The Board of Directors of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has approved financing of USD13.4 million to the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines to enhance resilience of the Sandy Bay and other North Windward communities to coastal hazards and the potential impacts of climate change.

The Sandy Bay Sea Defences Resilience Project aims to reduce the rate of coastal erosion, through the construction of sea defences in sections along the Sandy Bay coastline.

Daniel Best, Director of Projects, CDB notes, “This Project will reduce the vulnerability of the Sandy Bay and other North Windward communities to aggressive coastal erosion caused by wave action and storm surges associated with the passing of tropical storms and hurricanes.

The erosion of the Sandy Bay coastline threatens the Windward Highway and the social and economic activities of the surrounding community. The Windward Highway provides the community’s only access to key economic activities, including the geothermal site currently under development and to popular attractions in the north-eastern section of the coast.”

Key project components include:

• preparation of a feasibility study inclusive of an environmental and social monitoring plan;
• construction of sea defences along approximately 730 metres of shoreline, including stone revetment, retaining walls and river training, as well as auxiliary works such as green space and pavement construction;
• engineering and construction-related services; and
• project management, monitoring and evaluation.

The investment is consistent with the Bank’s Disaster Management Strategy and Operational Guidelines, and Climate Resilience Strategy. This initiative also supports the vision of the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines to improve the quality of life for all of its citizen, as outlined in the National Economic and Social Development Plan (2013-2025). Goal 4 of the Plan stresses improving physical infrastructure, preserving the environment and building resilience to climate change.