On 17-19 March 2021, the Caribbean WaterNet/CapNet-UNDP participated in the Integrated Water Resources and Coastal Symposium 2021 (IWRCS) held at the Radisson Hotel, Port of Spain, Trinidad. The Symposium was hosted by the Ministry of Works and Transport (MOWT), Coastal Protection Unit (CPU) in partnership with the Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA), Water Resources Agency (WRA), of the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.
The IWRCS convened regional delegates in order to:
- nurture a robust, collaborative environment for the sharing of knowledge,
- lessons learned, and
- technological advancements and methodologies within the fields of coastal zone and water resources management in the region.
Ultimately, the symposium sought to stimulate scientific discussions that will lead to progressive and appropriate recommendations within the fields of focus.
Caribbean WaterNet participated in 2 thematic areas over the first 2 days of the IWRCS:
- What Does It Mean to be a Water Secure Nation? / Valuing Water
In addition to serving as a member of the IWRCS2021 Academic Papers Review Committee, Network Manager Dr Ronald Roopnarine moderated a panel discussion on “What Does It Mean to be a Water Secure Nation? / Valuing Water” on March 17th. Under this theme, presentations were made by 4 key stakeholders on the following topics:
Measuring the impact of rainwater harvesting systems in rural communities, Trinidad
Ms. Tahira Khan, RA I, International Projects Department, NIHERST
Forecasting Water Consumption in Trinidad (Trinidad and Tobago) Using a Univariate Time Series Model
Ms. Aruna Rajballie, Senior Instructor, UTT
Overview of the Water Sector in Trinidad and Tobago
Mr. Keith Meade, Senior Manager, Water Resources Agency
We must know before planning: The irrevocable link between Water Security and Numerical Modeling
Mr. Mauro Nalesso, Water and Sanitation Lead Specialist, IDB
- Data, Information and Decision Support for Coastal Zone and Water Resources Monitoring and Management
On Day 2 of the Symposium, Caribbean WaterNet Steering Committee Members Dr Mark Wuddivira and Ms. Simone Lewis gave presentations on “Electromagnetic Geophysical Techniques for Ground Water Monitoring and Management” and “Integrating the Participatory Approach in Hydro-Climatic Disaster Risk Management (Droughts and Floods) in the Caribbean” respectively.
This session culminated in a panel discussion led by Dr. Kegan Farrick, Head of Department, Department of Geography, The University of the West Indies, during which both Dr Wuddivira and Dr Roopnarine explored questions from delegates and members of local government.
During the IWRCS2021 Caribbean WaterNet also facilitated meeting requests and petitions for training workshops from members of local government. The Network also received invitations to collaborate from international organizations such as the International Water Association (IWA).
