FAO and the Government of Saint Lucia launch USD $16.7 Million FISH-ADAPT Project to Strengthen Climate Resilience in the Fisheries Sector

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in collaboration with Saint Lucia’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Rural Development and the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and the Youth Economy launched the FISH-ADAPT Project – a transformative initiative valued at USD 16.7 million on Thursday, July 3, 2025. Funded primarily by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) with a contribution of USD 14.75 million, the project also benefits from co-financing by the Ministry of Agriculture (USD 307,250) and the Ministry of Finance (USD 1.66 million), signaling the largest fisheries investment project in Saint Lucia.

Over its five-year implementation period, FISH-ADAPT will target approximately 75,000 beneficiaries, including 13,000 direct and 62,000 indirect participants – representing about 41% of Saint Lucia’s population. Direct beneficiaries include marine fishers (3,500), sea-moss farmers (800), fish vendors and processors (500), inland aquaculture farmers (200), and their families.

FISH-ADAPT aims to transform Saint Lucia’s fisheries sector by making fishing safer and more productive despite a changing climate. It will foster a circular economy to help reduce waste, enhance resource efficiency, and promote livelihood diversification for more resilient communities. Fish value chains and markets will be strengthened; coastal fish grounds and aquaculture systems will become more climate resilient; and fishers will have more diversified incomes. 

The project will put in place Nature-based Solutions agrifood solutions that build sustainability and resilience to improve efficiency, safety and productivity in the fisheries sector. These include empowering fishers and aquaculture farmers by enhancing access to weather data, upgrading landing sites and promoting sustainable offshore fishing.   It will focus on all fishing zones across the island, prioritizing high-activity sites and those most vulnerable to climate-related hazards. Inland aquaculture operations will also receive targeted support.

The Government of Saint Lucia will implement numerous activities including enhancing the safety of fishing operations, increasing the climate-resilience of aquaculture using nature-based solutions, and climate-proofing critical infrastructure, such as boat ramps, jetties, processing facilities, and storage buildings.

Strengthening Infrastructure and Ecosystems

Saint Lucia’s geographic position and socio-economic dependence on the fisheries sector make it especially vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Fisherfolk who rely on the sea for their livelihoods are finding it increasingly difficult to adapt to a changing climate and declining fish stocks. Increased air temperature and changing rainfall patterns have also been affecting inland aquaculture.  Therefore, FISH-ADAPT will introduce a range of climate-smart solutions to boost productivity, safety, and environmental sustainability in the fisheries sector. This includes improved access to weather data, upgraded landing sites, and support for sustainable offshore fishing – with special focus on women and small-scale operators.

Key upgrades of the project include installation of communication and monitoring systems on select vessels, safety training for fishing communities, and the rehabilitation of 15 fish landing sites using engineered and nature-based solutions like mangrove restoration, reef reinforcement, and pier improvements.  The targeted communities include Gros Islet, Castries, Anse La Raye, Canaries, Soufrière, Choiseul, Laborie, Vieux Fort, Savannes, Micoud, Praslin, Dennery, Banannes, Cul de Sac, Roseau, and Marigot.

The project will also protect and restore critical ecosystems - coastal mangroves in Praslin Bay and Esperance Harbour, and approximately 7 km² of coral reef ecosystems, especially in Soufrière Bay and Saline Point. These interventions will reduce habitat degradation by addressing upstream pollution, siltation, and fertilizer runoff through ecosystem-based management strategies. To bolster aquaculture and seamoss farming, the project will introduce demonstration farms, energy-efficient technologies, and storm-resilient submersible rafts.

Synergy with Ongoing Initiatives

FISH-ADAPT is fully aligned with Saint Lucia’s own Fisheries Sectoral Adaptation Strategy and Action Plan, thereby positioning itself  as a cornerstone of Saint Lucia’s climate resilience and blue economy strategy.

During the Signing Ceremony for the project, The Honorable Mr. Alfred Prospere, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Rural Development, stated, “The true impact of FISH-ADAPT will not be measured in dollars, but in lives improved, coastlines protected, livelihoods strengthened, and futures made more secure."

Mr. Henry Gonzalez, Chief Investment Officer of the Green Climate Fund (GCF), shared a statement indicating that Climate-Resilient Fisheries Project will enhance sustainability and safety in Saint Lucia’s fisheries sector, a key source of livelihoods in one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable Small Island Developing States. In addition, “The approval of this project demonstrates how GCF supports country ownership by strengthening national capacity to enable coastal communities and marine ecosystems to adapt to the impacts of climate change.”

Dr. Renata Clarke, Subregional Coordinator for FAO Caribbean highlighted, that, “FISH-ADAPT is a powerful example of how FAO’s mandate to promote sustainable agriculture, food security, and resilience translates into action on the ground. This project strengthens the adaptive capacity of small-scale fishers, protects critical ecosystems, and supports inclusive, climate-resilient livelihoods. We are proud to support Saint Lucia and the wider Caribbean in advancing integrated solutions that safeguard both people and planet, while directly addressing the unique vulnerabilities of Small Island Developing States (SIDS)”.