Caribbean Environment Programme - UNEP

UNEP(DEC)/CAR WG.18/6
Anexo V
Apéndice 2
Página 10
Its organizational structure comprises one regional unit for the Caribbean and one for the
Latin American Countries and two special programs, one dealing with public participation in
decision making and one for disaster reduction in development. In water resources management,
the Unit acts in the level of policy support, information exchange and technical cooperation.
The Inter-American Water Resources Network (IWRN) is a network of networks whose
purpose is to build and strengthen water resources partnerships among nations, organizations,
and individuals; to promote education and the open exchange of information and technical
expertise; and to enhance communication, cooperation, collaboration, and financial commitment
to integrated land water resources management within the context of environmental and
economic sustainability.
The IWRN is composed of an Advisory Council of more than 130 institutions,
organizations, and private sector representatives. In addition, the IWRN has a national focal
point in each of the 34 participating member countries of the OAS. These are governmental
appointed institutions for water resources management on a national level. The USDE serves as
its technical secretariat.
A very important tool to promote the regional exchange of experiences is the Inter-
American Dialogue on Water Management. The first Dialogue was held in Miami, USA, the
second was held in Buenos Aires, Argentina and the Third in Panama City. The Fourth Dialogue
will be held in September 2001 in Brazil, and its main objective is to identify development in
water resources management in the region. Its principal cross cutting theme is “In Quest of
Solution”. It will serve also as a preparatory meeting to Rio + 10 and the III World Water Forum
to be held in Japan, in March 2003. The OAS is encouraging the Caribbean region to attend and
actively participate in IV Dialogue, as well as in the Fifth Dialogue expected to be held in the
Caribbean. The support from the Caribbean countries is required to make this event a reality for
the region.
PAHO ANALYSIS OF THE
WASTEWATER DISPOSAL SITUATION IN THE CARIBBEAN
Harry Philippeaux
This analysis is limited only to the English speaking Caribbean countries. The
considerations made in this report are not the same and are no necessarily true for the US
territories, the French Departments and the Latin countries in the Caribbean.
Improper disposal of domestic sewage and industrial wastewater is a primary source of
pollution of the marine environment and a major cause of environmental health concerns in the
Caribbean.
At the exception of Guyana, Belize and Surinam, the English Caribbean comprises of
small island states whose coastal zones are the most inhabited area, heavily populated. Many of
islands, (particularly in the Windward Islands) are of volcanic origin with high reliefs and