{"id":344865,"date":"2025-07-15T11:42:31","date_gmt":"2025-07-15T15:42:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dominicanewsonline.com\/news\/?p=344865"},"modified":"2025-07-15T11:42:31","modified_gmt":"2025-07-15T15:42:31","slug":"high-level-representatives-from-six-caribbean-states-reaffirm-commitment-to-water-security-iwrm-at-regional-workshop","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dominicanewsonline.com\/news\/homepage\/homepage-carousel\/high-level-representatives-from-six-caribbean-states-reaffirm-commitment-to-water-security-iwrm-at-regional-workshop\/","title":{"rendered":"High-level representatives from six Caribbean states reaffirm commitment to water security, IWRM at regional workshop"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Photo: Global Water Caribbean<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In a recent regional workshop, high-level officials from six Caribbean Small Island Developing States (SIDS)\u2014Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Grenada, Guyana, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines\u2014reaffirmed their dedication to enhancing water security and advancing the implementation of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM).<\/p>\n

IRWM is holistic in its approach to management of water resources, promoting the “coordinated development and management of water, land and related resources in order to maximise economic and social welfare in an equitable manner without compromising the sustainability of vital ecosystems and the environment,” as explained by\u00a0 workshop co-facilitator, Global Water Partnership.<\/p>\n

The workshop, titled \u201cLeveraging SDG 6 for Accelerated Water Investments in Caribbean SIDS,\u201d took place from July 9 to 10, 2025, in Grenada. The other organizers are the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the G-CREWS Project, and the Government of Grenada.<\/p>\n

A joint media statement shared that the event was attended by numerous high-ranking delegates, including permanent secretaries, technical officers, and directors responsible for water and water resource management within their respective governments. Representatives from sectors such as water, agriculture, environment, tourism, and health also participated, underscoring the multi-sectoral nature of water management challenges and solutions.<\/p>\n

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Mr. Vincent Sweeney-UNEP. Photo: Global Water Partnership Caribbean<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Vincent Sweeney, Head of the Caribbean Sub-Regional Office of UNEP, described it as \u201ca space for practical peer exchange, collaborative action planning and building forward momentum,\u201d emphasizing the importance of collective progress.<\/p>\n

Along those lines, the workshop aimed to foster collaboration among key water stakeholders, facilitate the sharing of best practices, identify investment opportunities, and bolster regional efforts toward achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6, particularly Target 6.5.1, which advocates for the full implementation of IWRM by 2030.<\/p>\n

Addressing the gathering, Grenada\u2019s Minister for Climate Resilience, The Environment, and Renewable Energy, Hon. Kerryne James, emphasized the importance of water management beyond infrastructure and policy, stating, \u201cIt is not just about infrastructure or policy\u2014it is a matter of human dignity, economic security, and intergenerational justice.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Prof Paulette Bynoe. Photo: Global Water Partnership Caribbean<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Despite the Caribbean reportedly being one of the most water-stressed regions globally, with limited capacity to store and distribute clean, reliable water, IWRM remains a pivotal regional priority, stressed the release.<\/p>\n

\u201cWater security is not just a development issue\u2014it’s the foundation of our region\u2019s resilience, health, economy, and environment. Caribbean SIDS face rising climate threats, aging infrastructure, and chronic underinvestment. The time to act is now,” noted Professor Paulette Bynoe, Chair of GWP-C, highlighting this urgency.<\/p>\n

Workshop organizers say that the IWRM is recognized as a participatory, sustainable approach to water resource management that considers social, economic, and environmental factors. They add that while many nations have adopted the concept, the full implementation remains an ongoing effort.<\/p>\n

During discussions on strengthening regional implementation efforts, facilitator Chris Corbin highlighted the need to transition from traditional planning to more tangible, inclusive, and phased actions. He emphasized, \u201cWe want to move from a planning process to one that is inclusive, and action based. These actions must be realistic\u2014things we can achieve in the short term without requiring major financial investments, while also identifying medium- and long-term actions where external resources are expected to play a role.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Dr. Roxanne Graham-Victor RC GWP-C. Photo: Globa Water Partnership Caribbean<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The workshop concluded with a renewed commitment from Caribbean SIDS to enhance cooperation, invest in climate-resilient water infrastructure, and support IWRM implementation through the development of mini action plans tailored for each participating country.<\/p>\n

Dr. Roxanne Graham-Victor, Regional Coordinator for GWP-C, described the workshop as a productive environment for meaningful exchange among countries and sectors. She stated that the event provided \u201ca space to bring your country\u2019s story, your sector\u2019s voice, your institutional perspective, and real-world experiences\u2014sharing practical solutions that work or are ready to be tested,\u201d with respect to IWRM.<\/p>\n