AF and CAF visit to the SORB: A SORB Project Update

The South Oropouche River Basin (SORB) project is actively working to enhance community resilience against flooding, rising sea levels, and water deficits. In July 2024, members from various organizations, including representatives from the AF (Adaptation Fund) and CAF (Corporación Andina de Fomento), visited the area to assess the local environment and discuss adaptation strategies with community members.

The day began with a boat tour through the Godineau Swamp, led by Mr. Hamish Asmath from the Institute of Marine Affairs (IMA) with Richie Lalsingh, Anil Gobinsingh, and Naim Ramdhanie from Mondesir Road who demonstrated their expertise in navigating the Godineau Swamp. This tour provided a close-up view of the diverse wildlife and highlighted the ecological significance of the swamp as a vital resource for local communities.

After the swamp tour, participants engaged with local fishermen and farmers to discuss adaptation capacity and livelihood diversification. These conversations emphasized the importance of developing strategies that empower community members to cope with climate-related challenges.

The afternoon included a visit to the Penal Debe Regional Corporation (PDRC) and site visits with Mr. Muhammad Baksh from the Ministry of Works and Transport, Drainage Division. The team visited the riverbank at Big Apple Debe and the Three Mouth River in San Francique, Penal, where they evaluated the impact of rising water levels and discussed potential mitigation measures.

This collaborative approach aims to gather valuable insights and feedback from local stakeholders, which are essential for creating effective tools and monitoring systems to address climate risks in the area.

As the SORB project continues, we remain focused on building resilience in the South Oropouche River Basin and supporting the community in adapting to the challenges posed by climate change.