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Saint Lucia: Issues Paper on Climate Change Adaptation & the Water Sector April 2009IMPACTSClimate Change Factor: PrecipitationDecreased precipitation:• Periods of low precipitation arelikely to be accompanied by extendeddry periods.• Increased frequency & Intensity ofprecipitation:• Destruction and/or modification ofexisting aquatic ecosystems.• Siltation of river systems.• Increased incidence of flooding.• The likelihood of cross contaminationfrom leaching of pit latrines into floodplains increases during flooding.Climate Change Factor: Temperature• Possibility of excessive evapo-transpirationassociated with the level of temperatureincreases of the high precipitation scenario.• Municipal demands are likely to increase ashigher temperatures lead to increased waterconsumption.IMPLICATIONS• Extended periods of drought leading todecreases in water supply for domestic andother use.• Consumers who normally maximizerainwater stores may need to increaseconsumption of treated water to meetdomestic needs.• The elevation of water rates to discouragewastage and greater efficiency ofproduction may be another necessaryoption.• Temporary increase in water supply.• Damage to water intakes, dams andreservoirs and/or pollution of water sourcesleaving settlements without water orproviding poor water quality.• Increased social and economic cost toensure that these facilities aremaintained.• Degradation of the habitats of species offlora and fauna, which occupy the aquaticecosystems leading to a loss ofbiodiversity.• Loss of livestock and crops• Increased freshwater outflows will reducethe salinity of coastal waters withconsequences for fisheries, as coral reefs andsea grass beds no longer support theirnormal biodiversity.• Loss of soil moisture, which will impact on cropproduction.• Dwindling basal flows may alter thebiophysical parameters of rivers and wetlandssufficiently to affect breeding cycles, offspringand parent fecundity, offspring survival andoverall species resistance to environmentalstresses such as disease and fishing effort.Page | 6
Saint Lucia: Issues Paper on Climate Change Adaptation & the Water Sector April 20093.0 Adaptation Options for the Water SectorThe Climate Change First National Communication [CCFNC] for Saint Lucia indicatedthat adaptation involves developing and institutionalizing various levels of capacity, aswell as developing expertise and building knowledge through research and monitoring.Such adaptation measures are most effective if implemented early while the varioussystems are still intact. It is suggested that anticipatory approaches can also greatlymitigate the need for forced ad hoc responses at a subsequent date when loss ofresources and poorly planned developments will likely limit the range of adaptationoptions available [CCFNC]. The Climate Change First National Communication[CCFNC] highlighted the following as select adaptation options for Saint Lucia for theWater Sector:1. Reductions in line losses2. Accurately reflecting costs of water supply3. Restoration of riverbanks and wetlands4. Water conservation5. Public awareness6. Improved management of forest resources including private forests7. Strengthening data collection8. Development of a national water management planTo this end the Government of Saint Lucia in recognition of the potential implications ofthe impacts of climate change on water resources remains committed to addressing theseissues as indicated in The Saint Lucia National Climate Change Policy and AdaptationPlan (2003). The following articulates the government’s commitment as stated in theplan [GOSL, CCPAP] :In addressing these and other related issues, the Government of Saint Lucia, incollaboration with other relevant entities, will:1. Develop or improve the basis for sound decision making by promoting andfostering the developing of capacity to undertake research into and analysis of therelevant climate change processes (including forecasting and data collection).2. Undertake a comprehensive inventory of all water resources including surface andground water.3. Promote the strengthening of national water management agencies to ensure thesound management of the island’s water resources.4. Develop a long-term national water management plan which incorporates andaddresses Climate Change concerns including catchment and watershed protectionand saltwater intrusion.Page | 7
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St Lucia - UNDPCC.org

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