Funds will soon starts flowing from BVI Climate Fund

The Virgin Islands Climate Change Trust Fund (VICCTF) has completed a series of territory-wide consultations as it prepares to launch its first Call for Proposals this month.

The Climate Change Trust Fund is intended to help finance projects that address climate change and strengthen resilience across the Virgin Islands.

The meetings were held from July 20 to 24 on Tortola, Anegada, Jost Van Dyke and Virgin Gorda, along with a territory-wide virtual session. Government agencies, statutory bodies, businesses, non-governmental organisations, community groups, faith-based organisations and other interested groups participated.

The sessions were designed to explain the purpose of the Climate Change Trust Fund and prepare organisations for its upcoming Call for Proposals – where organisations will be able to request funds for projects that will make the BVI more climate-resilient.

Participants also shared their views on local climate priorities, funding needs, eligibility requirements and the types of projects that should receive support. Chief Executive Officer Chamberlain Emmanuel said the feedback will directly influence the upcoming funding round.

“We are grateful to everyone who gave their time this past week to help shape the future of climate finance in the Virgin Islands,” Emmanuel stated.

He said the priorities, ideas and questions raised about the Fund’s governance, along with “honest conversations about what should be funded,” will directly inform the Call for Proposals launching in August. The trust fund is now compiling questions raised during the consultations into a Frequently Asked Questions document. This will be published on its website to help organisations prepare their applications.

Organisations are also being encouraged to join the Partnership Alliance to determine which tier of the Community Resilience Grant they may qualify for. They can also assess whether gaps within their organisations could be supported through a capacity-building grant.