Climate is water!
Why Water Adaptation?
Water Adaptation is, therefore, being encouraged to address the ongoing water management issues related to climate change. This continues to be the most serious threat to sustainable development facing Small Island Developing States (SIDS). In the case of Jamaica, drought and shifting patterns of rainfall will increase the serious challenges already impacting the country’s water supply and distribution system.
More broadly, Caribbean territories are particularly vulnerable to the many hazards associated with climate change. This vulnerability is a key reason for countries such as Jamaica to better adapt to the changing atmospheric conditions.
- Water problems in the form of floods, cyclones, heat waves and droughts.
- Long dry periods and short episodes of torrential rainfall
- Dry spells which impact the water supply systems and periods of heavy rainfall which pollute water resources and causes severe damage to infrastructure, including energy facilities, which play a critical role in the supply of water.
- Sea level rise will result in salt water being introduced into groundwater resources
- Reduction of freshwater available for potable water supply.
- In order to respond to the impending water crisis related to times of limited water supply, we must adapt!
This climate adaptation approach must also involve the practice of water use efficiency and conservation. Together, these will reduce the demand for water so that it is in line with supply. The Water Project, therefore, seeks to improve the water use efficiency by Jamaican households and to increase climate-resilient housing on the island.
Project
Overview
The Water Project was designed to address water management issues related to climate change, which is the most serious threat to sustainable development facing Small Island Developing States (SIDS). In the case of Jamaica, drought and shifting patterns of rainfall will exacerbate serious challenges already impacting the country’s water supply and distribution system such as capital and operational budgetary constraints, aging assets, population growth, urbanization and environmental degradation. There is also the problem of inconsistent water supply negatively impacting local communities as well as the business models of housing developers and construction companies. In addition, limited financing and an uncertain business case for water adaptation are barriers to the uptake of water efficient measures by the housing development sector.
The Jamaica National water adaptation project therefore aims to tackle the issue through provision of an impactful, scalable model for greater efficiency in Jamaica. In particular, the project aims to enhance Jamaica’s climate resilience through the use of water adaptation technology in the country’s housing sector. The project zooms in on the important role that householders and developers should play to improve efficient water use in the housing sector and will work with project beneficiaries under 3 main banners- Efficient. Resilient. Secure:
Facilitate uptake of water adaptation measures in the housing sector across Jamaica, including the use of rainwater harvesting systems and water EFFICIENT fixtures.
Increase climate RESILIENT housing in Jamaica, through greater awareness of the business and financial cases for developing and building homes with water efficient measures.
Increase efficiency in the use of water by Jamaican homes, improve the reliability of water supply and enhance Jamaica’s water SECURITY and climate resilience.
Project
Components
The Loan Component covers the on-lending of funds for the Integration of Water Adaptation Measures in New and existing Jamaican Housing and will be administered by the JN Bank. For more information click here.
The Technical Cooperation Component has four sub-components and is being administered by the JN Foundation.
These sub-components include:
Who
Benefits
| Developers | Householders |
|---|---|
|
Environmentally friendly Practical Solutions |
Access to wider range of efficient smart technology water saving devices and appliances in local marketplace |
|
Greater Market Demand and Appeal due to Unique Selling Proposition for new construction and retrofits |
Lower costs, greater savings |
|
Access to Affordable Financing for cutting edge technology |
Greater control over water consumption, conservation and use |
|
Expand Geographic Areas for Housing Development |
More affordable and sustainable source of water during droughts and water lock-offs |
Other persons and organisations set to benefit under the project include:
Small local businesses and technicians who will benefit by supplying water efficient solutions.
Young Jamaican entrepreneurs who will receive training in business opportunities
Technical professionals involved in the design and specification of home construction.
Suppliers and Installers of Water adaptation technology
National Water Commission, which will benefit from greater water use efficiency
Other households in Jamaica who will indirectly benefit from reduced stress on the water supply.