Antigua and Barbuda proudly joined global climate leaders and experts at the 8th International Adaptation Futures Conference (AF2025), held in Christchurch, New Zealand. The event brought together scientists, policymakers, practitioners, and innovators to discuss cutting-edge adaptation research and real-world actions that strengthen climate resilience across the globe.

Representing Antigua and Barbuda, Mr. Garth Simon, Monitoring and Evaluation Associate at the Department of Environment (DoE) within the Ministry of Health, Wellness, Environment and CivilServiceAffairs, served as a featured panelist in the side event titled “Lessons Learned and Findings from Adaptation Interventions in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs): Experiences from the Adaptation Fund Portfolio.” 

The session, hosted by the Adaptation Fund Secretariat, convened Implementing Entities from across the Pacific, Caribbean, and African regions to share lessons from adaptation projects in vulnerable island contexts.

Discussions explored innovative approaches to building resilience, enhancing community engagement, and strengthening institutional capacities to respond to climate risks.

During his presentation, Mr. Simon highlighted Antigua and Barbuda’s experiences implementing the Adaptation Fund–financed “Integrated Approach to Physical Adaptation and Community Resilience in the Northwest McKinnon’s Watershed” project, emphasizing lessons learned in project design, monitoring, and delivery.

He outlined how small island states can leverage community-based adaptation, blended finance, and cross-sector collaboration to achieve tangible, long-term resilience outcomes.