Caribbean Ministers responsible for Water and Wastewater have adopted the Water Declaration of Grand Anse 2026, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening water security, improving wastewater management, and enhancing climate resilience throughout the Caribbean region.
The declaration was adopted at the 22nd High-Level Forum for Caribbean Ministers Responsible for Water and Wastewater, held during the 35th Annual Caribbean Water and Wastewater Association (CWWA) Conference and Exhibition in Grand Anse, Grenada.
During the session, Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell underscored the critical importance of water security to the future of the Caribbean, emphasising that water must be viewed through a holistic lens as a fundamental pillar of public health, economic growth, food production, environmental protection, and climate resilience.
Highlighting the growing impacts of climate change on water resources, the prime minister also stressed the importance of forestation, watershed protection, and strategic investments in water infrastructure to secure sustainable supplies for future generations.
“We take water for granted, yet it is at the heart of everything we do,” the prime minister noted, adding that food security cannot be achieved without water security.
Under the theme From Declaration to Delivery, ministers pledged to move beyond policy commitments and accelerate coordinated action and measurable results to address the growing challenges facing Caribbean water resources, including climate change, drought, flooding, saline intrusion, ageing infrastructure, and increasing demand for water services.
Key Commitments
The declaration includes commitments to:
- Implement the Regional Strategic Action Plan for the Water Sector in the Caribbean (RSAP-2026)
- Strengthen climate-resilient water and wastewater infrastructure
- Improve drought preparedness, flood management and early warning systems
- Expand access to safe drinking water, sanitation and wastewater services
- Establish a Caribbean Water Investment Pipeline to advance priority projects
- Strengthen disaster preparedness and financial resilience within utilities
- Improve water governance and regulatory frameworks
- Accelerate non-revenue water reduction initiatives
- Advance digital transformation and innovation in the water sector
- Promote greater regional cooperation through a unified Caribbean approach to water security
“The Water Declaration of Grand Anse 2026 marks a significant step forward in our collective efforts to secure a resilient and sustainable water future for the Caribbean. Through strengthened partnerships, strategic investment, and coordinated action, we are committed to transforming our shared vision into measurable outcomes that benefit all Caribbean people.” Honourable Dickon Mitchell, Prime Minister and Minister for Public Utilities.
Regional Call to Action
Ministers also called upon regional and international development partners to increase support for project preparation, climate financing, technical assistance, capacity-building, and investment in critical water and wastewater infrastructure, particularly in Small Island Developing States.
The declaration further supports the presentation of Caribbean water priorities to regional and international forums, including the 2026 United Nations Water Conference and the 2027 Second Islands Water Congress.
About the Water Declaration
The Water Declaration of Grand Anse 2026 builds upon previous regional commitments made through the Georgetown (2023), Port of Spain (2024), and San Pedro (2025) Water Declarations and establishes a framework for advancing implementation, accountability, and sustainable development across the Caribbean water sector.
Prime Minister’s Office
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