CDB and GCF launch USD 27 million initiative to boost early warning systems in Belize and Trinidad and Tobago
The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), in partnership with the Green Climate Fund (GCF), is financing a USD 27.1 million initiative to scale up hydrometeorological services and multi-hazard early warning systems in Belize and Trinidad and Tobago, according to a press release published on August 7, 2026. The project aims to strengthen these countries’ ability to anticipate, prepare for and respond to climate-related hazards and extreme weather events. It will be implemented by the Caribbean Meteorological Organisation, working with national meteorological and disaster management agencies. The intervention forms part of a broader regional effort to build climate resilience. It reflects a shared commitment between CDB and GCF to support vulnerable Caribbean nations.
Belize and Trinidad and Tobago, like many Caribbean countries, continue to face growing threats from climate change. These include hurricanes, flooding, droughts, heatwaves and sea-level rise. Strengthened early warning systems are recognized as one of the most critical and cost-effective tools for protecting lives, livelihoods, infrastructure and critical economic sectors. The Caribbean Meteorological Organisation serves as the region’s specialized institution for meteorology and climate services. It will lead implementation alongside national partners in the beneficiary countries.
The project is being financed primarily through a USD 24.1 million grant approved by the GCF and channelled through CDB. The Bank will provide an additional USD 1.2 million in grant financing. A further USD 1.88 million in counterpart funding will come from the Governments of Belize and Trinidad and Tobago. The financing structure combines multilateral climate finance with national government contributions. Together, these resources support a coordinated regional response to climate risks.
The initiative will strengthen the countries’ capacity to detect, monitor, analyse, forecast and communicate information on weather, water and climate-related hazards. It will also support improvements in disaster risk management, climate information services, institutional capacity, and the delivery of timely warnings to vulnerable communities. Director of CDB’s Projects Department, Mr. L. O’Reilly Lewis, said the intervention reflects a shared commitment by CDB and GCF to building resilience in vulnerable Caribbean countries.
“This investment, made possible through the Green Climate Fund’s support, represents a critical step in strengthening climate resilience in Belize and Trinidad and Tobago. As climate-related hazards become more frequent and severe, robust early warning systems are essential to protecting communities, safeguarding key economic sectors and preserving development gains,” he stated.
The project aligns with CDB’s Strategic Objectives 2026-2035, particularly its focus on Social and Environmental Resilience, Strengthening Institutions, and Accelerating Climate Action. It also supports Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11, Sustainable Cities and Communities, and SDG 13, Climate Action. Division Chief, Environmental Sustainability, Ms. Valerie Isaac, highlighted the practical benefits expected from the intervention.
“This project will help transform how climate and weather information is generated, shared and used. Strengthening forecasting capabilities, improving coordination among national and regional institutions, and enhancing communication with at-risk populations, enables communities, governments and key sectors to have access to timely, actionable information that supports preparedness and informed decision-making before climate related hazards occur,” she said.