Water sector risk and resilience in the Caribbean

The Caribbean is highly vulnerable to climate hazards and long-term climate change. Located in the North Atlantic hurricane belt, the region faces annual devastation, especially in small island developing states like Dominica, where Hurricane Maria caused damage over 200% of GDP in 2017. Future climate change projections indicate more intense hurricanes and reduced rainfall for the region, increasing risks to the water sector from storms and droughts.

To combat these threats, the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre appointed HR Wallingford for the Vulnerability Assessment and Water Sector Adaptation Planning project. This initiative included Rapid Vulnerability Assessments across 16 Caribbean Forum countries, characterising and quantifying climate risks. Five priority countries received detailed adaptation plans through risk assessment and stakeholder engagement, focusing on climate-proofing infrastructure, reducing water losses, and managing watersheds and aquifers.

• Rapid Vulnerability Assessments (RVAs) of water utility assets to climate hazards
• Literature review of past and current adaptation projects in the water sector
• Analysis of water services data, including supply systems and consumption
• Assessment of climate change projections and risks to water services
• Collaboration with national water service providers and climate change focal points
• Multi-stakeholder consultations to identify adaptation needs and gaps
• Preparation of water sector adaptation plans for Antigua and Barbuda, Belize, Guyana, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Trinidad and Tobago

This provided essential evidence that can be used by these countries to leverage climate and traditional finance, supporting adaptation planning in the Caribbean water sector.

Top image © Russell Watkins/DFID CC2.0