Barbados to boost resilience of fishing sector with support from the Government of Japan and UNDP

14 April 2025, Bridgetown, BARBADOS – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with the Government of Japan and collaboration with the Barbados Ministry of Environment and National Beautification, Green and Blue Economy, has launched the Barbados Coastal Fisheries Resilience Project. This initiative, with funding of US$2.93 million, aims to strengthen the resilience of the fisheries sector following the devastating impact of Hurricane Beryl on 1 July 2024. 

The hurricane caused extensive damage to Barbados’ coastal assets and infrastructure, with some of the most significant impact occurring at the Bridgetown Fisheries Complex. The primary harbor facility including the breakwater, docks and jetties, and retail market sustained major damage, while more than 200 local fishing vessels were affected. Recognizing the pressing need for recovery, this project will focus on strategic upgrades to critical physical infrastructure, provision of essential equipment including for emergency communications, and capacity-building measures to ensure business continuity and resilient operations.

“A sustainable future for the Barbados fishing industry is attainable through collaboration. Charting the way forward to achieving our vision will require inter-sectoral coordination, productive partnerships with the private sector, and continued youth engagement. Technological advancements and innovation will also play an integral role in achieving our vision. I wish to express our sincere gratitude to the Government of Japan and the United Nations Development Programme for generously supporting this timely intervention,” said Hon. Adrian Forde, Minister of Environment and National Beautification, Green and Blue Economy.

“The impact of Hurricane Beryl although catastrophic has provided an opportunity for a 'RESET' in the fisheries sector. Resilience, Empowerment, Strengthening partnerships, Education and Trust has been the guiding principle for navigating challenges post-Beryl and catalzsing climate resilience. There is no blueprint, but the path to transformative change and recovery of the sector is ongoing with climate resilience built in at every stage. Despite setbacks, the Division's commitment to its mission remains strong; to ensure the optimum utilization of the fisheries resources in the waters of Barbados for the benefit of the people of Barbados through management and development,” said Chief Fisheries Officer, Dr. Shelly-Ann Cox. 

“The resilience of the fisheries sector is critical for food security, economic stability, and the livelihoods of coastal communities in Barbados. Through this project, UNDP remains committed to supporting Beryl recovery efforts and strengthening disaster preparedness to ensure that fisherfolk and their businesses can withstand future climate-related shocks. We have engaged a variety of stakeholders to ensure inclusiveness, leaving no one behind – especially the most vulnerable.  We are grateful to the Government of Japan for their generous support in making this initiative possible,” said UNDP Resident Representative, Ms. Limya Eltayeb.  

“As an island nation, Japan deeply understands the importance of disaster resilience and ensuring the sustainable management of coastal fisheries. It is in this spirit that we stand with Barbados today, supporting efforts to strengthen its coastal fisheries against the increasing threats of climate change, and extreme weather events. Japan’s support is driven by a shared understanding, born from our own experience, that resilient coastal communities are essential for long-term sustainability and prosperity,” said Japan’s Ambassador to Barbados, H.E. MISAYAKA Yusuke.

This initiative is expected to make strategic contributions to wider recovery and resilience building in the fisheries sector, support the resumption of livelihoods for those affected by Hurricane Beryl; and to increase the capacity of the fishing community for disaster preparedness and resilience. 

The Barbados Coastal Fisheries Resilience Project underscores the commitment of UNDP and the Government of Japan to building climate-resilient and sustainable communities in Small Island Developing States. It complements the Government of Barbados’ broader Fisheries Recovery Plan, as well as recovery efforts being led by other international partners. 

Visit go.undp.org/BCFR for project information.

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This press release was first published by UNDP Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean.