Fisherfolk, UNDP and Japan Partner to Strengthen Resilience in Barbados’ Fisheries Sector

September 5, 2025

Shipwrights, fisherfolk, and key maritime partners focused on resilient boatbuilding practices at a workshop hosted by the Barbados Coastal Fisheries Resilience Project.

UNDP/Anton Nixon

Bridgetown, Barbados - The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Government of Japan hosted a workshop on 28 August under the Barbados Coastal Fisheries Resilience Project, bringing together shipwrights, fisherfolk, and key partners to advance resilient boatbuilding practices in the wake of Hurricane Beryl’s devastation in 2024.

The event gathered local boatbuilders, marine surveyors, representatives from the Barbados Fisheries Division, the Barbados National Union of Fisherfolk Organisation (BARNUFO), the Barbados Coast Guard, and other fisherfolk. Participants explored both traditional local knowledge and international best practices, guided by presentations from a Barbadian shipwright, BARNUFO, a technical expert from Yamaha Motor, the Government of Japan, and the UNDP.

The interactive workshop marks an important step in developing knowledge products – practical educational tools that will capture and share resilient boatbuilding techniques with the broader fishing community. These resources are intended to help fisherfolk strengthen their vessels against increasingly severe storms, reducing risk to lives and livelihoods.

Three officials sit at a conference table with Japan and Rwanda flags.

Photograph of a large diverse group smiling in a well-lit conference room.

Female presenter at a podium delivering a workshop; slide reads 'Workshop Objectives'.

Speaker at a UN podium addressing an audience; UN emblem on the lectern with blue flags behind.

Photo: Three professionals at a table with papers and drinks, blue board with sticky notes behind.

Diverse attendees at a seminar, seated at tables in a bright room; a camera on a tripod.

In opening remarks, speakers underscored the urgency of building resilience in Barbados’ fisheries sector. Limya Eltayeb, UNDP Resident Representative for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, highlighted the importance of pairing physical upgrades with community capacity-building, while Mr. Arata Nakae, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Japan in Barbados, reaffirmed Japan’s support for disaster risk reduction in Small Island Developing States. Dr. Shelly-Ann Cox, Chief Fisheries Officer, emphasized the central role of resilient boatbuilding in safeguarding food security and protecting national livelihoods.

The Barbados Coastal Fisheries Resilience Project was launched following the destruction of more than 200 vessels during Hurricane Beryl in July 2024. With funding of USD $2.93 million from the Government of Japan, the project aims to restore key assets, introduce disaster-resilient upgrades - including a marine travel lift, improved communications, and safer vessel designs - and strengthen fisherfolk organizations through training and technical support. Together, these interventions will help accelerate recovery, protect the supply of fish critical to Barbados’ food security and tourism, and build long-term resilience in the fisheries sector against climate change.

About UNDP
UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet. Learn more at undp.org/barbados or follow at @UNDPBarbadosEC.