The Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology (CIMH) and the Belize-based Caribbean Community Climate Change Center (5Cs) have signed a memorandum of Understanding (MOU) formalizing their intentions to work in close partnership to strengthen the region's environmental resilience. 

The MOU, which was signed at the CIMH’s Husbands St. James Headquarters in Barbados, falls under the aegis of the United States Government’s Climate Change Adaptation Project (CCAP) being implemented by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in partnership with the 5Cs. This partnership, along with USAID’s recently concluded successful collaboration with CIMH, demonstrates the United States Government’s commitment to strengthen regional institutions.

In addressing the MOU signing ceremony, USAID Mission Director for the Eastern and Southern Caribbean, Christopher Cushing, underscored the nexus between the regional collaboration and the creation of a robust, sustainable network of data systems. “The placement and use of these (fifty hydro-meteorological) systems will increase the region’s capability to manage the impacts of changing weather patterns.” He further emphasized that the joint effort “will increase the use of climate data in decision-making, implement key pilots to develop proof of concept for new innovative adaptation approaches, and strengthen the capability of the region to access international climate financing for cost effective adaptation initiatives.”

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