Built for resilience: Risk-informed infrastructure in Dominica

This case study describes how the Intra-ACP Disaster Risk Reduction Programme is supporting Dominica to embed risk reduction investments at the planning stage and strengthen the enabling environment for climate-resilient investment. Through World Bank/GFDRR ACP-EU DRM Programme technical assistance, the initiative generated pre-investment risk analytics, built local capacity, and informed infrastructure design. Support included detailed risk analyses of 14 slopes along the East Coast, geometric feature assessments and stability analyses, technical and financial analyses for the East Coast Road Rehabilitation Programme, development of a nature-based solutions guidebook for slope stabilization, and preparation of Terms of Reference for the Resilient Dominica Physical Plan.

The case study highlights that climate-related hazards threaten critical infrastructure and services, while Hurricane Maria demonstrated the scale of Dominica’s vulnerability, causing losses equivalent to 226 per cent of 2016 GDP. The risk analyses directly informed infrastructure design and investment planning. Key results include enhanced application of climate-smart solutions, strengthened local capacity for climate-smart investments, improved governance for risk-informed investments, and stronger quality assurance in infrastructure delivery. The publication emphasizes practical, risk-informed infrastructure measures, nature-based solutions and capacity development to safeguard services, livelihoods and long-term development gains.