Dominica secures $43,000 grant to combat Lethal Yellowing Disease, protecting coconut farms, livelihoods, and coastal ecosystems across affected communities.
Dominica: The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy has shared that it has received grant funding of USD $43,000 to support its fight against the Lethal Yellowing Disease, which continues to threaten the coconut sub-sector in the country.
The funding was presented by the Dominica National Conservation Trust Fund (DNCTF) and Caribbean Biodiversity Fund (CBF) on Friday, June 12, 2026, and will support the Agricultural Ministry’s project known as “Safeguarding Dominica's Terrestrial Ecosystems through Surveillance Management of Lethal Yellowing Disease” by enhancing surveillance and monitoring of the disease.
Moreover, funds will also support the programme’s efforts to ensure the safe removal and disposal of the infected coconut trees, strengthen public awareness and education campaigns, and put environmentally friendly control measures in place to reduce the spread of the disease.
This grant comes at an urgent time as Head of the Plant Protection and Quarantine unit, Dayan Stoute Abraham, reported that the disease is still threatening the sector, with the Woodford Hill Area experiencing the highest impact. According to Dayan Abraham, more than 12,000 coconut trees have been destroyed in the unit’s efforts to control the spread of the disease.
The Chairman of the Dominica National Conservation Trust Fund, Albert Paul, stated that the decision to invest in this biodiversity project in Dominica was not by chance but was taken following thorough consultations with different parties, including the Government of Dominica, civil societies, key organisations, etc., to identify priority conservation needs.
Chairman Albert Paul underscored the importance of the project, noting that coconut farming plays an important role in supporting livelihoods, protecting the coast, and building resilience.
“This project selected today reflects our commitment to addressing urgent environmental challenges while strengthening community resilience and supporting sustainable livelihoods. Coconut farms are an iconic feature on Dominica’s coastline and play an important in biodiversity, tourism, coastal protection, and local livelihoods,” stated Chairman Albert Paul.
Altogether, the DNCTF has given a total of 93,000 U.S. dollars to the Ministry of Agriculture for support two initiatives-43,000 which has been allocated to containing the Lethal Yellowing disease, and the rest will support Oceans Forward Dominica to develop coral reefs in Soufriere.