Global International Waters Assessment
Caribbean Islands, GIWA Regional assessment 4

University of Kalmar on behalf of United Nations Environment Programme

December, 2004

Villasol, A. and J. Beltrán

1651-940X

132

Electronically (PDF), Hard copy (paperback)

This report presents the GIWA assessment of the Caribbean Islands region – an archipelago comprising drainage basins and coastal areas that contain some of the world’s most diverse and productive habitats. A variety of human activities are impacting the region’s sensitive and unique ecosystems, upon which the population is so dependent for their social well-being and economic survival. Pollution, originating from both land-based sources and marine traffic, is of particular concern, but despite considerable and widespread environmental and socio-economic impacts, there has been a lack of appropriate measures aimed at mitigating this concern. The past and present status and future prospects are discussed, and the transboundary issues of pollution are traced back to their root causes. Policy options are analysed that aim to address these driving issues in order to significantly improve environmental quality and secure the region’s future prosperity.