Disaster risk reduction state of play in the Caribbean

This report provides an overview of disaster risk reduction (DRR) in the Caribbean region from 2022 to 2026, analysing the risk context, key trends, progress against DRRP strategic objectives, policy developments, and emerging challenges. It synthesizes data from a literature review of regional analytical reports, Sendai Framework Monitoring data, and feedback from regional institutions implementing the Intra-ACP Disaster Risk Reduction Programme. The assessment covers 16 Caribbean OACPS countries, focusing on recent climate-related disasters, growing environmental pressures, systemic vulnerabilities and the region’s policy response.

Key findings highlight intensified climate threats, including record-breaking hurricanes and extreme heat, increasing disaster losses, and rapid environmental change. While disaster risk governance, early warning systems, and resilience planning are improving, financing for DRR remains insufficient and highly reactive. National disaster risk management offices are structurally underfunded, and critical data gaps persist, particularly on vulnerable groups. The report recommends strengthened policy and institutional coherence, increased investment in preventive DRR, enhanced risk information systems, expanded inclusion of gender, youth and persons with disabilities, and greater adoption of digital technologies. Ongoing donor dependence and fragmentation challenge sustainability, requiring coordinated regional efforts and a transition from pilot initiatives to broader institutional uptake.