SDG 6 workshop in the Carribean paves the way to develop Mini Action Plans
St. George’s, Grenada, May 15, 2026 — Caribbean Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are translating Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) commitments into country-driven priorities through a set of IWRM mini-action plans. Developed by national stakeholders from Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Grenada, Guyana, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago, during the workshop “Leveraging SDG 6 for Accelerated Water Investments in Caribbean SIDS” these plans provide practical, actionable pathways for advancing SDG 6 implementation.
Each mini-action plan reflects national priorities and institutional contexts, while aligning with broader regional objectives on water governance, climate resilience, and sustainable investment.
Key Priorities Emerging from the Mini-Action Plans
Across countries, the mini-action plans converge around several priority areas critical for strengthening water security and accelerating implementation:
- Governance reform and institutional strengthening
Countries identified the need to clarify mandates, strengthen coordination mechanisms, and empower lead water institutions to reduce fragmentation and overlapping responsibilities.
- Data systems and monitoring
Strengthening water data systems is a central focus, including establishing data-sharing protocols, expanding water quality monitoring, and ensuring that existing data is translated into decision-relevant information.
- Wastewater management and reuse
Wastewater reuse has emerged as a pragmatic entry point for advancing IWRM implementation, with potential to deliver both environmental and economic benefits.
- Financing readiness and investment alignment
The plans highlight the importance of linking national water priorities to climate and development finance opportunities, including the Green Climate Fund and Caribbean Development Bank, as well as national adaptation investment frameworks.
From Planning to Early Implementation
The mini-action plans are already informing early implementation efforts across the region. Countries are beginning to translate priorities into concrete actions, demonstrating momentum and national ownership:
- Trinidad and Tobago: Advancing watershed planning initiatives through the development of five watershed improvement plans. Furthermore, they have prepared a proposal on evaluation of water quality in Lisas Bay in the Gulf of Paria.
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines: Expanding water quality monitoring systems with schools, community groups, environmental organisations, and agencies for water quality assessments. Furthermore, they are revising their effluent regulations and Climate Resilient Water Sector Strategy and Action Plan with IWRM elements.
- Grenada: progressing discussions on climate finance aligned with identified priorities.
- Guyana: Assessment of water availability in key basins.
These early signals underscore the value of the mini action plans as practical tools for guiding decision-making, strengthening coordination, and unlocking investment in the water sector.
Access the Country Mini-Action Plans
Explore the full set of country-developed mini-action plans: