Turks and Caicos Islands

lesser extent in Turks and Caicos. In this region limited human capacity and attention to evaluation are two
major challenges to the utilization of IVM.
Improve the use of technology in the Health Sector: Two aspects of technology that can be developed in
the Turks and Caicos Islands’ health sector involve vector borne diseases. An Early Disease Warning System
that considers temperature signatures for vector borne diseases can be considered, however this must be
validated (Chen, Chadee, & Rawlins, 2006) and be site-specific (Ebi, et al., 2006). Other signatures could be
further researched such as the use of the pre-seasonal treatment (Chadee, 2009). This can be a practical
way to execute effective disease control (Ebi, et al., 2006).
Long Term Actions
Publications in academic journals and papers: Additionally, there is a need to further efforts to have data
better analysed, peer reviewed and published. Thus, increased research of climate change related diseases,
will enable validation of hypothesises related to epidemics and climatic variables. It would further
encourage the development of a “culture” of systematic review and the conversion of knowledge into
policy and planning.
6.6. Marine and Terrestrial Biodiversity and Fisheries
Medium to Long Term Actions
Improve the management and resilience of fish sanctuaries and MPAs: The Government of the Turks and
Caicos Islands has demonstrated its commitment to promoting the preservation and sustainable use of
marine resources by the establishment of a number of MPAs across the islands. It is noted that
management of MPAs in the Caribbean often suffer from a severe lack of funds. A needs assessment
conducted by The Nature Conservancy showed a significant gap in available finances and finances required
to meet the 2020 goal. Similarly, for instance, the Financial Needs Assessment conducted for the
Sustainable Financing Plan for Jamaica’s System of Protected Areas 2010 - 2020 estimated that between US
$267,000 and US $358,000 would be needed annually for the management of each sanctuary.
In light of this challenge, a joint sustainable management and finance mechanism can establish a more
effective fish sanctuary management and enforcement system for coastal communities and enhance the
capacity of resource managers and users to be more resilient to climate change. The strategy or mechanism
should seek to increase the involvement of the tourism sector (various hotels, the Turks and Caicos Hotel
and Tourism Association) in collaboration with the Department for the Environment and Coastal Resources
in supporting community-based MPAs. The strategy will not only promote sustainable management of the
MPAs, but will also provide opportunities for alternative livelihoods and technologies for public education.
Mangrove Restoration and Protection: The TCI Climate Change Green Paper identifies mangrove
restoration as an adaptation strategy to improve coastal defence against rising sea level and storm surge
impacts. Reforestation of the mangrove stands will also improve the health of fish nurseries and coral reefs
thus benefitting the livelihoods of those engaged in marine-based activities. Proposed MPAs will benefit
from the presence of mangrove trees, which filter pollutants and provide protection to fish and crustaceans
allowing them to increase in size and abundance. However reforestation projects will not be effective if
development projects are allowed to remove and damage mangrove stands.
One method of mangrove reforestation which has proven successful in Belize is the Riley Encased
Methodology (REM). The method, which uses a small PVC pipe to protect growing saplings, is relatively
inexpensive, easily implemented and causes minimal disturbance to the environment. A Caribbean Coastal
174