Project

Resilient Coasts – Caribbean Sea

Caribbean nations are exceptionally vulnerable to natural disasters and the coastal impacts of climate change. The Resilient Coasts – Caribbean Sea project has developed “living labs” where local communities explore how they can bolster their resilience by restoring coastal ecosystems and applying nature-based solutions. The project will not only enhance local capacity but help create a viable business case for nature-based solutions.

Photo: apomares / Getty Images.

Active project

2024–2026

Project contacts

Karina Barquet / karina.barquet@sei.orgJuan Fernando Pardo / fernando.pardo@sei.org

Funded by the Swedish Postcode Lottery Foundation, the Resilient Coasts Caribbean Sea project is a collaboration between SEI and governments and communities in eight countries: Dominican Republic, Cuba, Aruba, Colombia, Costa Rica, Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago and Mexico. The project runs for 2.5 years to the end of 2026.

A diverse range of stakeholders are focusing on three different aspects of coastal resilience:

Increased coastal ecosystem restoration and protection.
Locally led climate change adaptation with active community engagement.
Co-creation of sustainable finance and business models for nature-based solutions.

This coastal zone project is using a “living lab” co-creation approach. The three project components involve international knowledge exchange in nature-based solutions within the Caribbean region, community-based action, increased local capacity in coastal restoration and protection, climate change-resilient financing of local projects and policy advice.

Resources

A vibrant underwater coral reef scene with colorful corals and sponges, surrounded by a large school of fish swimming through clear blue ocean water.

SEI research on coastal resilience endorsed for the Ocean Decade

Feature / Resilient Coasts – Caribbean Sea has officially been endorsed as a Decade Action under the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development.

8 April 2026 / About Adaptation, Disaster risk, Ecosystems, Innovation and Water resources

Coastal innovation is critical for climate and biodiversity

Perspective / Ocean-based innovation can drive climate action, protect biodiversity and strengthen coastal communities.

10 February 2026 / About Adaptation, Bioeconomy, Climate policy, Innovation and Water resources

Coral restoration key to resilient futures in the Greater Caribbean

Feature / Coral restoration in Colombia’s Varadero reef shows how community-led “living labs” can boost climate resilience and livelihoods across the Greater Caribbean.

17 July 2025 / About Adaptation and Water resources