A Celebration of Community and Climate Action
The Nature Conservancy and Government of Grenada Hosts Ribbon Cutting Ceremony of the Soubise Fisher Facility.
Media Contacts
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Jason Phillip
Director of Information
Government Information Service (GIS)
Email: director-gis@gov.gd
The Nature Conservancy (TNC), the Government of Grenada, along with the International Climate Initiative (IKI), The Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMU), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent societies (IFRC), and the Grenada Red Cross Society (GRCS) will officially open a newly constructed Climate-Smart Fisher Facility in Soubise, St. Andrew, Grenada on Saturday, February 22. The dedication ceremony, themed “A Celebration of Community and Climate Action” will feature remarks from the Hon. Dickon Mitchell, Prime Minister of Grenada, Hon Kerryne James Minister for Climate Resilience the Environment and Renewable Energy, representatives from key stakeholders and partners including the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent societies (IFRC).
The Soubise Fisher Facility–the first of its kind on the island–was designed with both nature and people in mind, integrating sustainable infrastructure, such as solar energy and rainwater harvesting. It also features nature-based solutions such as green and grey shoreline stabilization measures that use natural rock sea walls and native coastal vegetation to stabilize the shoreline, absorb wave energy, improve near-shore habitats and reduce coastal erosion.
The first phase of the facility includes 21 lockers for fishers to securely store gear, washing stations for cleaning catch and equipment, and shower areas. Phase two will see the construction of a jetty that will allow fishers to better access the facility and improve the transport of catch and gear, especially in situations where the area is inundated by sargassum seaweed. These innovative features make small-scale fishing safer, more efficient, and environmentally sustainable.
“For over 15 years, our work in Grenada has focused on understanding how conservation and restoration can reduce climate vulnerability. This facility is more than just infrastructure—it represents the power of community-led conservation and a holistic approach to resilience, where fishers, farmers, and community members work together to protect both their livelihoods and natural ecosystems,” said Rob Brumbaugh, TNC Caribbean Executive Director.
The Soubise Fisher Facility showcases the balancing of the ability of coastal communities to harness nature-based solutions to safeguard ecosystems, while strengthening local economies. The project exemplifies the nexus between conservation and economic development in addressing a changing climate and biodiversity loss.
“Through strategic integration of renewable energy, habitat restoration, and community engagement, the Fisher Facility epitomizes our holistic approach to climate resilience, fostering not just adaptation but genuine transformation in our socio-ecological landscape.” Said the Hon. Kerryne James – Minister for Climate Resilience, the Environment and Renewable Energy.
The Soubise Fisher Facility was constructed under The Nature Conservancy’s Resilient Islands by Design Initiative - ‘Integrating Ecosystem and Community-based Approaches to Enhance Climate Change Adaptation in the Caribbean.’ A partnership between the Government of Grenada, The Nature Conservancy (TNC), the International Climate Initiative (IKI), The Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMU), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent societies (IFRC), and the Grenada Red Cross Society (GRCS).
The media is invited to cover the event and explore the broader story of how conservation and restoration can be used to address vulnerability and help make communities more resilient in the Caribbean. A video showcasing the facility’s development is available here: Soubise Fisher Facility in Grenada built to meet the needs of fishers : https://youtu.be/ynrIrPca4-g
For media inquiries or to schedule interviews, please contact: Jason Phillip - Director of Information, Government Information Service (GIS) at director-gis@gov.gd.
EVENT DETAILS
What: A Celebration of Community and Climate Action – Dedication of the Soubise Climate-Smart Fisher Facility
When: February 22, 2025
Time: 2:30pm – 4:00pm
The Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. We are tackling climate change, conserving lands, waters and oceans at an unprecedented scale, providing food and water sustainably and helping make cities more sustainable. The Nature Conservancy is working to make a lasting difference around the world in 81 countries and territories (40 by direct conservation impact and 41 through partners) through a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners. To learn more, visit nature.org or follow @nature_press on X.