European MEP Stéphane Bijoux lauds Dominica’s efforts against climate-change issue

In the meeting, MEP Bijoux lauded Dominica's efforts to become a climate-resilient nation. He condemned the country's efforts to build a resilient infrastructure to strengthen the war against climate change despite being a small island nation.

European MEP Stéphane Bijoux lauds Dominica's efforts against climate-change issue
European MEP Stéphane Bijoux lauds Dominica's efforts against climate-change issue

Roseau, Dominica: In order to strengthen its aim of being the world’s first climate-resilient nation, the government of the Commonwealth of Dominica, despite being a small island nation, emerged with efficient actions and plans to counter the global issue called climate change. Dominica’s regeneration and resilience story has been applauded by the European Member of Parliament (MEP), Stéphane Bijoux.

Earlier on June 23, 2022, the government of Dominica and the European Union met to discuss their partnership in Brussels. The Financial Secretary of Dominica, Denise Edwards, had an interactive engagement with the European Member of Parliament (MEP) Stéphane Bijoux. She also exchanged greetings in Creole with the new MEP from Martinique, Max Orville.

In the meeting, MEP Bijoux lauded Dominica’s efforts to become a climate-resilient nation. He condemned the country’s efforts to build a resilient infrastructure to strengthen the war against climate change despite being a small island nation.

While raising concern about Climate Change, Bijoux added, “Climate Change is a serious threat and scaring everyone. It is an emergency for everyone. It is also our responsibility to accompany developing countries because the solidarity cannot stop at the geographical limits of our continent.”

He stated that Dominica dared to take steps against climate change and turned out as the frontline in the war against the issues and took efficient steps such as sustainable tourism. Moreover, Bijoux also pledged to support Dominica in their incredible efforts and added that the EU always remained a helping hand for the country in meetings its climate-resilient goals.

European Union assisted the country in their building back journey as it has been shattered by various Hurricanes and Tropical Storms.

While providing financial assistance, European Union gave €8.9 million at the time of Tropical Storm Erika in 2015.

Moreover, European Commission’s Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid department also assisted the country and provided €250,000 in emergency humanitarian aid to Dominica following the severe destruction caused by Hurricane Maria, in 2017.

Various natural hazards, climate impacts, pandemics, health concerns and other exogenous economic shocks always shattered Dominica. The country faced devastation due to the low-pressure systems and troughs of Tropical Storm Erika in 2015 and Category 5 Maria in 2017 over the past twenty years, resulting in huge losses of over 226 percent to 300 percent of the GDP, respectively.

So, the government of Dominica has decided to revert back all the natural calamities and aimed to become the first climate-resilient nation. To continue their efforts, the country is investing significantly in climate-resilient infrastructure.

European Union has assisted significantly in their climate-resilient goals. Further, Dominica has also signed the CARIFORUM-EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), which highly emphasizes development cooperation.