UNEP Cartagena Convention Secretariat participates in Joint UN Jamaica Programme to build human resilience
Addressing human insecurities requires a multi-dimensional and integrated approach that targets root causes and simultaneously enhances the resilience of the vulnerable population. The UN Jamaica team recognizes the interconnectedness and complex nature of the challenges that impact the full attainment of human securities in Jamaica. Through the “Delivering As One” approach, which emphasizes coherence and effective coordination among UN agencies, the UNEP Cartagena Convention Secretariat has joined the UN Jamaica Team in undertaking its first human security programme to promote sustainable livelihoods and enhance the quality of life of residents in Northern Clarendon and West Kingston.
Launched in 2018, the “Strengthening human resilience in Northern Clarendon and West Kingston” programme uses an integrated approach to address personal, economic, health and environmental insecurities. It aims to build organizational capacity and cohesion in targeted communities, enhance economic, food and nutrition security, improve environmental health and water security at the community, local and national levels. The programme also seeks to strengthen institutional capacity for the integration of the human security approach. In addressing the diverse human insecurities, the joint implementing team will work with national and community level partners to promote coherence, avoid duplication, and identify opportunities to share lessons and apply successful strategies. The UN team, which included the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP, lead agency), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO), United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and UN Women, is partnering with the Jamaican Government and the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme on this initiative.
It is expected that the three-year programme will directly benefit approximately 43,400 persons at the community level and about 300,000 persons indirectly. A Gender Aware Beneficiary Assessment (GABA) will be also be undertaken to provide valuable data on the gender dimensions of the procedural and operational limitations that beneficiaries experience in accessing potable water and adequate sanitation.
The outcomes of the programme will advance the implementation of Jamaica’s Vision 2030 National Development Plan (Vision 2030) and support the country’s achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The programme is financially supported by the United Trust Fund for Human Security (UN-HSTF).
What are the challenges being addressed in these communities?
Both Northern Clarendon and West Kingston are affected by similar developmental challenges, including geological susceptibility to drought, high rates of poverty and unemployment, limited alternative livelihood opportunities, limited climate change adaptation, crime and violence, as well as critical water and sanitation insecurities.
Northern Clarendon
Interventions will take place in the areas of Mocho and Crooked River in Northern Clarendon. Agriculture is the main livelihood for men and women in these areas and the region has the 2nd highest number of registered farmers in the country.
Agriculture is highly sensitive to changes in climatic conditions. This type of multidimensional insecurity impacts all aspects of life from the productivity of the sector to the unavailability of water for domestic use. In addition, water insecurity is exacerbated by limited to non-existent access to piped water due to the region’s location and terrain, and residents rely on remote river springs and rainwater harvesting. Without the means to afford pumping systems, people living above ground level have no access to piped water. The integrity of water sources, particularly the river and catchment tanks, is of utmost importance for health security as residents use them for domestic purposes and for livestock and watering crops. Inconsistent treatment of water in community catchment tanks poses a serious health risk.
Unemployment coupled with the effects of climate change and recurrent water scarcity has significantly affected economic productivity and social well-being in Northern Clarendon. Incidences of crime are low in this region and are characterized mostly by the theft of agricultural crops.
West Kingston
The West Kingston area comprises five urban communities: Denham Town, Hannah Town, Fletcher’s
Land, Central Downtown and Tivoli Gardens. Social cohesion and overall development in these communities are impacted by significant challenges such as crime and violence, which affect personal security, unemployment, illiteracy and poor infrastructure.
As in Northern Clarendon, residents in some areas of West Kingston access water from communal water sources which, if not managed efficiently, can cause public health issues as well as potential conflict around water usage. Some residents have challenges accessing piped water, which at times is only available at night.
Pollution is also a major environmental issue, as illegal dumping of garbage has led to blocked drainage systems.
How are we contributing to this project?
The UNEP Cartagena Convention Secretariat is seeking to improve environmental, health and water security within the targeted communities and at the national level in cooperation with the Pan-American Health Organization, the United Nations Development Programme, the Clarendon Development Committee, the Rural Agricultural Development Authority, and other Jamaican governmental bodies.
Our activities will strengthen local governance bodies as well as engage women and young people. It will also seek to improve and create environmental, food, health and water security structures. With dedicated funds totalling US$200,000, we will coordinate the implementation of water harvesting structures and building the capacity of residents to design, operate and maintain reuse and recycling systems.
Specific activities led by or implemented in collaboration with the UNEP Cartagena Convention Secretariat :
Activity 1.1.1: Establish and/or strengthen leadership groups in each target community ensuring the inclusion of women and youth (with UNDP)
Activity 3.2.2: Develop effective models for participatory management and operation of community-based water systems
Activity 3.2.4: Train community members on integrated water resources management
Activity 3.2.5: Compile and disseminate manuals/guidelines on integrated water resources management
Activity 3.2.9: Develop and distribute knowledge and training materials on the design, construction, maintenance and management of water harvesting systems
Activity 3.2.10: Train beneficiaries, with a focus on women, youth and persons with disabilities, and other institutional stakeholders in the design, construction, use and maintenance of water harvesting systems
Activity 3.2.11: Establish and strengthen reuse/recycling systems in communities
Activity 3.2.15: Introduce waste management techniques with focus on waste as a resource (with PAHO)
Through collaboration and partnerships, the UNEP Cartagena Convention Secretariat will work with (PAHO) to build and improve water harvesting, recycling and reuse systems and devices in households, on farms, health centres and at schools. We will also train residents, particularly women, young people and persons with disabilities, in the development of water harvesting systems to promote sustainable water resource solutions. Trained groups would be able to choose the most appropriate water solution depending on the community’s needs, environment, and resources. They would also be self-sufficient in the installation, use, and maintenance of water tanks, cisterns, filters and pipes.
We participated in consultations with residents of West Kingston to support the development of a Gender Aware Beneficiary Assessment (GABA), one of the programme’s outputs by UN Women.
For more on the Joint Human Security Programme visit the following website of the United Nations Development Programme in Jamaica: https://www.jm.undp.org/content/jamaica/en/home/projects/strengthening-human-resilience-in-northern-clarendon---west-king.html.
