Sister Islands Vital For Global Climate Funds
The Virgin Islands Climate Change Trust Fund is urging communities across the Sister Islands to submit proposals under its inaugural funding call. Officials state that transparent, territory-wide participation is essential to gaining international accreditation and unlocking billions in global climate finance. Building a proven track record aims to help the BVI overcome funding barriers tied to its status as a UK Overseas Territory.
The Virgin Islands Climate Change Trust Fund (VICCTF) is making a dedicated push to ensure the Sister Islands play a central role in the territory's climate resilience initiatives, noting that widespread local participation is key to accessing billions of dollars in global climate financing.
Speaking at the recent launch of the fund's inaugural Call for Proposals, VICCTF Board of Trustees member Dr Shannon Gore addressed community concerns regarding the equitable distribution of resources across the British Virgin Islands. She stressed that the board is actively encouraging project submissions from communities outside Tortola, with special focus on Jost Van Dyke and Anegada.
According to Dr Gore, demonstrating that projects are fairly selected, properly managed, and successfully executed across all islands will directly prove the fund's operational transparency. This credibility is essential as the VICCTF works toward achieving official international accreditation.
Accreditation would enable the trust fund to directly access substantial international climate financing mechanisms that are currently out of reach. Due to the territory's constitutional status as a United Kingdom Overseas Territory, the BVI is restricted from accessing many major multilateral environmental funds.
Establishing a solid track record of successful, well-audited community projects is viewed as a vital step to meeting stringent international standards. The VICCTF's current call invites applications from eligible local businesses, non-profit organisations, farmers, and community groups.
Selected initiatives will focus on addressing the impacts of climate change, safeguarding natural resources, and bolstering long-term environmental resilience across the entire territory.
Primary source: BVI News