Main Document 30-11-2013

MINISTRY OF HEALTH WELLNESS AND THE ENVIRONMENT
ST VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES
2013
Land Degradation in
Georgetown.
Final Report
G E F / I W E C O P R O J E C T
Lennie D. Adams

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MINISTRY OF HEALTH WELLNESS AND THE ENVIRONMENT
ST VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES
Land Degradation in
Georgetown
FINAL REPORT 2013
LENNIE D. ADAMS
GEF-Integrating Water, Land and Ecosystems Management in the Caribbean Small
Island Developing States-(IWEco) Project

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Table of Contents
LIST OF FIGURES.........................................................................................................................................5
LIST OF TABLES ..........................................................................................................................................5
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT................................................................................................................................7
ACRONYMS ..................................................................................................................................................8
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...............................................................................................................................9
METHODOLOGY ........................................................................................................................................13
BACKGROUND INFORMATION.................................................................................................................16
1.0 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT.................................................................................................................16
1.1 Location and Size.............................................................................................................................16
1.2 Geology and Soils.............................................................................................................................18
1.3 Topography and Drainage..............................................................................................................19
1.4 Land Use and Distribution..............................................................................................................20
1.5 Temperature and Rainfall...............................................................................................................21
1.6 Coastal Area.....................................................................................................................................24
2.0 BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT.............................................................................................................26
2.1 Fauna.................................................................................................................................................26
2.2 Flora .................................................................................................................................................29
2.3 Freshwater fauna ............................................................................................................................32
2.4 Marine Resources of Georgetown..................................................................................................33
3.0 SOCIO-CULTURAL ENVIRONMENT ...................................................................................................36
3.1 Population Distribution..................................................................................................................36
3.2 Human Settlements.........................................................................................................................37
3.3 Education.........................................................................................................................................38
3.4 Health and Wellness........................................................................................................................39
3.5 Source of Livelihood..........................................................................................................................40

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3.6 Ethnicity and Religion.....................................................................................................................41
3.7 Water distribution and Garbage disposal .....................................................................................42
3.8 The Service Sector and Industry....................................................................................................45
4.0 STAKEHOLDER ANALYSIS..................................................................................................................46
4.1 Stages in Stakeholders Analysis:....................................................................................................46
4.2 Identifying key stakeholders and their interests:.........................................................................46
4.3 Assessing the influence and importance of each stakeholders as well as the potential impact
of the project upon each stakeholder.............................................................................................47
4.4 Identifying How Best to Engage Stake holders.............................................................................49
5.0 CRITICAL LAND DEGRADATION ISSUES...........................................................................................53
5.1 Increasing pressure on land due to need for housing and industries.........................................53
5.2 Improper use and disposal of waste and pollutants ....................................................................53
5.3 Coastal erosion due to the action of winds and waves.................................................................53
5.4 Inappropriate – removal of forest and riparian zones.................................................................53
5.5 The mining of the beach sand and aggregate................................................................................54
5.6 The burning of tyres, marijuana and other drugs: .......................................................................54
5.7 Land degradation law/regulation:.................................................................................................54
6.0 ASSETS & THREATS TO THESE ASSETS............................................................................................56
7.0 NEGATIVE OUTCOMES/IMPACT .......................................................................................................57
7.1 Plant Pests and Diseases.................................................................................................................57
7.2 Poor Feeder Roads..........................................................................................................................58
7.3 Lack of Irrigation Service................................................................................................................58
8.0 ROOT PROBLEMS AND CAUSES:........................................................................................................59
9.0 RECOMMENDATIONS.........................................................................................................................60
9.1 Recommendations developed from the assessment....................................................................60
9.2 List of Recommendations for the project implementation..........................................................63

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10.0 Bibliography......................................................................................................................................65
APPENDICES..............................................................................................................................................67
APPENDIX 1: MINUTES OF STAKEHOLDERS MEETING ...................................................................68
APPENDIX 2: LIST OF PERSONS CONSULTED ...................................................................................72
APPENDIX 3: HOT SPOTS & MITIGATION FOR LAND DEGRADATION IN GEORGETOWN
WATERSHED....................................................................................................................................73
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1: Assessment of degradation based on indicators visual assessment of Participatory Rural
Appraisal .....................................................................................................................................................13
Figure 2: An Aerial photograph of the Georgetown Watershed ................................................................17
Figure 3: Soils Map of Georgetown Watershed..........................................................................................18
Figure 4: Topography and Drainage Map of Georgetown Watershed .......................................................19
Figure 5: Map of Georgetown Watershed Land-use and Distribution .......................................................20
Figure 6: Georgetown Shoreline.................................................................................................................25
Figure 7: Stakeholders’ Importance and Influence on project ...................................................................47
Figure 8: Stakeholders Map........................................................................................................................48
Figure 9: Stakeholders’ Analysis Matrix......................................................................................................52
Figure 10: Map of Perseverance Watershed Sites......................................................................................73
Figure 11: Map of all Georgetown Watershed and Data............................................................................75
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1: Rainfall Data at Perseverance (measured in mm).........................................................................21
Table 2: Rainfall Data at Perseverance .......................................................................................................22
Table 3: Hourly rainfall from April 10th - 12th 2011 at the named stations ..............................................23
Table 4: Rainfall recorded at stations on 11th April 2011 and their coordinates.......................................24

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Table 5: Fauna of the watershed ................................................................................................................26
Table 6: Flora of the watershed..................................................................................................................30
Table 7: Marine resources of Georgetown.................................................................................................33
Table 8: Population Distribution.................................................................................................................36
Table 9: Characteristic by type of Dwelling ................................................................................................37
Table 10: Distribution of schools by type and sex ......................................................................................38
Table 11: Chronic illnesses in Georgetown.................................................................................................40
Table 12: Distribution of water from Perseverance (2009- 2012)..............................................................42
Table 13: The volume of garbage collected in Georgetown area between (2009 – 2012) [measured in
cubic meters]..............................................................................................................................44
Table 14: Environmental assets and their threats......................................................................................56
Table 15: Table illustrating environmental issues and their root causes ...................................................59
Table 16: A summary of development challenges and development opportunities in the Georgetown
Watershed ..................................................................................................................................60
Table 17: Watershed Assessment of Perseverance: (P.V) ..........................................................................74
Table 18: Watershed Assessment of Jennings: (J.W)..................................................................................76
Table 19: Watershed Assessment at Congo Valley: (C.V)...........................................................................77
Table 20: Watershed Assessment at Mt. Pleasant (M.P) ...........................................................................78

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I wish to convey my gratitude to the following persons, organizations and groups
for the assistances rendered in the initial activities and drafting this report.
I wish to thank the staff of the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Transformation,
Forestry and Fisheries especially the district staff of the Forestry Department and
the Superintendent of the National Parks, Rivers and Beaches, for their support
and assistance in supplying the necessary information and for offering their
guidance throughout the project area.
I am also indebted to the citizens, business enterprises and Community Based
Organizations (CBO’s) of Georgetown for their willingness to share information
during the discussions and for their valuable time.
I am also grateful to the Government and non-governmental organizations
(NGO’s) for making documents available for use in the compilation of this report.
To those persons who have voluntarily participated in the consultation and
discussions on the environmental issues rose during the interpersonal contacts, I
say thanks very much.
I will like to say my personal thanks to GEF/IWEco for providing the funds for this
project.
I am indeed grateful to the Ministry of Health Wellness and the Environment for
rendering their help in many ways so as to make the implementation of the
project a reality.

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AI
•Agricultural Instructor
AO
•Agricultural Officer
BAM
•Banana Accompanying Measures
BRAGSA
•Roads, Building and General Services Authority
CBO
•Community Based Organization
CWSA
•Central Water and Sewage Authority
ECLAC
•Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean
FO
•Forest Officer
GEF
•Global Environment Fund
IWEco
•Integrating Water Land and Ecosystems Managements in Caribbean Island Developing States
MARFF
•Ministry of Agriculture Rural Transformation, Forestry & Fisheries
NEMO
•National Emergency Management Office
NIA
•National Irrigation Authority
NPRBA
•National Parks Rivers and Beaches Authority
SAO
•Senior Agricultural Officer
SFO
•Senior Forest Officer
WINFA
•Windward Islands Farmers Association
ACRONYMS

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Global Environment Fund through its project, Integrating, Water, Land and
Ecosystems (GEF/IWEco) Management in the Caribbean Small Island Developing
States focuses on implementing innovative solutions to effect the various policies,
plans and strategies developed by the former project.
In St Vincent and the Grenadines the focal point for the GEF/IWEco project is the
Ministry of Health Wellness and the Environment. The sub-project focuses on
land degradation in the Georgetown/Caratal Watershed.
This sub-project has provided the Government of St Vincent and the Grenadines
the opportunity to do an assessment of capacity needs for Georgetown
Watershed and to strengthen the capability of the Ministry of Health Wellness
and the Environment, communities and persons to implement national activities
to meet the national support for United Nations Convention to combat
Desertification.
The main objectives of the project are twofold:
(a) To implement an integrated approach to water, land and ecosystems
services and management, supported by policy institutional and legislative
reforms.
(b) To implement effective appropriate technologies to accelerate contribution
to global targets on access to safe and reliable water supplies and improved
sanitation and contribute to improved ecosystems functioning in the
Caribbean.
It is hoped that this report will portray a true picture of what is needed to develop
the capacity of the community of Georgetown and St Vincent and the Grenadines
to efficiently perform activities for the control of land degradation.

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Information on Georgetown Watershed
The area is 22.2 sq. miles and it is located on the North Eastern coast between
Byrea River and Langley Park River. The coastal area is flat, about 3 meters to 5
meters above sea level and rises westwards to 900 meters in the central range of
mountains. The coastline is eroded by the wave action and is flood prone.
The rainfall averages 2752.6 mm per annum. There are two distinct seasons (dry
and wet). It enjoys an average temperature of about 23 degrees Celsius. The
population was estimated 6914 in 2001. There were 3532 males and 3382
females.
Flora and Fauna
The fauna includes birds (whistling warblers, parrots, black hawks swift and
wren), reptiles (black snakes, lizards and Congo snakes). Others like pigs, cattle,
small ruminants, fowls are domesticated and iguanas, tattoo and crustaceans and
mullets are hunted and harvested for food.
Most plants include coconuts breadfruit, bananas and aroids for food, forest
species provide homes for birds and other wildlife; others provide stabilization to
the land, are used for traditional medicines, fuel, ornamentals, craft and
construction purposes.
Human Settlements
The 1926 households the data shows 1271 of these are privately owned. There
were 172 squatters. There are others who conduct illegal activity in the protected
areas of the watershed.
Education
There are three (3) primary schools, one (1) Secondary School, one (1) Technical
Vocational School, The School for children with Special needs, and (5) Daycare
and Preschools. There are 2306 children of school age. 943 males and 933
females attend school.

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Health and Wellness
The Georgetown Hospital is staffed and caters for clients as far North as Fancy
Owia and Sandy Bay. Data shows that among the chronic illness 421 persons are
suffering from Diabetic and Hypertension in this area; 361 are suffering with
Arthritis. The citizens believe that there is an increase of respiratory diseases.
Some 288 people suffer with asthma.
Sources of Livelihoods
Farming is the principal occupation in this community. Bananas and coconuts are
among the major crops. Cocoa was recently introduced and is grown in the Congo
valley and Perseverance valley. Most farmers also keep animals such as small
ruminants, cattle and pigs. Some people are also involved in bamboo and straw
craft. The government employees (teachers & police officers) are among the
number of persons with regular employment
Ethnicity and Religion
62% of the populations are of African descent, 24% are mixed, 12% are of
indigenous stock and 2% are of Indian Stock. Most people are Christians and
follow the Baptists, Catholic, Methodist and Anglican denominations.
Water and Garbage
Surface water is the source of portable water, irrigation water and industrial
supplies. The watershed supplies 5% of the national demand. Jennings and
Perseverance are harnessed by CWSA. Perseverance River has a minimum
capacity of 856,000 gallons of water per day. Irrigation supplies from the National
Irrigation Authority have been affected by an institutional problem and by
damages from 2011 floods.
There has been a continuous increase in the volume of garbage collected by the
Solid Waste Department of the CWSA. More households have been responding to
the weekly collection. Some 929.5 cubic meters in 2009 to the 1568.5 improper
disposal of waste still plagues the watershed.

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Service Sector
Georgetown once known as ‘Sugar town’ suffered throughout the late 1980’s
throughout the 1990’s when the sugar industry declined. In 2001 the change of
government was welcomed by its citizens. Many have returned to Georgetown
and rebuild, renovated their properties while others have constructed new
businesses and homes. The citizens have invested in tourism, restaurants, salons,
boutiques and recreation. Water bottling, agro processing and rum distillery are
among the industries.
Methodology
The process consists essentially of:
 Determining environmental issues from research
 Interpersonal discussion/interviews
 Technical group-meeting
 Community consultations
Major Environmental Issues
The following environmental concerns are presented as follows:
 Increasing pressure on land due to need for housing and industries
 Improper disposal of waste and pollutants
 Coastal erosion due to the action of winds and waves
 Inappropriate removal of forest and riparian zones
 Mining of the beach sand and aggregate
 The burning of tyres, marijuana and other drugs at Rabacca
 The need for stronger land degradation laws

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METHODOLOGY
Overview
The process of this consultancy consists mainly of determining all major
environmental issues obtained from research of existing literature, information
obtained from personal interviews and conversations; technical group meetings;
and Community consultation. Issues that have been addressed by the Central
Government and the local community were also considered. Figure 1 illustrates
the issues of degradation.
Figure 1: Assessment of degradation based on indicators visual assessment of Participatory Rural Appraisal
Physical Degradation
Criteria: At least one or a
combination of the
following:
 Soil compaction
 Presence of gullies
 Sheet erosion from
either or a combination
of the above
 Depth of tree mounds
 Depth of root exposure
 Pedestal height
Biological Degradation
Criteria: Decline of organic Matter
Content and recession of
vegetation cover as shown by:
 Reduction in plant cover
or productivity due to
poor land management
practices
 Thinning of top soil
 Scarcity of top soil litter
and debris.
(Photo Evidence)
Chemical Degradation
Criteria: At least one of the
following as shown by
presence of plant indicators or
field tests.
 Nutrient Depletion –
(e.g reduced growth,
leaf loss, leaf
Chlorosis)
 Salinity and or
Alkalinity
 Toxic Compounds
Land is degraded and / or is likely to be degraded
Conduct Visual Assessment of Land
Condition

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A participatory bottom up approach was used to mainly engage the residents,
staff of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries and Rural Development,
CBO, school teachers and other Government employees who work in the
community and other key stakeholders. This process incorporates the local
knowledge and experiences of individuals who are affected and look forward to
changes.
Method:
This consisted of the following
 Groups randomly selected and held discussions on the issues affecting land
degradation.
 Specialist: These are individuals who represent a particular view or
individuals with specialist knowledge in the field of sustainable land
management.
 Individuals interviews: community members
 Community consultation: Citizens from the varying villages were invited to
share their knowledge and experiences on the subject. Issues for
discussion were raised by the participants and they were supported by
the technical specialist.
The Process:
 Consultation/Stakeholders meeting
This meeting raised the issues of land degradation in Georgetown. A structured
guide was used to guide the process. The meeting raised and clarified the things
that are needed to be done to correct issues. The participants requested to be
actively involved in the process of implementing this project.

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 Site visits: observation
The technical staff from the Government ministries was involved in this process.
The watershed was visited from the coast to the water catchment and forest
reserve areas on all the river basins. Critical areas were assessed and noted for
remedial work.
 One to one contacts:
Farmers, home owners, key businesses, CBO, specialists and government
departments with interest in watershed were consulted. They all provided critical
information for the assessment process.
 Literature review
The consultant reviewed various studies, project documents from St Vincent and
the Grenadines, and other regional and international researchers on the subject
studied.

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BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The GEF/IWEco sub-project has provided the Government of St Vincent and the
Grenadines the opportunity to do an assessment of capacity needs for
Georgetown Watershed and to strengthen the capability of the Ministry of Health
Wellness and the Environment, communities and persons to implement national
activities to meet the national support for United Nations Convention to combat
Desertification (UNCCD). The following is information on the Georgetown
Watershed.
1.0 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT
1.1 Location and Size
Georgetown extends 22.2 sq. miles on the high energy eastern coast of St.
Vincent and the Grenadines, North of Byrea River and South of the Langley Park
River and from the coast to the central range of mountains.
It includes the following villages in the population and census district of
Georgetown:
 O’Brien’s Valley
 Spring Village
 Basin Hole
 Dickson
 Mt Bentick
 Chapman’s Village
 Perseverance
 Chester Cottage
 Georgetown
 Byrea
 Grand Sable
 Langley Park
 Chili
 Overland/ Waterloo/ Orange Hill
 Touroma

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Figure 2: An Aerial photograph of the Georgetown Watershed

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1.2 Geology and Soils
Pyroclastic rocks are most abundant volcanic products in this watershed. It
includes particles of varying sizes from clay to small boulders. They include
volcanic ash and mixed pyroclastic and alluvium. Marine sediments and beach
sand are found along the coast. The soils are predominantly of volcanic origin
with good internal drainage classified mainly as:
 Yellow Earth
 Alluvial Deposit
 Pyroclastic deposits of volcanic ash
 Pyroclastic of Pre Soufriere volcanic ash
Figure 3: Soils Map of Georgetown Watershed

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Most soils in Chapman’s, O’Brien’s, Caratal, Grand Sable and Langley Park are
classified as Georgetown gravely –sandy loam and loamy sand, with some pockets
being Georgetown sandy loam and sandy clay loam.
The interior and higher elevations are of pre Soufriere deposits. These soils have
no potential for cultivation due to their shallowness, infertility and highly leached
and acidic condition. These soils are prone to sheet erosion.
1.3 Topography and Drainage
The watershed rises from sea level on the coast westwards to the interior to
heights of over 900 meters. The central mountains run in a north to south
direction with spurs running eastwards with numerous steep gorges which are
drained by several tributaries which form (4) four main rivers, (a) Byrea river, (b)
Congo Valley river and Jennings river merge midway to form Grand Sable river
that flows to the coast, (c) Caratal river and Perseverance river and (d) the Langley
Park river. The rivers all flow eastwards from the central range.
The coastal plains rise from the sea coast to 450 meters. Most of these flat lands
are prone to flooding and sea surges.
Figure 4: Topography and Drainage Map of Georgetown Watershed

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1.4 Land Use and Distribution
Figure 5: Map of Georgetown Watershed Land-use and Distribution
The lands in this watershed are fairly flat and are predominantly used for
agriculture. Whereas Figure 5: Map of Georgetown Watershed Land-use and Distribution shows
that most land in the watershed are agricultural lands, currently a significant
portion of these lie fallow due to the fall out with banana cultivation and the
unavailability of reliable workforce. In the valleys along the Grand Sable River,
banana was the dominant crop up until 2011. Moko disease and Black Sigatoka

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leaf spot have wiped the crop out. Cocoa and root crops have been cultivated
dominantly on these lands.
Those lands which were identified as lands under coconut and banana mixed are
now either fallow or with livestock root crops and vegetables.
The residential area is located on the coast area and along the Caratal,
Perseverance and Langley Park rivers. The southern coastal area of Grand Sable
was under settlement farm. Houses are built along the main road.
1.5 Temperature and Rainfall
The watershed like the rest of St Vincent and the Grenadines enjoys the pleasant
conditions throughout the year. The temperature ranges between 18 – 28 ,
with an average of 23 .
The area experiences 2 distinct seasons – a dry season from January to May and
wet season from June to December. On an average the wettest months have
been June to December.
Table 1: Rainfall Data at Perseverance (measured in mm)
2009 2010 2011
January 286.9 138.4 123.0
February 166.2 10.7 128.3
March 62.9 76.6 333.0
April 178.4 284.6 523.5
May 290.4 226.4 126.0
June 208.6 284.8 242.6
July 260.7 277.6 336.1
August 217.6 227.0 278.3
September 269.1 209.9 127.5
October 117.0 566.8 264.1
November 196.0 360.8 346.0
December 73.3 285.4 161.2
TOTAL 2327.1 2949 2989.6

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Rainfall distribution averages 2752.6 mm per annum over the past three years
(2009 – 2011) with 2989.6 mm of rainfall in 2011. During the month of April 2011
– (mid dry season) the community experienced 532.5 mm of rainfall at the
Perseverance Rainfall station. The April Flood still haunts the members of the
community.
Table 2: Rainfall Data at Perseverance
0.0
100.0
200.0
300.0
400.0
500.0
600.0
MeasurementofRaiinfall/mm
Monthly Distribution
RAINFALL DATA AT PERSEVERANCE
2009
2010
2011

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Table 3: Hourly rainfall from April 10th - 12th 2011 at the named stations
The floods of April 2011 created problems and damages in this watershed which
are not dealt with and may be irreparable in the short term. Table 3: Hourly rainfall
from April 10th - 12th 2011 at the named stations shows the accumulated rainfall for the
three stations from 9.00 am on the 11th
April 2011. The highest hourly rainfall
total occurred at about 11.00 pm at all the stations at which time 30% fell at
Rabacca, 39% fell at Perseverance and 31% fell at Jennings.
A good overview of the floods can be viewed here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cYnFDdBEz_4 .

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Table 4: Rainfall recorded at stations on 11th April 2011 and their coordinates
Rainfall Stations Location * 24 Hours Accumulated
Rainfall
Perseverance utm1467538m N
&
493832m E
275.6 mm
Jennings Utm1466049m N
&
491416m E
253.3 mm
Rabacca Utm1471023m N
&
491766m E
219.2 mm
*N.B Station coordinates provided by local authorities based on St Vincent 1945 British West Indies
Grid.
1.6 Coastal Area
The main road and the part of the town seawards of the main road lie on
relatively flatland about 10’-15’ above sea level. The shoreline as seen in Figure 4:
Topography and Drainage Map of Georgetown Watershed, consists of a narrow rocky beach.
This area is vulnerable to flooding, sea surges, hurricanes and storms.
Georgetown lies very close to the Soufriere volcano.

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Figure 6: Georgetown Shoreline

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2.0 BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT
The watershed is characterized by an undulating landscape supporting a rich
diversity of flora and fauna and scenic mountains and valleys.
2.1 Fauna
The Fauna includes the following:
Table 5: Fauna of the watershed
Animals Common Names Scientific Names Status
Birds Whistling Warbler
St. Vincent Parrots
Common Black Hawk
Short tailed Swift
House Wren
Little Blue Heron
Cattle Egret
Green Heron
Yellow-crowned Night-Heron
Common Black-Hawk
Broad-winged Hawk
American Kestrel
Peregrine Falcon
Spotted Sandpiper
Scaly-naped Pigeon
Eared Dove
Zenaida Dove
Catharopeza bishop
Amazona guildingi
Buteogellous anthracinus
Chaetura brachyuran
Troglodytes aedon musicus
Egretta caerulea
Bubulcus ibis
Butorides virescens
Nyctanassa violacea
Buteogallus anthracinus
Buteo platypterus
Falco sparverius
Falco peregrinus
Actitis macularia
Patagioenas squamosa
Zenaida auriculata
Zenaida aurita
Endangered
Vulnerable
Threatened
endemic

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Common Ground-Dove
Ruddy Quail-Dove
Mangrove Cuckoo
Smooth-billed Ani
Barn Owl
Black Swift
Lesser Antillean Swift
Short-tailed Swift
Purple-throated Carib
Green-throated Carib
Antillean Crested
Hummingbird
Belted Kingfisher
Caribbean Elaenia
Yellow-bellied Elaenia
Lesser Antillean Pewee
Grenada Flycatcher
Lesser Antillean Flycatcher
Gray Kingbird
Caribbean Martin
House Wren
Cocoa Thrush
Bare-eyed Thrush
Rufous-throated Solitaire
Tropical Mockingbird
Scaly-breasted Thrasher
Columbina passerina
Geotrygon montana
Coccyzus minor
Crotophaga ani
Tyto alba
Cypseloides niger
Chaetura martinica
Chaetura brachyura
Eulampis jugularis
Eulampis holosericeus
Orthorhyncus cristatus
Ceryle alcyon
Elaenia martinica
Elaenia flavogaster
Contopus latirostris
Myiarchus nugator
Myiarchus oberi
Tyrannus dominicensis
Progne dominicensis
Troglodytes aedon
Turdus fumigatus
Turdus nudigenis
Myadestes genibarbis
Mimus gilvus
Margarops fuscus

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Brown Trembler
Pearly-eyed Thrasher
Black-whiskered Vireo
Yellow Warbler
Carib Grackle
Shiny Cowbird
Cinclocerthia ruficauda
Margarops fuscatus
Vireo altiloquus
Dendroica petechia
Quiscalus lugubris
Molothrus bonariensis
Reptiles Black Snakes
Saint Vincent Boa
Chironius vincenti
Corallus cookii
Critical
endangered
St Vincent tree anole
St Vincent bush anole
Cuban Brown anole
Anolis griseus
Anolis trinitatus
Anolis sagrei
Endemic
Endemic
Uncommon
Amphibians
Mammals
Congo snakes
Iguana
Saint Vincent Frog
Lesser Antillean Frog
Marine Toad
Agouti
Nine Banded Armadillo
Mongoose
Opossum (Manicou)
Antillean Fruit-eating Bat
St. Vincent pygmy rice rat
Greater Bulldog Bat
(Fisherman Bat )
Mastigodryas bruesi
Iguana iguana
Pristimantis shrevei
E. johnstonei
Bufo marinus
Dasyprocta antillensis
Herpestes officinarum
Didelphis marsupialis
Brachyphylla cavernarum
Oligoryzomys victus
Noctilio leporinus
Endemic
Uncommon
Endemic
Common
Common
Common
Introduced
Common
common
rare
common
common

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Parnell's Mustached Bat
Insular Single Leaf Bat
Tree Bat
Pteronotus parnellii
Monophyllus plethodon
Ardops nichollsi
uncommon
Sources: List of mammals of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_mammals_in_Saint_Vincent_and_the_Grenadines
Birds of the West Indies, H. Raffaele et. al (1998) Fitzroy Springer, Forestry Department, St. Vincent
2.2 Flora
The Third National Biodiversity Report (GoSVG, 2006) indicates that the
biodiversity listings are generally fragmented and incomplete. According to the
National Report of St Vincent and the Grenadines to the UNCCD (2002), the main
vegetation classes of St Vincent and the Grenadines can be classified as follows:
• Rain Forest: Located in areas of the upper Colonarie, Cumberland and
Buccament Valleys between 305 and 488 metres.
• Lower Mountain Forest: Before the 1940’s this type was not in existence.
These were cultivated by the plantations of the colonial era. Within this boundary
old sugar mills remnants of other structures can still be found.
• Secondary Rain Forest: This type refers to the forests which were disturbed
by volcanic eruptions, hurricanes and human activity. The largest areas lie in and
around the Soufriere Mountains. The vegetation ranges from almost bare soil on
the upper slopes of the volcano to significant stands of new forest at lower
elevations.
• Palm Brake: This refers to a sub-climax type apparently arising after such
disturbances as landslides. The land is covered initially by mosses, then by small
tree ferns and heliconias and by Mountain Cabbage Palms in the mountainous
regions above 500 metres.

30
• Elfin Woodland: Found on exposed summits above 500 metres on both
sides of the central mountains. They consist of pure stands of dwarfed trees
about ten feet in height covered with epiphytes. This vegetation type is
sometimes associated with Palm Brake.
The study area of the Georgetown watershed extends from the coastal zone with
cactus scrub, through the farming zone to 300 meters, from where it rises to
include the various forest types through the central mountain range. Expert
opinions suggest that there are some 1150 species of flowering plants on the
island which may be common in most watersheds. Table 7: Marine resources of
Georgetown lists the plants which are in the watershed and also indicates the status.
Table 6: Flora of the watershed
Plants Common Names Scientific Names Status
Epiphytes Begonia
rotundifolia
Peperomia
cuneata
P. vincentiana
endemic
Orchid Forest orchid Epidendrum
vincentinum
Fern Tree fern
Bois Riviere
Laurier Cannelle
Locusts
Heliconia
Cyathea spp.
Chimarrhis cymosa
Phoebe elongata
Hymenaea coubaril
Heliconia spp.
common
common
uncommon
abundant

31
Ficus spp
Blue Mahoe
Caribbean Pine
Bamboo
Mango
Orange
Breadfruit
Bois Canoe
Bois Blanc
Man Jack
Ficus
Monkey Goblet
Chataigner
Galba
Blue Mahoe
Caribbean Pine
Bamboo
Mango
Orange
Breadfruit
Fiddlewood
Balata
Ashwood
Gwi-gwi
Gomier
Cercropia peltata
Simarouba amara
Cordia sulcata
Ficus spp
Clusia rosea
Sloanea caribaea
Calophyllum
antillanum
Hibiscus elatus
Pinus Caribaea
Bambusa vulgaris
Mangifera indica
Citrus spp.
Artocarpus altilis
Citharexylum fruticosum
Manilkara bidentata
Miconia spp.
Aiphanes luciana
Dacryodes excelsa
uncommon
rare
uncommon
uncommon
rare
Source: Excerpts re biodiversity from a CEHI report on a hydropower feasibility study on behalf of VINLEC, - areas of focus were
Colonaire and Richmond watersheds, St Vincent and the Grenadines -2009.

32
2.3 Freshwater fauna
The Third National Biodiversity Report of (GoSVG, 2006) states that 25 fresh and
brackish water species are found in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Based on best
local knowledge (Renton, pers. comm., 2009*) there are 14 fish and 11 crustacean
species that inhabit the rivers in St. Vincent. A few of these species are regarded
as commercially and/or socially important and they constitute a food source in
local communities.
*(CEHI report on hydro power feasibility study for VINLEC, 2009)
Table: 7 Freshwater fauna of the watershed
Species Local Names Scientific Names Status
FISH River Goby
Nile Tilapia
Tri-Tri
American Eel
Awasous banana
Oreochromis
niloticus niloticus
Sicydium plumieri
Anguilla rostrata
common
rare
abundant
common
CRUSTACEANS
Palaemonid shrimp
Pseudothelphusid
land crab
Crayfish
Crayfish
Crayfish
Land crab
Xyphocaris spp.
Atya spp.
Macrobrachium
carcinus
Guinotia dentata
common
abundant
uncommon
common
INVERTEBRATES Fresh water snails Neritina punctulata common
Sources: List of Freshwater Fishes for Saint Vincent & the Grenadines
http://fish.mongabay.com/data/Saint_Vincent_&_the_Grenadines.htm John Renton, researcher, St. Vincent

33
2.4 Marine Resources of Georgetown
The Georgetown area is in Zone 5 of the Fisheries National Zonal Landing sites of
St Vincent and the Grenadines. This area is on the Eastern Coast and is described
as the most dangerous conditions in the State for catching and landing fish*.
Source*(Fisheries Data Information Document of St Vincent and the Grenadines, Ministry of Agriculture and
Fisheries, by Jardine and Straker- 2003).
The rough Atlantic allows fishers to fish only for off shore species. The best
knowledge of the seas tells that there is no coastal reef in the area off
Georgetown. Line fishing is only practiced in the areas North of Georgetown from
Sandy Bay to Fancy and South from Colonarie to Biabou.
The species landed in Zone 5 at sites in Sandy Bay, Owia, Fancy and Biabou are
included in Table 7: Marine resources of Georgetown:
Table 7: Marine resources of Georgetown
Species Local Names Scientific Names Status
Dermasal Blue Parrot
Blue tube
Groupers
Grunt
Red hind
Snappers
Scarus vetula
Clepticus parrae
Epinephelus spp.
Haemulon spp.
Epinephelus guttatus
Lutjanus spp
Common
Abundant
abundant
Sharks Sand bar sharks
Silky sharks
Spinner shark
Carcharhinus spp
“
“
common

34
Tiger shark Galeogerdo cuvier
Inshore pelagic Jacks
Anchovy
Robin
Spratt
Dodger
Selar crumenophthalamus
Anchoa lyolopis
Decapterus macarellus
Harengula pensacolae
Decapterus punctutus
Abundant
Common
Abundant
Common
common
Shell fish Whelks
Lobsters
Conch
Cittarium pica
Panulirus argus
Strumbus gigas
Common
rare
rare
Turtles Green back
Hawks bill
Chelonia mudas
Eretmochelys imbricata
migratory
Whales and Porpoises Pilot Whale
Porpoise
Globicephala macroryncus
Tursiops truncatus
Migratory
common
Offshore Pelagic Bonito
Barracuda
Dolphin
Blare eye cavali
Black jack cavali
Horse eye cavali
Green back cavali
Thunnus atlanticus
Sphyraena barracuda
Coryphaena hippurus
Priacanthus arenatus
Caranx lugubris
Caranx latus
Caranx crysos
Common
Rare
Seasonal
Common
Common
Common
Common

35
King fish
Little tuna
Mackerel
Ocean gar
Skip jack
Big eye tuna
Yellow fin tuna
Albacore tuna
White marlin
Blue marlin
Acanthocybium solandri
Euthynnus alleteratus
Scomberaomorus regalis
Istiophorous albicans
Katsuwonus pelamis
Thannus abesus
Thannus albacares
Thannus alalunga
Tetrapturus albidus
Makaira nigricans
Seasonal
Common
Common
Rare
Common
Common
Common
Rare
Rare
rare
Others Flying Fish
Gar
Balahoo
Eel
Rayfish
Porcupine fish
Exocoetidae
Tylosursus acus
Hemiramphus balao
Conger oceanicus
Dasyatidae
Diodontidae
Abundant
Abundant
Abundant
Common
Rare
common
Source*(Fisheries Data Information Document of St Vincent and the Grenadines, Ministry of Agriculture and
Fisheries, by Jardine and Straker- 2003).

36
3.0 SOCIO-CULTURAL ENVIRONMENT
3.1 Population Distribution
The population of Georgetown at 2001 population census was 6964. These were
distributed among 1926 households and included 3570 males and 3394 females
who all live in 18 named villages. The census data also indicated that 44.24% of
the population was under the age of 19 years. The active work force of people
below the age of 60 year was 45.40% and over 60 years was 10.45%.
Table 8: Population Distribution
Males Females Total
Children
(0-19 years )
1175 1131 2306
Adults
(20-59)
2117 1943 3060
Elders
(60+)
240 308 548
Total 3532 3382 6914
Source: Processed by Redatam and SP
ECLAC/CELADE 2010 -2013

37
3.2 Human Settlements
Table 9: Characteristic by type of Dwelling
H10-Type of
Dwelling
H17-Land Occupancy
Owned/freehold Leasehold Rented Permission
to work land
Squatted Other Don't
know/not
stated
Total
Undivided
private
1182 14 72 9 157 34 6 1474
Part of
private
67 - 2 2 15 2 - 88
Combined
business &
dwelling
21 - - - - - - 21
Other 1 1 - - - - - 2
Total 1271 15 74 11 172 36 6 1585
Not App : 318
*Source: Population Census 2001
Table 8: Population Distribution shows that 1271 of the 1926 households own their
properties. There are 172 squatters. They create problems in the forest by cutting
trees without supervision and permission. Most homes are made of concrete
blocks and wood and covered with galvanized zinc sheets.
The earlier settlements of the 1980’s show that most of Georgetown coastal and
flat lands were estates owned by a few and cultivated under sugar cane,
arrowroot and coconut. There are a few families who still own estates of over
50 -100 acres of lands.
In early 1990’s the government acquired the estates at Orange Hill, Langley Park,
Mt. Bentick and Grand Sable among other and distributed these among the
citizens for housing and farming settlements.
There are various shops supermarkets bakeries, barbers and beauty salon,
computer café, shipping broker, tourism and recreational services. Other
businesses include the water bottling plant at Congo Valley, Rum Distilleries in

38
Georgetown and Agro Processing Plant at Grand Sable owned by the Windward
Island Farmers Association (WINFA).
3.3 Education
Table 10: Distribution of schools by type and sex
Schools Males Females Totals*
Day Care 15 13 28
Pre- School 116 106 222
Special
Education
6 1 7
Primary 729 688 1417
Secondary 77 125 202
Total 943 933 1876
Generated by Redatam Webserver ECLAC/CELADE 2010-2013 *NB 430 Not app.
These show of the 1175 males of school age, 943 of them are in a school in
Georgetown and of 1131 female children, 933 are in a school in Georgetown.
In addition to those in the named schools, there is a Technical Vocational School
which is in operation. Evening classes are run in Georgetown and Langley Park for
those who require furthering their knowledge academically by Community Based
Organizations (CBO’s) and, the Ministry of Education supports the Adult Education
Programme for those who need literary skills and technical support.

39
3.4 Health and Wellness
There is a hospital with full staff in Georgetown that provides primary and
secondary health care to its citizens and those North to Sandy Bay, Owia and
Fancy. There is a Diagnostic Centre currently under construction.
The following table gives a picture of the chronic ailments which affect the
members of the community. Some 421 persons are suffering from Diabetes and
Hypertension and about 274 of these are women. 361 are suffering with arthritis
and 235 women are in this category. The citizens argued that asthma and other
respiratory infections are on the increase. The records show that 288 people
suffer from asthma.

40
Table 11: Chronic illnesses in Georgetown
Diseases Males Females Total
Sickle cell 14 24 38
Arthritis 126 235 361
Asthma 142 146 288
Diabetes 71 118 189
Hypertension 76 156 232
Heart disease 8 10 18
Stroke 5 3 8
Kidney Disease 7 8 15
Cancer 1 4 5
Lupus _ 1 1
None 2990 2579 5569
Other 90 96 186
Not stated 2 2 4
*Source: Processed by Redatam and SP
ECLAC/CELADE 2010 -2013
3.5 Source of Livelihood
It is noted that farming and the government are the primary source of
employment in Georgetown. School teachers and police officers are among the
greater number of persons employed by the government.
Farming has been seriously affected by the down turn in the banana industry.
Although there is an improved market for arrowroot and an abundance of flat
tractor- able lands here, there is no sign for reintroduction of that crop in that

41
area. Farmers have expressed very bad experiences with farming and look upon it
as a dying occupation.
Some major problems that affect the farmers are poor access roads, praedial
larceny, cost of inputs and unreliable work force. Praedial larceny has been
recorded as the worst problem. The government has recently introduced
legislations and Rural Constables in several areas to deal with this issue but
farmers believe this measure is ineffective.
Another important source of employment is craft. The Forestry Department and
National Craft Centre have worked with males and females of this area to
produce craft from straw and bamboo.
The Georgetown Craft-makers, a group of (10) ten males were trained to produce
craft, in 2012, under the Forestry Sustainable Livelihood Project, funded by FAO.
The group has since dwindled to one person. Bamboo is readily available from
within the watershed but the small and irregular market has limited the income of
the participants and most of them have sought employment elsewhere.
The females are a group of (10) ten mothers. They are regular at work and make
baskets, table mats, fans, coasters and waste paper baskets among others. There
is a ready market for their products. They have a paid supervisor from the
National Craft Centre.
Other forms of employment are in the private sector. Recently, property owners
have been renovating the buildings in the commercial centre of Georgetown and
several types of small businesses have started.
3.6 Ethnicity and Religion
The population is made up of 62% of African origin, 24% are of mixed race, 12% of
indigenous peoples and 2% of Indian origin.
Christianity is the dominant religion. The Anglican, Catholic and Methodist
Churches are of the traditional denominations. Other denominations of the

42
American origin are in the increase to include Adventists, Baptists and Jehovah
Witnesses.
3.7 Water distribution and Garbage disposal
Surface water is the major source for portable water, irrigation and industrial
supplies. The annual average rainfall is sufficient and meets the requirement.
Seasonal shortages rarely occur and only when there is an extended dry season.
The watershed provides 5 % of the national demands.
Jennings and Perseverance rivers are harnessed by the Central Water and
Sewerage Authority (CWSA) to supply portable water. A spring in Congo Valley
provides adequate water supply for the water bottling plant. Perseverance River
has a minimum capacity of 856,000 gallons of water per day. The following table
shows the volume of water distributed from the Perseverance River annually.
Table 12: Distribution of water from Perseverance (2009- 2012)
Year Volume of water
Distributed
Measurement
(Million Gallons)
2009 130.038 Million Gallons/Year
2010 121.230 “
2011 85.126 “
2012 83.918 “
Source CWSA* 2013
The table indicates a significant reduction from this supply by about 34% in 2011
to as much as close to 36%. This catchment was severely damaged by the storms
of 2010 and floods of 2011. Wastage reduction by consumers may be responsible
for the reduction in distribution for there has not been a reported shortage of
supply by the consumers.

43
Most homes have portable supply of domestic water. Payments for domestic
water are made to the CWSA based on the monthly volume used. However there
were only two cases where it was indicated that the families use the rivers
exclusively for all domestic purposes. In the O’Brien’s Valley, Mt Young and
Caratal areas, many families use the water from the river for washing and
bathing.
Water for irrigation purposes is supplied to some farms from the Perseverance
and Mt Young rivers by the National Irrigation Authority (NIA). The system was
severely damaged by the floods of 2011 and has not been restored. The NIA
appears to be going through some internal problems and both situations have
impacted on the irrigation supply and farming.
While the CWSA focuses on improving water quality, poor land use practices
continue to affect the quality of water. During the rainy season particulate matter
and sediments find their way into water due to lack of equipment for coagulation,
sedimentation and filtration. It is also possible that agricultural chemicals can
contaminate the water.
There has been a regular weekly collection of garbage in all communities
throughout St. Vincent and the Grenadines during the past five years. The CWSA,
through the Solid Waste Department, is responsible to collect and dispose of all
garbage. All households are required to put out their garbage on the named
collection day in each district. The trucks pick up garbage and transport to the
landfill sites run by the Solid Waste Department.
Garbage is not sorted but clients are required to take their white goods to the
land fill or call the Department for assistance at an extra cost. The CWSA /Solid
Waste Department periodically send an extra truck throughout the communities
to collect white goods freely. All clients pay a fee which is attached to their
monthly water bills to the Solid Waste Department, for the collection and disposal
of the garbage.

44
The table which follows shows the volume of garbage collected in the
Georgetown area from 2009 to 2012.
Table 13: The volume of garbage collected in Georgetown area between (2009 – 2012) [measured in cubic
meters]
MONTHS 2009 2010 2011 2012
Jan 146 71 121 187
Feb 88 96 78 139**
March 86.5 86 132 167
April 56 106 41 86
May 62 44.3 127 100
June 49 60 60 121
July 76 71 82 71
Aug 86 88 121 126.5
Sept 70 99 173** 198**
Oct 45 97 62 150**
Nov 99 43 96 170
Dec 66 146 58 113
Total 929.5 1007.3 1151 1568.5
*NB Source CWSA/ Solid Waste Department 2013
** White goods were collected, coast clean up Oct, garbage was also collected from Sandy Bay in Feb.
There is a continuous increase in the volume of garbage collected over the years.
More householders have been responding to the collection. There is the problem
of the improper disposal of waste and the citizens have expressed their concerns.
CBO’s are frequently mobilized and conduct clean up campaigns along the
riverbanks and along the shoreline.

45
3.8 The Service Sector and Industry
Georgetown was known for the famous sugar industry and a thriving arrowroot
industry. During the mid-1980’s, the sugar industry was closed. Arrowroot also
suffered and the banana industry took over the farms and valleys and thrived
until its demise in the last five years.
Guest Houses: There are about six known apartments available for rent with a
total of 20 beds. Some of these are not advertised, however, they serve to
accommodate guests who choose to stay over for short or extended vacation.
In the Jennings valley, two family facilities with five rooms once used by the
families are now offered for rent to nature lovers and vacationers. These are
located close to the CWSA water catchment facility and near to the Parrot
conservation zone.
Grocery shops and restaurants: There are five known restaurants and numerous
grocery shops and bars in Georgetown.
Salons/ Boutiques: The salons and boutiques are found along the main street.
They sell clothes mainly for children and women. These businesses are
patronized by residents.
Tourism and Recreation: The Black Point recreational facility is supervised by the
National Parks Rivers and Beaches Authority and run daily by a CBO. This facility
accommodates visitors from other communities and tourists from other
countries. This facility is very active in the tourist season, weekends and public
holidays. Some discussions to develop tours from the site through the Jennings
and Congo valleys are on the way.
Agro processing and Industry: With the closure of the sugar and arrowroot
businesses in Georgetown, the rum distillery was retained. It is now mainly
owned by the private sector and continues to make four brands of rum from
imported molasses. The effluent from this plant is discharged into the mouth of
the Perseverance River and is environmental concern. Local fruits are processed
by WINFA. Their facility is in need of repairs.

46
4.0 STAKEHOLDER ANALYSIS
A stakeholder analysis was necessary to identify all the primary and secondary
stakeholders who have vested interest in the issues which affect land degradation
with in the Georgetown watershed. The main interest was to select stakeholders
with whom the project can work to achieve the goals and reduce the threats to
the targets set. The Stakeholder Analysis Matrix is in 4.4 Identifying How Best to Engage
Stake holders
4.1 Stages in Stakeholders Analysis:
a. To identify key stake holders and their interests, whether negative or positive,
in the project.
b. Assess the influence and importance of each stake holder as well as the
potential impact of the project on each stake holder.
c. Identify how best to engage stake holders.
4.2 Identifying key stakeholders and their interests:
The key stakeholders were identified by brainstorming and examining the human
environment of the community. Discussions were held with some other persons
to further identify more stakeholders.
After listing the stakeholders and their mandate which include livelihoods, profits,
lifestyle and values, the status of that stake or interest was also establish. The
status may be their rights, ownership, legal status, intellectual; rights or social
obligations.
It also established whether there were groups or individuals who were
marginalized or disenfranchised. Bowen Golden, 2005 argued that marginalized
stakeholders lack recognition of the capacity to participate in collaboration on an
equal basis. He suggested that particular efforts should be made to ensure their
participation.
Figure 8: Stakeholders Map below explains the lists of stakeholders identified in the
projected area of Georgetown.

47
4.3 Assessing the influence and importance of each stakeholders as well
as the potential impact of the project upon each stakeholder
At this stage it was important to think through how the different types of
stakeholders should be engaged.
PROTECT GOOD RELATION
This group will require special initiative
to protect their interest
A close and good working relation
must be established with this group.
LOW PRIORITY MONITOR
May have some involvement, but
relatively in lower priority
This group may be a source of risks,
will require careful monitoring and
management
Figure 7: Stakeholders’ Importance and Influence on project
The figure above shows the organization of stakeholders according to their
possible influence over decisions to be made and the likely impact that the
project may have upon them.
HIGH
HIGHLOW
IMPORTANCE
INFLUENCE

STAKEHOLDER
PROFESSION
AL INTEREST
NEIGHBOURS
ECONOMI
C
INTEREST
USERS
Public
Agencies
Health
Centre
Police
Town
Board
Teachers
Civil
Society
Fair Trade
CBO
Youth Churches
Freindly
Society
Farmers
Organization
Land
Owners
Utility
Companies
Local
Authority
Private
Developers
Local
Community
Immediate
Neighbour
Resident
Association
Land
Uses
Forest
users
Farmers
Hunters
Craftmen
Recreation
Sites
Other
Business
Shop
Guest
Houses
CWSA
Mt. Top
Spring
Waters
Rum
Distillery
Potential
Users
Special
Schools
Ethnic
Group
Disabled
Regular
Users
Man/
Woman
Clubs
Visitors
Aged
Other
Users
Squatters
Illegal
Users
Figure 8: Stakeholders Map

4.4 Identifying How Best to Engage Stake holders
It was important here to determine how to involve the different stakeholders.
Figure 9: shows the different ways in which they may be involved in the various
stages of the project, from gathering and sharing information, to consultation,
dialogue, working together and partnership. In this process the needs and wants
are determined.
Consideration must then be given on how and when that involvement can be
achieved in a collaborative manner. Stakeholders’ views must be understood
before a decision can be made.
The use of an inclusive and transparent approach for the project development
and implementation helps to build ownership and commitment by all.

50
SECTOR Stakeholders Interests Source of
Power
Potential
Areas of
Conflict
Capacity to
Participate in
Management
PrivateSector
Farmers and
Livestock
Tenders
-Access to
suitable land
- Need
affordable
water for
irrigation
and crop
production.
-Economic
-Food
Security
-Cultural
tradition
-Good
agricultural
practices (GAP)
-Impact of
animal waste
in water.
-Poor Garbage
disposal
-Low
- Poorly
organized.
-Too dependent
on government.
Land Owners,
Developers etc.
-Access to land
- Access to
rivers
-Conveyance
of
structures.
-Land
ownership
-Economic
-Price
-Access rights
-Lease
Agreements with
government
-High
-Agro Processors,
-Mountain Top
Springs
-St Vincent
Distillers
-Using
portable
water.
-Rechargeable
functions of
the
watershed
-Economic -Cost of rights to
extract water
-Potential
depletion of
water source.
-High
- Value for
money
-Water quality
and availability
Government
MARTFF -Manage
forested
land to
maintain
ecological
integrity and
best soil
conservation
-Policy
-Legislative
-Control
-Enforcement
-Squatting
-Extraction of
forest
products.
-Improper use of
land
-High

51
practices
MHWE -Monitor
health and
wellness
-Inspection of
foods
-Legislative
-Enforcement
-Policy
-Negative impact
of waste
disposal
-High (results
may determine
future funding)
Other
Government
Ministries and
Statutory
Organizations
-Infrastructure
and services
-Policy
-Control
-Legislative
-Improving
the quality
of life
-Impact of
animal waste on
water quality.
-Consumers
dependence on
resources
-Taxes, fines.
-High
-Significant
influence on
implementation
CWSA -Manage,
-Collection,
-Distribution,
-Mitigate
-Impacts of
human
activity
-Legislative
-Control
-Policy
-Private land
ownership and
access rights.
-Improper
disposal of
waste
-Water price to
consumers
-High
- Regulations
and
maintenance
CivilSociety
-Cooperatives
-Fair Trade
-Consumers
-Need
affordable
supplies
-Economic
-Votes
-Quality
-Supplies
-Costs
-Moderate-
(lobbying)
Media Outreach Campaign Low

52
Figure 9: Stakeholders’ Analysis Matrix
Popular
Politicians Votes Campaign High
Location Land value,
Accessibility
Low
Environment pollution Clean.
Future
generations
Low
Planners
Evaluation,
quality
professionalism
Low
History Preservation,
Reuse and
revival
Moderate

53
5.0 CRITICAL LAND DEGRADATION ISSUES
5.1 Increasing pressure on land due to need for housing and industries:
As a result of increase demand for housing as the population improves their social
and economic status, and the need to provide improved infrastructure, the
government is sometimes forced to acquire prime agricultural lands for building.
Other lesser fortunate seek to establish their homes and sometimes build
structures in inappropriate areas, unsuitable for housing.
5.2 Improper use and disposal of waste and pollutants:
Industrialization and access to more processed food and the increase in imported
packaged items are all serious threats to the environment. The uncontrolled
littering throughout the areas along with the indiscriminate dumping of solid
waste and the improper control of pollutants present health hazards for the
citizens.
The abusive use of agricultural pesticides in high elevations with rain fall over 80-
100 inches per annum was noted. Gramoxone and Touch Down were observed as
the common herbicides used for weed control. Though there has been no record
of water quality tests in streams in the lower courses, these substances are used
at rates that warrant urgent control measures.
5.3 Coastal erosion due to the action of winds and waves:
The rising of the sea level has been observed by the people of Georgetown as
they have seen the sea encroaching on the coastline of some communities. This
has resulted in a loss of homes, plants and recreational facilities. Studies are
currently conducted to develop plans to combat the effect of coastal erosion.
5.4 Inappropriate – removal of forest and riparian zones
The cultivation of bananas has taken a turn for the worst. Agriculture in the area
has suffered significantly and some farm workers sought to move to the forest to
cultivate crops. The MAFF was not able to quantify the area affected but
continued to voice their concerns.

54
Despite the demand for food, farmers cannot be allowed to continue with
deforestation activities. Modern farming techniques which include organic
farming, shade house production of crops, mulching, and drip irrigation when
properly managed will aid in combating land degradation.
5.5 The mining of the beach sand and aggregate
In the north eastern area of Georgetown there is an abundance of stones and
gravel. The construction of blocks and block houses seem to encourage some
vendors to gain employment by harvesting sand and gravel from the beach. This
has contributed to the erosion of the shore line in those areas.
The Rabacca River bed provides adequate supplies of sand and gravel. This supply
is replenished whenever there is rain and the river water level rises. Sea sand is
salt and unsuitable for construction. The Georgetown Town Board can step up
enforcement to ensure that the coastline in not disturbed.
5.6 The burning of tyres, marijuana and other drugs:
The citizens have made a strong appeal to call on the authorities to stop burning
of tyres, marijuana and other drugs at Rabacca. Within recent times, the Law
Enforcement Agency has been burning drugs confiscated from dealers at Rabacca.
Used tyres are brought from all over the island and disposed of at Rabacca then
burned. . The residue from the tyres and the wires are left on the river banks.
Concerns are raised of these materials entering the river and sea.
The citizens believe that the fumes from the substances have caused an increase
in respiratory problems among elderly and children. The soot also blow onto their
homes and dirty their laundry.
5.7 Land degradation law/regulation:
There is inadequate law/regulation specific to land degradation. Although there
are several pieces of legislation which address various land and environment
issues, there is no single document which expresses comprehensively land
degradation issues.

55
According to Isaacs, 2013, the implementation of land and environmental
legislation and policies are constrained by a number factor, some of which are as
follows:
 Limited regulations to accompany major land legislation
 Overlapping legislation which leads to duplication of roles and inaction by
the various agencies with implementing and enforcement powers.
 Limited land and environmental standards are in place for the enforcement
of key legislation.

56
6.0 ASSETS & THREATS TO THESE ASSETS
Table 14: Environmental assets and their threats
ASSETS THREATS SPECIFIC PROBLEMS
LAND Soil erosion  Surface wash and land slides
Soil degradation  Loss of Soil nutrients
 Acidification
 Nutrient imbalances
 Adverse pesticide effects
 Soil surface exposure
Land use and Suitability  Removal of riparian zone
 Pressure on land for housing etc
 Land use and land capability do not fit
 Tenure & inheritance
Feeder Roads  Degraded roads and poor drainage
systems
 Lack bridges
Biological Fauna  Rare and endangered species of birds,
fresh water invertebrates, Marine
fish, terrestrial wildlife soil fauna
 Invasive species in the forest and
farms
Noise Temporary & Permanent  Noise
Coastal & Marine
Resources
Micro Climate Changes  Decreasing wind protection
 Increased temperature

57
 Decreased length of dry season
 Increased convectional rain
 Coast line erosion
Atmosphere Dust & Odor  Burning of tyres at Rabacca
 Animal fumes
 Increase respiratory problem
Water Drainage
River
 Surface run off
 Sediment load
 River bank erosion
 Flooding & solid debris load
River water Quality  Nutrient and pesticide load
 Siltation/pesticide effects
7.0 NEGATIVE OUTCOMES/IMPACT
7.1 Plant Pests and Diseases:
In recent years there have been the presence of pests and diseases in crops that
have affected their effective cultivation.
i. Moko disease has ripped havoc in the banana industry.
ii. Pink mealy bugs have affected nearly every crop thus reducing yields or
killing the entire plant.
iii. Black Sigatoka has wiped out the banana industry which is now struggling
to recover.
iv. Citrus thrips have now shown its presence and are affecting the Citrus crop.

58
v. Vegetable pests: The presence of several pests/disease has also been
mentioned by the local farmers.
The Ministry of Agriculture Rural Transformation, Forestry and Fisheries (MARFF)
has the opportunity to address these issues through the BAM project (Banana
Adjustment Measures)
7.2 Poor Feeder Roads:
The Hurricane Tomas (2010) and the rains of 11th
April, 2011 have damaged and
in some cases destroyed major feeder needs in this community.
Agricultural feeder roads to Jennings, Congo Valley, Perseverance and Bower are
in urgent need for rebuilding. Some bridges are badly eroded. There is a call from
the farming community to assist in this area. The farmers have lost due to
inability to effectively move out their farms. It is known that entire areas were
badly eroded by the floods.
7.3 Lack of Irrigation Service:
The destruction of the head works/dams in several areas by the flood waters of
April, 2011. Due to these issues the Irrigation Authority has not been able to
provide the service to the farmers. This has affected many farmers. The Ministry
of Agriculture, Rural Transformation, Forestry and Fisheries has plans to
reconsider the management and operations of the Irrigation Authority. Work at
the Authority is currently at a standstill.

59
8.0 ROOT PROBLEMS AND CAUSES:
Table 15: Table illustrating environmental issues and their root causes
ISSUES ROOT CAUSES CAPACITY NEEDED
1. Increasing
pressure on land
due to need for
housing industries
Inadequate
legislation/policy on
town/country planning
Formulation &
strengthening of
legislation and urban
development policy and
strategy
2. Improper disposal
of waste and
pollutants
Inappropriate/weak
legislation on
waste/pollutant disposal
Pollution control in this
area
3. Coastal erosion
due to the action of
wind/waves
Lack of climate change
adaptation measures.
Uncontrolled mining of
the beach aggregates
Draft and implement
climate change adaptation
process
4. Inappropriate
removal of forest
tress & the
riparian zones
Inadequate
laws/regulation.
Inadequate enforcement
of existing
laws/regulation
Sustainable & effective
land management system
5. Beach sand mining Inadequate enforcement
of laws
Control measures by
enforcement agency
6. Burning tyres and
drugs
Improper knowledge on
the disposal of solid waste
Knowledge on the correct
disposal of solid waste

60
9.0 RECOMMENDATIONS
9.1 Recommendations developed from the assessment
Table 16: A summary of development challenges and development opportunities in the Georgetown Watershed
DIMENSIONS CHALLENGES OPPORTUNITIES
Environment
1. The lack of a physical plan and zoning has
resulted in agriculture, housing and tourism
enterprises being located in areas which are not
suitable for such activities
This is a result of such activities as disposal of waste
into the river; rearing of pigs and other animals,
along the river banks; poor agricultural practices.
2. Citizens, investors and governmental officials in
the watershed are not sensitized to the importance
of maintaining the ecological balance of the
watershed in order to ensure the integrity of all the
enterprises that the watershed supports.
3. Industrial discharge and other toxic substances
have adverse effect on the costal and marine
ecosystems through oxygen deficiency in localized
areas and turbidity in other areas with reefs
4. Developers should be sensitized to mitigating
environmental impacts as a medium safeguard to
investments and to protect the integrity of the
watershed so that they can benefit from their
investments.
1. The Physical Planning Act prohibits the
construction of farm pens near water courses.
The Environmental Services Act #15 of 1991
should be enforced and these structures be
relocated. There is opportunity to put
regulations in place to assist with the
enforcement of this Act
The Ministry of Agriculture should develop
guidelines and standards for livestock farming
including, the use of fiscal instruments to
discourage farmers from establishing their farm
pens along watercourses.
2. Funding is available from a number of the
Multilateral Environmental Agreement for the
conduct of public awareness campaigns and
sensitization on a number of environmental
issues. These funds can be used for the
awareness programmes.
There is the need to implement legislation to
control the treatment and disposal of waste into
rivers and waterways.
A study of the effect of the disposal of industrial
waste and domestic waste on coastal and marine
ecosystems should be undertaken.
There is need for personnel to enforce control
over industrial processing and waste treatment
and disposal.
There is an opportunity to establish a
coordinating body of all stakeholder agencies,
which will monitor land degradation issues in all
watershed and report to the Authority.
The various investors who presently benefit
from the natural assets of the watershed should
be encouraged to pay for the services and assets
provided by the watershed
1. The watershed degradation is being caused by
poor agricultural practices on steep areas and poor
Effective land treatments measures in the upper
reaches of the river valleys can arrest the rate

61
Physical
management of the environment. The degradation
has impacted on the coastal resources and will
impact on eco-tourism sites in the watershed, if not
controlled now.
2. The valleys are subject to flooding because of run
off during heavy rains; the soils have lost their
percolation capacity due to the removal of forest
cover and non-cultivation of cover crops.
3, The destruction of the riparian zone, along the
river banks, make the valleys prone to flooding and
destroy the natural habitat for the aquatic life.
and velocity of flooding downstream.
The MAFF through its Soil and water
conservation Unit must implement a program to
assist farmers who produce on steep slopes, with
soil conservation measures and provide
incentives to the farmers for the maintenance of
these measures
The Agricultural Laws prevent farmers from
cutting trees or cultivating lands on the river
banks. These laws should be enforced.
Incentives should be offered to farmers to re-
establish and manage the riparian zone properly.
Socio-cultural
1. Comparative high levels of poverty. Concerns
have been expressed that there is a growing
underground illegal economy.
Some of the communities in the watershed are
socially and economically vulnerable
Waste disposal, including liquid waste disposal is a
problem in many homes in the Watershed.
1. The Ministries of Agriculture Forestry and
Fisheries, with the Department of Rural
Transformation and the Department of Lands
can put a programme in place to assist the young
adults to establish suitable enterprises on
Government rented/leased lands to improve
their livelihoods.
2.The BAM project in the MARFF can address
some of these concerns
The Waste Management Act #31 of 2000, and
the Solid Waste Regulations of 2006, need to be
enforced.
The Solid Waste Management Authority should
encourage sorting of garbage and composting in
order to reduce the volume of organic waste that
is disposed.
The organic waste can be sold to vegetable
producers. – There is an increasing demand for
organically grown vegetables by the health
conscious persons in and around the watershed.
There is opportunity for the CWSA to collaborate
with the Department of Rural Transformation, to
teach communities in the watershed about waste
reduction and collective efforts at waste
disposal. The CWSA can work in partnership
with business and tourism enterprises in the
watershed to provide more receptacles for solid
waste disposal Georgetown.

62
The private sector and civil society
organizations are not directly involved in land
degradation issues and forest management.
The farmers have not shown great appreciation for
the use and maintenance of the Irrigation of the
crops and for the Irrigation Authority.
1. A national land management policy would
help to guide inter-sectorial participation in land
management by indicating the roles and
management objectives for various stakeholders.
2. There is a need to develop and nurture a more
sophisticated culture of participation within the
Department of Environment, and to develop the
capacity to work more closely with non-
governmental partners;
The possibilities are there for the management
and workers of the irrigation services be further
trained in organizational and resource
management.
Economic
1.The decline in arrowroot and banana cultivation
and overall contraction of the agricultural
sector has displaced many of the farm labourers
2. Most persons in the watershed do not have the
necessary skill set to benefit from the livelihood
opportunities which may occur by the expanded
tourism sector in the watershed.
.
There is an opportunity to build on existing
business initiatives (craft production, water
bottling, agro-processing and eco-tourism in
particular) to develop voluntary standards and
guidelines to enhance socio-economic benefits
while ensuring environmental sustainability of
these business activities. The Centre for
Enterprise Development, The Cooperative
Division I the Ministry of National Mobilization
can help to promote this cause.
The craft workers need to work together to
enhance the management of their operations.
There is an opportunity for them to brand their
product and improve on the market potential of
their commodities.
An expansion of the agricultural sector in the
watershed will provide more opportunities for
livelihoods. There is opportunity for the MARFF,
the Credit Unions and other financial institutions
to provide financial assistance and guided
extension support to farmers to further invests
in agriculture.
Persons should be provided training so that they
enter the job market with some level of
competency.
There is a technical school in the watershed
which can be used in the evenings to provide
such TVET training.
The MARFF can also provide technical and farm
management training to farmers and agricultural
workers at the training centers at Rabacca and
Dumbarton.

63
9.2 List of Recommendations for the project implementation
The following are the main requests from the community for the future plans and
for environmental improvement of the Georgetown watershed.
 That the report be reviewed by the stakeholders after it was presented to
the Ministry of Health Wellness and the Environment.
 The report is the subject of District consultation before it is implemented by
the Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment.
 All policies and strategies must meet their needs and be instituted using
stakeholders participation or the participatory approach.
 That legislative enforcement is highly considered and where necessary laws
for the control of land degradation are incorporated into the environmental
act and regulations.
 Adequate education and demonstration plans be developed and executed
by suitably trained personnel continuously to meet the demand.
Economic
(cont’d)
3. Praedial larceny is a major hindrance to increased
agricultural production throughout the agricultural
areas.
4. The rising price of food and energy could force
more persons into unsuitable lands for subsistence
agriculture and into the forest to seek other
livelihoods.
The programme to curb praedial larceny has
been put in place. Rural Constables (Special
Police to monitor the distribution of agricultural
produce) have been put in place. Hopefully, there
shall be some reduction of the incidence. and a
programme to stimulate farmers to increase
their productivity be put in place.
The Rural Constable programme however needs
to be evaluated in order to establish efficacy
before farmers are encouraged to increase
production levels.
.
The Forestry Act prevents persons from
cultivating lands in the forest reserve. The
Forest Department must enforce those laws.
The MARTFF should review its strategy for
agricultural diversification and seek the support
of other private sector or state agencies to
provide the much needed support to small
farmers.

64
 That the scheduled control and corrective measures be put in place as soon
as possible.

65
10.0 Bibliography
CEMI Report on hydropower feasibility study for VINLEC, 2009
Culzac- Wilson, Lystra (2009) Important Bird Areas. St Vincent and
the Grenadines. Bird Life International
Government of St Vincent and the Grenadines: Disaster
Vulnerability Reduction Project Environmental Assessment Report -
December 2010
Government of St Vincent and the Grenadines Hurricane Tomas
Emergency Recovery Project Environmental Assessment. June 2011.
Integrated Water Resources Management Planning Approach for
Small Island Developing States. UNEP, February 2012.
Isaacs, Philmore (July 2013): Issue Papers, Sustainable Land
Management, St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
Jardine, Chery and Leslie Straker (2003): Fisheries Data Information
Document Ministries of Agriculture and Fisheries
Kiribati, Neri Tiaeke (2007): The National Capacity Self-Assessment
Project: Ministry of Environment, Lands and Agriculture
Development.
Land Degradation – Guidelines for Field Assessment. Retrieved from
the internet . http //: unu.ed
National Action Programme to Combat Land Degradation –
(BHUTAN) Final draft, October 2009.
Niles, Edward (2011): Environmental and Social Management
Framework- Regional Communication Infrastructure (RCIP) Phase 1.
Grenada, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines. (CARCIP)

66
Roxo, M.J. (2001) A report on the stakeholders perception on Land
Degradation/ Desertification in the Mediterranean. Desert Links
Target Areas
St Vincent and the Grenadines Population Census 2011.
Sub regional Action Programme to combat Land Degradation in the
Caribbean, June 2011. CNIRD And PISLM.
SVG National Parks and Protected Areas Systems Plan, 2010 -2014.
The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago: The third National Report on
the United Nations Convention to combat desertification
Implementation Process. Interim National Coordinating Committee
– December, 2007
Woodfine, Annie (Ed) (2011): Manual for local level assessment of
Land Degradation and Sustainable Land Management Part 2. FAO,
UNEP. GEF.

APPENDIX 1: MINUTES OF STAKEHOLDERS MEETING
The Minutes of the Stakeholders Meeting held on 20th
June 2013
Venue: Anglican Parish Hall, Georgetown
Chairperson: Leroy Jackson (Supervisor) Agricultural Officer, Region III
AGENDA:
o Call to order
o Prayer (AI), Lynch
o Introduction to District (AO), Jackson
o The Project Background – Yasa Belmar (MHWE)
o The Georgetown Watershed and Land Degradation Issues – Lennie Adams
o Wrap up
o Closure
1. Call to order: The meeting was called to order at 4:32 pm by the chairman (AO) Jackson, Supervisor
for Agriculture Region III which includes the Georgetown area.
2. Prayers: Prayers were offered by (AI) Lynch, Agricultural Extension Officer of the area.
3. Introduction to Region III: The chairperson (AO) Jackson welcomed the participants to the
meeting. He highlighted the purpose of the meeting and stressed the importance for those present
to examine the human and biophysical factors that affected land and the environment by far in that
District.
He reminded the participants of the past events of hurricanes, the floods of 2011 and Coastal
degradation by the action of the waves of the ocean.
He expressed his regrets that Miss Yasa Belmar of the (MHWE) Ministry of Health, Wellness and the
Environment was not present and was unavailable at the meeting and then called on Mr. Lennie
Adams – in country Consultant, to explain the purpose of the project.
4. Land Degradation in Georgetown: Mr. Adams greeted the stakeholders present and welcomed
them to the discussions of the subject – Land Degradation in Georgetown.

69
He explained the reason given for the absence of Ms. Yasa Belmar and the non-representation of
the MHWE the national focal point at the discourse, and indicated that whatever was discussed and
decisions taken will to be taken to the MHWE.
He explained the function of the MHWE in the process and Global Environment Facility (GEF) as the
source of financing, and identified the Integrating Water, Land and Ecosystems Management in
Caribbean Small Island Developing States (IWEco) as the coordinating agency.
He introduced himself as the in country Coordinator, Consultant to the project who had a ten weeks
assignment.
After Mr. Adams’ introductory remarks the participants were given a definition of the term land
degradation and were asked to add their interpretation to the same.
Mr. Adams later in the discussion explained that over the past six weeks, he met with some of those
present and the technical staff of Government Agencies, private sector agencies and some farmers
and householders of the district and discussed the issues of land degradation. However, before he
shared those issues, he asked that those present share their views as what they wanted to come out
of the meeting.
The participants agreed and willingly and orderly expressed themselves. Some of the issues they
expressed were as follows:
o Removal of obstacles at Georgetown Bridge.
o The erosion of the river banks at Spring Village and Mt. Young.
o Farmers should be part of the project and when a final document is presented the
community be part of the implementation.
o Stakeholders wanted to know how they will be compensated for loss of properties and
homes.
o Remedial work for property damages from flood and the passage of a hurricane.
o The removal of the riparian zone and vegetation and the erecting of “liming” sheds.
o Large stones in river beds that divert water to banks.
o Compensation for injured persons by storms/ floods.
o Logs still pile in the river basins.
o Compensation for farmers’ loss of crops, livestock and land.
At that point Mr. Adams asked that the information they presented be reviewed. On the issue of
compensation, the meeting was advised with the help of Forestry Supervisor McLeod that damages

70
occurred due to the act of nature, and that householders and farmers are advised to insure their
property and other investments. They were also told that the government could not compensate
for property losses or damages but can provide some level of assistance to citizens who were
affected.
The discussion which followed identified the major areas that stakeholders wanted to be addressed.
These include
 Money to be made available to resurface feeder roads damaged by machinery used to clear
areas after the floods of 2011.
 Stop the burning of tyres, marijuana and other drugs at Rabacca.
 Use of organic manures to crops.
 The enforcement of laws against persons who litter streams and the sea shore.
 The enforcement of laws against farmers who cut trees and weed crops and block drains,
and against those who remove river defenses and grow crops near waterways.
 Noise pollution.
 Air pollution: the stench from animal pens and the smoking of Ganga cigarettes.
 Poor drainage at Dickson School.
 Stabilization of river banks.
 Water pollution: dumping of garbage in waterways and pig farming on the banks of the
rivers.
Mr. Adams introduced a handout and asked the stakeholders to turn to the section Environmental
Issues. This information was compiled from previous discussions held with other stakeholders,
interest groups, technical specialist and farmers. The meeting was asked to compare both sets of
information and rank the issues according to the level of priority to be addressed by the project. The
majority of issues was ranked as being very important and need to be addressed in a quick time by
the project.
Other Concerns
 The increasing number of citizens who were affected by respiratory diseases as a result of
the smoke inhalation from burning carried out in Rabacca.
 Deplorable condition of the feeder road which contribute to only a limited amount of their
crop produce to get to the market.

71
 Narrowing of the river in some areas due to construction on its banks thus limiting the free
flow of water.
 Rural constables were ineffective; a review of Praedial larceny in the area is required.
 The increase of invasive species of pests and diseases in crops has significantly affected the
cost of production.
Wrap up and Closure:
Mr. Jackson urged the participants to adopt a behavioral change that will allow for an improvement in
the environment and for the preservation of the same for future generations.
Mr. Adams and other members at the head table thanked participants for their keen interest and
participation in the meeting and informed them that their concerns were well noted. The meeting
ended at 7.12 p.m. There were 45 participants and six others in attendance. They were all refreshed
before being transported to their homes.

72
APPENDIX 2: LIST OF PERSONS CONSULTED
NAMES POSITION
Leroy Jackson Regional Agricultural Supervisor
Adrian Bailey Forest Officer 111
Anthony Simon Forest Officer 111
Glen Grant Forest Officer 111
Felicia Baptiste Forest Officer 1
Barry Williams Forest Officer 1
Rohali Da Silva Engineer Mountain Top Springs
Cornelius Richards Senior Forestry Supervisor
FitzGerald Providence Chief Forestry Officer
Ashley Caine Deputy Chief Agricultural Officer
John Browne Bamboo Craft Group Leader
Mrs. Minelva Lavia Craft Centre Coordinator
Leslie Grant Chief Agricultural Officer
Amos Glasgow Senior Forestry Officer
Andrew Lockhart Superintendent- NPRBA
DeAnna Ralph Social Analyst - Central Planning Division
Joan Ryan Public Relations Officer CWSA
Andrea Latchman Agricultural Instructor - Georgetown
Conrad Simon National Irrigation Authority
Colville King Agricultural Officer 1
St Clair Yearwood Ministry of National Mobilization – Community Development Division
Michelle Forbes NEMO
Gertheryn Bascombe Agricultural Instructor – Research and Development
Ann Marie Greaves Staff Nurse Georgetown Health Centre
Susan Samuel BRAGSA
Kenyatta Alleyne BRAGSA
Ms Sampson Georgetown Town Board

73
APPENDIX 3: HOT SPOTS & MITIGATION FOR LAND DEGRADATION IN
GEORGETOWN WATERSHED
The study on the causes of land degradation in Georgetown June-August 2013 indicated that land
degradation took different forms at different sites.
The (Hot Spots) or sites identified in the map of Georgetown Watershed Sites Fig:10 & Fig:11 are in the
Congo Valley, The Jennings River Valley, Mt Pleasant valley and the Perseverance river valley. They are
described in the Tables # 16, 17, 18 and 19 which identify the locations, issues and the mitigation
strategies.
Figure 10: Map of Perseverance Watershed Sites

74
Table 17: Watershed Assessment of Perseverance: (P.V)
CODE Hot Spots Mitigation Strategy COMMENTS
Work Break
down
COSTS
(EC)$ (US)$
P.V.1 &
2
Damages done
to wildlife
habitat during
hurricane.
(2010)
River bank
erosion
Reforestation to the
denuded hills.
Agroforestry,
Fruit tree cultivation
Forest liberation and soil
conservation (approx. 2
acres)
Right bank of
river is open
pasture.
Lower bank is
cultivated with
plantains.
Transportation
of work force
and planting
materials.
Plants
Labour
Equipment
$ 2,300. $ 861.42
P.V.3
Erosion right
bank of river
close to main
road
Realignment of stream Plant adaptable
species of
Gliricidia
Transportation
of work force
and planting
materials.
Plants
Labour
Equipment
$2,000 $749.06
P.V.4
River bank
erosion
Fruit tree cultivation
Replanting riparian zones
Farmer Selected
Fruits
Transportation
of work force
and planting
materials.
Plants
Labour
Equipment
$ 1,200 $449.44
P.V.5
Blocking of
main stream.
Changed
water course
due to
blockage
Realignment of water
course
Replanting riparian zones
Plant adaptable
species of
Gliricidia
Realignment,
Labour
Removal of logs
$61,000 $22,846.44
P.V.
6;7;8
Erosion of river
bank
River bank stabilization
Establishment of
demonstration plot.
Removal of wood debris
and boulder from river
Plant adaptable
species of
Gliricidia
Transportation
of work force
and planting
materials.
Plants
Labour
Equipment
$16,450 $6,161.05
P.V.9
Land erosion
Farmer required carrying
out soil and water
conservation measures.
Practice of contour
farming.
Farmer
recommended to
grow 1 acre of
fruit trees
Planting
materials.
Plants transport,
Labour
Equipment
$5,400 $2,022.47

75
P.V.10
Indiscriminate
dumping of
molasses waste
into the mouth
of river
Enforcement of Waste
Management Act #31 of
2000 and Environmental
Health Services Act #14 of
1991.
The possibility
exists to
collaborate with
the investors to
establish a more
modern method
of treatment and
disposal of
waste.
Storage tanks
Labour
Pipes
Pumps
$50,000 $18,726.59
Figure 11: Map of all Georgetown Watershed and Data

76
Table 18: Watershed Assessment of Jennings: (J.W)
Work Break
down
COSTS
(EC)$ (US)$
J.W. 1
Piggery disposes
waste directly into
stream at high
areas of water
catchment.
Relocation of piggery.
Enforcement of
Environmental Health
Services Act #14 of
1991
Education
programme by
MAFF on
Environmental
conservation and
Good Agricultural
Practices
Education and
Training
$1,200 $449.44
J.W.
(General
Area)
Deposits of logs
and boulders
throughout the
water course
Removal of logs
throughout the upper
course of the river
Labour
Transportation
Tools
$4,000 $1,498.13
J.W.
(General)
Section of the
valley eroded
during the flood
River bank
stabilization.
Thinning of Blue
Mahoe plantation.
600ft of riverbank
stabilization with
gliricidia.
3.5 acres of Blue
Mahoe for
thinning.
Materials
Planting
materials
Labour
Transportation
$6.750. $2,528.09

77
Table 19: Watershed Assessment at Congo Valley: (C.V)
Work Break
down
COSTS
(EC)$ (US)$
C.V.1
- Farm eroded from
heavy rainfall.
- Tree cover
removed on
sloped in excess
of 65 - 80.
Cultivation of
root crops results
in land slippage
and siltation of
stream.
- There is the
heavy use of
weedicide in this
upper watershed
which will cause
the pollution of
stream water
Reforestation and
agroforestry in the
area.
Soil and water
conservation measures
are recommended
Appropriate use of
fertilizers and
pesticides in
agriculture
The production of
Cocoa and the use
of Gliricidia are
encouraged.
Education
programme by
MAFF on
Environmental
Conservation and
Good Agricultural
Practices
Transportation
Planting
materials,
Labour
collecting and
preparation of
materials,
Labour for
planting
Training.
$10,740 $4,022.47
C.V.2
Pig farm located
too close to upper
river course. Waste
from pigsty flows
directly into stream
water thus
polluting the river.
Enforcement of Waste
Management Act #31
of 2000, and the
Environmental laws.
Relocation of pig sty
Education and
training needed
$1,200. $449.44
C.V.3
Erosion of farm
lands after the
blockage of stream
caused river to
change course and
erode top soil.
River bank stabilization
Soil and water
conservation measures
are recommended
Establish 200 ft on
the river bank
using coconuts.
(Farm owned by
Carlton Hackshaw
Transportation
of plants,
collecting plant,
preparing
plants,
labour
$ 5,100.
$
1,910.11

78
Table 20: Watershed Assessment at Mt. Pleasant (M.P)
Work Break
down
COSTS
(EC)$ (US) $
M.P.1
Heavy flow of
water caused
damages to
irrigation
system and
creating scars
on the river
bank
Removal of
sediments and logs
to allow water to
flow freely to
provide irrigation
water to farmers
This is a very
costly exercise
and may require
reconstruction of
the catchment
and water
storage for the
irrigation supply.
Building
materials.
Labour,
Transportation,
$12,000 $4,494.38
M.P.2
Bridge was
blocked by large
logs which
caused water to
flow on to or
near farm lands
thus washing
away all top
soils.
Removal of
sediments and logs
to allow water to
flow freely.
Soil improvement
through natural
inputs of green
manure compost etc.
Water resource
management.
Some
restorative work
was done already
by CWSA.
The replanting of
the riparian zone
is also
recommended.
Selecting
appropriate
plant species,
Transportation,
Labour,
Equipment,
$5,400 $2,022.47
M.P.3.
The blocked
bridge caused
water to flow on
to properties
destroying
buildings and
businesses.
Removal of
sediments and logs
to allow water to
flow freely.
Establishment of
protective measures
Some remedial
work was done
at this site.
Gabion baskets
were put in
place by the
Ministry of
Works.
Transportation,
Labour,
Equipment
$3,400 $1,273.41

79
SUMMARY COSTS OF MITIGATION INTERVENTIONS
1.
PERSEVERANCE
WATERSHED:-
$51,816.47 (US)
JENNINGS
WATERSHED
$4,475.66 (US)
CONJO VALLEY
WATERSHED
$6,382.02 (US)
MT PLEASANT
WATERSHED
$7,790.26 (US)
Total $70,464.81 (US)

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