Importance of Stakeholder Partnerships in Preserving Water Resources Emphasised

The active involvement of private-sector entities, civil society and local communities is deemed paramount in tackling challenges relating to water, one of Jamaica’s most precious resources.  

This, according to Clehan Williams, Advisor to the Minister Without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Senator the Hon. Matthew Samuda. 

Mr. Williams was addressing the Draft Watershed Policy Townhall held at the Public Broadcasting Corporation of Jamaica (PBCJ) in Kingston on Tuesday (July 18). 

He pointed out that Jamaica has 26 watersheds, several of which are showing signs of degradation. 

Mr. Williams noted that this can affect the productivity of land as well as the quality and quantity of the country’s water resources in the long term. 

“Preserving the ecological function and integrity of our island’s watershed is of utmost importance. It is through our collective efforts and decisive actions that we can ensure these ecosystems continue to provide essential functions and services that sustain our lives and livelihoods,” he maintained. 

Mr. Williams acknowledged that while water is an essential element for survival and well-being, persons often fail to recognise the urgent need to conserve and efficiently utilise the precious commodity. 

To this end, he informed that streamlining legislative and institutional frameworks to ensure coherence and efficiency in the management of our watersheds and integrated water resources will be imperative if Jamaica is to effectively tackle these issues. 

He further said it will be crucial to prioritise capacity-building and knowledge development for effective watershed and water resource management. 

Against this background, Mr. Williams said the townhall “has come at an opportune time, as Jamaica and, indeed, the global community continue to grapple with the effects of climate change and its existential threats, including high temperatures and extreme weather events such as droughts”. 

He added that while some sections of most parishes recorded above-normal rainfall last month, this has been below average in others. 

Additionally, Mr. Williams said moisture loss would be exacerbated consequent on the higher-than-normal temperatures being experienced islandwide, noting that this could be problematic especially for farming communities.   

“This [further] highlights the importance of healthy and fully functional watersheds in providing critical ecosystems, goods and services such as climate mitigation, clean air and water, mitigation of flood risks, erosion, sedimentation control and habitats for conserving biological resources,” he said. 

“Together we can drive effective watershed management efforts that ensure the health and resilience of our ecosystems, promote the well-being of our communities and pave the way for a sustainable future for all,” Mr. Williams added.