ALM UNDP

Summary:

Key Vulnerabilities

• Coastal Zones
• Biodiversity
• Water Resources
• Agriculture/Food Security
• Energy resources.

Potential Adaptation Measures

• Revision and enforcement of the Town and Country Planning Act, establishing land use as a high priority with sound land-use controls along with flexibility to address the dynamic aspects of long-term shoreline retreat and climatic change.
• Strengthening of the building codes and the initiation of builder certification to assure that adequate construction standards are being met.
• The development of a thorough vulnerability assessment as a basis for land-suitability and hazard mapping.
• The formulation of a coastal management programme with permitting authority and incentive-based criteria for coastal development that sends the right signals to the development community.
• Agricultural reform that promotes a strong, viable agricultural base able to adapt to changing climatic conditions, including the development of in situ seed-bank and tissue-culture development centres for the preservation of plant genetic information.
• Protection of water-supply sources and improved harnessing and distribution systems to accommodate competing uses with increasing water demand and water supply variability.
• The enhancement of water quality, addressing municipal and industrial discharges and urban and agricultural runoff.
• An expansion of the country’s environmental education programme that speaks to climate change, vulnerability, sustainability , human health, and safety.
• The provision of incentives for investment in renewable energy, including solar and wind energy and hydrogen-fuel-based transportation.
• The strengthening and equipping of the local vector-control unit to respond to expanding insect populations and the emergence or re-emergence of vector-borne diseases.
• Greater emphasis on heritage and eco-tourism to supplement beach tourism.