Driving climate action in Small Island Developing States
Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change because of their small geographical area, isolation, and limited natural resources. Rising sea levels and increasingly frequent extreme weather events pose a serious threat to both people and the ecosystems they depend on for their livelihoods and well-being.
Investing in climate-resilient agriculture is key to increasing the food, nutrition and water security of vulnerable communities in SIDS. FAO works with SIDS to catalyse climate finance for transformative Green Climate Fund (GCF) projects that enhance climate resilience and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The IRES project in Cuba: highlights
Increased climate resilience of rural households and communities through the rehabilitation of production landscapes in selected localities of the Republic of Cuba (IRES)
- USD 119.9 million in climate investments for adaptation and mitigation action.
- About 300 000 people will benefit from increased food security through improved ecosystem services and increased climate resilience of agricultural production.
- 2.7 million tonnes of emissions will be avoided through more climate-resilient production techniques, agroforestry, silvopastoral systems, reforestation and assisted natural forest regeneration.
- GCF Priority Group: Small Island Developing State.
Enhancing climate resilience in Cuba
FAO has been working closely with the Government of Cuba to make the country’s agriculture sector more inclusive, sustainable and resilient to the impacts of climate change with the project called, “Increased climate resilience of rural households and communities through the rehabilitation of production landscapes in selected localities of the Republic of Cuba" (IRES).
As a Small Island Developing State (SIDS), Cuba is particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Rising average temperatures, prolonged periods of drought and decreased rainfall will have a negative impact on agricultural production – especially on staple crops such as rice and beans – and threaten the livelihoods of family farmers, putting food security at risk.
With USD 119 million in grants and co-financing allocated to the project, IRES has enormous potential to make agricultural production more climate resilient in seven municipalities vulnerable to climate change in Cuba.
Project activities aimed at restoring productive landscapes and preserving ecosystem services stand to benefit about 52 000 family farmers through increased food and nutrition security, improved access to water, employment opportunities, and strengthened local food production systems.
The introduction of agroforestry practices on 35 000 hectares will also enable the country to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions.
