Environment & Sustainability

The National Energy Policy 2024-2045 was approved by Cabinet on 16th April 2024.

The Implementation and Monitoring Plan 2024-2045 was approved by Cabinet on 16th April 2024

In accordance with the requirements of the Public Management and Finance Act (2020 Revision), this volume of documents contains the Budget Statements covering two financial years, ending 31 December 2026 and 31 December 2027 for the following:

• Ministry of Planning, Lands, Agriculture, Housing & Infrastructure
• Ministry of Tourism & Trade Development
• Ministry of Health, Environment & Sustainability

The Cayman Islands is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change because they are, on average, 7 feet above sea level, in the Caribbean hurricane belt, and generally contending with a drier climate. We are highly dependent on imported supplies of food, fuel, building materials and consumer goods. While we contribute very little to the cause of climate change (too much greenhouse gases in the atmosphere), we can lower our vulnerability and be prepared for whatever comes our way (by adapting). Many of the solutions that help us adapt to these emerging conditions also lower (or mitigate) the Islands’ greenhouse gas emissions. 

This guide will help you do both for your home and property by suggesting a suite of practical tips to deal with the effects of heatwaves, drought and water stress, as well as flooding and storms. 

The Cayman Islands Government (National Climate Change Committee) published a draft ‘Climate Change Policy’ in September 2011, aimed at facilitating the transition toward a climate-resilient, low-carbon economy. 

This ground-breaking policy included a commitment to “Integrate hazard vulnerability and risk assessments into development planning processes and utilize environmental impact assessments (EIAs) to assist with decision making”. 

In November 2021, the Cayman Islands Government began work with partners to deliver a Climate Change Risk Assessment (CCRA) as a critical first step in the process of reviewing and updating the draft National Climate Change Policy. 

Funded through the UK’s Conflict, Stability and Security Fund and the Governor’s Office, the risk assessment was undertaken by the UK Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas) and the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH). 

The risk assessment methodology used in the present analysis was informed by protocols developed for the United Kingdom Climate Change Risk Assessment (CCRA). The impacts on the finance services sector (e.g. banking and insurance) were not directly considered. 

The Cayman Islands Government (National Climate Change Committee) published a draft ‘Climate Change Policy’ in September 2011, aimed at facilitating the transition toward a climate-resilient, low-carbon economy. This ‘Climate Change Policy’ included a commitment to “Integrate hazard vulnerability and risk assessments into development planning processes and utilize environmental impact assessments (EIAs) to assist with decision making”. 

The present report commissioned by the Cayman Islands Government comprises the first step towards a systematic update for the (now decade old) National Climate Change Policy as well as providing key evidence ahead of a planned Climate Change Risk Assessment (CCRA) to be completed in summer 2022. The primary purpose was to generate a ‘long list’ of risks that can subsequently be scored and prioritised as part of the risk assessment process. 

This ‘evidence report’ draws on varied sources including, but not limited to, peer review scientific journals, technical reports, book chapters, monitoring datasets, IPCC model outputs, and public media communications. Systematic monitoring and local studies provide the most accurate characterisation of baseline conditions and trends, but in many cases, this level of detail was not available for the Cayman Islands. 

This ‘evidence report’ offers the most detailed assessment of climate change impacts ever undertaken for the Cayman Islands. Indeed, this is probably the most detailed assessment for any island group in the Caribbean 

This document outlines the considerable effort undertaken by the staff of the Ministry of Sustainability & Climate Resiliency, the Cayman Islands National Weather Service, the Department of Environment, and Hazard Management Cayman Islands, who formed the Technical Working Group that developed the draft Policy. I would like to thank my predecessor Hon. G. Wayne Panton, MP, JP, as well as the former Chief Officer for the Ministry, Jennifer Ahearn, AICP, JP, for their respective efforts to steer this important, national policy through the public consultation period.

Use this tempalte to provide notice of a coastal work application.

Checklist for coastal works applications.

Coastal work permit for dock construction.

Coastal work permit for seawall, ramp, groyne or shoreline modification.

Coastal work permit for dredge and fill activities.

Activities that extend seaward from the Mean High Water Mark over seabed that is Crown property — including Crown-owned canals in Governor’s Harbour, Lime Tree Bay, SafeHaven, and Snug Harbour (Hyatt canal) — fall under the jurisdiction of Cabinet. For example, underwater installations such as undersea cables, pipelines, artificial reefs, or statues at or originating from the Mean High Water Mark require approval from Cabinet in the form of a Coastal Works Permit. The purpose of the permit is two-fold: it grants permission by Cabinet to utilise Crown property and thereby avoids trespass issues; and it satisfies section 21 of the National Conservation Act (2013).

Persons who want to construct in, on, or over waters at or seaward of the mean high water mark (MHWM), or in, on, or over Crown-owned canals such as Governor’s Harbour, Lime Tree Bay, Safehaven Canal, and Snug Harbour (Hyatt) Canal, must apply for a Coastal Works Permit.

Small islands are increasingly affected by increases in temperature, the growing impacts of tropical cyclones, storm surges, droughts, changing precipitation patterns, sea level rise, coral bleaching, and invasive species — all of which are already detectable across both natural and human systems (very high confidence). {ES-Ch15} Projected changes in the wave climate, superimposed on sea level rise, will rapidly increase flooding in small islands.

Official travel report for June 2025.

H5N1 Avian Flu has been detected among a select number of birds on Grand Cayman. Public Health and the Department of Agriculture are actively monitoring the situation, surveying the area and carrying out containment activities. Farmers and poultry owners are asked to take the following precautions to prevent further transmission among bird populations and reduce personal exposure risk. 

H5N1 Avian Flu has been detected among a select number of birds on Grand Cayman. Public Health and the Department of Agriculture are actively monitoring the situation and conducting containment activities. Decontamination stations have been established for prevention. Risk to the general public remains low. Follow the guidance below to prevent exposure.