Khaled El-Enany | Small islands, big front lines

Across the Caribbean, climate change is already reshaping lives, coastlines, and futures. Small Island Developing States, which account for just one per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, are being hit with particular force by hurricanes, rising seas, and coastal erosion.

In Jamaica, where I am this week, the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa is a stark reminder that for many communities, the climate emergency is already a daily reality.

Climate change is no longer only an environmental challenge. It is also a development challenge, a resilience challenge, and increasingly, a matter of human security. It is placing ecosystems under strain, threatening livelihoods, putting heritage at risk, and testing the social fabric of entire communities. Our response must, therefore, be equal to the reality on the ground: comprehensive, science-based, informed by local and Indigenous knowledge, and shaped with those on the front lines every day.

At UNESCO, we believe that resilience begins with knowledge. Our multidisciplinary approach brings together science, education, culture, and local engagement to support Caribbean countries in adapting to and mitigating the impacts of climate change. The integration of local communities with national authorities and international governance frameworks is essential. When communities are empowered to participate in decision-making, the solutions we implement are more effective, sustainable, and relevant to people’s lives.

One tangible expression of this approach is UNESCO’s biosphere reserves. Sites in Trinidad and Tobago and Saint Kitts and Nevis demonstrate how nature and communities can thrive together. These reserves act as natural barriers, protecting coastlines, preserving biodiversity, and sustaining livelihoods that depend on fragile ecosystems. More than 5,000 people benefit directly from these protected areas through sustainable tourism, environmental education, and community-led conservation projects.

LIVING LABORATORIES

Biosphere reserves are not only protected areas but living laboratories where innovative solutions — such as mangrove restoration and coral reef rehabilitation — are tested and shared across the region. With Aruba, hopefully, soon joining, and Jamaica and Saint Lucia considering membership, too, this network continues to expand, strengthening regional cooperation and resilience.

The ocean, which surrounds and connects these islands, lies at the heart of both the challenge and the solution. Through the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO, we are enhancing climate research and ocean monitoring across the Caribbean.

Scientific data on changing ocean patterns, coral reef health, and hurricane pathways helps communities prepare for extreme events and guides policymakers in making informed decisions. Already, 120 young Caribbean scientists have participated in ocean observation training programmes supported by UNESCO, bringing local expertise directly into climate-monitoring efforts.

Resilience, however, cannot be built in laboratories alone. It must be nurtured in classrooms and communities. UNESCO works with partners across the Caribbean to promote climate education and awareness, equipping young people with knowledge and practical skills to navigate a rapidly changing world.

Local expertise is also central to UNESCO’s Women in Science in Emergency (WISE) programme. In partnership with The University of the West Indies, WISE supports women scientists in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. As an example, the project “Assessing Hurricane-Driven Coastal Change and Climate Resilience Along the South Coast of Central Jamaica” empowers women scientists, strengthens disaster preparedness, and ensures that the knowledge generated is applied where it matters most.

HURRICANES

Hurricanes remain one of the most visible and devastating consequences of climate change in the Caribbean. Their increasing intensity underscores the urgency of investing in disaster-risk reduction. Early warning systems, scientific research, and community-based preparedness are essential tools to save lives and protect livelihoods. UNESCO supports these efforts in collaboration with national authorities and local stakeholders, ensuring that communities are fully integrated in resilience-building.

Yet the Caribbean is also defined by its creativity, resilience, and spirit of solidarity. UNESCO’s role is to amplify these strengths — fostering collaboration between islands, sharing best practices, and connecting local expertise to global networks.

As I engage with partners in Jamaica this week, I am reminded that the fight against climate change is a shared responsibility. Small Island Developing States may be on the front lines, but their experiences and solutions are of global relevance. Lessons learned in the Caribbean, whether in biosphere reserves, early warning systems, or community-led education programmes can inspire action worldwide.

The path forward requires stronger partnerships, sustained investment in science and education, and a deep respect for local knowledge. It also calls for integration at every level: from local communities actively participating in resilience projects, to national authorities aligning with international climate governance, and international partners supporting these efforts effectively.

UNESCO stands ready to continue working alongside Jamaica and other Caribbean nations to ensure that these countries not only endure but thrive in the face of a changing climate, demonstrating to the world that small islands can lead big solutions.

Khaled El-Enany, director-general of UNESCO. Send feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com