Following a presentation by Professor Paulette Bynoe, Chair of Global Water Partnership-Caribbean (GWP-C), on ‘Advancing a Water-Secure Caribbean Through Integrated Action,’ Ministers at the Thirteenth Meeting of the OECS Council of Ministers: Environmental Sustainability (COM:ES-13) endorsed a series of actions to strengthen integrated water resources management and advance water security across the Caribbean.
The decisions support stronger national water policies and legal frameworks grounded in Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) principles, enhanced coordination among water-related sectors, the adoption of ridge-to-reef approaches, improved water information systems, equitable water allocation, and investments in diversified and climate-resilient water supply systems. These measures are designed to address the unique realities and vulnerabilities of Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
Professor Paulette Bynoe welcomed the outcomes of the meeting, noting:
“The Caribbean’s future prosperity depends on how effectively we manage our water resources today. The endorsement of these decisions sends a powerful message that integrated water resources management remains essential for building resilient economies, healthy ecosystems, and water-secure communities across our region. GWP-Caribbean stands ready to support Member States in translating these commitments into meaningful action on the ground.”
The decisions adopted by the OECS Ministers also reflect the ambitions of the GWPO–GWP Transformation Agenda and the GWP Strategy 2026–2030, which seek to strengthen water governance, mobilise investments, and advance knowledge and innovation to accelerate progress towards water security.
Commenting on the significance of the decisions, Alex Simalabwi, CEO of the Global Water Partnership Organisation (GWPO), said:
“The OECS Council of Ministers has demonstrated exactly the type of leadership envisioned under the GWPO–GWP Transformation Agenda. These decisions move beyond recognising water challenges to embracing integrated solutions that strengthen governance, build resilience, improve knowledge systems, and support sustainable investment. For Small Island Developing States, water security is fundamental to economic prosperity, public health, food security, and climate adaptation.”
As Caribbean countries continue to confront increasing pressures from climate change, droughts, ecosystem degradation, and growing demands on limited freshwater resources, the outcomes of COM:ES-13 provide renewed momentum for building a more water-secure and climate-resilient Caribbean.