Grenada’s Coastal Town Fights Back Against Climate Change
As the world grapples with the devastating impacts of climate change, the town of Grenville on the eastern coast of Grenada is taking proactive steps to mitigate its vulnerability.
Proactive Measures Against Climate Change
The town has been ravaged by flooding and landslides in recent years, prompting the incorporation of disaster risk reduction measures into its development planning process. According to the National Physical Development Plan (NPDP), the government recognizes the significance of environmental and physical development considerations for national development.
Study Highlights Need for Storm Water Management
In 2007, a study identified key findings and observations related to flooding in the Grenville area, highlighting major issues with the existing storm water management system. The study recommended adopting appropriate storm water management technologies and planning strategies to address these concerns.
Environmental Protection Measures
To combat the threat of climate change, the town has implemented measures to protect its environment and biodiversity. These include:
- Restoring mangroves for soil stability
- Enforcing against illegal sand mining
- Restricting development in areas prone to erosion and landslides
Development Limitation Map
The greater Grenville local area plan includes a development limitation map that classifies land uses into five zones:
- Natural lands
- Forest
- Conservation area
- Arable land
- Natural hazard risk
The map identifies areas susceptible to landslides, inland flooding, and coastal erosion and recommends no development in these areas except for hazard mitigation works.
Zoning as a Long-Term Goal
Zoning is also being established as a long-term goal to ensure compliance with land uses and standards contained within individual zones.
Public Education and Awareness
The government has recognized the importance of public education and awareness in implementing these measures. “It’s crucial that we educate our citizens about the risks posed by climate change and the measures we’re taking to mitigate them,” said a government official.
National Strategy for Disaster Risk Reduction
Grenville’s efforts are part of a broader national strategy to address disaster risk reduction and management. The town’s initiatives serve as a model for other communities in Grenada and across the region, demonstrating the importance of proactive planning and mitigation measures in the face of climate change.
References
- CDERA (2003d). Status of hazard maps vulnerability assessments and digital maps: Grenada country report.
- Cooper, V., & Opadeyi, J. (2006a). Flood hazard mapping of Grenada.
- ECLAC (2005). Grenada: A gender impact assessment of Hurricane Ivan - Making the invisible visible.
- Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR) (2010b). Disaster risk management in Latin America and the Caribbean region": GFDRR country notes (Grenada).
- Grenada, G. of. Physical Planning and Development Control Act 2002.
- JECO Caribbean Inc. (2006). Grenada: National hazard mitigation plan.
- Leisa, P. (2011). Gender and disaster risk reduction: An overview Caribbean (case study Grenada).
Note: The article has been rewritten to resemble a media article, with a focus on the town of Grenville’s efforts to mitigate its vulnerability to climate change.