Inadequate water for domestic and agricultural purposes has been a major issue in Caribbean development for many decades. Decreased availability of surface water, increasing contamination of surface and groundwater sources, and increased total demand, have resulted in increased investment in desalination plants and a progression towards the use of deep wells.
The trend in decreasing precipitation, associated with global climate change, brings greater urgency to the need for countries to mainstream integrated water resources management strategies. The search continues for models of water resources management that can adequately address the increasing levels of water stress.
Areas of focus for the 2021-2031 program period are:
- Integrated water resources management policy and planning, with particular emphasis on settlement strategies and sustainable land management practices that support development and resilience of community water systems.
- Development of appropriate technologies and practices.
- Community water infrastructure, ownership, and management systems.
