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Grenada's water problems

October 29, 2013

A pilot project on Grenada is working to secure the water supply and conserve dwindling supplies of the precious resource. It's especially important for the island's main sources of income - agriculture and tourism.

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28.10.2013 Global 3000 Klima Grenada
Image: DW

Grenada: Combating water shortage

Project goal: adapt island’s irrigation system to climate change
Project type: planning and adaption on local and larger regional levels
Project volume: around 5 million Euros ($6.9 million) of funding from the International Climate Initiative between 2013 - 2016

The Caribbean island of Grenada is running out of drinking water. Growing periods of dry spells and an intensive use of water has led to ground water tables dropping dramatically. That allows salt water to seep into the water layers in the ground. Rising sea levels are also leading to an erosion of coasts while hurricanes regularly disrupt the water supply, devastating crucial infrastructure. The consequences have been catastrophic for the people of Grenada. They depend on agriculture and tourism to survive, and water is key for both. Together with Germany’s federal development agency, the GIZ, and the International Climate Initiative, the island is now working to resolve its water issues. Locals are testing out technical solutions by deepening wells and constructing irrigation systems. And, they’re also learning how to save water in an energy-intensive industry like tourism.

A film by Grit Hofmann