Building Climate Resilient Economies through private sector engagement

Grenada, a picturesque Caribbean nation with a population of 124,000 grapples with formidable challenges in ensuring water security for sustained economic growth. The interplay of water-intensive sectors like tourism and agriculture, compounded by climate change impacts and aging infrastructure, underscores the urgent need for a holistic approach to water resources management. 

In response to these challenges, the Climate Resilient Water Sector in Grenada (G-CREWS) strives to bolster water security through integrated water resources management. A pivotal aspect of this initiative involves cultivating climate-resilient water users within key industries, accomplished through an integrated awareness campaign and the fostering of role models.

Challenge Fund for Tourism and Agriculture

The Grenada Development Bank spearheads the implementation of the Challenge Funds for Agriculture and Tourism under the G-CREWS project. In the Tourism Sector, four hotels have already benefited, implementing water-saving devices and rainwater harvesting systems, experiencing both financial and operational gains. The Challenge Fund for Tourism provides two financing options, allowing hotel owners to receive up to 80% of bathroom retrofitting costs and 80% maximum grant for rainwater harvesting system construction.

Success Stories from the Tourism Sector

Four pioneering hotels—The Calabash, The Rainbow Inn, The Point Salines Hotel, and True-Blue Bay Resort—share their transformative experiences in the linked video, which document these hotels successes. The video will be widely promoted to other actors of the hospitality sector in Grenada to encourage a broader adoption of water efficient practices in the industry.

These establishments, ranging from award-winning boutique hotels to family-focused resorts, detail their challenges pre-installation, including high operational costs, water shortages, and unmanaged leaks. Adele Garbutt, the general manager of The Calabash received a Water Champion Award as her hotel was the first to capitalize on the opportunity of the Challenge Fund. Post-implementation, The Calabash reports a 30% reduction in water usage. 

Point Salines Hotel attests to increased water availability during dry seasons, True Blue Bay Resort emphasizes a shift toward water recycling, and The Rainbow Inn aims to inspire sustainable hotel operations nationwide.