A new report highlights the growing infrastructure needs that the Small Island Developing State faces from climate change and economic growth.
Produced by UNOPS and the University of Oxford-led Infrastructure Transitions Research Consortium, in partnership with the government of Saint Lucia, the report uses an evidence-based approach to anticipate the island’s future infrastructure requirements.
“UNOPS works hard to help people build better lives and countries achieve peace and sustainable development. As part of that, we support countries in making decisions that ensure sustainable development,” said Grete Faremo – UNOPS Executive Director.
Saint Lucia’s infrastructure is the backbone of the country’s economy. As the country seeks to grow its tourism and agriculture sectors, the demand on its infrastructure is likely to increase. But the effects of climate change – including rising sea levels and extreme weather events – also heavily impact infrastructure on the island nation.
Integrating both sustainability and resilience into future infrastructure planning in Saint Lucia will be crucial for the country to meet its growing infrastructure needs while also improving social, economic, and environmental conditions.
The report uses extensive data collection and analysis to estimate Saint Lucia’s future needs for energy, water, wastewater, and solid waste services. Recommendations are then provided for meeting those needs – while also aligning national development priorities with international development commitments, including the Paris Agreement on Climate Change and the Sustainable Development Goals.
The report also assesses social, economic, and environmental risks posed by climate change, across 24 sectors, to help the government prioritize adaptation measures and support infrastructure decision-making that will ensure long-term sustainable and resilient development.
Read the report: Saint Lucia: National Infrastructure Assessment
Original source: UNOPS
