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PRESS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Saint Lucia and OAS Sign Project Agreement to
Strengthen the Climate Resilience of Women in Underserved Communities

Rodney Bay, Saint Lucia – August 06, 2025 – The Government of Saint Lucia, through the Department of Economic Development and Youth Economy, and the Organization of American States (OAS) signed an agreement to formally launch a new Development Cooperation Fund (DCF) project titled: "Enhancing the Climate Resilience of Women in Underserved Communities in Saint Lucia."

The signing ceremony took place at the OAS Office in Rodney Bay and represents a vital step in addressing the disproportionate impacts of climate change on vulnerable groups, particularly women living in low-income or marginalized communities.

Project Overview and Objectives

The project seeks to support, recognize, and foster the contributions of women and underserved communities, ensuring a more inclusive and effective national approach to climate action that leaves no one behind.

• General Objective: To support, recognize, and foster the contributions of women and underserved communities to create a more inclusive and effective approach to climate action that benefits everyone.
• Specific Objective: To encourage the active participation of women in underserved communities in Saint Lucia in climate action by enhancing their knowledge, skills, and leadership through targeted capacity-building initiatives that support sustainable livelihoods and strengthen economic resilience.

This initiative is fully aligned with Saint Lucia’s gender-responsive climate agenda and contributes directly to the implementation of the country’s National Adaptation Plan (NAP), Sustainable Development Goals and Medium Term Development Objectives.

Why This Project Matters

According to the recent Population and Housing Census, women make up just over 51% of the population, with a significant number concentrated in economically vulnerable households in rural and peri-urban communities. Climate-related events such as prolonged droughts, hurricanes, and flash floods, continue to affect access to water, food, shelter, and income, placing additional pressure on those with fewer coping mechanisms.

A recent Vulnerability Assessment conducted as part of Saint Lucia’s climate risk profiling shows that women-headed households are among the most exposed to climate-induced livelihood disruptions Also women in the agriculture, informal trade, and caregiving sectors remain underrepresented in decision-making processes related to climate planning and response.

This project addresses these challenges by investing in capacity-building, leadership development, and sustainable livelihoods training for women in selected communities. It also aims to foster a stronger enabling environment for gender-equitable climate action at both policy and grassroots levels.

Mr. Paul Hilaire, Permanent Secretary in the Department of Economic Development and Youth Economy, says “This initiative is not only about building resilience to climate change—it’s about recognizing and empowering women as critical agents of change. By investing in their leadership and their livelihoods, we’re strengthening the resilience of entire communities.”

Next Steps and Implementation

The project will be implemented over a period of 30 months. Beneficiaries will include women from selected underserved communities across Saint Lucia, with an emphasis on participatory approaches, skills development, and practical interventions that enhance economic security and environmental stewardship.