These issues are made more acute by the topography of many Caribbean islands in that  watersheds are typically small, narrow and steep sided.

Unsustainable practices such as agriculture and housing are common sights on steep watershed slopes contributing to increased surface runoff and flooding downslope. Sediment and pollutant laden surface runoff enter rivers eventually discharging to the sea, negatively impacting on critical coastal ecosystems which support vital Caribbean economic sectors like tourism and fishing.

These concerns are likely to be exacerbated given future climate scenarios for the Caribbean which include more intense rain events and hurricanes. Given this backdrop, sound watershed management practices are critical to manage the Caribbean’s freshwater and coastal resources.

Sharing Experiences on Watershed Management in Small Island Developing States (SIDS)

We encourage you to share with us your watershed management experiences in Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

Send us information and photos of field trips or activities you are or have been involved in about watershed management. Share with us at: knowledgeplatform@gwp-caribbean.org.