Ridge to Reef Alliances

Alligator Head Foundation (AHF)

Ridge to Reef Alliances

Alliances for a bluer, greener Caribbean: Scaling up Ridge to Reef

Port Antonio, Jamaica

JAM

Nonprofit

The Caribbean is on the frontlines of climate change, with its production systems, ecosystems, tourism industry, and infrastructure facing serious threats. In Jamaica, coastal communities are increasingly affected by extreme weather events, rising temperatures, and sea-level rise, with 5,000 people in Portland directly impacted. These environmental challenges are further intensified by social and economic vulnerabilities—such as pandemics, market disruptions, and reliance on imports—which contribute to reduced productivity, incomes, and resilience. The combined effects of climate change and unsustainable livelihood practices are having a severe impact on both terrestrial and marine life, putting livelihoods, food security, and biodiversity at risk for the 3 billion people worldwide dependent on a sustainable blue economy. AHF oversees 2,200 hectares of marine ecosystems within Jamaica’s East Portland Coral Refugia, including the East Portland Fish Sanctuary (EPFS), and 250 hectares of coastal land-based ecosystems, all of which are significantly affected by these issues. In East Portland, the ongoing challenges have eroded resilience to climate change. To support community-based adaptation, it is essential to tackle key issues such as illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, unsustainable farming methods, limited value addition and market access, and the degradation of coral reefs, mangroves, and other vital ecosystems.

Scale up successful initiatives to expand alternative, climate-resilient livelihoods for coastal communities by building on the achievements of AHF’s “ridge-to-reef” program under the ITC Alliances for Action framework. This solution aims to address climate risks and vulnerabilities through a holistic approach that integrates environmental conservation with sustainable economic development, generating both ecological and socioeconomic gains. Key components of the approach include: • Promoting sustainable agronomic and marine practices, by facilitating the transition from traditional methods to more climate-smart techniques such as pelagic fishing, mariculture, greenhouse farming, and other innovative approaches. • Restoring critical ecosystems, including mangrove and coral reef rehabilitation using advanced techniques like micro- and macro-fragmentation to enhance conservation efforts and restore ecosystem services. • Supporting decarbonization and adaptation strategies, such as agroforestry and climate-resilient agricultural practices, to reduce emissions and build long-term resilience. • Strengthening market linkages, to improve access to value chains and support the growth of community-based enterprises and entrepreneurship. Together, these actions enhance the adaptive capacity of coastal communities, protect against coastal erosion, improve biodiversity, and foster inclusive, sustainable livelihoods.

Coastal communities, including fisherfolk, farmers, and those reliant on marine and agricultural resources face growing threats from climate and market shocks. Limited access to training, markets, and support has hindered their ability to adapt, and has left many underserved. The AHF aims to fill this gap by supporting community-led, sustainable solutions, in partnership with ITC Alliances for Action and TBA21. This project strengthens the resilience of vulnerable coastal populations by promoting sustainable fishing, agroforestry, and climate-smart agriculture. It also focuses on conserving and restoring vital ecosystem such as forests, watersheds, and coral reef to reduce climate risks and enhance natural productivity. Key actions include: • Sustainable Management: Regenerative use of land and marine resources to protect ecosystems and support livelihoods. • Conservation: Protection of biodiversity and critical coastal and marine habitats. • Rehabilitation: Ecosystem restoration to boost resilience and ecosystem services. Impact highlights: • Improved Ecosystem Health: Restoration of 2,200 ha marine and 250 ha terrestrial ecosystems. • Stronger Livelihoods: Diversified incomes for 250 farmers and 150 fisherfolk households (2,000 individuals) through sustainable practices. • Lower Climate Risks: Reduced overfishing (600 ha), soil degradation (250 ha), and inland pollution. Local communities drive the initiative, integrating traditional knowledge and cultural heritage, including an artist-in-residence program with TBA21, for locally rooted, culturally respectful solutions.