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Archie Wood
Oct 48 min read

Eco Series Edition 3: "Reparations and Resilience" - How CARICOM's 10-Point Plan Can Support Indigenous Climate Efforts in Dominica and Beyond

Updated: Oct 5

The Caribbean, with its turquoise seas and luscious green landscape, is often depicted as a paradise – but it is a paradise under siege, on the frontlines of a global climate crisis. The last decade has seen the Caribbean subjected to rapidly changing weather conditions, bringing devastating hurricanes and dangerously rising sea levels (Climate Promise, UNDP). Island nations such as Dominica have been ravaged, particularly by Hurricane Maria in 2017, leaving behind ruin and destruction, necessitating vast and expensive reconstruction projects (UN News 16 April 2024). But for the Caribbean and its peoples, rebuilding, resilience and resistance is no stranger – it’s one deeply rooted in a history of exploitation and colonialism.


As this history unfolds, the Caribbean Community’s (CARICOM) ‘10-Point Plan’ calls for reparations from former European colonisers - not just to acknowledge past wrongs, but to rectify the ongoing economic injustices in a region previously exploited for its resources and wealth. Demands for reparatory justice by CARICOM symbolise a desire to fund the building of a more resilient future for the region. Colonial powers stripped Indigenous peoples of their lands, resources, and environmental protections (CARICOM, Reparatory Justice). Now, as climate change pushes these islands to the brink, reparations are the key to their survival.


How can reparatory justice from former European colonial powers help fund modern, climate-resilient projects rooted in Indigenous traditions of adaptation? With climate change in the Caribbean projected to increase from 5% of GDP in 2025 to 20% by 2100, this article explores how reparations - specifically through the lens of CARICOM’s ‘10-Point Plan’ - can not only serve as compensation for historical injustices but also as vital investments in climate resilience for Indigenous and marginalised communities across the region (Annual Review of Environment and Resources, 2020).



Credit: Brianna Rowe - Kalinago Territory, Dominica


CARICOM’s 10-Point Plan and the Indigenous People’s Development Programs

The primary goal of repairing damage in the Caribbean caused by centuries of enslavement, exploitation, and resource extraction is the ethos of CARICOM’s 10-Point Plan. This comprehensive framework seeks to rectify the harmful and lasting legacies of colonialism. While the plan spans multiple areas of reparatory justice, key components specifically relate to Indigenous peoples and the urgent need for climate resilience:


  1. Indigenous Peoples Development Program – A community of over 3,000,000 in 1700 has been reduced to less than 30,000 by 2000. These survivors are often traumatised, landless, and marginalised within their region. Rehabilitation efforts remain insufficient, making a dedicated Development Program essential for restoring Indigenous livelihoods (CARICOM, Reparatory Justice). In the context of climate change, it is critical that reparations funds are directed towards strengthening the resilience of these communities, many of whom live in areas highly susceptible to flooding, hurricanes, and rising sea levels.

  2. Technology Transfer – Colonialism left the Caribbean technologically underdeveloped and ill-prepared for the climate crisis (CARICOM, Reparatory Justice). Reparations could support the transfer of climate-smart technologies to Indigenous communities, including renewable energy systems, climate-resilient agricultural methods, and disaster response infrastructure. Such technologies can help mitigate the impact of climate change and empower Indigenous peoples to adapt effectively to worsening environmental conditions.

  3. Debt Cancellation – Many Caribbean nations face crippling debt, limiting their ability to invest in climate resilience and sustainable development (CARICOM, Reparatory Justice). These debts, much of which originated from post-independence development efforts, are compounded by the rising costs of climate impacts. A notable example is Dominica, where Hurricane Maria in 2017 caused damage equivalent to 226% of the country’s total GDP (Kirk Siegler, NPR). For Indigenous communities, debt relief could free up resources to support environmental protection, rehabilitate lands, and safeguard cultural practices that are intricately tied to the natural world.


While CARICOM’s 10-Point Plan lays a strong foundation for reparatory justice, it lacks a specific emphasis on environmental reparations and climate resilience – one of the greatest threats facing marginalised communities in the region today. Indigenous communities, despite contributing little to global greenhouse gas emissions, are among the hardest hit by the effects of climate change. The Caribbean’s collective Small Island Developing States (SIDS) contribute less than 1% annually to global emissions, yet they endure extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and economic instability (Climate Watch, 2021). For Indigenous areas, this results in disrupted livelihoods, displacement, and long-term recovery challenges, exacerbated by economic fragility and inadequate infrastructure (Annual Review of Environment and Resources, 2020).


By prioritising Indigenous development and technological investment, reparations could provide a transformative opportunity to enhance the climate resilience of Indigenous peoples and ensure their survival in the face of ongoing climate crises.



Credit: UNDP/ Zaimis Olmos


Climate Resilience and Indigenous Adaptation

While a technology transfer remains a key aim of CARICOM’S 10-Point Plan, some Caribbean communities have already begun combining modern climate resilience strategies with traditional Indigenous methods of adaptation to climate. Leading this innovative approach is the Kalinago of Dominica.


Dominican President Sylvanie Burton, herself a member of the Kalinago Indigenous community, and Lorenzo Sanford, Chief of the Kalinago, share a joint desire to establish Dominica as the world’s first ‘climate-resilient’ nation (UN News 16 April 2024). In a 2022 interview, President Burton emphasised that Indigenous and local knowledge can be a valuable asset in addressing adaptation and reducing risks from climate-related disasters. For example, practices like intercropping and the use of vetiver grass as ground cover help to protect soil from the damaging effects of hurricanes on agriculture. Additionally, the Kalinago use trees as natural buffers to shield homes from storm damage (Dupar, CDKN).


A significant innovation in their efforts is the adoption of a modern housing design based on the Indigenous ‘A-frame’ roof structure, which has been proven to withstand stronger hurricanes (Dupar, CDKN). This synergy of tradition and modernity is a crucial step toward securing Dominica’s future against the increasing threat of extreme weather.


President Burton’s vision for resilience aligns with Dominica’s National Resilience Development Strategy 2030 (NRDSD 2030). This strategy outlines the government’s priorities in achieving sustainable economic growth while addressing the realities of climate change. The plan emphasises food security through modernisation and diversification of agriculture, intending to ensure all Dominican communities are classified as “resilient communities.” It aims to maintain agricultural stability, reduce crop loss from weather events, and promote the adaptation and maintenance of critical ecosystems, allowing communities to thrive and reduce poverty rates while combating climate change (FAO, NRDSD 2030).


In an interview in April 2024, both President Burton and Chief Sanford underscored the urgent need for financial support in addressing the climate crisis. Burton called for ‘big polluting countries’ to ‘turn their promises into action’, highlighting the global inequity in climate finance (UN News 16 April 2024). After Hurricane Maria devastated Dominica in 2017, numerous countries pledged aid that never materialised, forcing the island nation to take on significant loans to fund climate-resilience projects.



Credit: Shutterstock - Traditional, climate-resilient Kalinago 'A-Framed' housing


Potential Impact of Climate Resilience

Dominica’s National Resilience Development Strategy 2030 outlines the government’s commitment to achieving sustainable economic growth while addressing global challenges, particularly the escalating threat of climate change. A core focus of the plan is promoting food security through smart agricultural growth, modernisation, and diversification, with the ultimate goal of classifying all Dominican communities as “resilient communities.” These communities would benefit from agricultural stability, reduced crop losses due to weather events, and climate-resilient farming practices, alongside sustainable ecosystems adapted to climate realities (FAO, NRDSD 2030).


Crucially, the strategy also aims to reduce poverty, one of Dominica’s major national objectives. Climate-resilient practices, particularly in Indigenous communities most vulnerable to climate change, are expected to contribute to lowering headcount poverty to below 15% and household poverty to below 10% (FAO, NRDSD 2030).


Cozier Frederick, Dominica’s Minister for the Environment, Rural Modernisation, and Kalinago Upliftment of Dominica, recently highlighted the importance of these objectives:


‘Relying on agriculture and tourism to sustain livelihoods, Dominicans understand the importance of having resilient systems in place that can withstand climate impacts while also supporting a quick recovery’ (Climate Promise, UNDP).


He also emphasised the focus on inclusivity in Dominica’s climate efforts:


‘The country has also prioritised gender equality in its climate action and recognised the needs of the youth and Indigenous communities. This includes developing a roadmap to mainstream gender in NDC [Nationally Determined Contributions] institutional and coordination mechanisms’ (Climate Promise, UNDP).


‘The role for the private sector, Indigenous people, the youth, is one of participatory action. It has to be one that involves a discourse that moves beyond the Government institutions… they must be involved in the conversation' (Climate Promise, UNDP).


The Dominican government’s embrace of a climate-resilient approach is not just about environmental safeguarding; it’s closely tied to poverty reduction and economic development, particularly for Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Investment in stronger infrastructure, sustainable farming practices, and coastal protection is essential for closing the socioeconomic gap between Caribbean communities and the rest of the world. This “modernisation” of climate resilience is a vision for a more sustainable and equitable future (FAO, NRDSD 2030.

 

The Kalinago communities in St. Vincent and the Grenadines are also active participants in these conversations around climate resilience. The country has analysed the impact of climate change on men, women, and vulnerable groups, highlighting the gaps, challenges, and opportunities. This has led to the development of inclusive policies that build resilience, with a focus on incorporating the voices of all community members, especially the most vulnerable (Climate Promise, UNDP).


‘It is necessary for all voices to be heard. Inclusivity is important as the entire society is affected by climate change and it is the vulnerable groups that are mostly affected in the worst ways.’

Environmental Specialist Tessa Mandeville (Climate Promise, UNDP)


Indigenous Knowledge and the Blue Economy


Investment in climate resilience is increasingly drawing inspiration from Indigenous maritime knowledge. The blue economy, vital to the GDP of Caribbean SIDS, is under threat due to adverse weather conditions, rising sea levels, and overfishing (FAO, NRDSD 2030). Indigenous practices related to marine conservation can be integrated into new sustainability initiatives, combining traditional knowledge with modern environmental practices. This supports local fisheries, tourism, and coastal protection, which are all critical components of the regional economy. By harnessing this blend of old and new methods, the Caribbean can build long-term economic resilience to climate threats (Annual Review of Environment and Resources, 2020).



Credit: UNDP/ Shani Leacock


Reparation Funds and Public Health


Reparations targeted towards climate resilience could also address public health exacerbated by climate change, such as heat stress and malnutrition due to crop failure. By investing in strengthened healthcare systems and infrastructure, Caribbean nations can prepare for and mitigate the emerging health crises associated with a warming planet (Loop Environment News, 1 August 2023).


Reforestation and Ecosystem Restoration


Additionally, reparations would accelerate reforestation efforts across the Caribbean. Restoring ecosystems that were degraded during colonial times would not only promote biodiversity but also serve as natural buffers against hurricanes, flooding, and soil erosion – particularly for Indigenous communities in coastal areas (Dupar, CDKN). Reforestation presents a unique opportunity for Indigenous peoples to take the lead in restoring traditional lands and ecosystems that were historically exploited and degraded by colonial powers (Annual Review of Environment and Resources, 2020).


Building a Sustainable Legacy

Indigenous peoples are not just recipients of aid; they are the traditional stewards of the environment. Indigenous-led projects can restore land and cultural traditions, support economic growth, and promote sustainable development. The use of reparations in this promotes a forward-looking perspective while restoring indigenous livelihoods.


While currently in its infancy, the true potential for climate resilience could be recognised and accelerated with the involvement of those governments responsible for the current position of Caribbean communities. Therefore, This article calls European governments to action, to fulfil their obligations under the proposed reparations framework in the 10-point CARICOM plan and the Paris Agreement, not only to right historical wrongs but also to confront today’s urgent climate crisis.


For further information on CARICOM's 10-Point Plan, please see here: https://caricom.org/caricom-ten-point-plan-for-reparatory-justice/


Author: Archie Wood



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