Introduction to the GEF-IWCAM Project

GEF-IWCAM Participating Countries and Demonstration Projects Map - Click here to enlarge

INTRODUCTION TO THE GEF-IWCAM PROJECT

The Project Integrating Watershed and Coastal Area Management (IWCAM) in the Small Island Development States (SIDS) of the Caribbean, with a value of USD 22 Million, was approved by the Global Environment Facility  (GEF) in May 2004. Implementing agencies are the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Executing agencies are the Secretariat of the Cartagena Convention (UNEP-CAR/RCU) and the Caribbean Environmental Health Institute (CEHI).

The thirteen participating SIDS are; Antigua & Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Cuba, Grenada, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent & the Grenadines, and Trinidad & Tobago. The length of the Project is 5 years and commenced in the second quarter of 2005. The Project Coordinating Unit is located at the CEHI, as agreed by the Implementing and Executing Agencies and the participating countries and was established in May 2006, when the Regional Project Coordinator assumed duties.

Main issues of IWCAM

1. Diminishing freshwater supplies

2. Degraded freshwater and coastal water quality

3. Inappropriate land use

4. Hygiene and sanitation

Project Objective

The overall objective of this Project is to strengthen the commitment and capacity of the participating countries to implement an integrated approach to the management of watersheds and coastal areas. The long-term goal is to enhance the capacity of the countries to plan and manage their aquatic resources and ecosystems on a sustainable basis.

In particular, project activities will be focusing on improvements in integrated freshwater basin-coastal area management on each island of the regional groupings of Caribbean SIDS.