EU-CA-RES Initiative Launched to Support Caribbean Governments and Communities in Disaster Preparedness and Recovery

Strategic Insights -

The European Union, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) have launched a four-year initiative to support governments and communities in the Caribbean region to prepare for and recover from disasters. The European Union Caribbean Resilient Programme (EU-CA-RES) is backed by a €4 million grant and will focus on strengthening Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems (MHEWS), improving recovery planning, and promoting inclusive governance.

Key Takeaways:

  • The EU-CA-RES initiative will support the strengthening of MHEWS in Belize, Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, and Suriname, to alert people before disasters strike and give them time to prepare and stay safe.
  • The project will work with local governments and communities to ensure these systems are inclusive and accessible to everyone, including women, people with disabilities, and those living in remote areas.
  • Engagement with the private sector will improve and expand the reach of these systems, and foster a collaborative approach to building resilience in the Caribbean.
  • The UNDP-led components will help countries plan better for recovery after disasters by reviewing their current practices, policies, institutions, and finance capacities to strengthen their readiness for recovery.
  • The project will also provide training to government officials to plan and promote data-driven decision making in their recovery efforts.
  • Communities and local leaders in six Caribbean countries will receive context-specific training to bolster their readiness for recovery, including disaster-resistant construction methods to restore livelihoods.
  • The initiative has a strong focus on inclusivity, prioritizing gender, disability, and youth empowerment, ensuring that the most vulnerable communities have a voice.
  • Peer-to-peer exchanges among countries in the Caribbean will promote sharing of emerging lessons and best practices.

Statistics:

  • The EU-CA-RES has a budget of €4 million over four years, supported by the European Union.
  • The project will support the strengthening of MHEWS in four Caribbean countries.
  • The initiative will provide training to government officials to plan and promote data-driven decision making in their recovery efforts.
  • Communities and local leaders in six Caribbean countries will receive context-specific training to bolster their readiness for recovery.
  • The project aims to empower 10,000 people, especially the most vulnerable, to build lasting resilience against future shocks.

Sources:

  • UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction (Geneva, Switzerland, 11 August 2025)
  • European Union Caribbean Resilient Programme (EU-CA-RES)
  • United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
  • United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR)