A new humanitarian warehouse, funded by the Cohesion Policy, has been launched in the Caribbean, addressing the region's growing vulnerability to extreme weather events. With the increasing frequency and severity of these events, Caribbean territories often face challenges that exceed national capacities and hinder regional coordination. The warehouse, inaugurated on December 4th in Les Abeys, significantly enhances the French Red Cross's capabilities, quadrupling their existing capacity and transforming Guadeloupe into a strategic logistics hub for the wider Caribbean. This initiative is a response to the region's pressing needs, aiming to expand pre-positioned emergency stocks, fortify local logistics systems, and facilitate faster, more environmentally friendly deployments of humanitarian aid across island states and EU outermost regions.
The warehouse is designed to withstand major hurricanes and earthquakes, incorporating bioclimatic design, photovoltaic energy production, and rainwater harvesting. These features not only contribute to the objectives of the European Green Deal but also promote climate-resilient infrastructure in the region. By sharing technical expertise and promoting eco-friendly construction and logistics methods, the project fosters the development of environmentally conscious professionals in the Caribbean. The initiative is part of the EU Interreg Caribbean program and the Ready Together Extension project, which focuses on disaster preparedness, regional coordination, and support for communities affected by climate-related hazards.
The EU's support for this project, co-financed with EUR 2.4 million (82% of the total investment), demonstrates its commitment to the Caribbean and its outermost regions. This initiative aligns with the EU's broader strategies, including the Strategy for the Outermost Regions, the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, and climate adaptation priorities. By addressing the region's vulnerabilities and supporting local capacities, the warehouse project complements the EU Cohesion Policy goals and reinforces the EU's dedication to the Caribbean's resilience and sustainable development.
