Environmental research

(No co-financing required for concept) The Cockpit country is Jamaica s last remaining wilderness area with 50,000 acres of forest reserve, and large tracks of crown lands and private land holdings. The area experiences on average 250-380cm of rainfall annually (Windsor Research Centre), which recharges and supplies the main river systems. The heavy rainfall season of April - May and September - October account for 47% of the total annual rainfall. Climate change impacts in Jamaica and the Caribbean as a whole will lead to increasing climate variability, and stronger storms and cyclones against a backdrop of overall declines in rainfall (IPCC AR4). In the Cockpit country, this will lead to increase will lead to increased risk of flooding, which in turn will increase erosion risks and threaten lives and croplands. Stronger floods will destroy crop production in close proximity to fresh water systems, increase erosion, and will lead to increased contamination due to the larger uptake of agricultural chemicals and pollutants by higher flow levels. The Martha Brae watershed which falls within Cockpit Country encompasses several residential communities which are affected by flooding and are eager to abate the impact of increased seasonal streamflows in light of the ongoing and developing climate change impacts. Although the communities have seen some effect and benefit from the environmental projects in soil conservation, these benefits and their livelihoods and are still at risk from the effects of climate change. The objective of this project is to stabilize and reinforce river bank slopes to protect against the loss of agricultural lands from the threat of climate change-driven increases in flood risk, due to stronger hurricanes and higher-intensity rainfall. Outcomes Community members, crops, and soil resources increasingly resilient against flooding and erosion, which is expected to increase in the context of climate change. Outputs Reinforce points prone to erosion with natural stone barriers and topsoil coverage planted with indigenous plant species to protect against soil and bank erosion. Process is known as Bioengineered bank treatments Establish step drains in seasonal flow streams to prevent erosion and slow the rate at which water flows downstream. Sensitization of residents on the effects and methods of flooding/erosion abatement to respond to climate change impacts

Jamaica