Caribbean Coastal Scenarios (CCS): an integrated analysis of inland-coastal linkages to guide sustainable use and protection of coastal ecosystems (CRN 2061)

1 Study region
2 Water-intensive rice cultivation is expanding in the Dominican Republic and Cuba.
With growing populations and competing demands for water these islands face difficult choices in future water allocations.
3 The project has delineated the main catchments of each island (84 in total)
and constructed operational hydrological models simulate runoff from each.

Project information

Executive summary Investigators Students

Executive summary

The island nations of the Caribbean are highly vulnerable to environmental change. This project is quantifying the impacts of inland activities on coastal resources under different scenarios of development and climate change, by applying scientific knowledge to the modelling and evaluation of possible futures for Cuba, Dominican Republic, Hispaniola, Jamaica, and Puerto Rico.

Goals
Characterize island watersheds, and factors that affect the flow of water, sediments, and contaminants to coastal ecosystems

Estimate the impact of flow from inland waters on coastal resources

In a stakeholder dialogue, construct scenarios for future development, management, conservation and restoration of coastal ecosystems. Support island nations in assessing, anticipating and adapting to current and future coastal environmental problems.

First results
Land-cover and soils in 84 watersheds that drain to coastal waters were mapped in the islands of Dominican Republic, Jamaica and Puerto Rico. Weather and hydrology were modeled. Calibration and validation of the model was completed in selected watersheds.

Many rivers have been altered by construction of dams, channeling and sewage discharge, which has resulted in decreased water quality, and in increased algal biomass, nutrient export and sedimentation.

In Puerto Rico, where about 80% of the people live in urban areas, about 50% of the wastewater is treated. Nitrate and phosphate from sewage effluents contaminate the rivers.

In the Dominican Republic, deforestation, overgrazing and slash-and-burn agriculture is observed in the upper part of the Haina River watershed. High peak runoff causes flooding, destruction of infrastructure, properties and, occasionally, loss of life.

Project investigators

Assefa Melesse – assefa.melesse@fiu.edu
Florida International University (FIU), EE.UU.

Co-Investigators
Dale Webber (University of the West Indies, Mona Campus), Felipe Vicioso (Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo), Francisco Nunez (The Nature Conservancy), Jorge Ortiz (Universidad de Puerto Rico), Michael E. McClain (Florida International University), Zhaohui Jennifer Fu (Florida International University)

Links to other IAI projects
This project collaborates with Project for Human Dimensions SGP-HD 009.

Updated 2/2010

Project web page

PDF File

Students

Ainsley Henry, Master, University of the West Indies, Jamaica.
Antonio Morillo, Undergraduate, Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo, Dominica.
Carmen de Jesus, Undergraduate, Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo, Dominica.
Danehue Collash, Undergraduate, University of the West Indies, Jamaica.
Debora Figueroa, PHD, University of New Hampshire, Puerto Rico.
Fabian Taylor, Undergraduate, University of the West Indies, Jamaica.
Gaby Noel, Undergraduate, Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo, Haiti.
Giovany Ventura, Undergraduate, Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo, Dominica
Hamlet Perez, PHD, University of Puerto Rico, Puerto Rico.
Julus Chenier, Undergraduate, Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo, Haiti.
Keion Smith, Undergraduate, University of the West Indies, Jamaica.
Kerrine Senior, PHD, University of the West Indies, Jamaica.
Litay Ramos, Undergraduate, Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo, Dominica.
Maximo Ramos, Undergraduate, Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo, Dominica.
Midouin Lidelias, Undergraduate, Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo, Haiti.
Miguela Moscat, Undergraduate, Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo, Dominica.
Nenpan Tunkuda, Master, Florida International University, Nigeria.
Orville Grey, PHD, University of the West Indies, Jamaica.
Pedro Antonio de los Santos, Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo, Dominica.
Pedro Emilian de Los Santos, Undergraduate, Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo, Dominica.
Raymond Vilfort, Undergraduate, Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo, Haiti.
Ricardo Robinson, Undergraduate, University of the West Indies, Jamaica.
Sergot Remarque, Undergraduate, Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo, Haiti.
Yonkers Garces, Undergraduate, Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo, Dominica.
Yuneri Mendoza, Undergraduate, Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo, Dominica.