Regulatory framework
An Act to improve the conservation, control, distribution and use of the water resources of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and for purposes related thereto.
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Directs the NIA, in collaboration with the CWSA, to investigate the water resources of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and advise the Minister on matters related to the improvement or expansion of existing irrigation systems and the creation of new irrigation systems.
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It charges the Director of Forestry with the protection and preservation of water resources in forest reserves, cooperative forests, conservation areas and along streams and rivers in cooperation with the CWSA and Saint Vincent Electricity Services.
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It defines the functions of the Department of Public Health, which include "promoting public health and the prevention, limitation and suppression of communicable or preventable diseases in Saint Vincent."
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In addition, it emphasizes pollution control. It is the responsibility of the Minister to regulate, monitor and control actual and probable contamination or pollution of the environment from any source.
Law establishing provisions for the conservation, management and proper use of forests and watersheds, the declaration of forest reserves, cooperative forests and conservation areas, the prevention and control of forest fires; and for matters related to said purposes.
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Institutional Framework
It is a statutory body under the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Environment, empowered by Law No. 17 of 1991 to "investigate the water resources of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and advise the Minister in relation to the improvement, preservation, conservation, utilization and distribution of said resources". The law also indicates that the Authority will control the use of the resource for all other applications, including irrigation, industrial and commercial agriculture. The CWSA is responsible for the production and distribution of tap water in Saint Vincent and currently supplies 95% of its population.
Ensure food security, rural development and contribute to increased employment, real income and foreign exchange through programs that promote an enabling business environment for farmers, fishermen, forest users and other stakeholders, while ensuring the effective use and sustainability of natural resources. It has a Soil and Water Conservation Unit.
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Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is located on the Windward Islands, just north of Venezuela and the twin republic of Trinidad and Tobago. The entire nation has an area of 389 km², of which 345 km² on the main island of San Vicente. Approximately oval shaped, the main island, San Vicente, is located north of the archipelago. Has approximately 29 km long and 18 km wide at both ends. Its capital is Kingstown, located in a large protected harbour to the southwest of the island. The Grenadines comprise some 32 islands and islets, the largest of which are Bequia, Mustique, Canouan, Mayreau, Union Island, Palm Island and Petit St. Vincent.
St. Vincent and the Grenadines
FAO
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The total population of the State is about 109,000 (2012 Census Report). The total population of the Grenadines is estimated at 10,000 inhabitants distributed among Bequia,Mustique, Canouan, Mayreau, Union Island and Petit St. Vincent. The predominant uses of water are related to the domestic and commercial sector, irrigation and hydroelectricity production. Due to the lack of reliable data, it is difficult to quantify the exact percentage of water currently used for these uses. This demand for water can be expected to increase considerably in the coming years due to the expected development in the tourism and agricultural sectors.