Castries, Saint Lucia, April 7, 2025 – Partners of the Caribbean Cooperation for Wastewater Treatment Inspired by Natural Heritage (CARIBSAN) met virtually on April 1, 2025 to officially launch Phase 2 of the project, marking a bold step toward innovative, sustainable wastewater treatment. This groundbreaking initiative serves as a vehicle for eco-conscious development across the Caribbean, supporting the sustainable development goals of beneficiary countries Dominica, Cuba and Saint Lucia.
Among the key partners in the initiative is Caribbean Water and Wastewater Association (CAWASA) Executive Director Ignetius Jean, who will oversee the project’s progress as a check-consultant. Supported by strong regional cooperation and leadership from the Water and Sewerage Company Inc. (WASCO), this phase will see the establishment of Saint Lucia’s first full-scale constructed wetland for wastewater treatment in Black Bay, Vieux Fort. As the first of its kind in the country and the wider OECS, the pilot site, targeted to be completed within a two-year construction period, will serve as a blueprint for expanding this technology across the island.
The CARIBSAN project, led regionally by IOWater, is funded by the European Union through the Interreg Caraïbes programme, co-financed by the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and supported by the Water Offices of Martinique and Guadeloupe. Building on the success of Phase 1, CARIBSAN Phase 2 introduces the implementation of constructed wetlands—a nature-based system that uses specially selected heliconia plants to treat wastewater. This wetland technology has already proven effective in Martinique and Guadeloupe, especially in tropical coastal areas facing increased pressures from tourism and climate change. In addition to treating wastewater, it offers key environmental benefits such as reducing coastal pollution and protecting biodiversity.
With WASCO overseeing the development and long-term management of the Black Bay site, Saint Lucia is positioning itself as a regional leader in sustainable sanitation. CARIBSAN Phase 2 represents not just a technical innovation, but a shared regional commitment to environmental stewardship.
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