Climate resilience audit of the central mangrove wetlands

The Central Mangrove Wetlands is one of Grand Cayman’s most important natural ecosystems and provides significant climate adaptation and resilience benefits, including flood attenuation, water storage, shoreline protection and carbon storage. There is a need for a more detailed evidence base on the ecosystem’s vulnerability to climate-related pressures and the extent to which maintaining and restoring the wetlands can contribute to climate resilience.

The study will combine desk top review, GIS and spatial analysis, and climate-risk assessment to understand the CMW’s ecological importance and climate resilience. Existing research and datasets will be reviewed to establish current conditions, ecosystem services and climate-related pressures. Spatial analysis will assess habitats, land use, hydrology, connectivity and priority areas. Current and projected climate risks will be evaluated, with vulnerability or resilience modelling undertaken where appropriate. The CMW’s role in nature-based adaptation, including flood mitigation, will also be assessed. Findings will inform priority areas for conservation and restoration, monitoring indicators, and practical recommendations for long-term climate adaptation and management.