St. Lucians Benefit From Coastal Management Training

Contact: John Emmanuel

Tuesday, August 14, 2001 – Some eight Saint Lucian engineers, marine biologists, planners and architects are increasing their knowledge of the management of the sea coast environment, thanks to a collaborative initiative involving the US Agency for International Development (USAID), the University of the West Indies and the US Corps of Engineers.

The group is taking part in a series of workshops being conducted throughout the Caribbean on modern costal engineering techniques. These workshops are designed to provide much needed expertise to help the region to respond more effectively to an escalating problem of coastal erosion.

“The Hurricane Lenny Recovery Programme will focus on training key personnel in the design and maintenance of coastal structures and the development of coastal integrated management plans in certain priority areas,” said Tony Payne, USAID Representative for the Caribbean.

“The training component of these programmes seeks to improve skill levels of engineers, public works personnel and other technical persons in the region. It focuses primarily on coastal engineering – best practices for the region – including the design and the maintenance of coastal structures,” he added.

Payne said a new USAID Disaster Assistance Programme for the Caribbean reflects a comprehensive plan integrating disaster resistance techniques with planning for developmental programmes.

These new programmes are expected to minimize the economic and social impacts of disasters on the lives of the region’s people.  

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