Coastal resilience project to start later this year

A $105.8m coastal resilience programme, mostly financed by the Inter-American Development Bank, is expected to begin construction later this year as Barbados responds to worsening erosion along parts of its coastline, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Environment Santia Bradshaw has announced.

Against the backdrop of increasing coastal erosion, particularly after Hurricane Beryl in 2024, which caused significant damage along the island’s coast, Bradshaw said construction is expected to begin later this year under the Climate Resilient and Sustainable Integrated Coastal Zone Management Programme.

“This is a significant investment in the future of our coastline, with a total programme cost of approximately US$52.9m [$105.8m], including US$50m [$100m] in financing from the Inter-American Development Bank and US$2.9m [$5.8m] in counterpart financing from Barbados,” she said.

The first phase of the programme would focus on Clinketts, St Lucy; Sand Street, St Peter; and the area from Mullins to St Peter’s Bay.

The second phase will focus on Oistins Bay, while the third will cover the coastline from Rockley Beach to St Lawrence Gap.

“For those who’ve had the opportunity to drive along the east coast, we are also seeing similar issues of erosion plaguing that coastline as well,” Bradshaw said, but did not announce any measures to curb erosion from relentless Atlantic Ocean wave action on the coastline.

She said the programme was about more than construction, describing the work as an investment in protecting communities, roads and properties, while improving beaches and public access and reducing risks associated with erosion and storms.

The projects will employ a combination of measures, including beach nourishment, coastal structures such as groins, revetments and breakwaters, and drainage improvements where necessary.

Bradshaw also urged the interns to recognize the importance of environmental stewardship and the role they could play in safeguarding the island’s future.

“Protecting our coastline is not simply about protecting beaches…it is about protecting people, protecting homes, livelihoods, our economy, and the future resilience of Barbados,” she said.

The environment minister’s announcement came during the closing ceremony for the 2026 Environmental Summer Internship Programme at the Savannah Hotel, Hastings, Christ Church.

Noting that the environmental challenges ahead would require collaboration throughout society, she told the interns: “You have not been merely participants in a programme, but you represent the next generation of environmental professionals, scientists, policymakers, and advocates that Barbados will have to depend on.”

(SB)