Construction Industry News
The Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) has awarded eleven projects in thirteen Small Island Developing States (SIDS) as part of its commitment to helping the most vulnerable through disaster- and climate-resilient infrastructure systems. Awarded under CDRI's Infrastructure for Resilient Island States (IRIS) initiative, the projects will focus on multi-hazard early income systems, adaptation of housing strategies, climate-resilient transportation infrastructure and testing of catastrophe risk insurance, among others.
The award-winning projects were announced at CDRI's first regional conference, ICDRI Americas, held in partnership with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Miyamoto International, in Washington, D.C.
The first IRIS call for proposals was announced at COP27 in Egypt last year by the Environment Ministers of India and Mauritius and the Minister of Economic Growth and Job Creation of Jamaica. CDRI received 50 expressions of interest (EOI) from 28 SIDS, of which 11 projects were selected for 13 SIDS. CDRI will provide technical and financial support as part of its commitment to provide resilient climate adaptation solutions to SIDS, which are among the most vulnerable and exposed countries.
Kamal Kishore, Member and Chief Advocacy of NDMA and Co-Chair of CDRI Executive Committee, said: “IRIS was launched to work with SIDS to make their infrastructure systems resilient. This is the start of turning ideas into action on the ground and making a difference for the people of small island states already facing the impacts of climate change. Ultimately, it's about people and if people benefit from the work we do, it's a success.”
Amit Prothi, Director General of CDRI, said: “SIDS are prone to very high relative economic losses due to disasters, with an average annual loss ranging between 1 and 10 percent of their GDP. Resilient infrastructure can play a key role in mitigating these challenges. It is a proud moment for us to award 11 projects in 13 SIDS under the IRIS initiative and accelerate actions to achieve the SDGs with resilient, sustainable and inclusive infrastructure in small island states. With concrete initiatives on the ground, CDRI is committed to continuing its work to realize the ambition set out by our Prime Minister and other Prime Ministers at COP26.”
HE. Seppo Nurmi, Chargé d'Affaires of the European Union Delegation to India, said: “Developing resilient infrastructure is crucial to limiting the impact of climate change, especially in developing countries. The EU is pleased to support the CDRI's efforts towards Small Island Developing States (SIDS). “The projects awarded by CDRI will provide concrete support to SIDS to address critical and resilient infrastructure challenges.”
Alex Ellis, British High Commissioner to India, said: “From its joint launch at the COP26 climate conference in Glasgow to its implementation now, Britain is proud to work with CDRI and India to support the countries most vulnerable to climate change. ”.
Philip Green, Australian High Commissioner to India, said: “Australia is proud to be a founding member of CDRI and to support its IRIS initiative, which will support climate and disaster resilience in the Indo-Pacific. We welcome the selected projects and are pleased to continue working with our partners on initiatives that promote quality, sustainable and resilient infrastructure.”
IRIS was launched at the World Leaders Summit, COP26, by the Prime Ministers of India, Australia, the United Kingdom, Fiji, Mauritius and Jamaica.
