhance the knowledge and understanding of CDB’s BMCs on CC impacts in the Region so that they will better be able to identify priority areas to focus resilience efforts. Additionally, the discussions at the Conference will promote an exchange in best practices and lessons learnt throughout the Region so that countries can identify which solutions are practicable within their respective socio-economic contexts. Identification of these priority areas will enable CDB to fulfill its objective of knowledge building and capacity development for climate resilience at the regional and national levels as outlined in its Climate Resilience Strategy 2012-2017. CDB will be able to assist its BMCs in the execution of plans and strategies that will enable them to increase their resilience to CC, based on Caribbean specific projections, and recommendations by regional stakeholders and IPCC scientists. This conference is also aligned with UNDP Japan Caribbean Climate Change Partnership (UNDP-JCCCP), which is aimed at encourages policy innovation via three outcomes. These are: • Outcome 1 - Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Actions (NAMAs) and National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) to promote alternative low-emission and climate-resilient technologies. • Outcome 2 - Adoption and implementation of mitigation and adaptation technologies. • Outcome 3 - Strengthened knowledge networks through shared South-South and North-South experiences.

The proposed conference is closely linked to Outcome 3 since its aim is to foster knowledge sharing of experiences surrounding climate change, natural hazard risk and resilience through strengthened networks in Caribbean via channels of South-South and North-South cooperation. It is expected that the proposed conference will aid with capacity building within the region to sustain and enhance approaches to climate change adaptation and mitigation and disaster risk management as well as facilitate transfer of technical and process-oriented information on experiences, good practice, lessons and examples of relevance to medium to long-term national, sector and local planning and budgeting processes.

INTERNATIONAL CLIMATE CHANGE CONFERENCE FOR

THE CARIBBEAN

Agendafor

October 9th to 12th, 2017Hilton Hotel, Port-of-Spain

Trinidad & Tobago

Despite the wealth of information contained in reports published by the IPCC, including the science of CC, its impacts and future risks, and options for adaptation and mitigation, countries with economies in transition including CDB’s BMCs, experience difficulties in applying this information to their national circumstances or in conveying information to relevant stakeholders, including entrepreneurs and civil society, in a way that enables them to become more resilient and responsive to CC. Small Island Developing States (SIDS) such as CDB’s BMCs, are frequently not equipped with the right tools or sufficient expertise to apply the information presented in IPCC reports to national or local circumstances. This leads to a separation between the science and politics of CC at the national level.

Like the IPCC, the CCCCC has sought to address this gap by publicising and disseminating findings from coordinated research to its key audiences, including the scientific and policymaker communities regionally, by supporting the producing of outreach materials and organising outreach activities such as workshops by regional and national representatives at various national and international meetings. These events target technical personnel and policymakers at national and local levels; regional institutions/organisations; the climate and disaster risk management community; private sector; civil society organisations; the academia community; youth groups and students; national, regional and international media. CDB has previously supported outreach activities of the IPCC such as the Caribbean launch of the AR5 SIDS chapter which took place in Barbados in October 2014. Such events are important in bringing together key stakeholders, in highlighting priority areas to be addressed and for discussing the way forward in the Region.

Given its mandate as the Centre of excellence for the development of policy, technical research and the mobilisation of financial and other resources to address CC and related matters within CARICOM, CCCCC is partnering with the CDB to stage an international climate change conference for the Caribbean Region. The CCCCC International Climate Change Conference for the Caribbean Region will engage participants in a science policy-based interface dialogue with a view to raising awareness among BMCs and other participants about the scientific, adaptation and mitigation initiatives done and propose to be done within BMCs along with the CCCCC role and proposed activities. It will provide an opportunity for regional participation in defining the priority areas of investigation in the process of developing the Sixth Assessment Report (AR6), which will cover the period 2016-2022, while highlighting CC challenges and solutions for the Region.

The International Climate Change Conference for the Caribbean Region will introduce climate science, policy-making synergies and the process for integration of climate variability and change into national and regional development planning and implementation. The workshop will also take on a Caribbean focus, summarising the key findings of the 1.5 to Stay Alive Initiative. The CCCCC will present an overview of its role and activities, including the production of the scientific research, strategies, action plans, adaptation and mitigation development programmes, and policy documents it has supported and will continue to support over the past and upcoming years. There will also be presentations and discussions from regional institutions, where the intrinsic and extrinsic vulnerability of SIDS will be discussed and adaptation and mitigation options explored.

The conference will provide opportunities for dialogue between a range of stakeholders on climate change socio-economic assessments and impacts including cost benefit analysis and loss and damage assessment; and the utility and application of climate change impact tools/models. Through a series of working sessions, it will allow for in-depth dialogue and development of a road map with regards to lessons learnt; best practices; knowledge and information gaps, sharing and management; technology transfer particularly in relation to early warning systems; and using relevant and appropriate tools in decision making. The conference will also, provide opportunities for dialogue among a range of stakeholders including local/national and regional policymakers, the business/private sector, civil society organisations and the national and regional

Conference BriefPROJECT SUMMARY The Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC) is mandated to coordinate the Caribbean region’s response to climate change, through effective solutions and projects, as well as to inform climate change-related policy and guidelines. The European Commission's Directorate-General for International Cooperation and Development (DG DEVCO) Global Climate Change Plus flagship initiative (GCCA+) is mandated “to foster dialogue and cooperation on climate change among the EU and poor developing countries most vulnerable to climate change and help ensuring that these countries increase their capacities to adapt to the effects of climate change, and, where it benefits their poverty reduction objectives, participate in the global climate change mitigation effort” and has been active in the Caribbean region since 2008.

The GCCA+, Caribbean Development Bank, UNDP Japan Caribbean Climate Change Partnership (UNDP-JCCCP), Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) and CCCCC propose a joint international climate change conference for the Caribbean. This conference will address the role of climate information (from global, regional and local models) into shaping and implementing climate policy and programmes in the Caribbean region. The various sessions will discuss the crucial nexus of science-policy to build the required resilience capacity and programmes in the Caribbean region based on available climate information, highlighting how theories translate in research and how these research findings are used to formulate actions and policies that are critical to building resilience in the Caribbean and transferable to other regions. In particular, a range of technical and management experience from hands-on applications of climate information in the Caribbean region will be presented fostering interaction and knowledge sharing among natural scientists, social scientists, policy makers and development partners. Finally, this conference will foster the exchange and partnerships among a variety of stakeholders (including SIDS from other regions) involved in global, regional and national climate programmes as well as climate negotiations. This is particularly important for soliciting feedback necessary to refine the region’s research focus as well as for developing programmes and projects to suit the region’s needs that could be funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and other international donors. Accessing climate financing will also feature at this proposed conference. This conference will highlight potential sources of climate financing and the nuisances associated with accessing those funds as well as identify ways to circumvent some of these hindrances. It will draw on the experiences of regional institutions such as Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC) and international institutions such as the EU-GCCA and GCF. Broadly, the objectives of the conference include: • building consensus and synergies between scientific analysis and policy formulation and implementation; • exposing primary stakeholders within the Caribbean region to the various tools available to integrate climate variability and change into national planning and policies; • building capacity with regards to climate financing and implementation; • creating linkages and a network of researchers, programme/project developers, donors and policy makers; • raising awareness on the roles of Caribbean scientists, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC ) process in general and the opportunities for local/regional scientists during the development of the Sixth Assessment Report (AR6); • giving exposure to scientific documentation in the Caribbean region with the intention for such to be incorporated into the IPCC report through a peer review and journal publication process; and, more generally, • raising public awareness about climate change related works being done

BACKGROUND AND RATIONALE The CCCCC coordinates the Caribbean region’s response to climate change. Officially opened in August 2005, the Centre is the key node for information on climate change issues and on the region’s response to managing and adapting to climate change in the Caribbean. The main goal of the Centre is to improve the ability of Caribbean people living in communities at risk from climate change to adopt more sustainable lifestyles. It does this through the provision of services designed to improve knowledge of climate change and foster adaptation to the effects of climate change. These services include:

1. A Clearing House – The Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre’s (CCCCC) Regional Clearinghouse Database is the region’s premier repository of information and data on climate change specific to the region. Community Projects – The Centre’s expertise is used to facilitate projects for communities-at-risk and to expedite community “buy-in” and adaptation measures. The Centre seeks to conceptualize, develop, and implement projects which result in behaviour change through a participatory process involving the communities as partners. The Centre is particularly interested in the areas of Health, Water Resources, Tourism, Agriculture, and Renewable Energy.

2. Joint Programmes – Regional and international agencies, educational institutions, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and other civil organizations will find a ready and receptive partner for climate change projects at the Centre. The Centre has a network of experts who are available for all stages of project design and management.

3. Environmental Scanning – The Centre has access to the necessary information and expertise to identify climate-related threats. It uses this information to help its stakeholders, to develop and implement adaptation strategies based on scenarios developed by the Centre. The Centre would also be an integral part of any regional early-warning system.

4. Training – The Centre has developed appropriate training courses for different stakeholders for the application of several tools e.g. CCORAL, CARIWIG, SMASH.

5. Consultancy Services – Using its network of expert consultants, the Centre can provide services for a wide range of situations and projects. It can conceptualise, plan, develop, implement, monitor, and evaluate projects and programmes in areas related to climate change.

6. GCF - The Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC) was accredited as a regional implementing entity by the Board of the Green Climate Fund (GCF), a key multilateral financing mechanism to support climate action in developing countries on July 09, 2015. As a regionally accredited organization, the CCCCC is now the interface and conduit for GCF funding to the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) of the Caribbean. Application for GCF funding takes place in consultation with country focal points (NDAs) and the CCCCC.

The CCCCC has coordinated the production of a series of reports providing comprehensive and up-to-date scientific assessments of climate variability, CC, vulnerability, adaptation, and mitigation issues. These reports are written by experts from developing countries and help to inform national climate-related policies.

IPCC reports have identified the Caribbean as one of the most vulnerable regions in the world to CC. The IPCC Fifth Assessment Report (AR5) recognises that “adaptation is the only effective option to manage the impending impacts of CC which mitigation cannot reduce.” Furthermore, “effective adaptation strategies can, and should, strengthen livelihoods, enhance well-being and human security, and reduce poverty today.” Adaptation to CC can reduce the risks to livelihoods, eco-systems, and infrastructure, to create economic stability. Sustainable management of these factors are critical for increasing the resilience of CDB’s BMCs to CC.

in the region, climate change financing and sustainable development and charting the way forward.

The International Climate Change Conference for the Caribbean region will seek to: i. build consensus and synergies between scientific analysis and policy formulation and implementation; ii. expose primary stakeholders within the Caribbean region to the various tools available to integrate climate variability and change into national planning and policies; iii. provide stakeholders with information on the availability of and access to climate finance; iv. give visibility to scientific documentation generated in the Caribbean region with the intention for such to be incorporated into the IPCC reports; v. introduce climate science to a range of local and regional stakeholders and present the key findings of the 1.5 to Stay Alive research project for the Caribbean region; vi. provide opportunities for discussions of CC impacts, vulnerability, mitigation and adaptation among borrowing member countries of the Caribbean Development Bank, regional and international organisations; vii. create dialogue between regional and national policymakers, businesses, the public sector and other stakeholders on the challenges and priority actions relating to CC, with input from Caribbean scientists; viii. raise awareness on the role of the Caribbean Scientists, the IPCC process in general and the opportunities for local scientists during development of AR6; and, ix. provide a platform for regional & national organisations to share information on climate change activities being implemented under their respective portfolios.

This proposed conference should realise the following outputs and outcomes: • a database and network of researchers, sector-specific experts and programme/project developers that will help shape the region response to climate variability and change; • strengthened South-South and North-South partnerships and a better understanding of the challenges related to climate change faced by the Caribbean region and other SIDS; • live streaming of the opening of the conference, special presentations and the panel discussion slated for the last day of the conference as well as several other hours of audio-video footage and print media coverage, which will be made accessible to the general public via several medium; • a roadmap for the Caribbean region to move its scientific work through a peer review process for eventual incorporation into the IPCC report; • increased awareness among all Caribbean stakeholders of the work done and being done in the Caribbean region and other SIDS in building resilience and developing low carbon economies in response to the adverse effects of climate variability and change; • a greater understanding among key stakeholders of the role of regional organisations (CARICOM, CCCCC, CDB, CIMH, CDERA, CARDI, CARPHA, UWI, UG, UB) in enhancing the knowledge of CC impacts and potential solutions for the region.

The International Climate Change Conference for the Caribbean region will also ensure that policymakers and the general public have a better insight on how CC scientific findings can be integrated into national and regional development policies and strategies, and relayed to specific stakeholders to influence their behaviour and responsiveness to address CC issues and leading to more informed, science-based processes for effective decision-making in the region. These outputs have the potential to shape the regions response to climate variability and change as well as equip negotiators from the region with up-to-date and relevant information to be tabled at the 23rd session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 23) to the UN Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

research communities, with input from international scientists focusing on financing mechanisms/opportunities; regional negotiators for COP and discussion on accounting and compliance, and information to support negotiators; and a Science-Policy-Finance interface panel discussion.

There is a need for a greater appreciation and understanding of the science behind CC in order to promote integration into national and regional climate policy and resilience strategies. It is important that the technical information relayed in reports from the Caribbean and from other researchers such as the IPCC are fully understood by all stakeholders, including decision makers, business owners, the media and the general public, so that they can positively respond and develop evidenced-based strategies to adapt to CC. It is also relevant that CARICOM provide unfiltered feedback to the IPCC on the accuracy and adequacy of Caribbean information and the expectations for coverage in future IPCC reports.Furthermore, this conference is aligned with aims and objectives of the GCCA+, CDB, UNDP JCCP and the CCCCC. This conference will aid the GCCA+ to realise its goal of boosting the efficiency of response to the needs of vulnerable countries and groups by fostering effective dialogue and cooperation on climate change among policymakers, private sector, civil society, research scientists and regional negotiators. This is aligned with the first pillar of the GCCA+, which serves as a platform for dialogue and exchange of experience between the EU and developing countries, focusing on climate policy and bringing renewed attention to the issue of international climate finance, with aim that these results feed into negotiations for a new climate deal under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

In the case of CDB, the Conference will enhance the knowledge and understanding of CDB’s BMCs on CC impacts in the Region so that they will better be able to identify priority areas to focus resilience efforts. Additionally, the discussions at the Conference will promote an exchange in best practices and lessons learnt throughout the Region so that countries can identify which solutions are practicable within their respective socio-economic contexts. Identification of these priority areas will enable CDB to fulfill its objective of knowledge building and capacity development for climate resilience at the regional and national levels as outlined in its Climate Resilience Strategy 2012-2017. CDB will be able to assist its BMCs in the execution of plans and strategies that will enable them to increase their resilience to CC, based on Caribbean specific projections, and recommendations by regional stakeholders and IPCC scientists. This conference is also aligned with UNDP Japan Caribbean Climate Change Partnership (UNDP-JCCCP), which is aimed at encourages policy innovation via three outcomes. These are: • Outcome 1 - Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Actions (NAMAs) and National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) to promote alternative low-emission and climate-resilient technologies. • Outcome 2 - Adoption and implementation of mitigation and adaptation technologies. • Outcome 3 - Strengthened knowledge networks through shared South-South and North-South experiences.

The proposed conference is closely linked to Outcome 3 since its aim is to foster knowledge sharing of experiences surrounding climate change, natural hazard risk and resilience through strengthened networks in Caribbean via channels of South-South and North-South cooperation. It is expected that the proposed conference will aid with capacity building within the region to sustain and enhance approaches to climate change adaptation and mitigation and disaster risk management as well as facilitate transfer of technical and process-oriented information on experiences, good practice, lessons and examples of relevance to medium to long-term national, sector and local planning and budgeting processes.

Day 1October 9th, 2017

Opening Ceremony / Formal Launch

Chair: Mr. Guido Corno

9:00 AM - 10:30 AM

Welcoming Remarks • Dr. Kenrick R. Leslie, Executive Director, Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre • Mrs. Natasha-Helena Zoric, European Delegation, Trinidad and Tobago, Port-of-Spain Brief Comments from CARICOM Secretariat • Dr. Douglas Slater, Assistant Secretary General Brief Comments from United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) • Ms. Diane Quarless, Executive Director

THEMETopic 1Regional Climate Change Modelling: 1.5 to Stay Alive Analysis and Reports

Chair: Dr. Ulric Trotz

TIME

10:45 AM - 12:30 PM

EVENT

➢ The Caribbean Climate Science Agenda & Initiatives: 2000 – present: An Overview

➢ Assessing historical changes in extreme temperature and precipitation in the Caribbean region

➢ Future Caribbean climates from statistical and dynamical downscaling

➢ The Caribbean 1.5oC Project

➢ The Caribbean at 1.5: The Suriname Energy Case Study

Plenary session (30 minutes)

Jayaka Campbell(UWI Mona)

Roxann Brown(UWI Mona)

Arnoldo Bezanilla(INSMET)

Abel Centella (INSMET)

Peter Donk(Suriname)

LUNCH BREAK 12:30 PM - 13:30 PM

COFFEE/TEA BREAK 10:30 AM - 10:45 AM

PRESENTERS

Despite the wealth of information contained in reports published by the IPCC, including the science of CC, its impacts and future risks, and options for adaptation and mitigation, countries with economies in transition including CDB’s BMCs, experience difficulties in applying this information to their national circumstances or in conveying information to relevant stakeholders, including entrepreneurs and civil society, in a way that enables them to become more resilient and responsive to CC. Small Island Developing States (SIDS) such as CDB’s BMCs, are frequently not equipped with the right tools or sufficient expertise to apply the information presented in IPCC reports to national or local circumstances. This leads to a separation between the science and politics of CC at the national level.

Like the IPCC, the CCCCC has sought to address this gap by publicising and disseminating findings from coordinated research to its key audiences, including the scientific and policymaker communities regionally, by supporting the producing of outreach materials and organising outreach activities such as workshops by regional and national representatives at various national and international meetings. These events target technical personnel and policymakers at national and local levels; regional institutions/organisations; the climate and disaster risk management community; private sector; civil society organisations; the academia community; youth groups and students; national, regional and international media. CDB has previously supported outreach activities of the IPCC such as the Caribbean launch of the AR5 SIDS chapter which took place in Barbados in October 2014. Such events are important in bringing together key stakeholders, in highlighting priority areas to be addressed and for discussing the way forward in the Region.

Given its mandate as the Centre of excellence for the development of policy, technical research and the mobilisation of financial and other resources to address CC and related matters within CARICOM, CCCCC is partnering with the CDB to stage an international climate change conference for the Caribbean Region. The CCCCC International Climate Change Conference for the Caribbean Region will engage participants in a science policy-based interface dialogue with a view to raising awareness among BMCs and other participants about the scientific, adaptation and mitigation initiatives done and propose to be done within BMCs along with the CCCCC role and proposed activities. It will provide an opportunity for regional participation in defining the priority areas of investigation in the process of developing the Sixth Assessment Report (AR6), which will cover the period 2016-2022, while highlighting CC challenges and solutions for the Region.

The International Climate Change Conference for the Caribbean Region will introduce climate science, policy-making synergies and the process for integration of climate variability and change into national and regional development planning and implementation. The workshop will also take on a Caribbean focus, summarising the key findings of the 1.5 to Stay Alive Initiative. The CCCCC will present an overview of its role and activities, including the production of the scientific research, strategies, action plans, adaptation and mitigation development programmes, and policy documents it has supported and will continue to support over the past and upcoming years. There will also be presentations and discussions from regional institutions, where the intrinsic and extrinsic vulnerability of SIDS will be discussed and adaptation and mitigation options explored.

The conference will provide opportunities for dialogue between a range of stakeholders on climate change socio-economic assessments and impacts including cost benefit analysis and loss and damage assessment; and the utility and application of climate change impact tools/models. Through a series of working sessions, it will allow for in-depth dialogue and development of a road map with regards to lessons learnt; best practices; knowledge and information gaps, sharing and management; technology transfer particularly in relation to early warning systems; and using relevant and appropriate tools in decision making. The conference will also, provide opportunities for dialogue among a range of stakeholders including local/national and regional policymakers, the business/private sector, civil society organisations and the national and regional

Conference BriefPROJECT SUMMARY The Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC) is mandated to coordinate the Caribbean region’s response to climate change, through effective solutions and projects, as well as to inform climate change-related policy and guidelines. The European Commission's Directorate-General for International Cooperation and Development (DG DEVCO) Global Climate Change Plus flagship initiative (GCCA+) is mandated “to foster dialogue and cooperation on climate change among the EU and poor developing countries most vulnerable to climate change and help ensuring that these countries increase their capacities to adapt to the effects of climate change, and, where it benefits their poverty reduction objectives, participate in the global climate change mitigation effort” and has been active in the Caribbean region since 2008.

The GCCA+, Caribbean Development Bank, UNDP Japan Caribbean Climate Change Partnership (UNDP-JCCCP), Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) and CCCCC propose a joint international climate change conference for the Caribbean. This conference will address the role of climate information (from global, regional and local models) into shaping and implementing climate policy and programmes in the Caribbean region. The various sessions will discuss the crucial nexus of science-policy to build the required resilience capacity and programmes in the Caribbean region based on available climate information, highlighting how theories translate in research and how these research findings are used to formulate actions and policies that are critical to building resilience in the Caribbean and transferable to other regions. In particular, a range of technical and management experience from hands-on applications of climate information in the Caribbean region will be presented fostering interaction and knowledge sharing among natural scientists, social scientists, policy makers and development partners. Finally, this conference will foster the exchange and partnerships among a variety of stakeholders (including SIDS from other regions) involved in global, regional and national climate programmes as well as climate negotiations. This is particularly important for soliciting feedback necessary to refine the region’s research focus as well as for developing programmes and projects to suit the region’s needs that could be funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and other international donors. Accessing climate financing will also feature at this proposed conference. This conference will highlight potential sources of climate financing and the nuisances associated with accessing those funds as well as identify ways to circumvent some of these hindrances. It will draw on the experiences of regional institutions such as Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC) and international institutions such as the EU-GCCA and GCF. Broadly, the objectives of the conference include: • building consensus and synergies between scientific analysis and policy formulation and implementation; • exposing primary stakeholders within the Caribbean region to the various tools available to integrate climate variability and change into national planning and policies; • building capacity with regards to climate financing and implementation; • creating linkages and a network of researchers, programme/project developers, donors and policy makers; • raising awareness on the roles of Caribbean scientists, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC ) process in general and the opportunities for local/regional scientists during the development of the Sixth Assessment Report (AR6); • giving exposure to scientific documentation in the Caribbean region with the intention for such to be incorporated into the IPCC report through a peer review and journal publication process; and, more generally, • raising public awareness about climate change related works being done

BACKGROUND AND RATIONALE The CCCCC coordinates the Caribbean region’s response to climate change. Officially opened in August 2005, the Centre is the key node for information on climate change issues and on the region’s response to managing and adapting to climate change in the Caribbean. The main goal of the Centre is to improve the ability of Caribbean people living in communities at risk from climate change to adopt more sustainable lifestyles. It does this through the provision of services designed to improve knowledge of climate change and foster adaptation to the effects of climate change. These services include:

1. A Clearing House – The Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre’s (CCCCC) Regional Clearinghouse Database is the region’s premier repository of information and data on climate change specific to the region. Community Projects – The Centre’s expertise is used to facilitate projects for communities-at-risk and to expedite community “buy-in” and adaptation measures. The Centre seeks to conceptualize, develop, and implement projects which result in behaviour change through a participatory process involving the communities as partners. The Centre is particularly interested in the areas of Health, Water Resources, Tourism, Agriculture, and Renewable Energy.

2. Joint Programmes – Regional and international agencies, educational institutions, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and other civil organizations will find a ready and receptive partner for climate change projects at the Centre. The Centre has a network of experts who are available for all stages of project design and management.

3. Environmental Scanning – The Centre has access to the necessary information and expertise to identify climate-related threats. It uses this information to help its stakeholders, to develop and implement adaptation strategies based on scenarios developed by the Centre. The Centre would also be an integral part of any regional early-warning system.

4. Training – The Centre has developed appropriate training courses for different stakeholders for the application of several tools e.g. CCORAL, CARIWIG, SMASH.

5. Consultancy Services – Using its network of expert consultants, the Centre can provide services for a wide range of situations and projects. It can conceptualise, plan, develop, implement, monitor, and evaluate projects and programmes in areas related to climate change.

6. GCF - The Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC) was accredited as a regional implementing entity by the Board of the Green Climate Fund (GCF), a key multilateral financing mechanism to support climate action in developing countries on July 09, 2015. As a regionally accredited organization, the CCCCC is now the interface and conduit for GCF funding to the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) of the Caribbean. Application for GCF funding takes place in consultation with country focal points (NDAs) and the CCCCC.

The CCCCC has coordinated the production of a series of reports providing comprehensive and up-to-date scientific assessments of climate variability, CC, vulnerability, adaptation, and mitigation issues. These reports are written by experts from developing countries and help to inform national climate-related policies.

IPCC reports have identified the Caribbean as one of the most vulnerable regions in the world to CC. The IPCC Fifth Assessment Report (AR5) recognises that “adaptation is the only effective option to manage the impending impacts of CC which mitigation cannot reduce.” Furthermore, “effective adaptation strategies can, and should, strengthen livelihoods, enhance well-being and human security, and reduce poverty today.” Adaptation to CC can reduce the risks to livelihoods, eco-systems, and infrastructure, to create economic stability. Sustainable management of these factors are critical for increasing the resilience of CDB’s BMCs to CC.

in the region, climate change financing and sustainable development and charting the way forward.

The International Climate Change Conference for the Caribbean region will seek to: i. build consensus and synergies between scientific analysis and policy formulation and implementation; ii. expose primary stakeholders within the Caribbean region to the various tools available to integrate climate variability and change into national planning and policies; iii. provide stakeholders with information on the availability of and access to climate finance; iv. give visibility to scientific documentation generated in the Caribbean region with the intention for such to be incorporated into the IPCC reports; v. introduce climate science to a range of local and regional stakeholders and present the key findings of the 1.5 to Stay Alive research project for the Caribbean region; vi. provide opportunities for discussions of CC impacts, vulnerability, mitigation and adaptation among borrowing member countries of the Caribbean Development Bank, regional and international organisations; vii. create dialogue between regional and national policymakers, businesses, the public sector and other stakeholders on the challenges and priority actions relating to CC, with input from Caribbean scientists; viii. raise awareness on the role of the Caribbean Scientists, the IPCC process in general and the opportunities for local scientists during development of AR6; and, ix. provide a platform for regional & national organisations to share information on climate change activities being implemented under their respective portfolios.

This proposed conference should realise the following outputs and outcomes: • a database and network of researchers, sector-specific experts and programme/project developers that will help shape the region response to climate variability and change; • strengthened South-South and North-South partnerships and a better understanding of the challenges related to climate change faced by the Caribbean region and other SIDS; • live streaming of the opening of the conference, special presentations and the panel discussion slated for the last day of the conference as well as several other hours of audio-video footage and print media coverage, which will be made accessible to the general public via several medium; • a roadmap for the Caribbean region to move its scientific work through a peer review process for eventual incorporation into the IPCC report; • increased awareness among all Caribbean stakeholders of the work done and being done in the Caribbean region and other SIDS in building resilience and developing low carbon economies in response to the adverse effects of climate variability and change; • a greater understanding among key stakeholders of the role of regional organisations (CARICOM, CCCCC, CDB, CIMH, CDERA, CARDI, CARPHA, UWI, UG, UB) in enhancing the knowledge of CC impacts and potential solutions for the region.

The International Climate Change Conference for the Caribbean region will also ensure that policymakers and the general public have a better insight on how CC scientific findings can be integrated into national and regional development policies and strategies, and relayed to specific stakeholders to influence their behaviour and responsiveness to address CC issues and leading to more informed, science-based processes for effective decision-making in the region. These outputs have the potential to shape the regions response to climate variability and change as well as equip negotiators from the region with up-to-date and relevant information to be tabled at the 23rd session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 23) to the UN Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

research communities, with input from international scientists focusing on financing mechanisms/opportunities; regional negotiators for COP and discussion on accounting and compliance, and information to support negotiators; and a Science-Policy-Finance interface panel discussion.

There is a need for a greater appreciation and understanding of the science behind CC in order to promote integration into national and regional climate policy and resilience strategies. It is important that the technical information relayed in reports from the Caribbean and from other researchers such as the IPCC are fully understood by all stakeholders, including decision makers, business owners, the media and the general public, so that they can positively respond and develop evidenced-based strategies to adapt to CC. It is also relevant that CARICOM provide unfiltered feedback to the IPCC on the accuracy and adequacy of Caribbean information and the expectations for coverage in future IPCC reports.Furthermore, this conference is aligned with aims and objectives of the GCCA+, CDB, UNDP JCCP and the CCCCC. This conference will aid the GCCA+ to realise its goal of boosting the efficiency of response to the needs of vulnerable countries and groups by fostering effective dialogue and cooperation on climate change among policymakers, private sector, civil society, research scientists and regional negotiators. This is aligned with the first pillar of the GCCA+, which serves as a platform for dialogue and exchange of experience between the EU and developing countries, focusing on climate policy and bringing renewed attention to the issue of international climate finance, with aim that these results feed into negotiations for a new climate deal under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

In the case of CDB, the Conference will enhance the knowledge and understanding of CDB’s BMCs on CC impacts in the Region so that they will better be able to identify priority areas to focus resilience efforts. Additionally, the discussions at the Conference will promote an exchange in best practices and lessons learnt throughout the Region so that countries can identify which solutions are practicable within their respective socio-economic contexts. Identification of these priority areas will enable CDB to fulfill its objective of knowledge building and capacity development for climate resilience at the regional and national levels as outlined in its Climate Resilience Strategy 2012-2017. CDB will be able to assist its BMCs in the execution of plans and strategies that will enable them to increase their resilience to CC, based on Caribbean specific projections, and recommendations by regional stakeholders and IPCC scientists. This conference is also aligned with UNDP Japan Caribbean Climate Change Partnership (UNDP-JCCCP), which is aimed at encourages policy innovation via three outcomes. These are: • Outcome 1 - Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Actions (NAMAs) and National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) to promote alternative low-emission and climate-resilient technologies. • Outcome 2 - Adoption and implementation of mitigation and adaptation technologies. • Outcome 3 - Strengthened knowledge networks through shared South-South and North-South experiences.

The proposed conference is closely linked to Outcome 3 since its aim is to foster knowledge sharing of experiences surrounding climate change, natural hazard risk and resilience through strengthened networks in Caribbean via channels of South-South and North-South cooperation. It is expected that the proposed conference will aid with capacity building within the region to sustain and enhance approaches to climate change adaptation and mitigation and disaster risk management as well as facilitate transfer of technical and process-oriented information on experiences, good practice, lessons and examples of relevance to medium to long-term national, sector and local planning and budgeting processes.

Day 1October 9th, 2017

THEME TIME

13:30 PM - 15:00 PM

EVENT

➢ The Caribbean at 1.5: The future cost of storm damages

➢ The Caribbean at 1.5: Livestock Productivity & Jamaica

➢ The Caribbean at 1.5: Water and Barbados

Plenary session (30 minutes)

THEMETopic 2Climate ServicesHow to extrapolate, integrate and utilize climate forecasting for policy, project development and actions in the Caribbean region

Chair: Dr. Roger Pulwarty

TIME

15:15 PM - 17:00 PM

EVENT

➢ Impacts Forecasting and Early Warning in the Caribbean including the Dewetra work

➢ Drought Early Warning in the Caribbean including monitoring, forecasting, planning, Caribbean Impacts Database

➢ Sub-seasonal forecasts of extreme weather related events including heat and wet spells

➢ Climate Services for Agriculture including CariSAM and its bulletin, PICSA and related information

➢ National Drought Forecasting Tool – Jamaica

Plenary Session (30 minutes)

Shawn Boyce(CIMH)

Cedric Meerbeeck(CIMH)

Cedric Meerbeeck(CIMH)

Adrian Trotman(CIMH)

Glenroy Browne(MET, Jamaica)

RECEPTION 18:00 PM - 21:00 PM

PRESENTERS

COFFEE/TEA BREAK 15:00 PM - 15:15 PM

PRESENTERS

Topic 1 cont’dRegional Climate Change Modelling: 1.5 to Stay Alive Analysis and Reports

Chair: Dr. Abel Centella

Christopher Burgess(CEAC Solutions)

Dale Rankine(UWI Mona)

Adrian Cashman(UWI CERMES)

Day 2October 10th, 2017

THEME TIME

9:00 AM - 10:45 AM

EVENT

➢ Planning Adaptation Initiatives in addressing Coastal Erosion

➢ Coastal Zone Management and the use of climate information

➢ Climate Change and Fisheries (Research & Development Work)

➢ Characterizing Near and Medium – Term Wave Climate and Sediment Changes on the Barbados South Coast Based on Projected Changes in Climate

➢ Towards Climate Resilient Coastal Management: Challenges and Opportunities for Improved ICZM in Belize

Plenary Session (30 minutes)

THEMETopic 4 Tools for assessing climate vulnerability and impactTools, models and case studies

Chair: Mr. Ottis Joslyn

TIME

11:00 AM - 12:30 PM

EVENT

➢ Weather Generator

➢ Simple Model for the Advection of Storms and Hurricanes: Tropical Storm Model (SMASH/TSM)

➢ Caribbean Assessment of Drought

➢ Caribbean Climate Online Risk Assessment tooL (CCORAL)

➢ Lidar Applications for the Caribbean

Plenary Session (15 minutes)

Albert Gilharry(CCCCC)

Alrick Brown(UWI Mona)

Abel Centella(INSMET)

Diana Ruiz(CCCCC)

Kenrick Leslie(CCCCC)

LUNCH BREAK 12:30 PM - 13:30 PM

PRESENTERS

COFFEE/TEA BREAK 10:45 AM - 11:00 AM

PRESENTERS

Topic 3Climate Change and Coastal Zone ManagementFocusing on Coastal Environment, Agriculture, Water Resources, Health and Built Environment

Chair: Dr. Lorna Inniss

Lorna Inniss(UNEP)

Ruurd Schoolderman(TNO)

Sunsan Renton- Singh(CRFM)

Mohammad R.M.S. Nagdee (UWI Cave Hill)

Chantalle Clarke-Samuels (CZM, Belize)

Day 2October 10th, 2017

THEME TIME

13:30 PM - 15:00 PM

EVENT

➢ Scenarios and the future of the Caribbean under climate change

➢ Livelihood Vulnerability Assessment: An application to communities in the Nariva Swamp area of Trinidad

➢ Are Protected Areas effective in the face of climate change? A case study of the Nariva Watershed within the Caribbean Small Island, Trinidad

➢ Comparison of a Water Poverty Index in 3 Caribbean countries

➢ Using the CARICOM Risk Assessment Guide to inform Climate Change Policy – Outputs of the EU environmental programme in Trinidad and Tobago

Plenary Session (15 minutes)

THEMETopic 4 cont’dTools for assessing climate vulnerability and impactTools, models and case studies

Chair: Mr. Guido Corno

TIME

15:15 PM - 17:00 PM

EVENT

➢ Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management

➢ A preliminary assessment of the impact of climate change on Carriacou’s water resources

➢ Modelling changes in water availability under climate change for 3 Caribbean territories

➢ Case study Research on Sweet Potato

➢ Rainfall Induced Landslide Hazards in Jamaica: Case study from the Rio Grande Watershed, Portland, Jamaica

Plenary Session (30 minutes)

Ronald Jackson(CDEMA)

Matthew Wilson(UWI CERMES)

Crystal Dasent(UWI CERMES)

Dale Rankin(UWI MONA)

Arpita Mandal(UWI MONA)

PRESENTERS

COFFEE/TEA BREAK 15:00 PM - 15:15 PM

PRESENTERS

Topic 4 cont’dTools for assessing climate vulnerability and impactTools, models and case studies

Chair: Dr. Adrian Cashman

Crystal Drakes(UWI CERMES)

Sharon Hutchinson(UWI St Augustine)

Hamish Asmath(UWI CERMES)

Akilah Stewart( UWI St Augustine)

George De Berdt Romilly

Day 3October 11th, 2017

THEME TIME

9:00 AM - 10:45 AM

EVENT

➢ Climate Smart Agriculture

➢ Developing appropriate climate smart agriculture practices for sustainable development

➢ Effective and innovative climate change adaptation in the agriculture sector in the Caribbean region

➢ Grenada ICCAS: Lessons from an Integrated Approach to Climate Change Adaptation

➢ Partnering for Transformational Climate Resilience Building.

Plenary Session (30 minutes)

THEMETopic 5Climate Action

Chair: Ms. Tanith Bello

TIME

11:00 AM - 12:30 PM

EVENT

➢ ECLAC - Climate Change in the Caribbean - Some Economic Perspectives

➢ Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation Actions in the Caribbean – GIZ experience as Implementing and Delivery Partner

➢ Caribbean Carbon Pricing Opportunities

➢ BVI Adaptation Trust Fund

Plenary Session (30 minutes)

Willard Phillips(ECLAC)

Dieter Rothenberger(GIZ)

Sharon Lindo(CCCCC)

George De Berdt Romilly

LUNCH BREAK 12:30 PM - 13:30 PM

PRESENTERS

COFFEE/TEA BREAK 10:45 AM - 11:00 AM

PRESENTERS

Topic 5Climate Action

Chair: Dr. Ulric Trotz

Steve Maximay(UWI St Augustine)

Kistian Flemming (CARDI)

Monnereau Iris(UNFAO)

Aria St Louis(ICCAS, Grenada)

Mark Bynoe (CCCCC)

Day 3October 11th, 2017

THEME TIME

13:30 PM - 15:00 PM

EVENT

➢ The EU and the GCCA+ initiative - Building resilience in the Caribbean

➢ CCRIF SPC - A Financial Protection Strategy for Small Island and Coastal States

➢ Japan Caribbean Climate Change Partnership (J-CCCP) – Supporting Regional Climate Action

➢ Engaging with the Green Climate Fund

Plenary Session (30 minutes)

THEMEScience-Policy-Finance Interface in the Caribbean context

Chair: Dr. Mark Bynoe

TIME

15:15 PM - 16:15 PM

EVENT

➢ Introductory Presentation (10-15 minutes) by Dr. Bynoe

➢ Brief comments from the other members of panel

➢ Open discussion, questions and answers

Janine Coye-Felson(Belize Deputy Amb. to UN)EC, DG DEVCO - GCCA+,

Simone Bauch(GCF)

Kishan Kumarsingh(Trinidad and Tobago)

Dr. Roger Pulwarty

PRESENTERS

COFFEE/TEA BREAK 15:00 PM - 15:15 PM

PRESENTERS

Topic 6International and Regional Partners InitiativesPast, current and ongoing project support for the Caribbean Region inclusive of International Financing Mechanisms

Chair: Mr. Guido Corno

Tanith Bello (EU DG-DEVCO)

Gina Phillips (CCRIF)

Donna Gittens-Roach(UN-JCCCP)

Simone Bauch (GCF)

COFFEE/TEA BREAK 16:15 PM - 16:30 PM

THEMEClosing and Way Forward

TIME

16:30 PM - 17:00 PM

EVENT

➢ Way forward for stakeholder engagement

➢ Closing Remarks

➢ Vote of thanks

Ms. Sharon Lindo(CCCCC)

Mr. Kishan Kumarsingh(Trinidad and Tobago)

Dr. Ulric Trotz

PRESENTERS

Day 4October 12th, 2017

THEME TIME

9:00 AM - 11:00 AM

EVENT

➢ GCCA+ overview presentation

➢ Update from ongoing GCCA+ projects in the Caribbean • Haiti

• Suriname

• OECS

➢ Q&A session (e.g., AAP2018, Intra-ACP programme, etc.)

➢ Q & A session

THEMEGCCA+, European Commission DG DEVCO Regional Stakeholder Meeting

Chair: Guido Corno

TIME

11:30 AM - 13:00 PM

EVENT

➢ GCCA+ programming and funding processes, EC, DG DEVCO

➢ Q & A

➢ Closing remarks

PRESENTERS

COFFEE/TEA BREAK 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM

PRESENTERS

GCCA+, European Commission DG DEVCO Regional Stakeholder Meeting

Chair: Guido Corno

Tanith Bello(EU DG-DEVCO)

Herley Richard Julien(EUD Haiti)

Sagita Jaggan(Min. Finance)

TBC

Christophe Legrand(GCCA+ Support Facility)

Tanith Bello(EU DG-DEVCO)

Funded by:Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC), Global Climate Change Alliance Plus Initiative (GCCA+), the Caribbean

Development Bank (CDB), the United Nations Development Programmeʼs Japan-Caribbean Climate Change Partnership (UNDP J-CCCP), Food and Agriculture Organization of the

United Nations (FAO)