Approximately US$1 million dollars has been earmarked to provide further critical capacity building and the restoration of livelihoods in the tri-island state of Grenada, Carriacou and Petit Martinique -- still in the process of recovery from the ravages of Hurricanes Ivan and Emily, which hit those islands in 2004 and 2005 respectively. The “Restoring Livelihoods in Grenada after Hurricanes Ivan and Emily” project, which is financed by the Japanese government through the UN Trust Fund for Human Security (UNTFHS), is a UN Joint System Programme coordinated and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Barbados and the OECS in collaboration with the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO), the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) and the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM). The project, officially launched in 2007, will expand on the work initiated by United Nations agencies in the immediate post-Ivan recovery phase. The first phase of its implementation is expected to be rolled out in the coming weeks. Currently, the process is underway to identify key project staff, who will be based on the ground in Grenada, located at the former offices of the Agency for Reconstruction and Development (ARD), through the generous support of the Government of Grenada. Set to be implemented over the next 18 months, the UNTFHS project will enhance disaster risk reduction capacities at the community level; mitigate social vulnerabilities and impacts through sustainable livelihoods approaches, including business development; provide support and access to microfinance; promote gender mainstreaming and counselling. It is also expected to assist the most vulnerable sectors of the population by providing access to the resources needed to enhance economic and social empowerment, which is linked to recovery at household and community levels. Benefits from the project will extend to the entire country but will particularly target those communities hardest hit by Hurricanes Ivan and Emily. These districts as well as specific target groups were identified based on existing impact assessments, discussions with counterparts on the ground and the findings of the Core Welfare Indicator Questionnaire (CWIQ) implemented in 2005. Other important factors in the selection of communities include the level of damage to houses, the limited opportunities available to women and children in some communities and the need for repair and rehabilitation of livelihoods. The UNTFHS also plans to employ a number of innovative approaches, including the development of specific disaster management information for persons with disabilities. Project activities on the ground will be supported by local Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs), all chosen for their expertise, track record and geographical coverage. A critical outcome of the programme is strengthened and enhanced NGO capacity to effectively support the communities they serve. Key Government partners include the Ministries of Finance, Social Development and Agriculture and Forestry, the National Disaster Management Agency (NaDMA) and the Grenada Bureau of Standards. Members of the joint programme team were in Grenada from March 3 to 6 conducting training sessions for NGOs and other partners on the correct implementation if United Nations projects. While there the team is also participating in the first Local Steering Committee meeting which is being hosted by the Ministry of Finance. Reprinted from Caribbean Net News caribbeannetnews.com