Strengthening Local Structures for Greater Resilience

Strengthening local governance structures is at the heart of several activities under the Caribbean Resilient Communities (CCR, from its acronym in Spanish) project. Across different regions of Cuba, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic, diverse approaches show how participatory processes, networks, and strategic alliances among various actors reinforce climate resilience and catalyze long-term sustainable impacts.

Profound Dialogues in the Dominican Republic

During a workshop held in Santo Domingo, representatives from Enda Dominicana, Centro Naturaleza, and Welthungerhilfe and OroVerde, together with Dr. Petra Speier-Werner (an expert in Multi-Actor Partnerships, Civil Society Academy), analyzed the development and consolidation of the groups known as “Grupos Contenedores.” These multisectoral governance hubs have been promoted by the CCR project to coordinate climate change adaptation at the municipal level. The workshop’s objective was to map out strategies to ensure their sustainability beyond the project, by integrating them into formal structures such as the Municipal Development Councils (CDM, from its acronym in Spanish).

In the Dajabón region, the group has become a point of reference in local governance. One analysis highlighted how participatory methods, inclusive decision-making processes, and developing strategic capacities have strengthened a collective identity that drives commitment and autonomous problem-solving.