Taiwan Technical Mission and CCMRV Hub Formalize Partnership with Memorandum of Understanding

The Taiwan Technical Mission (TTM) in Saint Lucia and the Caribbean Cooperative Measurement, Reporting and Verification (CCMRV) Hub have formalized a partnership to enhance data collection and promote climate-resilient agriculture in Saint Lucia. This collaboration, solidified through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signifies a joint commitment to equipping the agricultural sector with the tools and information necessary to navigate the challenges of climate change. The partnership aims to leverage the technical expertise of both organizations, combining TTM’s on-the-ground experience with the CCMRV Hub’s regional knowledge in climate accounting and reporting. The overarching goal is to empower local farmers and policymakers with data-driven insights that support sustainable agricultural practices and bolster resilience against climate change impacts.

The MoU signing ceremony, held at the Ministry of Agriculture in Castries, was attended by key stakeholders, including representatives from both organizations, the Taiwanese Ambassador to Saint Lucia, and the Saint Lucian Minister for Agriculture. The event underscored the significance of the partnership in addressing the growing threat of climate change to food security. Ambassador Su, representing Taiwan, highlighted the tripartite collaboration as a valuable mechanism for knowledge transfer and capacity building within the local agricultural sector. She emphasized Taiwan’s commitment to supporting Saint Lucia in achieving sustainable development goals, particularly in the face of climate change challenges. Minister Prospere reiterated the importance of data-driven decision-making for the agricultural sector, noting the need for accurate and up-to-date information to guide policy and resource allocation.

The project will directly contribute to Saint Lucia’s efforts to reduce its food import bill and enhance local food production. Minister Prospere emphasized the Caribbean Community’s (CARICOM) goal of reducing the region’s food import bill, a target that necessitates accurate data collection and informed decision-making. The project aligns with the broader CARICOM Agri-Food Systems Strategy, focusing on key imported commodities like poultry, corn, soya, meat, rice, and niche vegetables. The initiative will provide valuable data that can guide local production strategies and contribute to greater food security within Saint Lucia and the wider Caribbean region.

The CCMRV Hub, also known as the MRV Hub, plays a crucial role in strengthening climate accounting and reporting capacities across the Caribbean. This collaboration leverages the Hub’s expertise in supporting countries’ compliance with the Paris Agreement and the Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF). The partnership with TTM represents a focused effort to translate regional expertise into tangible improvements within Saint Lucia’s agricultural sector. The Climate Impact and Data Enhancement Project, born from this collaboration, aims to modernize data collection methodologies, introduce innovative technologies, and promote climate-smart farming practices.

The project focuses on enhancing data collection methodologies within the agricultural sector, introducing innovative technologies to support climate-smart agriculture, and fostering evidence-based policy-making that aligns with climate adaptation and mitigation goals. By equipping farmers and policymakers with improved data and cutting-edge tools, the initiative aims to lay the groundwork for a more resilient and sustainable agricultural future. This project signifies a move towards data-driven decision-making, ensuring that policies and practices are informed by the latest scientific understanding of climate change and its impact on local agriculture.

The project will specifically assess the impact of climate change on the seven crops featured in the ongoing Seven Crops Project, evaluating their resilience and the impact on local farmers. This detailed analysis will provide crucial insights for tailoring adaptation strategies and strengthening the long-term viability of these crops. The project will also inform the upcoming agriculture and fisheries census, a vital exercise for understanding the economic contribution of these sectors and assessing farmers’ comprehension of climate change impacts and adaptation strategies. The collaboration between TTM and the CCMRV Hub exemplifies a practical approach to addressing climate change challenges in the Caribbean, focusing on data-driven solutions and capacity building at the local level.