The Tribune

Bahamian groups focused on agriculture, fisheries, health, coastal protection and disaster preparedness now have the chance to bid for a share of up to $5m in grant funding.

The Prime Minister’s Office, in a statement yesterday, said organisations will have an opportunity to access grant funding for locally-led climate resilience projects via the Climate Actions for Building Resilience in Coastal Communities (CABRIC) programme in the Caribbean.

Three islands - Cat Island, San Salvador and Long Island - will receive special focus in an attempt to address challenges such as coastal erosion, extreme weather events, ecosystem degradation and threats to livelihoods.

The Prime Minister’s Office said the programme is open to Bahamian community-based organisations, civil society organisations, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), local authorities, professional associations and non-profit academic and research institutions.

Supported by the Green Climate Fund, CABRIC combines grant financing, capacity building and community-led action to help vulnerable Caribbean communities respond to climate change.

Around $25m has been allocated across the five participating countries - The Bahamas, Belize, Grenada, Jamaica and Saint Lucia - with an estimated US$5 million available to each country. Organisations may apply for three grant categories. Small grants will be issued up to a maximum limit of $150,000, while medium and large grants will range from $150,000 to $300,000, and $300,000 to $500,000, respectively.

The funding will support projects across six areas: Climate resilient agriculture; climate resilient and ecosystem-based fisheries; restorative and protective coastal nature-based solutions; early warning systems and emergency health risk management; gender and socially responsive mental health initiatives; and socially-inclusive community health clinics and shelters.

Alongside funding, CABRIC will strengthen the ability of local organisations and institutions to plan and implement climate adaptation projects. The programme will also promote knowledge sharing and the replication of successful approaches across the Caribbean, helping communities protect ecosystems, improve livelihoods and strengthen health and well-being.

The Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC) serves as programme manager. The Bahamas Protected Areas Fund (BPAF) is the designated national grant administrator, responsible for implementation and oversight in The Bahamas.

The Prime Minister’s Office said projects will be selected through a competitive review process that includes eligibility screening and technical evaluation. Funding for approved projects will be disbursed in phases linked to performance and reporting milestones.