IDB supports climate change adaptation program in Tobago

The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has provided grant financing of $500,000 to the Cropper Foundation in Trinidad and Tobago to implement a pilot program utilizing underwater sculptures as an innovative approach to climate change adaptation in the Buccoo Reef area. Trinidadian artist Peter Minshall will create two Carnival-themed sculptures, part of a work known as Tobago Water Colours, in the area of Buccoo reef off Tobago one component of a program on adapting to the impacts of climate change.The project is expected to facilitate the adaptive capacity and recovery of Buccoo Reef – damaged by years of over-visitation from snorkelers and scuba divers and by land-based nutrient run-off – by providing an alternative destination to tourists that will also provide a new source of income for the tourism, cultural and creative industries of the area. The program will include a focus on marketing and financial sustainability for the new attraction. An additional component of the technical assistance grant will finance a study that will explore options to reduce anthropogenic pollution loading on the reef’s ecosystem.According to the sculptor Minshall, “This may help turn the tide at Buccoo. Reflecting the colours of the reef and the movement of the sea, the installation will also be a celebration of our island and our annual Carnival, which is an ancient tradition."

Source: http://www.caribbeannewsnow.com/topstory-IDB-supports-climate-change-adaptation-program-in-Tobago-29028.html