Key goals
- Strengthening Enabling the Environment for Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems (MHEWS) in Belize.
Small Caribbean states like Belize have the most urgent need and justification for climate-related investment for capacity building and adaptation strategies, but face barriers and constraints in accessing related financing. The Caribbean region is extremely vulnerable to a group of recurring weather and climate extremes and hydro-meteorological hazards and as such is among the most vulnerable to climate change. Extreme weather events represent a substantial threat to life, livelihood, property and prosperity.
| Programme type | Accelerated Support Window |
| Funding: | $250,000 |
| Status: | Ongoing |
| Duration: | 12 months |
Strengthening Early Warning Systems in a High-Risk Climate
Belize faces significant vulnerability due to its small size, complex geography, and dependence on climate-sensitive sectors like agriculture and tourism. Frequent hurricanes, intensified storms, and rising sea levels pose constant threats, with annual losses from extreme weather events estimated at around 4% of GDP. Adding to the challenge, 42% of the population lives in poverty, with a substantial percentage along vulnerable coastlines, further exposed to risks from sea-level rise and flooding.
The Belizean economy, heavily reliant on agriculture, fisheries, and tourism, is at risk as temperatures are projected to rise between 2°C and 4°C. Against this backdrop, strengthening Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems (MHEWS) is critical. The AWS project will help Belize bolster its response capacity and build resilience against extreme weather. Its deliverables will also contribute to a larger regional initiative, the CREWS/Green Climate Fund (GCF) project “Strengthening Hydro-Meteorological and Early Warning Services in the Caribbean,” leveraging resources and partnerships to enhance resilience across the region.