SAINT Lucia’s major water resource management agencies are actively emphasizing the critical need for water conservation, adaptation, and sustainability considering the challenges facing the island’s primary water supplier: the Water and Sewerage Company of Saint Lucia (WASCO).
On Thursday, key personnel from various water management fields conducted an interactive workshop to inform the public and media representatives about the essential functions and departments within the sector that provide these vital resources daily.
WASCO’s operations rely heavily on collaboration with agencies such as the Water Resource Management Agency (WRMA) within the Ministry of Agriculture and other relevant departments. Implementing necessary measures is imperative to mitigate climate change and other challenges that disrupt efficient operations in the sector.
Danielle Dubois, Communications Officer with the NAP 2CF Readiness Project-a national initiative focused on bolstering Saint Lucia’s climate resilience-stated that the project is dedicated to enhancing the island’s processing mechanisms to effectively respond to climate change and the underlying threats intensified by uncertainty.
“The project teaches principles of adaptation and resilience, including how to thrive, recover, prepare, and protect ourselves from uncertainties,” Dubois asserted.
Since its establishment, the National Adaptation Plan (NAP), spanning from 2018 to 2028, has been pivotal in supporting climate change adaptation efforts and serves as a cornerstone of this vital awareness campaign. NAP enables personnel to assess actions that can be undertaken to “better cope with climate change.”
Dubois highlighted several local measures aimed at reducing Saint Lucia’s vulnerability to climate change impacts. “Sea level rise poses a threat to our coastal areas, which cradle our homes, infrastructure, and tourism assets,” she emphasized.
These efforts align with the national commitment to enhancing resilience within the broader Climate Resilience context. Climate Resilience is defined as “The ability to anticipate, prepare for, and respond to hazardous events, trends, or disturbances related to climate.”
Improving climate resilience necessitates assessing how climate change might create or alter current climate-related risks and taking proactive measures to cope with these risks. Saint Lucia is actively building its climate resilience through policy development, environmental initiatives, legislation, raising awareness, capacity building, and implementing “tangible actions on the ground to combat climate change.”
The NAP aims to fortify Saint Lucia’s resilience against hurricanes and support the country’s climate change adaptation policy. It highlights eight priority sectors for adaptation action, detailing strategies and action plans for implementation.
Dubois outlined essential components that households can implement to enhance resilience, such as rainwater harvesting, cultivating backyard gardens for food security, and establishing an emergency plan.
“We must recognize that these are threats that can alter our livelihoods and homes, so planning and preparation are crucial,” she stated.
Lyndel Archibald, a consultant attached to the Land Resilience Project facilitated the discussion and addressed the impact of climate change on the country’s water supply.
“Climate changes are directly affecting our water supply,” she noted. “The water supply has become unpredictable due to extended dry seasons and significant rainfall, hindering WASCO’s ability to deliver water due to turbidity and lack of strategies. This is a collective challenge impacting businesses, communities, and households alike. We must all take responsibility to understand what’s happening and promote awareness within our communities.”
Junior Mathurin, Field Scientist with the WRMA, elaborated on the unit’s role. “We are the primary agency mandated by law to conduct measurements related to the water sector in Saint Lucia,” he stated.
He acknowledged the complexity involved in harvesting water and distributing it to different suppliers.
Mathurin affirmed that the agency is dedicated to promoting awareness campaigns and actively visits communities, “Educating individuals on conserving and managing water.”
Critical issues impacting the country’s water sources include:
– Longer dry seasons leading to lower river levels
– Illegal dumping, agricultural runoff, and land use
– Deforestation and heavy rains causing excess debris in water
– Increased demand depleting groundwater faster than it can be replenished
Citizens are urged to practice water conservation by employing the following methods:
– Utilize Rainwater harvesting systems
– Use water-efficient appliances
– Turn off taps when not in use (e.g. brushing teeth and washing dishes)
Farmers & Agriculture:
– Use efficient irrigation methods (e.g., drip irrigation)
– Protect riverbanks and prevent deforestation
– Use water storage methods to reduce reliance on WASCO supply
Communities:
– Monitor water usage and leaks in the community
– Implement community water projects
– Raise Awareness