CASTRIES, St Lucia (CMC) – The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS)  Commission says the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) and the government of Ireland (Irish Aid) have formalised a strategic partnership, enhancing access to resilient, green, and affordable housing in Eastern Caribbean Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

The 600,000 €uros (One Euro= $1.05 US) partnership addresses the consistent challenges of climate change resilience and affordable housing in the region.

“This partnership builds on the ongoing Green Affordable Housing initiative in St Lucia that GGGI is supporting, with the key goal of enhancing the capacity and knowledge base of stakeholders in the three countries, improving designs, construction, and financing mechanisms for resilient green affordable homes.

“To ensure broad stakeholder engagement and sustainability, GGGI has developed a structured governance and program management framework that includes country-level advisory committees and a centralized project management unit,” the OECS Commission said.

The GGGI Caribbean Representative, Daniel Muñoz-Smith, said this partnership with Ireland demonstrates the importance of international cooperation in addressing critical challenges in the Eastern Caribbean.

“By focusing on resilient green affordable housing, the aim is to provide solutions that enhance community well-being, reduce risks to climate change, and promote sustainable development.”

The Director of Global Programmes, Department of Foreign Affairs of Ireland, Niall Tierney, said that Ireland is excited to support this initiative, which aligns with its commitment to expanding its climate finance, and specifically to support SIDS in their adaptation efforts.

“By partnering with GGGI, we are helping vulnerable communities in several Eastern Caribbean islands build a stronger, more sustainable future.”

The OECS Commission said that this collaboration envisions a transformative shift in the current Eastern Caribbean housing landscape, mobilising at least $75 million US to develop resilient green affordable homes.

It seeks to address the lack of affordable and sustainable housing that is prone to climate risks such as hurricanes and rising sea-levels. The goal is to provide durable housing solutions incorporating renewable energy, water-saving, and air quality solutions, shared resources, and sustainable materials.

The opportunity to create public-private partnerships and introduce scalable financing models, the project will not only safeguard communities from climate impacts but also drive innovation in sustainable construction, ensuring long-term affordability and resilience for those who need it most, said the OECS Commission, adding that this new collaboration in the Caribbean builds on the ongoing partnership between GGGI and Ireland in the Pacific.