POLICY FRAMEWORK FOR INTEGRATED (ADAPTATION) PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT IN ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA Prepared by Philmore James In collaboration with The Caribbean planning for Adaptation to Climate change (CPACC) March 2002
PREFACE This policy document is intended to provide the Government of Antigua and Barbuda with basic guidelines for the establishment and implementation of a National Climate change Adaptation Policy, as part of its contribution to the implementation of Component 4: Formulation of a Policy Framework for Integrated Adaptation Planning and Management which is one of the direct outputs of the Caribbean Planning for Adaptation to Climate Change (CPACC) Project, a project funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF). This paper follows directly from a background document, Country Paper on National Climate Change Issues for Antigua and Barbuda which was drafted with the following primary objectives: To develop a more complete understanding of the national consequences of climate variability and climate change for Antigua and Barbuda in the context of economic, social and environmental stresses; and To initiate and sustain an interactive dialogue among scientists, governments, businesses and communities in Antigua and Barbuda designed to promote the use of climate information to support practical decision-making. The primary aim of this Policy therefore is to provide a framework for identifying social conditions and processes that could potentially influence the impact of climate change and variability on Antigua and Barbuda and provide various options for practical adaptation planning and management. The paper will undergo expert and public review prior to the presentation of a final National Climate Change Policy to the Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda. With this in mind, the following document should be viewed as a work in progress. The public will play a significant role in the policy formulation and implementation process. This policy will give the public administration and the public at large guidance as to the direction the Government wishes to take on climate change issues. The effectiveness of the National Climate Change Policy will depend on the co-operation and response of a number of agencies, through an integrated approach. i
TABLE OF CONTENTS PREFACE...... i INTRODUCTION...... 1 POLICY STATEMENT...... 2 DEFINITIONS...... 2 ADAPTATION POLICY OBJECTIVES...... 4 APPLICATION...... 4 ADAPTATION POLICY DIRECTIVES...... 5 Agriculture... 5 Fisheries... 6 Tourism... 7 Human Settlements... 8 Human Health... 9 Coastal and Marine Resources...10 Terrestrial Resources and Biodiversity... 11 Fresh Water Resources...12 Education and Information...12 Financial Sector...13 Transportation and Energy...13 ADAPTATION POLICY PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT MECHANISMS...... 14 ACCOUNTABILITY...... 15 MONITORING AND REVIEW...... 16 CONCLUSIONS...... 16 REFERENCES...... 16 ii
INTRODUCTION The Government of Antigua and Barbuda agrees with the Inter-Governmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and other expert scientific bodies who have confirmed that global temperatures are increasing due mainly to the release of Greenhouse Gases (GHGs) into the atmosphere as a result of human activities particularly the burning of fossil fuels. This trend of global warming is predicted to continue for several decades and it is agreed that it will result in climate change as is evident by the following manifestations: A rise in sea level (an estimated rise of mean sea level of 15 to 95 cm during the next 100 years): The Polar ice caps are melting at an alarming rate. Already, low-lying islands in the Maldives have been submerged as a result of sea level rise. Changes in local and regional temperature regimes (An increase of 1.5 C to 4.5 C over the next 100 years): Increase in coastal water temperatures is producing widespread loss of coral reefs in the Seychelles. Changes in rainfall patterns (amount and distribution). Increase in the number and frequency of severe weather events such as droughts, rainstorms and hurricanes. The Caribbean Basin experienced increased frequency of cyclonic events over the last two decades. Recent experiences of increases in the number and intensity of tropical storms during the past decade provide striking evidence of the powerful influence of climate variability and or climate change on our lives. Between 1995 and 1999, Antigua and Barbuda experienced five major storm events. In addition, drought is a common phenomenon for both islands. The implications of climate variability and change (whether natural or anthropogenic) for human communities, businesses and natural resources have not yet been fully appreciated. Our grasp of the important relationship between climate and society is now being enhanced by recognition of the diversity of human vulnerability and adaptive capacity. In demonstration of its commitment to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and its objectives of reducing global GHG emissions and to address the actual and anticipated effects of climate change the Government of Antigua and Barbuda have presented its National Communications to the Convention. Antigua and Barbuda ratified the Convention in 1993 following the ratification of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer in 1992 but like other Small Island Developing States (SIDS) recognize its limitations in its ability to address the issues of reducing GHG emissions. Because of its vulnerability to the effects of climate change Antigua and Barbuda must place urgent and major emphasis on adapting to climate change. It is recognized that not all issues and processes relating to climate change have been fully understood and that further research is required. As indicated in the paper on National Climate change Issues there are significant repercussions for the major sectors of the economy (agriculture, tourism, coastal zone, energy, fisheries, forestry, health, human settlements, and water resources). It is anticipated that the following impacts will likely occur: Reduced agricultural productivity and changes in agricultural technology and systems; Increased coastal erosion and infrastructure damage as a result of the increased intensity of cyclonic events and storm surges. The flooding and submergence of coral reefs, wetlands and coastal lowlands due to sea level rise; Loss of marine and terrestrial biodiversity as a result of changes in temperature and rainfall; An increase in the occurrence of pests and other vectors, contagious diseases and stress-
related diseases; The depletion of water supplies. Climate variability and change pose both challenges and opportunities for Antigua and Barbuda. The international response to global climate change articulated in the UNFCCC and the Kyoto Protocol therefore offers Antigua and Barbuda new opportunities to meet its development goals and priorities. POLICY STATEMENT In recognition of the need for a policy to guide national actions to address the effects of climate change, the Government of Antigua and Barbuda is encouraging all sectors of society to coordinate their efforts in ensuring the sustainable development of the country. The Climate Change Adaptation Policy encourages all agencies in Antigua and Barbuda to explore and access the opportunities being developed by the climate change negotiation process and include considerations of possible impacts of climate change in their planning and development processes. It also mandates the relevant government agencies to develop and implement adaptation policy options for their sectors. DEFINITIONS Adaptation refers to measures, which countries should undertake to respond to the adverse impacts of global climate change and sea level rise. CPACC is the Caribbean Planning for Adaptation to Global Climate Change project. It is a Stage I climate change adaptation project funded by GEF and is implemented in CARICOM States from 1997 to 2001. Global Warming refers to changes in the global climate (increased temperatures which affect other climatic elements) produced by the emission of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere through energy production and use, land use patterns, agriculture, industry, and waste management. Climate change also occurs naturally and it is difficult to make a clear distinction between the two. Greenhouse Gases (GHGs) are those gases in the atmosphere, which limit the earth/atmosphere system from emitting long-wave radiation, and results in global warming. The major GHGs responsible for causing climate change are carbon dioxide (CO 2 ), methane (CH 4 ), and nitrous oxide (N 2 0). The Kyoto Protocol also addresses hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), and sulphur hexafluoride (SF 6 ). The Kyoto Protocol to the UNFCCC assigns emission reduction targets that Annex I Parties are required to meet within the period 2008 to 2012; it also specifies the flexibility mechanisms or means by which those targets are to be met. Flexibility Mechanisms - The Kyoto Protocol establishes three mechanisms to increase the flexibility and reduce the costs of making emissions cuts. These are: 1. Joint implementation allows two or more Annex I Parties to enter into joint ventures, which reduce their net emissions of greenhouse gases. The credits for emission reductions will be based upon mutual agreement. 2
2. Annex I Parties are permitted to trade in emission reduction units, which can be used to meet their emission reduction targets. 3. The CDM permits non-annex I Parties to participate in projects with Annex I Parties to meet their emission reduction targets. The rules under which these flexibility mechanisms will operate are still being negotiated. Mitigation refers to actions to reduce the net emission of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Sea level rise is the rise in relative sea level produced by the expansion of water as a result of rising temperatures and the additional water produced as the permanent ice fields melt. Annex I countries are those so-called developed countries which have ratified the UNFCCC and have undertaken certain obligations under the Convention to reduce their emissions of greenhouse gases and to assist developing country Parties in adapting to the adverse impacts of global climate change and sea level rise. They include the 24 original OECD members, the European Union, and 14 countries with economies in transition (Croatia, Liechtenstein, Monaco and Slovenia joined at COP-3, and the Czech Republic and Slovakia replaced Czechoslovakia). Global Environment Facility (GEF) is a multi-billion-dollar organization that was established by the World Bank, the UN Development Programme, and the UN Environment Programme in 1990. It operates the Convention's "financial mechanism" on an interim basis and funds developing country projects that have global climate change benefits. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC): The IPCC is an organization that was established in 1988 by the World Meteorological Organization and the UN Environment Programme. It conducts rigorous surveys of the worldwide technical and scientific literature and publishes assessment reports that are widely recognized as the most credible existing sources of information on climate change. The IPCC also works on methodologies and responds to specific requests from the Convention's subsidiary bodies. Protocol - A protocol is linked to an existing convention, but it is a separate and additional agreement that must be signed and ratified by the Parties to the convention. Protocols typically strengthen a convention by adding new, more detailed commitments. Ratification - After signing the Convention or the Protocol, a country must ratify it, often with the approval of its parliament or other legislature. The instrument of ratification must be deposited with the depositary (in this case the UN Secretary-General) to start the 90-day countdown to becoming a Party. Article 4.2 - This Convention article contains specific commitments for developed country (Annex I) Parties only, notably to take measures aimed at returning greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by the year 2000. Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) - The Kyoto Protocol establishes the CDM to enable industrialized countries to finance emissions-avoiding projects in developing countries and receive credit for doing so. National Communications - A central requirement of the Convention (and the Protocol) is that each Party must inform the others about its national climate change activities. Many developed countries have submitted their second reports and developing countries have started to submit their first. 3
ADAPTATION POLICY OBJECTIVES The primary goal of the Climate Change Adaptation Policy is to prepare all sectors of Antigua and Barbuda to meet the challenges of global climate change through the understanding its impacts and application of appropriate adaptation options. Specific objectives of this policy are to: 1. Improve the understanding of the vulnerability of the country and sectors to climate change and its impacts on the development process with the view of: Conducting systematic research and observation on climate change related factors Increasing knowledge and understanding of climate change issues and improving national and regional predictions of climate change impacts in order to provide inputs to long-term planning Improving understanding of the effectiveness and impacts of measures to adapt to climate change. Avoiding, minimizing and adapting to the negative impacts of climate change on the different sectors of Antigua and Barbuda. 2. Promote the development of economic incentives, which encourage investment in public and private sector adaptation measures. These should help to increase sustainable economic development. 3. Foster the development and application of appropriate legal and institutional systems and management mechanisms for planning and responding to global climate change. 4. Develop the negotiating position of Antigua and Barbuda on climate change issues at the regional and international levels to promote its economic and environmental interests. APPLICATION This policy shall guide the work of all sectors including governmental, statutory, non-governmental and civic entities which are involved in or which may seek to become involved in addressing climate change issues as they directly or indirectly affect Antigua and Barbuda. The effectiveness of the policy will depend on the extent to which the general public is aware of the issues of climate change impacts and adaptation options. The Antigua and Barbuda Climate Change Adaptation Policy is directed specifically at all government agencies and NGOs, which execute policies or provide goods and services in sectors, which may be impacted by global climate change. These include but are not limited to ministries that deal with agriculture, fisheries, forestry, environment, coastal zone, tourism, parks and protected areas, housing, health and social welfare, local councils, water resources, public works, communication, transportation, and energy. These agencies are expected to directly apply appropriate adaptation options within their sphere of work. Other agencies, which enunciate and guide government s policy will also need to consider and include this policy in their planning approaches and mechanisms. These agencies will include but not limited to the ministries that deal with economic development, planning and development control, finance, legal affairs and justice, foreign affairs, trade, industry and commerce. The policy will have direct implications for other institutions such as the insurance agencies, banks and other lending institutions. 4
The agencies with special responsibility for education and information will play critical roles in ensuring that the Climate Change Adaptation Policy is considered and included in all education and public awareness programmes throughout Antigua and Barbuda. This policy has direct applications for the ministries that deal with education, information, and technology including all sectors, both public and private, academia, civil society and the media. They can play a much greater role in developing and participating in programmes and projects that are becoming available through the climate change negotiation process. These include capacity building opportunities, new sources of funding, and access to new technology. Funding and technology in Annex I countries are in the hands of the private sector and through the flexibility mechanisms, they are seeking partners in non-annex 1 counties such as Antigua and Barbuda to help them meet their countries GHG emission reduction targets. ADAPTATION POLICY DIRECTIVES The National Climate Change Committee should be authorized to give oversight of the initiation, management and implementation of the National Climate Change Adaptation Policy for Antigua and Barbuda. The Chief Meteorologist, as part of this committee, will play a pivotal role in the process. The various initiatives on climate change generated by the different sectors should be directed to the National Climate Change Committee. The National Climate Change Committee should: 1. Ensure that it includes representatives from all major sectors, including Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, Natural Resources, Environment, Tourism, Finance, Planning, Transportation, Energy, information, education, National Office of Disaster Services (NODS) and non-governmental organizations. The purpose of the committee is to provide advice to government on all aspects of climate change and supervise climate change projects in Antigua and Barbuda. 2. Assist all sectors in Antigua and Barbuda in the preparation/adoption of climate change vulnerability studies and adaptation options. 3. Convene regular meetings to receive and disseminate information. It should also prepare an Annual National Report on Climate Change. This could include a report on the climate of the country, climate change projects being implemented and the status of the climate change negotiation process. 4. Undertake a public awareness campaign to advise all sectors of the population on the threat posed by climate change and proposed options for addressing climate change. Agriculture Although agriculture does not generate much foreign revenue, the domestic economy continues to rely on agricultural production whether commercial or subsistence. Climate-related changes in temperature, rainfall and tropical storm patterns may seriously impact agricultural production and threaten food security. Problems created in the agricultural sector as a result of climate change are likely to include: Increased water demand and reduced water supply due to increased temperatures; Increased occurrence of agricultural pests in addition to an enhanced vulnerability to pests and weeds through changed hydrologic and atmospheric conditions. Reduced production and loss of crops and animals due to modified and agro-climatic regimes; 5
Accelerated soil erosion and increased salinization. Reduced availability of water for agriculture, particularly during times of competition with domestic and tourism demands; also increased evapo-transpiration as a result of higher temperatures; Heat stress, particularly on poultry and livestock; and a reduction of rough pastures available for livestock; Consequently, the Agriculture Department of the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, and Fisheries is mandated to: 1. Undertake improved research on crops and animals adapting to climate change and sea level rise. Consideration should be given to varieties of crops and animals that can withstand conditions of drought, flooding, higher temperatures and increased salinity and the maintenance of viable populations of local crop and livestock races. 2. Embark on an extensive education and public awareness programme to share information and findings to the general public and to farmers in particular. 3. Prepare adaptation options for those crops and animals, which are threatened. These may include the introduction of varieties, which are more tolerant to the new climatic regime, diversification, and the introduction of new agronomic practices. 4. Promote the use of new cultivars and practices in the agricultural community including the introduction of effective agronomic practices and the use of appropriate technology such as suitable irrigation systems, soil and water conservation practices and pest-crop interactions. The aim is to ensure food security and sustainable food production. 5. Establish an integrated Disaster Management Plan for agriculture. This should give consideration to integrated watershed management including appropriate water storage devices and an effective Drought and Flood Management Plan. 6. Include a report on climate change related activities in the Ministry s Annual Report 7. Provide a report on its climate change activities to the National Climate Change Committee. Fisheries The fisheries of Antigua and Barbuda will undergo threats from climate change mainly through the impacts on the critical habitats such as coral reefs, sea-grass beds, wetlands and beaches. Specific threats will include: Increased stress on breeding grounds and habitats from sea level rise and altered hydrological cycles. Longer and more intense periods of rough seas affecting the availability of fishery resources. Increased damage and losses to fishery equipment, vessels and infrastructure from storm and hurricane activity. Increased pressure on the fishery resources by persons displaced from other sectors. The Fisheries Division, within the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands and Fisheries, is required to: 6
1. Undertake research into impacts of climate change on the fisheries of Antigua and Barbuda. 2. Publicize appropriate information and findings especially to the fishing community 3. Increase its monitoring activities in critical coastal and marine habitats particularly coral reefs, sea grass beds, wetlands and beaches. This should help to improve data collection and management system for the fishery resources. 4. Include a report on climate change related activities in its annual report. Specific reference should be made to the implementation of recommendations such as: The construction and reinforcement of infrastructure at appropriate fish landing sites, Development of appropriate technology to design and build new and improved fishing gear and vessels, Possible alternatives including aquaculture development and a shift towards targeting the pelagic species, Establishing a system of Marine Protected Areas (MPA s), Developing the legislative capacity to manage the fisheries, including updating of existing legislations. 5. Provide a report on its climate change activities to the National Climate Change Committee. Tourism In Antigua and Barbuda, tourism remains the major contributor to the economy of Antigua and Barbuda. The government therefore recognizes that climate change can have serious deleterious effects on this sector. The negative impacts will include: Damage and loss of critical resources (coral reefs, sea-grass, beaches, wetlands, natural vegetation, other natural resources and attractions) on which the tourist industry depends. Possible changes or loss of these resources will also lead to loss of economic returns. Threatening coastal water supplies through saltwater intrusion into the freshwater lenses, particularly in Barbuda. Tourism is a water-intensive sector. Damaged, destruction and loss of hotels and other tourism infrastructure located in coastal areas susceptible to storm surges, erosion and sea-level rise Reduced visitor arrivals resulting from the higher frequency of extreme weather events such as hurricanes, as well as more options to travel to alternative destinations as a result of higher temperatures. In an effort to ensure appropriate approaches to adaptation in the tourism sector, the Tourism Department within the Ministry of Tourism and the Environment should: 1. Prepare climate change vulnerability studies of the tourism industry and undertake appropriate research. 2. Prepare adaptation options for those sectors threatened by climate change. 7
3. Conduct public education and awareness campaigns re: climate change and tourism and ensure that there is adequate public participation in tourism development and planning. 4. Strengthen legislative frameworks for coastal development including EIA legislation/regulations, environmental guidelines for tourism and other forms of development and the establishment and enforcement of land use policy and regulations/legislation. 5. Decentralize coastal tourism development and promote eco-tourism and other forms of nonconsumptive uses that could benefit from the opportunities being developed by the flexibility mechanisms of the climate change negotiation process. 6. Develop a Tourism Master Plan, which should give consideration to climate change concerns. 7. Include a report on climate change related activities in the Ministry s Annual Report. 8. Provide a report on its climate change activities to the National Climate Change Committee. Human Settlements The built environment, whether made of wood, concrete or steel, is susceptible to the forces of nature. It is recognized that Climate Change is likely to impact negatively on human settlements. Climate change/sea level rise impacts on human settlements in Antigua and Barbuda are likely to include: Destruction and loss of infrastructure in low-lying coastal areas arising from sea level rise; also includes the heightened vulnerability of tourism properties in the coastal zone. Damage to houses, businesses and other properties due to increased intensity and frequency of cyclonic events; Flooding and damage to coastal property and infrastructure due to storm surge and storm run-off especially in low-lying areas; Increased costs for providing sea defense mechanisms; Increased costs and reduced availability of insurance coverage for property; and Changes in the employment structure of the country. Government authorities including the Department of Lands and Surveys, the Central Housing and Planning Authority in conjunction with The Public Works Department, NODS and the Development Control Authority should: 1. Initiate/review climate change vulnerability studies of residential areas especially those along the coast of Antigua and Barbuda. 2. Foster increased education and public awareness campaigns on climate change and its effects on human settlements. This should help to increase and strengthen community level disaster management. 3. Prepare adaptation options to meet the threat of climate change and sea level rise on human settlement 4. Develop and implement a plan for the relocation or protection of settlements and infrastructure (including critical facilities and utilities) at risk from the effects of climate change 8
5. Enact the National Physical development Plan in order to: Enforce existing regulations and where necessary develop new regulations, which promote good building practices to meet the threat of sea level rise and the impacts of hurricanes. Make prescriptions regarding the location of future settlements and urban development without compromising water supply and other such requisites for the sustainability of settlements Integrate Climate Change considerations into the physical planning process including the implementation of Environmental Impact Assessment requirements 6. Include a report on climate change related activities in the Annual Report of the appropriate agencies. 7. Provide a report on their climate change activities to the National Climate Change Committee. Human Health Several recent initiatives aim to evaluate climate s effects on health. Though temperature extremes can have direct impacts on human health and several reports, attempt to draw direct relationships between climate and emotional health, it is climate s impact on pathogens and vectors of disease that poses a threat to most people. Anticipated climate change impacts on the health of the population of Antigua and Barbuda include: Increased incidence of vectors that can enhance opportunities for breeding of dengue bearing mosquitoes; Damaged water supply systems could cause a shortage of potable water. This in turn could impact negatively on hygiene and sanitation standards, resulting in the outbreak of disease such as cholera, gastro-enteritis and increase the risk for other diseases like malaria and yellow fever; Increased cardio-respiratory and allergic disorders due to climate-enhanced increases in air pollutants; Injuries, increased risk of various infectious diseases, and increased mental and physical stress and disorders arising from hurricane activity; A wide range of public health consequences, particularly in terms of environmental health and nutrition. Increased rainfall patterns may produce greater contamination of coastal and fresh water supplies leading to a greater incidence of skin, eye and ear diseases. Drought conditions can affect food production and daily nutrition. Flooding and drought can affect the economic and ultimately psychological well being of farmers, especially those involved in marginal or subsistence agriculture. The Ministry of Health should: 1. Undertake the necessary health related research and information gathering in order to strengthen the basis for sound decision-making in the health sector. 2. Prepare appropriate options to address the potential threats, in the short, medium and long-term periods. These should be included in the National Health and Safety Plans. 9
3. Sensitize and educate health personnel and the general public about climate- change related health matters. This should focus on promoting awareness programmes towards reducing health risks associated with diseases such as malaria, dengue and cholera. 4. Ensure the strengthening of health service delivery capacity in Antigua and Barbuda. 5. Increase medical supplies and improve the quality of health services in Antigua and Barbuda. 6. Increase efficiency in solid waste management systems including the monitoring of waste (both solid and liquid) with appropriate adaptation and possible relocation of landfill sites 7. Review and update health legislations and increase enforcement of these legislations 8. Include a report on climate change related activities in the Ministry s Annual Report, 9. Provide a report on its climate change activities to the National Climate Change Committee Coastal and Marine Resources The coastal zone will face many threats as a result of global warming and sea level rise. The overwhelming tourist attraction in Antigua and Barbuda is the coastal zone. Any threat to the coastal zone could have major repercussions on this and other thriving industries. Impacts of climate change on the coastal and marine resources of Antigua and Barbuda are expected to include: Submergence and inundation of beaches and coastal lands, including coral reefs, sea-grass beds and mangrove swamps, as a result of sea level rise Erosion of beaches and coastal lands due to sea level rise and changing coastal processes; Structural changes in the Fishery Sector, including loss of fishery production due to increased sea temperatures and sea level rise; Submergence, silting and loss of sea-grass beds; Destruction and loss of mangroves and wetlands Fish kills and coral reef degradation and loss due to submergence and bleaching as well as physical damage; Salinization of aquifers; and Destruction to human settlements and infrastructure along the coast from intensified storm surge and coastal flooding. The ideal would be to develop a Coastal Zone Management Authority specifically to deal with all issues related to the coastal zone. In the absence of this body the following agencies: Tourism Department, Environment Division, Fisheries Division, should collaboratively: 1. Undertake national public education and awareness campaigns on climate change impacts on the coastal zone. Vulnerability studies of the coastal zone should also be done. 2. Prepare adaptation plans for the coastal zone to address the impacts of climate change. This should include short, medium and long-term measures to protect coastal lands and to increase the resilience of coastal ecosystems and resources. 3. Foster increased participation of the general public in development and planning re: climate change impacts on the coastal and marine environment. 10
4. Maintain the inventory of coastal zone resources developed through the CPACC project. This will provide information for a Coastal Zone Management Plan. 5. Ensure the development of new legislations and the updating and enforcement of existing legislations, to deal with issues such as: Appropriate setbacks Sand mining Spills and dumping of waste (including toxic waste) at sea. 6. Include climate change in its Annual Report, specifically, on the State of the Coastal Zone. 7. Provide a report to the National Climate Change Committee on its climate change activities. Terrestrial Resources and Biodiversity The Government of Antigua and Barbuda accepts the scientific evidence indicating the likelihood of significant impacts of climate change on terrestrial resources, including soils, forests and biodiversity. These impacts are likely to include: Changes in the composition of natural vegetation due to changing climatic, hydrological and edaphic conditions; Increased vulnerability of threatened ecosystems due to the same conditions; Reduction and loss of soil fertility and increased soil erosion; Changes in ecological interactions among animal and plant species. In order to address the foregoing and related issues, the Government of Antigua and Barbuda through its relevant agencies (Forestry Unit, Fisheries Division, Environment Division), will: 1. Undertake climate change vulnerability studies of its biodiversity, including forests and other natural land-cover types, critical animal species and wildlife and the general environment. 2. Prepare short, medium and long- term adaptation options to increase the resilience of terrestrial resources and to meet the threats of climate change. 3. Implement national strategies for conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity. This should include the identification and monitoring of the major components of biodiversity, the protection of rare and endangered species, the protection and preservation of critical bird-nesting sites and bat-roosting sites and the stabilizing and rebuilding of populations of specific animal species, such as turtles and the Antiguan racer snake. 4. Coordination of relevant activities and projects, including the Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, the National Report on Convention on Desertification, the National Physical Development Plan and the National Forestry Action Plan, to include climate change considerations. 5. Include a report on climate change related activities in their Agency s/ministry s Annual Report 6. Provide a report on their climate change activities to the National Climate Change Committee. 11
Freshwater Resources Scientific research strongly suggests that water resources worldwide will be affected by climate change. Likely effects of climate change on the fresh water resources of Antigua and Barbuda include: Changes in temporal and spatial distribution due to increased climate variability and occurrence of severe events such as hurricanes and droughts; Contamination of ground water due to salt-water intrusion arising from sea level rise; Sedimentation/siltation of dams and reservoirs due to increased soil erosion arising from the greater frequency of extreme rainfall events; and Water shortages, due to more frequent and intense drought periods. The Government of Antigua and Barbuda through the Ministry of Public Utilities and Aviation will address these and other related issues through the following activities: 1. Setting up an interdisciplinary body to coordinate, monitor and regulate the use of the nation s water resources. 2. Promote and develop extensive education and public awareness programmes on the relationship between climate change and fresh water resources. Specific research and studies on these issues will also be undertaken. 3. Advise the relevant sectors of threats on their supplies of water as a result of climate change and recommend that they prepare adaptation options, including the protection and maintenance of critical watersheds, the exploitation of non-traditional water sources such as groundwater, reforestation and other measures to increase the resilience of watersheds and catchments to maximise water availability and to reduce soil erosion and sedimentation. 4. Develop and implement a long-term National Water Resource Management Plan including improved management of the water distribution system and the construction of more water production and storage facilities. Special consideration should be given to the water situation in Barbuda. Desalination and selective siting of wells are possible options. 5. Include a report on climate change related activities in the Ministry s Annual Report. 6. Provide a report of its climate change activities to the National Climate Change Committee. Education and Information The success of the Climate Change Adaptation Policy in Antigua and Barbuda depends on the provision and dissemination of information through the education and information system. The Ministries of Education and Information should: 1. Include climate change issues in the educational curricula, at all levels. 2. Prepare appropriate educational material on climate change issues to be used by their institutions at all levels. 3. Provide relevant reports on its climate change activities to the National Climate Change Committee. 12
The Ministry of Information should: 1. Develop and implement an extensive public awareness strategy on climate change for the entire country. 2. Through the media, assist relevant agencies in Antigua and Barbuda in publicizing the issues associated with climate change. 3. Provide relevant reports on its climate change activities to the National Climate Change Committee. Financial Sector The financial sector of Antigua and Barbuda will be affected by climate change and its effects in several ways, including: - Reduced capacity of major lending institutions, insurance agencies, and property owners to perform normal functions, especially the provision and maintenance of property. Increase in insurance premium rates due to increased risks (whether real or apparent). The rapid diversion of financial resources, that is already scarce, from productive investments to restorative and productive activities. In an effort to ensure appropriate approaches to adaptation in the financial sector, the Government of Antigua and Barbuda through the Ministry of Finance, encourages the financial agencies to make the following adjustments, where possible: 1. Implement appropriate fiscal and financial measures in order to achieve equitable distribution of the economic burden between stakeholders; 2. Sensitize stakeholders about the effects and implications of climate change; this could also include the identification of appropriate adaptation options that may be implemented. 3. Create appropriate mechanisms, including incentives for rewarding stakeholders who developed appropriate risk management measures and mitigation activities to address the impacts of Climate Change. Transportation and Energy The energy and transportation sector, of Antigua and Barbuda, will be influenced by climate change and related effects. Negative impacts are likely to include: Destruction and loss of infrastructure especially air and sea port facilities. Damage and loss of roads, bridges, utility poles and lines (electricity, telephone, water). The Government of Antigua and Barbuda through the Ministry of Public Utilities, Aviation, Communication and Transport, in collaboration with The Public Works Department, the Air and Sea Port Authorities and the Transport Board, will address these and other related issues through the following activities: 13
1. Undertake climate change vulnerability studies of the nations roads, bridges, air and sea- ports. This should provide information for educational and public awareness activities. 2. Prepare appropriate adaptation options to meet these threats. 3. Develop a comprehensive Transport Plan for Antigua and Barbuda. This should give serious consideration to climate change issues. 4. Include a report on climate change related activities in the Ministry s/agency s Annual Report. 5. Provide a report on its climate charge activities to the National Climate Change Committee. There are opportunities available to SIDS such as Antigua and Barbuda through the climate change negotiation process. These are specified in Article 4.2 in reference to Annex I Countries. Antigua and Barbuda should accept available opportunities and rapidly pursue these new sources of funding to meet its growing demand for new energy sources and technology transfer. The Government of Antigua and Barbuda through the Ministry of Public Utilities should: 1. Convene an Interdisciplinary Energy Committee comprised of energy producers, distributors and the major users to formulate a national energy plan and provide the Government with advice on energy. 2. Undertake climate change vulnerability studies of the energy sector. Establish renewable energy resource assessments. 3. Develop public education and awareness programmes focusing on energy supply, demand and the need for sustainable usage by all consumers. 4. Provide regular energy audits and include a report on climate change related activities in the Ministry s Annual Report. 5. Provide a report on their climate change activities to the National Climate Change Committee. ADAPTATION POLICY PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT MECHANISMS The Government of Antigua and Barbuda will ensure that the goals, objectives, principles and directives of the Climate Change Adaptation Policy are realized. This will be dependent on the following steps: 1. The National Climate Change Committee should be institutionalised to a level that will ensure that it will be fully functional to implement major aspects of the policy. 2. The National Climate Change Committee should establish a National Climate Change Center. The Center should be charged with the establishment of a national Climate Change database and information system to be used by all relevant agencies. It should also monitor and maintain a database on all climate change activities undertaken in Antigua and Barbuda. 3. Strengthening of the Meteorology Unit and NODS to work in collaboration with the National 14
Climate Change Committee in order to improve data collection, management and analysis for the implementation of the policy. 4. The establishment of an effective legal and institutional framework for: The maintenance and enhancement of the natural environment; The formation of a Coastal Zone Management Unit. The implementation of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), which should incorporate the results of climate change vulnerability studies in all developments. The development, application and enforcement of building codes, engineering standards for roads, bridges, jetties and other such structures to incorporate appropriate climate change concerns; Incorporation of Climate Change considerations into Governments budgetary process. Incorporation of Climate Change considerations into the planning and activities of major government ministries, including: Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries; Health, Education and technology, Information, Public Works and Communication, Tourism and Environment, Economic Development, Finance, Justice and Legal affairs. 5. The Coastal Zone Management Unit or the Fisheries Division should maintain the inventory of coastal zone resources initiated by the CPACC project. The Coastal Zone Management Unit/or the relevant government agencies should incorporate climate change in its integrated coastal zone management activities. 6. The Lands and Surveys Divisions within the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries should maintain an inventory of the nation s terrestrial resources including sufficiently detailed topographic and bathymetric maps to monitor land use changes and sea level rise. 7. The Development Control Authority should include available climate change vulnerability studies as a guide in land use planning especially in the implementation of the National Physical Development Plan. 8. The National Office of Disaster Management (NODS) should incorporate climate change and sea level rise into the natural disaster preparedness and response process. 9. Use of transportation, energy and water resources within Antigua and Barbuda should be monitored and regulated by interdisciplinary committees that will include climate change and sea level rise considerations in their national plans. 10. The development of mechanisms to ensure that the information generated through research and monitoring is incorporated into the decision-making process across all sectors of Antigua and Barbuda. ACCOUNTABILITY Adaptation to Climate Change is the responsibility of the entire community. Civil Society is therefore encouraged to collaborate with Government and its agencies in the development of appropriate measures for accountability. The National Climate Change Committee should be responsible for overall climate change activities within the country. Specific Ministries, departments and agencies are responsible for implementing activities in their sectors and report on these to the National Climate Change Committee. The National 15
Climate Change Centre should serve as the Secretariat of the Committee. The National Climate Change Committee should produce an Annual Climate Change Report for submission to the Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda. MONITORING AND REVIEW The National Climate Change Committee for Antigua and Barbuda will be responsible for monitoring the implementation of the National Climate Change Adaptation Policy. The committee should regularly review the Policy in order to monitor implementation success of the policy directives and provide regular progress reports to the Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda. After five years, or sooner if necessary, the Government shall review the mandate, terms of reference and composition of the National Climate Change Committee with a view to assess its success for the period under review. There should also be national consultations on the policy to determine its effectiveness in achieving its goals and objectives. A review of the policy may be necessary, following the publication of the IPCC Assessment Reports, which are produced every five years. The next Report is scheduled for 2005. CONCLUSON Climate Change is a global problem requiring worldwide solutions. However Antigua and Barbuda, as a developing country has limited resources to engage in a comprehensive Climate Change policy akin to that of the developed countries. The Climate Change Convention has created mechanisms whereby developing countries may access financial and technical assistance to mitigate the effects of Climate Change. In developing a Climate Change policy, these mechanisms ought to be borne in mind. Legislative reform, encompassing proper ratification of the treaties relevant to climate change, is essential for the success of this policy. Legislations should be enacted giving full domestic force and effect to Antigua and Barbuda s obligations with respect to climate change. In summary, it is submitted that a climate change policy should seek to adhere to the terms of the Climate Change Convention with due regard for all of the obligations assumed by Antigua and Barbuda under international law. REFERENCES The following documents and legal instruments should be used to guide the implementation of the Climate Change Adaptation Policy for Antigua and Barbuda. Antigua and Barbuda Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan Antigua and Barbuda Climate Change Issues Paper Antigua and Barbuda Country Case Studies on Climate Change Impacts/Adaptation Assessments for Agriculture, Fisheries, Coastal Zone, Health, Human Settlement and Water Resources. Antigua and Barbuda s Initial National Communication to the Conference of the Parties Antigua and Barbuda s 1994 Inventory of Sources and Sinks of Greenhouse Gases Antigua and Barbuda Fisheries Act (1984) and Fisheries Regulations (1990) 16
Antigua and Barbuda Forestry Act (1941), Forestry Regulations 1941, 1952) Antigua and Barbuda Forest & Wildlife Act Antigua and Barbuda Tropical Forestry Action Plan (TFAP, 1985) Antigua and Barbuda Land Development and Control Act (1977) Antigua and Barbuda Public Utilities Act The St. Georges Declaration of Principles for Environmental Sustainability in the OECS Program of Action for Small Islands Developing States (SIDS POA, 1994) Convention for the Protection and Development of the Marine Environment of the Wider Caribbean Region (Cartagena Convention, 1983) and its protocol concerning Specially Protected Areas and wildlife (SPAW, 1990) Convention on Biological Diversity (CDB, 1992) United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (1992) United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC, 1992) and its Kyoto Protocol 1997. Montreal Protocol on substances that deplete the Ozone Layer Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural heritage 17