Castries, Saint Lucia, September 26, 2024 –The Government of Saint Lucia has approved the use of 8.5 acres of land in Balata, Castries, for the construction of 450 climate-resilient, green, and affordable homes under the Saint Lucia Resilient Green Affordable Housing (GAH) project. This marks a significant milestone in addressing the nation’s housing deficit while promoting sustainability and climate resilience.

The Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), with funding from the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and the Green Climate Fund (GCF), is serving as a key partner, providing critical technical support for this timely and ambitious project. Additionally, Saint Lucia’s National Designated Authority (NDA) to the GCF is instrumental in ensuring alignment with national priorities, further strengthening the project’s impact and effectiveness.

The GAH project aims to mobilize USD 1 billion to construct 3,000 sustainable units, providing climate-resilient housing for Saint Lucians. Strategically located near essential infrastructure and essential services, – including roads, water, electricity, schools and healthcare – the Balata site is ideal for the development of eco-friendly homes. Phase 1 of the project will provide safe, sustainable housing for vulnerable individuals, aligning and reinforcing Saint Lucia’s commitment to sustainable development and community well-being.

Launched in 2021, the initiative is the result of collaborative efforts led by the Department of Economic Development and supported by multiple government agencies, including the Ministry of Housing and Local Government, Crown Lands (Department of Physical Development and Urban Renewal), Department of Sustainable Development and the Saint Lucia Development Bank (SLDB).

Paul Hilaire, Permanent Secretary, Department of Economic Development, Saint Lucia, expressed the government’s commitment to this initiative, stating: “These climate-related disasters demonstrate that the cost of inaction far exceeds the investment in resilience. Housing solutions must not only address storm protection but also withstand a range of climate impacts, including extreme heat and rising temperatures, ensuring the well-being of residents and the sustainability of our communities. Resilient, eco-friendly housing solutions are critical, not only to protect homes from immediate climate risks, but also to mitigate the long-term socio-economic impacts of climate change on our nation”

As part of ongoing efforts to strengthen regional collaboration, a High-Level Panel Discussion and Knowledge Exchange session titled “Green Affordable Housing in the Eastern Caribbean: Experiences and Lessons Learned” was held at The Harbor Club in Rodney Bay – Saint Lucia on September 25, 2024. The session brought together stakeholders and experts to exchange insights and best practices on resilient and affordable green housing, further accelerating the GAH project’s implementation.

Ms. Mylene Lerigab, Regional Financial Institutions Project Manager, from the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) echoed support for this initiative, stating: “AFD is proud to support Saint Lucia in its efforts to promote climate resilience and sustainable development. The GAH initiative exemplifies how public-private partnerships and international collaboration can drive meaningful change in the face of global challenges. We look forward to seeing this initiative positively impact the lives of many Saints Lucians.”

Saint Lucia’s GAH project positions the island as a leader in resilient and green housing solutions within the Eastern Caribbean, showcasing its proactive stance on climate change while fostering long-term sustainable development, marking a pivotal opportunity for all Saint Lucians.