Training was concluded among thirty Grenadians as a part of the UN Development Programme Japan-Caribbean Climate Change Partnership (UNDP J-CCCP) Project where UNDP J-CCCP is supporting the implementation of 7 pilot projects in Grenada, three of which are in Carriacou.

Following the UNDP J-CCCP supported rainwater catchment expansion at the Princess Royal Hospital and the refurbishment of the cistern in the Grand Bay community, the training sought to impart the basics of water quality testing, proper use of the equipment and testing for basic water quality parameters such as pH, turbidity and so on. Participants were also trained by project partners the National Water and Sewerage Authority (NAWASA) in the sanitation of the cisterns and purification for drinking water quality. The training empowers community members and officials to conduct testing on a bi-monthly basis, in order to ensure that water provided to the community and the hospital is in keeping with international standards established by the World Health Organization.

Likewise, the capacity of Carriacou farmers was built when they received training in managing and adapting to the impacts of climate change. Within the Carriacou Pasture Improvement Paddocking Project, farmers received four types of drought resistant seeds and the training is expected to equip them with knowledge on sustainable fodder production and management with the aim of reducing fodder shortages in the dry season. The seeds provided will be planted in the paddocks constructed within the project with the expectation that the new species will mix with existing species to maximize production and storage.

Ms Chisa Mikami, UNDP Resident Representative a.i., expressed her pleasure at UNDP’s ability to extend support. She said, “UNDP has been supporting climate change adaptation and mitigation measures for more than a decade and we are pleased to build capacity in Carriacou, in order to reduce the impacts of drought, which is exacerbated by climate change.” These training seminars are a part of the culmination of J-CCCP supported projects in Carriacou, with the final activity, an official handover ceremony set to take place later this week with the Governments of Grenada and Japan, UNDP and community representatives.