Photo: This aerial view along Trinidad’s east coast highlights the intrinsic linkages of watershed environments and the coastal zone. The hydrologic connections between upstream and downstream areas creates finely balanced ecosystems. The intersection of road networks, watersheds and coastal zones is a common feature of island life. Photo courtesy Coastal Dynamics Limited.

November 22, 2019 – Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago... The Ministry of Works and Transport’s (MOWT’s) Coastal Protection Unit (CPU), and the Water and Sewerage Authority’s (WASA’s) Water Resources Agency (WRA) have launched a call for papers for the inaugural Integrated Water Resources and Coastal Symposium (IWRCS). With the special focus, “Island Life: Water from Ridge to Reef”, IWRCS2020 promises a focused forum to address coastal threats, drought and flood management, protection of the near-shore marine environment, water resources management, water security and climate change impacts in Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean. Coastal, water and environmental specialists, lecturers, researchers, scientists, students and stakeholders are invited to submit abstracts on or before Friday December 6, 2019.

The IWRCS will gather delegates from across the Caribbean including professionals, government officials, decision-makers, policy-creators, planners and non-governmental and community members to share knowledge, lessons learned, and technological advancements and methodologies within the fields of coastal zone and water resources management in the region. The symposium strives to stimulate scientific discussions and to nurture a robust, collaborative environment for establishing economically and environmentally sustainable solutions to the issues faced in the fields of focus throughout the region. In so doing, it is anticipated that the IWRCS will serve as a catalyst for formulating developmental plans, updating policies, and crafting public investment projects and initiatives in Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean.

Photo: Coastal erosion and coastal flooding severely undermine residential and commercial properties, beaches, and coastal infrastructure such as roads, bridges and jetties. Damage to coastal infrastructure results in increased expenditure and significant financial losses due to shoreline rehabilitation, and loss of income; while destruction of recreational areas and habitats puts ecosystem services at risk. The Manzanilla seawall, at the mouth of the Nariva River, protects the main road along the coast. Photo courtesy Coastal Dynamics Limited.

The three-day symposium will be held from Wednesday March 18 to Friday March 20, 2020 in Trinidad and Tobago. The agenda, which will address six (6) themes, will feature keynote addresses, thought-provoking technical presentations, educational/interactive workshops and innovative exhibitions showcasing technological advancements, management instruments and case studies. To learn more about the abstract submission process, download the IWRCS2020 Call for Papers Submission Guide at bit.ly/IWRCS2020CFPSubmissionGuide or visit bit.ly/IWRCS or email IWRCSinfo@gmail.com.

Photo: As a watershed environment, Trinidad’s Nariva Swamp recharges groundwater reducing water shortages during dry spells; protects the river bank and coastline from erosion; and reduces downstream flooding by retaining water and releasing it during drier periods. In Trinidad and Tobago, water resources are threatened by many challenges including surface water pollution, low levels in the reservoirs due to longer dry seasons, sedimentation from quarry activities, and saltwater intrusion in ground water aquifers. Photo courtesy Coastal Dynamics Limited.