Ecosystem-based Adaptation and forest restoration in vulnerable rural communities within the Caribbean Biological Corridor

The level of ecosystem diversity in the Caribbean is among the highest in the world. However, both the region and its valuable ecosystems are under severe threat from the impacts of climate change and human overuse. The project uses ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) measures to increase the resilience and adaptability of the people and ecosystems in the partner countries, thus improving the livelihoods of the rural population at the same time. In participatory processes, the project develops strategic EbA plans, based on which targeted afforestation and soil improvement measures are implemented. It supports farmers in applying adapted production techniques and optimising the value chains of agricultural, agroforestry and silvopastoral systems. In addition to supporting the mainstreaming of EbA in local and national plans, the project also trains and networks key players, helping them to plan EbA measures.

Project data

Countries: Cuba, Dominican Republic, Haiti
IKI funding: 19,999,576.00 €
Included preparation phase: 172,354.80 €
Duration: 11/2019 till 10/2027
Status: open
Implementing organisation: Deutsche Welthungerhilfe e.V.
Political Partner: Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources - Dominican Republic

Ministry of Science, Technology and the Environment (CITMA) - Cuba

Ministry of the Environment - Haiti
Implementing Partner: Centro Oriental de Ecosistemas y Biodiversidad (BIOECO)

Centro para la Educación y Acción Ecológica, Naturaleza, CEDAE

Concertation y Action pour le Développement (Concert-Action)

ENDA Dominicana

OroVerde - Die Tropenwaldstiftung
Online: https://www.regenwald-schuetzen.org/unsere-projekte/regenwald-schutzprojekte/klimawald

https://www.welthungerhilfe.de/informieren/laender/haiti/1000000-setzlingen-gegen-den-klimawandel/

https://www.ccr-project.com/home/

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State of implementation/results

In the three countries, a total of 15 EbA plans were finalised (5 in Haiti, 7 in the DR, 3 in Cuba).
- For Cuba, four additional plans are in preparation, a master EbA plan has already been developed, on the basis of which simplified, less technical EbA plans are being prepared for four areas of work.
- Ten plans have already been officially presented to local stakeholders, and the presentation of the remaining plans is planned.
- The graphic layout of five plans has been completed, while the others are currently being finalised. In addition, implementing partners have developed roadmaps for the elaboration of replication models, which are expected to be finalised by 09/2026.
At the same time, partners continue implementing EbA measures, including agroforestry and silvopastoral systems, erosion control measures, tree nurseries, reforestation, household gardens, and compost systems.
The measures are implemented jointly with local EbA governance committees and are accompanied by training and awareness-raising campaigns.
The main results in numbers:
- So far, 27 micro-enterprises have been supported by the project.
- Over 2.2 million fruit and forest tree seedlings have been distributed and planted.
- More than 3,000 rural households have been supported in implementing EbA measures.
- Access to water has been improved for 1,194 households and
- Around 3,600 hectares of land have been rehabilitated, reforested, or conserved.
- Approximately 10,800 people have been reached through training and awareness-raising activities on EbA, climate change, and environmental protection.
To strengthen EbA governance, a multi-actor approach continues to be applied, and 17 EbA governance committees are currently in place.
A study on the integration of EbA into public policies and plans has been completed, and the results were presented at the end of 2025 and in 03/2026.
Knowledge management, complaint mechanisms, partner exchanges, project visits, webinars, and participation in an international conference further supported learning, coordination, and project implementation.