In a significant step toward addressing environmental challenges in the Caribbean, the Global Water Partnership-Caribbean (GWP-C) and the Partnership Initiative for Sustainable Land Management (PISLM) have solidified their collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The agreement, signed on October 16, 2025, in St. George’s, Grenada, aims to enhance sustainable land and water management practices across Caribbean Small Island Developing States (CSIDS).
The MOU focuses on tackling critical issues such as land degradation, drought, and water scarcity while promoting environmental sustainability and climate resilience. Dr. Roxanne Graham, Regional Coordinator for GWP-C, highlighted the interconnected nature of these challenges, stating, ‘We must recognize the intrinsic connection between land and water and manage both harmoniously for the benefit of our people and planet.’
The partnership will encompass a wide range of activities, including information exchange, joint projects, capacity building, research, and policy advocacy. Strategic priorities include soil and water resource management, drought and flood mitigation, water quality monitoring, and innovative solutions to water scarcity. Additionally, the collaboration will emphasize youth engagement in natural resource management and community resilience.
A flagship initiative under this partnership is the Caribbean Drought Initiative, which aims to assess regional drought conditions and develop sustainable practices. Dr. Ronen C.A. Francis, Executive Director of PISLM, explained that this initiative, approved at the UNCCD Conference of the Parties in Saudi Arabia, seeks to build resilience in Caribbean communities facing drought.
GWP-C expressed its enthusiasm for the collaboration, acknowledging PISLM’s support and emphasizing the importance of coordinated efforts. ‘We look forward to working together to advance sustainable development and climate resilience for our Caribbean region,’ the organization stated in its official release.