Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, November 1, 2025 – The Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) participated in the Korea-Caribbean Climate Sustainability Seminar contributing to regional knowledge-sharing on climate adaptation and resilience. Organized by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea to Trinidad and Tobago, the event strengthens Korea-Caribbean cooperation, with GGGI playing a key role in advancing joint responses to climate and environmental challenges, particularly among Caribbean Small Island Developing States (SIDS). 

GGGI’s Caribbean Representative Daniel Muñoz-Smith and Hangoo Lee, Project Officer for Guyana’s Coastal Resilience project funded by the Korea Forest Service (KFS), joined Trinidadian policymakers, regional stakeholders, international partners, and Korean experts in discussing the Caribbean’s unique climate vulnerabilities and regionally tailored strategies. The GGGI team shared insights from the Institute’s collaborative work on green growth policies, delivering mitigation and adaptation projects, and mobilizing sustainable finance for climate action at both regional and country levels.  

H.E. Seijoong Kwon, the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Trinidad and Tobago delivering remarks at the seminar.

H.E. Seijoong Kwon, the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Trinidad and Tobago, highlighted that strengthening climate resilience and pursuing sustainable development in the Caribbean is no longer optional but imperative. He added that by harmonizing each country’s policies and research efforts with the endeavors of international organizations like GGGI and the private sector, the Caribbean region can build a more resilient and sustainable future 

Through a series of technical presentations and panel discussions, the seminar promoted dialogue and raised awareness on inclusive, regionally tailored cooperation frameworks and nature-based approaches to strengthen resilience, improve disaster risk management, and safeguard livelihoods and ecosystems. Participants also explored decarbonization pathways, highlighting the potential for carbon credit mechanisms to accelerate climate action and sustainable finance across the Caribbean. 

“As the Caribbean faces urgent and critical climate challenges, collaboration remains essential to realize sustainable growth models that respond to unique national priorities and opportunities. GGGI, together with strategic partners from the Republic of Korea, is committed to enhancing resilience by leveraging local expertise, capacity building, and transparent, results-driven approaches that put people at the heart of green growth strategies and sustainable low-carbon economies,” said Caribbean Representative Muñoz-Smith. 

Hangoo Lee, Project Officer for Guyana’s Coastal Resilience project funded by the Korea Forest Service (KFS) presenting an overview of the project.

In Guyana, GGGI is partnering with the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) and KFS to implement a Coastal Resilience and Mangrove Restoration project. The initiative is piloting green-grey infrastructure solutions to address an eroded section of shoreline, supporting interventions that protect coastal communities and foster mangrove regeneration. 

Hangoo Lee, Project Officer embedded at NAREI as part of GGGI’s technical and institutional support, explained that green-grey infrastructure combines ecosystem conservation and/or restoration with the selective use of conventional engineering approaches. This hybrid design provides communities with solutions that deliver both climate resilience and adaptation benefits. The completed project is expected to directly benefit 500 residents, protect 1,000 hectares of agricultural land from sea level rise, and contribute to the reduction of 1.12 million tons of CO2 emissions over 25 years. 

Media Contact: 

Ravena Gildharie

Communication and Knowledge Sharing Regional Senior Associate, GGGI Caribbean  

ravena.gildharie@gggi.org