INTEGRATING WATERSHED AND
COASTAL AREAS MANAGEMENT IN
SMALL ISLAND DEVELOPING STATES
OF THE CARIBBEAN
REPORT OF
SECOND REGIONAL WORKSHOP
JAMAICA CONFERENCE CENTRE
KINGSTON, JAMAICA
6 - 9 FEBRUARY 2001
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Acronyms
3
1.0 Background
4
1.1
Workshop Objectives
5
2.0 Opening
Remarks
5
3.0
Presentation of National Reports
7
4.0
Presentations by David Vousden
8
5.0
Presentation by Patrick Cotter
9
6.0
Synopsis of Work Group Sessions
10
7.0
Summary of Plenary discussions on
Potential Demonstration Projects
11
8.0 Next
Steps
14
9.0 Closing
Remarks
14
2
ACRONYMS
CARICOM
The Caribbean Community
CEHI
Caribbean Environmental Health Institute
CPACC
Caribbean Planning for Adaptation to Global Climate Change
GEF
Global Environment Facility
ICWM
Integrated Coastal and Watershed Management
IWRM
Integrated Water Resources Management
NEPA
Nation Environmental Protection Agency of Jamaica
NRCA
Natural Resources Conservation Agency of Jamaica
OAS
Organisation of American States
PDF
Project Development and Preparation Facility of the GEF
SIDS
Small Island Developing States
POA
SIDS Programme of Action
UNDP
United Nations Development Programme
UNEP CAR/RCU
United Nations Environment Programme Caribbean Regional
Coordinating Unit
USEPA
United States Environmental Protection Agency
3
1.0 Background
At the Eleventh Meeting (March 1998) of the Forum of Ministers of Environment of
Latin America and the Caribbean, one of the priority areas identified for inclusion in
the Regional Programme of Action was the integrated management of water and
coastal resources. This project, Integrating Watershed and Coastal Area
Management in Small Island Developing States of the Caribbean, directly addresses
this particular issue and primarily focuses on coastal areas management and
biodiversity, land and marine based sources of pollution and protection of water
supplies. In addition it links into the GEF Operational Strategy that recognises the
special conditions and needs of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in developing
more integrated approaches to land and water management as a mechanism to
address threats to their water resources. Specifically, the GEF Strategy identifies that
integrated freshwater basin-coastal area management is essential for a sustainable
future for island states.
The overall objective of this project is to develop a ful y costed Project Brief (for
submission to the Global Environment Facility) and establish an agreed institutional
framework for execution of the full project activities. The full project will, in the final
analysis, strengthen institutional capacity at the national and regional level; provide
assistance to countries in understanding the linkages between problems in the
freshwater and marine environments; assist countries in integrating their
management of watersheds and coastal areas; and address national priorities within
the regional context.
Activities within the various phases of the project are:
1. Establishment of coordinating mechanisms and network of participating
institutions
2. Hosting of a regional inception workshop
3. Preparation of National reports
4. Regional synthesis of common issues and actions
5. Development of Project Brief
This, the second Regional Workshop on Integrating Watershed and Coastal Area
Management in Small Island Developing States of the Caribbean fal s within the
ambit of Activity 4. It was held at the Jamaica Conference Centre from 6-9 February
2001. The Workshop was attended by twelve participants from among the thirteen
project countries as wel as by representatives of the sponsoring agencies and
consultants commissioned to assist in the design of the Project Brief. A list of
participants is carried at Appendix I of this Report.
4
1.1
Workshop Objectives
The objectives of the Workshop were to:
(a)
obtain consensus on the possible priorities, goals and
common issues associated with Integrated Water Resources
Management
(IWRM);
(b)
advance finalisation of National Reports on IWRM;
(c)
advance finalisation the Regional Synthesis;
(d)
advance the project formulation process toward the
completion of the Project Brief
2.0 Opening
Remarks
The Opening of the workshop took the form of remarks by Mr. Tim Kasten, Acting
Deputy Coordinator, of UNEP CAR/RCU and Mr. Vincent Sweeney, Executive
Director of the Caribbean Environmental Health Institute (CEHI). The special guest
speaker was Mr. Franklyn Mc.Donald Chief Executive Officer of the National
Environmental Protection Agency (NEPA) and the Natural Resources Conservation
Agency (NRCA) of Jamaica.
In his remarks Mr. Kasten expressed delight at the partnership that had been forged
between CEHI and UNEP RCU/CAR, to move the project forward. He noted that
each institution was bringing its own strengths to bear on the process: CEHI with its
strengths in Water Resources Management and UNEP CAR/ RCU with its strengths
in Coastal Resources Management. He noted however, that the project did not
belong to the Executing nor the Implementing Agencies, but to countries. He
therefore urged delegates to take ful ownership of the design process and to
participate ful y in the Workshop.
In his remarks, Mr. Sweeney traced the origins of the project. He informed
participants that CEHI's involvement sprung from its responsibility for Water
Resources Management issues, under the SIDS Programme of Action (POA). He
emphasised that the execution of this mandate called for CEHI to assume a pro-
active role in order to assist its Member States to effectively manage their water
resources. From this standpoint, CEHI was happy to be associated with CARICOM,
UNEP CAR/ RCU and the OAS in conceptualising the PDF project. Mr. Sweeney
thanked the Government of Jamaica for agreeing to host the Workshop. He
observed that that the Workshop was being held in the wake of the recent heavy
5
rains and consequent flooding in Montego Bay, which in the opinion of Jamaica's
Minister for the Environment was linked to deforestation, inappropriate garbage
disposal and failure to maintain proper drainage facilities. In concluding his remarks,
Mr. Sweeny looked forward to a successful Workshop and project.
The Guest Speaker, Mr. Franklyn Mc. Donald began his address by acknowledging
his Agency's responsibility for Watershed Management and Coastal Areas
Management. He too, alluded to the heavy rains and flooding which had occurred in
Montego Bay in January 2001. He revealed that fisher-folk in the area had linked the
floods to the construction of a golf course in the area. While noting that efforts had
been made by the NRCA to reduce the negative impacts from hotel construction, he
admitted that there was some uncertainty as to whether the mitigative measures had
been adequately enforced, or whether the rains had been exceptionally heavy.
Mr. Mc. Donald informed participants that the NRCA was trying to introduce
comprehensive eco-system management and to put in place more stringent
measures to ensure that development within watershed areas are sound. He
acknowledged however, that the average Jamaican does not place high value on
biodiversity. Local farmers were questioning the need to invest in proper soil
conservation. This attitude, he noted, strengthened the value of bringing local
communities ful y on board, in environmental management initiatives.
Mr. Mc. Donald shared with participants the fol owing initiatives being pursued by the
NRCA/NEPA:
· the development of an Environmental Management Strategy which
outlines the processes by which major actors can assist in environmental
management;
· the on-going amalgamation of the physical planning and natural resources
management agencies, into a seamless whole.
Mr. Mc Donald closed his address by encouraging CEHI and UNEP CAR/ RCU to
begin to focus on preparations for the upcoming RIO + 10 and SIDS+ 10 review
Conferences. He was of the view that these two fora offered a golden opportunity to
share with the global community, the myriad of lessons learnt from the Caribbean's
experience with Integrated Water Resources Management.
3.0
Presentation of National Reports
6
National Reports were presented by Dr. Brian Cooper (Antigua and Barbuda); Ms.
Rochelle Newbold (Bahamas); Mr. Joaquin Diaz (Cuba); Mr. Mark John (Dominica);
Mr. Alejandro Herrera (Dominican Republic); Mr. Joseph Toussaint (Haiti); Ms.
Anthony Mckenzie (Jamaica); Mr. David Lewis (Grenada); Ms. Deborah Bushel
(Saint Lucia); Mr. Reynold Murray (Saint Vincent and the Grenadines); and Dr. Utam
Maharaj (Trinidad and Tobago).
A Draft Synthesis of the National reports was later presented by Ms. Sacha Gottlieb,
Specialist, with the Unit of Sustainable Development and Environment at the
Organisation of American States (OAS). A copy of the Synthesis is attached as
Appendix II.
Each of the reports were critiqued by the consultants. The critiques were meant to
assist the participants in refining the National reports, on returning to their respective
countries. Generally, the reports were deemed to have conformed to the guidelines
set for their preparation, which were agreed to at the Inception Workshop held in
March 2000. A summary of the critiques is carried as Appendix III.
The Reports confirmed that:
·
watersheds and coastal areas in all countries are being seriously
impacted by land-based sources of pollution linked to Agriculture
(agro-chemical contamination and land degradation, siltation and soil
erosion), Tourism and Manufacturing (pollution from the improper use
and disposal of industrial chemicals and metals)
·
human and financial constraints affect all countries to varying degrees
·
there is a very low level of understanding and appreciation of the
economic and social value of watersheds and coastal areas among
decision-makers and the general public
·
integrated management of watersheds and coastal areas (ridge to
reef) is not effectively being practised, although encouraging attempts
are being made in Trinidad and Tobago, Cuba, Haiti, and the
Dominican Republic
·
legal support arrangements for environmental management in general
and Integrated Watershed and Coastal Area Management in
particular, are severely fragmented
· institutional responsibility for environmental management is dispersed
· the environmental impacts associated with irrigation has not
been properly assessed
·
additional research is needed in all the countries, especial y on the
availability and quality of groundwater and on water resource and
climate change issues
4.0
Presentations by Mr. David Vousden
In the first of two presentations, Mr. Vousden shared with participants his
perspectives - gleaned from years of involvement as a UNDP consultant - on
7
Integrated Coastal and Watershed Management. The presentation focused on the
features, principles and approaches to the subject. He identified the key features of
ICWM as including the fol owing:
· participatory process for decision making
· preventing, controlling, or mitigating impacts from human activities
throughout the watershed and coastal environment
· involving
stakeholders
· planing for multiple uses, based on the precautionary approach and eco-
system principles
· response to the reality that terrestrial freshwater and marine ecosystem
and human impacts are inextricably inter-woven.
The key principles and approaches of ICWM identified by Mr. Vousden were as
follows:
(a)
using integrated approaches and methods.
· linking top-down, bottom-up approaches through frequent dialogue
· close collaboration of technicians, administrators and managers
· clarifying mandates for responsibility between agencies
· making early adjustments to legal instruments.
(b)
stakeholder participation
· stakeholder participation strengthened by public discussion
· participation throughout process including monitoring and
evaluation
· government endorsement and involvement at all levels
· sustained collaborative support from NGOs and the donor
community.
(c)
strategic programme focus
· prioritise threats and responses
· identify critical biodiversity hot-spots
· conduct early analyses of institutional capacity
· give early consideration to institutional arrangements for ICWM
strategy
· review existing information/studies
· conduct frequent analyses of end-user and scientific studies, data
collection etc.
· consider demonstration activities as a prelude to ful -blown
exercises
· take account of political cycles.
(d)
commit to adaptive learning
· refocus project activities and review long-term objectives
· undertake ful annual review of progress
(e)
commit to building the requisite human and
institutional capacity for ICWM.
· incorporate training/education programmes
· build public awareness as a continuous process
8
· include in-country and on-the-job training
· share workshop experiences
In his final presentation, Mr. Vousden introduced participants to the Project Proposal
Development process, endorsed by the GEF. He detailed the various components
of a GEF Proposal as fol ows:
1. the Overview
2. a description of the context in which the project has being conceived
3. a description of baseline activities
4. the elaboration of alternative courses of action
5. a description of the proposed implementation arrangements
6. elaboration of financial arrangements
7. a description of the ways in which the project's results will be sustained
8. a description of monitoring and evaluation arrangements
The presentation was wel received by participants, many of whom were being
exposed to the GEF process for the first time. However, participants lamented the
fact the GEF process was not sufficiently wel known and understood by
practitioners within the Caribbean and recommended that GEF hold regular training
programmes within the region.
5.0
Presentation by Mr. Patrick Cotter
Mr. Cotter's presentation focused on a description of the USEPA's institutional
arrangements for Water Resources Management. He introduced participants to the
key components of the USEPA's Watershed Approach for Resource Protection,
which are as fol ows:
· Partnerships and participation with representatives from many different
groups
· Geographical focus in which watersheds are treated as nature's
boundaries
· continuous improvement based on sound science - data, tools and
management techniques.
The major features of the USEPA's Watershed Protection approach are as fol ows:
· assessing and characterising natural resources and communities
· setting goals and identifying environmental objectives, based on
vulnerable resources, including the needs of eco-systems and people
within the community
· promotiing a high level of stakeholder involvement
· targeting of priority problems
· integrating solutions using the expertise and authority of many agencies
· measuring success through monitoring and data gathering
· refining management measures based on an evaluation of effectiveness.
9
Mr. Cotter concluded his presentation by sharing with participants the fol owing ten
(10) Watershed Lessons learned by USEPA staff over the years:
1. The best plans have clear visions, goals and action items.
2. Good leaders are committed and empower others.
3. Having a coordinator at the watershed is desirable.
4. Environmental, economic and social values are compatible.
5. Plans only succeed if they are implemented.
6. Partnerships equal power.
7. Good tools are available.
8. Measure, communicate and account for progress.
9. Education and involvement drive action.
10. Build on small successes.
6.0
Synopsis of Work Group Sessions
On Day 3 of the workshop, participants were assigned to two Work Groups and
instructed to identify the Threats, Root Causes and Desired Outputs associated with
environmental, socio-economic, institutional, policy and legal issues.
The groups were composed as fol ows:
Group 1
Group 2
Cuba
Antigua and Barbuda
Trinidad and Tobago
Bahamas
Dominica
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Haiti Dominican
Republic
OECS Secretariat
Saint Lucia
Grenada Jamaica
6.1
The findings of the groups.
Participants identified the fol owing as priority issues/concerns to be addressed in
the proposed project.
1. Economic Development
10
2. Ridge to reef spatial dimensions
3. Population growth
4. Socio-economic changes
5. Lack of Institutional capacity
6. Environmental pollution
7. Unplanned changes in land-Use
8. Institutional fragmentation
9. Natural resource conservation
10. Data/Information Management
11. Lack of a coherent system of natural protected areas
12. Human resource deficit
13. Supply demand deficit
14. Over-exploitation of resources
15. Lack of public awareness
16. Lack of stakeholder participation
17. Salt water intrusion
18. Improper waste management
19. Post-project financial sustainability
20. Monitoring and evaluation
21. Politically favourable projects
22. Research/ development Projects
7.0
Summary of Plenary discussions on Potential Demonstration
Projects
Following the identification of key issues, concerns, and threats, by the Work
Groups, a plenary discussion ensued on the identification of potential demonstration
projects as wel as potential national and regional projects.
7.1 Demonstration
Projects
The Demonstration Projects identified were as fol ows:
A.
Development of Model Watersheds (Ridge to Reef)
Potential sites include Antigua and Barbuda and Saint Lucia
(Soufriere Marine Management Area) Bahamas and Trinidad and Tobago)
· development and sharing of "Best Management"
· Effect on water resources
· downstream
effects
· institutional
cooperation
· coincidence with land degradation/biodiversity
· re-afforestation (long term)
· application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) both as an end in
itself and as a tool in watershed management
*suggestion that in designing projects, that consideration and emphasis be given to :
·
wider implementation outside of pilot countries
11
·
the inclusion of other on-going initiatives in other islands for
example work being done by OECS/NRMU in Saint Vincent
and the Grenadines
· the treatment of different aspects of eco-system management
for e.g. urban/rural and tourism aspects
· comparisons between different types of watersheds
· multi-lateral/trans-boundary management of watersheds e.g.
Haiti and the Dominican Republic
· projects that are (a) global in scope; (b) express regional
needs; (c) are in consonance with other projects and (d) that
can be implemented in the short to medium term.
B.
Identification of Waste Water Treatment (emphasising the use of
natural
systems)
· assessment of the impact of waste water on coastal areas
· comparisons between the effectiveness of different waste water treatment
systems
· assessments of the impact of eco-tourism activities on coastal areas
· identification of appropriate technologies for reuse/recycling of waste
water
· country expressing interest (Cuba).
C.
Management of Land based sources of pollution
· strengthening of institutional systems
· design and promotion of education and awareness activities
· establishing criteria for discharges
D. Legislative
Processes
· harmonization of legislation
· development of model legislation
· strengthening the legal/ institutional nexus (Bahamas/Antigua and
Barbuda)
· examine the relevance of an Island System Management approach to the
formulation of legislation:
In formulating this aspect of the project designers should (a) promote
dialogue with Attorneys General; (b) should pay close attention to
institutional framework with a view to streamlining the institutional
arrangements for monitoring and enforcement of the law; (c) include
activities that build the capacity of national and regional environmental
agencies; emphasise public education and awareness activities; (e)
seek to establish consonance between national legislation and
international Treaties, Conventions and Protocols; (f) engage in
consultations multi-sectoral agencies with a view to promoting
sustained participation during and after project implementation.
12
7.2 National Projects
The fol owing National Projects were recommended:
7.2.1 Antigua and Barbuda
It was felt that Antigua and Barbuda was a prime candidate for a National Project,
because of its unique circumstances, notably its almost total reliance on
desalination plants, its heavy dependence on tourism and its adverse soil and
hydrological conditions. It was agreed that such a project should yield important
lessons for managers of Integrated water resources in other islands, especial y
those operating in resource-poor conditions.
7.2.2
Haiti - Lessons in Stakeholder Participation
Participants agreed that given its present situation Haiti presents ideal conditions for
testing stakeholder participation techniques and strategies within an IWRM context.
7.2.3
Design of model economic instruments that support IWRM.
Participants supported the inclusion of activities that would produce a model
package of economic instruments that would underpin IWRM. It was felt that such
instruments would complement legal enforcement measures, by providing financial
inducements for businesses and individuals to engage in environmentally friendly
practices.
7.3 Regional
Projects
The fol owing regional projects were recommended:
· A Hydrological assessment of Groundwater Potential
· Identification of Technological Options for IWCM including a cost/benefit
analysis of various options. Countries expressing an interests were
Trinidad and Tobago, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas and Barbados;
· An Analysis/study of Climate Change on Watersheds and Coastal Areas.
Actual/potential links between this project and the CPACC were
emphasized.
· Establishment of Regional Information Network for IWCM;
· A review of Decision-Support Systems (using appropriate models).
Countries expressing an interest were Saint Lucia which is already doing
some preliminary work in this area and Trinidad and Tobago
· The development of IWCM models emphasising a programmed approach
for sustainability.
8.0 Next Steps
13
It was agreed that the fol owing post-workshop activities would be undertaken:
· refinement and completion of the National reports, incorporating the
critiques provided by the consultants, within 3 weeks (by March 3, 2001).
· Dissemination of the critiques within one week
· Completion of Regional Synthesis and design of Draft Project Brief, for
dissemination to National Focal Points and the relevant agencies by end
of May 2001.
· The Draft Project Brief to be reviewed at a Final Workshop, to be held no
later than July 2001, in order to facilitate submission at October meeting
of the GEF Board.
· Letters of Agreement and completion of final financial disbursements wil
be made after completion of the Project Brief.
· National Focal Points to advise CEHI of any on-going/planned projects in
their respective countries that might be treated as co-financing.
9.0
Closing Remarks
The workshop was brought to a close with remarks by Mr. Sweeny and Mr. Kasten.
Both speakers expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the workshop.
Participants were urged to continue to take a keen interest in the remaining stages
of the project design process and to share with the agencies and the consultants,
any new information that might be of assistance to them in preparing the project
brief. Thanks were conveyed to the Mr. Vousden and Cotter for their informative
presentations and to the consultants for their technical support.
Miss Rochelle Newbold (Bahamas) thanked the organising agencies and her fel ow
participants for providing her with such a "rich and rewarding experience".
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