Belize is taking a proactive and inclusive approach to climate change adaptation through a multi-sectoral national planning initiative supported by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) Readiness Project. The project “Enabling Activities for the Formulation and Implementation of a Multisectoral National Adaptation Plan (MNAP) for Belize”, spans five critical priority sectors: Health, Tourism, Agriculture, Forest and Land Use, and Human Settlement and Infrastructure. Under this project, the Centre for Applied Development Studies (CADS) will assist in informing this comprehensive climate adaptation strategy.
A key innovative aspect of the project is its emphasis on social inclusivity, mainly through the Youth, Gender, and Social Assessments. CADS has been pivotal in conducting extensive focus group consultations across Belize, aiming to develop a nuanced understanding of adaptation needs based on diverse social considerations, including gender, age, and other demographic dynamics. CADS is executing the project’s core objectives by bringing a robust and comprehensive approach to national adaptation planning. CADS will provide expertise through its multifaceted capabilities, which include:
- Formulating surveys and data collection tools
- Coordinating extensive field data collection
- Conducting in-depth data analysis
- Identifying, managing, and coordinating stakeholder engagement
- Capturing detailed stakeholder experiences
- Planning and facilitating focus group discussions
- Documenting and disseminating focus group discussion results
- Producing comprehensive technical reports
CADS is documenting the differentiated effects of climate change on male, female, youth, indigenous, and marginalized communities, ensuring that the most vulnerable populations are not only heard but have their unique challenges systematically captured for sustainable climate adaptation. By prioritizing stakeholder participation, the CADS team ensures that the national adaptation roadmap reflects the experiences and perspectives of different community segments, creating a genuinely inclusive approach to climate change resilience.
