Dominica Aims to Become the World’s First “Climate-Resilient” Nation
ROSEAU, Dominica, CMC—Dominica aims to become the world’s first “climate-resilient” nation, and the indigenous Kalinago people are playing a leading role in developing the country and helping its people thrive in the face of the climate emergency.
The Kalinago People’s Resilience
The indigenous Kalinago people were particularly affected by Hurricane Maria in 2017, which damaged almost all homes and buildings, destroyed around three-quarters of the fishing fleet, and weakened the economy. However, since then, community leaders have been working with the United Nations to help their people become more resilient in anticipation of the next climate shock.
Achieving Climate Resilience
Ahead of the 2024 session of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII), President Sylvanie Burton, who is also the island’s first Kalinago, and Lorenzo Sanford, the youngest-ever Chief of the Kalinago community, shared their plans to achieve their goal of making the island the world’s first “climate-resilient” nation.
“In the past, the same people were always elected as Chief. I wanted to make a difference and introduce the views of younger people,” said Sanford.
Sanford said he was on another part of the island when Hurricane Maria struck, having gone to “check on my family. When I came across the mountains, everything was brown; there was no greenery anymore. All you could see was destroyed homes and people looking lost, not knowing what to do.”
Building a Climate-Resilient Nation
Burton acknowledged that gaining access to reliable information is crucial to saving lives, and “we’re working to get better information on the climate and get it out to the population before storms hit. We are also creating ICT (information communication technology) hubs across Dominica, where people can access information before the storms, take precautions, and get to a shelter ahead of time.”
She also addressed raising finance to address the consequences of the climate crisis, which she acknowledges is an issue for all Small Island Developing States (SIDS), not just Dominica. “At the UN climate conferences, the big polluting countries promise to give funds and reduce their carbon footprint. But these countries need to turn their promises into action.”
Kalinago Practices and Culture
Sanford said that the Kalinago people have been on this island for more. “I would say that it has helped us bounce back quickly. For example, our indigenous practices inform how we plant our food. So, we hope this knowledge will be passed on to younger generations so that we can safeguard our future, both within the Kalinago Territory and across the whole island,” he added.
Conclusion
Dominica’s efforts to become the world’s first “climate-resilient” nation are a testament to the resilience and determination of its people, particularly the indigenous Kalinago community. By working together and leveraging their unique cultural practices, the island is well on its way to achieving its goal and providing a model for other Small Island Developing States to follow.
FAQs
Q: What is the goal of Dominica’s climate resilience initiative?
A: The goal is to make Dominica the world’s first “climate-resilient” nation.
Q: How will the island achieve this goal?
A: By working with the United Nations and other international organizations, and by leveraging the unique cultural practices and knowledge of the indigenous Kalinago people.
Q: What role do the Kalinago people play in Dominica’s climate resilience initiative?
A: The Kalinago people are playing a leading role in developing the country and helping its people thrive in the face of the climate emergency. Their indigenous practices and knowledge are being used to inform how the island responds to climate-related disasters and builds a more resilient future.