After 2 intense days of climate change negotiations and fruitful discussions, Grenada’s world famous Grand Etang Forest Reserves became the focal point for delegates of the Cartagena Dialogue.
In Grenada for the two-day deliberations, from 9-10 April, to explore and potentially reach areas of mutual understanding around the topic of combating and adapting to climate change, the group was treated to the Ridge to Reef approach that showcased the progressive work already being done in Grenada, as they briefly toured the Grand Etang Crater Lake and Forest Reserves on Thursday, 11 April.
At the centre of this movement towards environmental sustainability and enhanced biodiversity is the GEF/ UNDP Ridge to Reef (R2R) Project. The R2R Project includes integrated approaches to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation and the role of conservation, sustainable management of forests and enhancement of forest carbon stocks in developing countries (REDD+) through interventions to support Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) and Sustainable Land Management (SLM).
R2R Coordinator, Rudo Udika, indicated that “the REDD+ initiative being implemented in the Grand Etang Forest Reserves is a significant component of the integrated Ridge to Reef approach to ecosystems-based adaptation and natural resources management in Grenada.” She further stated that “the activities include the strategic removal of invasive species, such as invasive bamboo, and reforestation with indigenous species as it is anticipated that this activity will enhance forest carbon stocks in Grenada.”
Undoubtedly, this integrated R2R approach to SLM- SFM- REDD+, is aimed towards the conservation, enhancement and sustainability of Grenada’s landscapes and watersheds, while reducing susceptibility to drought and forest fires which ultimately results in erosion and other impacts to downstream agricultural areas and coastal/ marine ecosystems.
Ridge to Reef (R2R) Project
