Sustainability of water resources in Caribbean small island developing states: an overview

A key to achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals is the sustainable provisioning of clean water and sanitation services. The sustainable management of water resources strengthens resilience, protects livelihoods, fosters economic growth, and contributes to poverty reduction. This paper reviews the challenges faced by Caribbean Small Island Developing States (SIDS) with a focus on water resource management. While the Caribbean region is seemingly blessed with water resources, with more than 90% of Caribbean residents having access to improved water, it faces challenges due to inefficient management and diverse geographical realities, creating spatial disparities. Furthermore, economic and physical scarcity coexist with some islands lacking proper infrastructure and others nearing the exhaustion of natural freshwater reserves. Climate change intensifies these issues through variable precipitation patterns and extreme weather events. Additionally, the region’s dependence on tourism and susceptibility to environmental pressures necessitates a focus on targets related to SDGs 1 and 8. To address increasing water stress within the region, it is becoming increasingly urgent to identify root causes and develop targeted solutions that consider socioeconomic and environmental factors. The promotion of Integrated Water Resource Management is a key strategy for encouraging increased investment in climate-resilient infrastructure and fostering sustainable financing practices.