VI Delegation Builds Climate-Resilient Water Systems
A two-person delegation from the Virgin Islands attended a five-day regional workshop in Bridgetown, Barbados from 9 to 13 February on 'Building Climate Change-Resilient Water Management Systems.' According to a Government press release, the training and regional exchanges will inform updates to the Territory’s Climate Change Adaptation Policy and guide modernization of the water supply system. The workshop, organised by the Green Overseas Programme and funded by the European Union, brought together technical specialists, policymakers and water resource managers from across the Caribbean and 19 Overseas Countries and Territories to share practical tools, financing approaches and policy frameworks for strengthening water system resilience.
A two-person delegation from the Virgin Islands participated in a five-day regional workshop on climate-resilient water management held in Bridgetown, Barbados from 9 to 13 February, the Government of the Virgin Islands reported. The workshop, themed 'Building Climate Change-Resilient Water Management Systems,' brought together technical specialists, policymakers and water resource managers from across the Caribbean and representatives from 19 Overseas Countries and Territories.
According to the Government press release, the event was organised by the Green Overseas Programme, funded by the European Union and implemented by Expertise France. Atoya George of the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change and Mr. Dillon Robin of the Ministry of Communications and Works.
The officers took part in technical sessions focused on climate risk assessment for water infrastructure, integrated water resources management, strengthening regional cooperation through improved data and information sharing, and financing mechanisms for resilient projects. Workshop activities included technical training, case study reviews and scenario-based planning exercises designed to help jurisdictions adapt to increasing rainfall variability, prolonged droughts and extreme weather events such as hurricanes.
Participants examined practical tools and policy frameworks for protecting storage tanks, pipelines, desalination plants and distribution networks, and discussed approaches to leakage reduction, water conservation and resilient infrastructure design. The Virgin Islands delegation shared local experiences, highlighting the Territory’s heavy reliance on desalination and rainwater harvesting and the vulnerability of water infrastructure to storm damage, flooding and sargassum influx.
Delegates also learned about best practices from neighbouring Caribbean territories that could be adapted to local conditions. Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change, Dr. Ronald Berkeley, said participation supports the Government’s broader climate adaptation agenda.
He noted that 'water security is one of the most critical challenges facing small island states like the Virgin Islands' and that 'the knowledge gained from this workshop will directly inform national planning, infrastructure development and community awareness initiatives,' according to the press release.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Communications and Works, Mrs. Elvia Smith-Maduro, described the training as providing 'important insights into designing and protecting water systems, including storage tanks, pipelines and desalination facilities.' She said these lessons will help strengthen the Territory’s water infrastructure standards and reduce service disruptions after extreme weather events.
As a next step, information from the workshop will be used to inform recommended updates to the Territory’s Climate Change Adaptation Policy and to guide modernization of the water supply system, the Government said. The Green Overseas Programme’s broader aim, the press release adds, is to support sustainable, resilient and inclusive development across European and British Overseas countries and territories with a particular focus on climate resilience and energy transition.
The Government of the Virgin Islands says it remains committed to strengthening the resilience of its water sector to protect public health, support economic activity and reduce the impacts of future climate shocks.
Primary source: BVI Government