SHARING EXPERIENCES IN SHARING EXPERIENCES IN DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION

OF OF CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION

MEASURESMEASURES

Lima, Peru, 22-23, January, Lima, Peru, 22-23, January, 20092009

Guyana Conservancy Adaptation ProjectGuyana Conservancy Adaptation Project

(Lionel Wordsworth)(Lionel Wordsworth)

Chief Executive Officer,Chief Executive Officer,National Drainage And Irrigation AuthorityNational Drainage And Irrigation Authority

Chairman, Chairman, East Demerara Water Conservancy BoardEast Demerara Water Conservancy Board

(Guyana)(Guyana)

AgendaAgendaCountry ProfileCountry Profile

Overview of Guyana’s Drainage and Overview of Guyana’s Drainage and Irrigation SystemIrrigation System

Climate Change and GuyanaClimate Change and Guyana

Guyana Floods in 2005Guyana Floods in 2005

Initiatives towards adaptation/mitigation of Initiatives towards adaptation/mitigation of climate change.climate change.

Conservancy Adaptation ProjectConservancy Adaptation Project

Guyana: Geographical LocationGuyana: Geographical Location

BrazilBrazil

VenezuelaVenezuela

SurinameSuriname

GUYANA GUYANA

Country ProfileCountry Profile

Land Mass:Land Mass: 83,000 Sq. Miles83,000 Sq. Miles

Population:Population: 750,000 750,000

Natural Rainforest:Natural Rainforest: 61,776 Sq. Miles 61,776 Sq. Miles

Guyana Economy is well endowed with: Guyana Economy is well endowed with:

- Fertile agriculture lands;- Fertile agriculture lands;

- Available fresh water;- Available fresh water;

- Range of diversified mineral deposits- Range of diversified mineral deposits

- Rich and exclusive economic fishery - Rich and exclusive economic fishery zonezone

OVERIEW OF GUYANA’S DRAINAGE AND IRRIGATION OVERIEW OF GUYANA’S DRAINAGE AND IRRIGATION SYSTEMSYSTEM

The D&I system has its origin during Guyana’s Dutch Colonial period The D&I system has its origin during Guyana’s Dutch Colonial period some 200 years ago an consist of an intricate network of drainage, some 200 years ago an consist of an intricate network of drainage, irrigation, sea and river defence infrastructure and this can be considered irrigation, sea and river defence infrastructure and this can be considered the primary foundation for the country’s economy. the primary foundation for the country’s economy.

Some of our main physical infrastructure along the Coast of Guyana Some of our main physical infrastructure along the Coast of Guyana includes 4 water conservancies, namely MMA, EDWC, BWC and Itirbisi includes 4 water conservancies, namely MMA, EDWC, BWC and Itirbisi and the water storage and transport system to facilitate the Skeldon and the water storage and transport system to facilitate the Skeldon Expansion Project, the Link Canal which is almost completedExpansion Project, the Link Canal which is almost completed

The drainage system comprises of 136 drainage sluices along the sea coast The drainage system comprises of 136 drainage sluices along the sea coast and our main river banks. This system allow drainage by gravity tidally, and our main river banks. This system allow drainage by gravity tidally, and are augmented with 85 drainage pumps along the costal corridor. and are augmented with 85 drainage pumps along the costal corridor.

The gravity drainage discharge window from low tide to mean tide is The gravity drainage discharge window from low tide to mean tide is shrinking due to sea level rise. shrinking due to sea level rise.

CHALLENGESCHALLENGES

The rapid rate of siltation of The rapid rate of siltation of rivers and outfall channels rivers and outfall channels results in decrease efficiency in results in decrease efficiency in gravity based drainage.gravity based drainage.

The most serious weather-The most serious weather-related challenge affecting the related challenge affecting the agriculture sector is the agriculture sector is the management of low and high management of low and high rainfall. Water is distributed to rainfall. Water is distributed to agricultural lands by a system agricultural lands by a system of drainage and irrigation of drainage and irrigation canals and therefore the proper canals and therefore the proper functioning of these systems is functioning of these systems is one of the most important one of the most important adaptation measuresadaptation measures

Drainage SluiceDrainage Sluice

Drainage Pump & SluiceDrainage Pump & Sluice

Drainage CanalDrainage Canal

Dredging EquipmentDredging Equipment(Maintenance of Outfall Channels)(Maintenance of Outfall Channels)

Maintenance of Key Drainage and Irrigation FacilitiesMaintenance of Key Drainage and Irrigation Facilities

In 2008, GOG expended 2.5 M US in maintenance of D& I In 2008, GOG expended 2.5 M US in maintenance of D& I Infrastructure.Infrastructure.

CLIMATE CHANGE AND GUYANACLIMATE CHANGE AND GUYANAGuyana’s Coastal Plain is about 1.4 metres Guyana’s Coastal Plain is about 1.4 metres below mean high tide level and approximately below mean high tide level and approximately 2.1 metres below the flood and water control 2.1 metres below the flood and water control dams inlanddams inland

The Costal Plain is bordered by natural and The Costal Plain is bordered by natural and man-made sea defences measuring 430 km man-made sea defences measuring 430 km long in the North and flood control dams and long in the North and flood control dams and dykes in the South that allows for the dykes in the South that allows for the settlement of 90% of the country's population settlement of 90% of the country's population and consists of the most fertile lands in the and consists of the most fertile lands in the countrycountry

OBSERVED CHANGES:OBSERVED CHANGES:

Sea- Level Rise :Sea- Level Rise :Guyana’s Initial National Guyana’s Initial National Communication in Response to its Communication in Response to its Commitments to the UNFCCC (2002) Commitments to the UNFCCC (2002) projected sea-level to rise by about 40 cm to projected sea-level to rise by about 40 cm to 60 cm by the end of the twenty-first century 60 cm by the end of the twenty-first century due to Global Warmingdue to Global Warming

Analysis of tide gauge records from 1951-1979 shows the trend Analysis of tide gauge records from 1951-1979 shows the trend in sea-level rise for Guyana to be in excess of 10mm/year, in sea-level rise for Guyana to be in excess of 10mm/year, which implies a net change in sea-level of 0.9 feet over the 28 yr which implies a net change in sea-level of 0.9 feet over the 28 yr periodperiod

Sea-level rise will have significant negative socio-economic and Sea-level rise will have significant negative socio-economic and bio-physical implications on Guyana if systems are not put in bio-physical implications on Guyana if systems are not put in place to adopt to itplace to adopt to it

Climate change has already resulted in significant damage to the Climate change has already resulted in significant damage to the current Sea-Defence system by eroding mangrove ecosystems current Sea-Defence system by eroding mangrove ecosystems through increased wave activities, loss of infrastructure and salt through increased wave activities, loss of infrastructure and salt water intrusion that result in abandonment of land.water intrusion that result in abandonment of land.

Temperature Rise: The records in Guyana suggest an increase by 1.0°C of the mean annual temperature within the last century (TFIR, 2005).

Changes in Rainfall Patterns: Prior to 1960, annual rainfall amounts were generally above or about normal. From 1960 and onwards, there has been a tendency for below normal rainfall and an increase frequency of short duration above normal rainfall (TFIR, 2005).

GUYANA’S FLOODS IN 2005GUYANA’S FLOODS IN 2005

From the 14th to 22nd of January 2005, the coastal regions of From the 14th to 22nd of January 2005, the coastal regions of Guyana received some 1108.2 mm or 43.6 inches of rain. The Guyana received some 1108.2 mm or 43.6 inches of rain. The heaviest rainfall record since 1888 and resulted in the country's heaviest rainfall record since 1888 and resulted in the country's worst flooding. worst flooding.

Most of the rainfall occurred over the Coastal Plain in Guyana and Most of the rainfall occurred over the Coastal Plain in Guyana and the Water Conservancies, EDWC and BWC. the Water Conservancies, EDWC and BWC.

These areas are considered the most important natural regions in These areas are considered the most important natural regions in the country since 90 % of the population, as well as economic and the country since 90 % of the population, as well as economic and administrative activities are concentrated.administrative activities are concentrated.

The torrential rains and subsequent flooding resulted in severe The torrential rains and subsequent flooding resulted in severe physical damage and economic loss to the country. Extensive physical damage and economic loss to the country. Extensive flooding lasted from 1 to over 3 weeks in some areas in the flooding lasted from 1 to over 3 weeks in some areas in the administrative Regions 3, 4 and 5 including the capital city, administrative Regions 3, 4 and 5 including the capital city, Georgetown, where over 62% (463,300) of the nation’s population Georgetown, where over 62% (463,300) of the nation’s population residereside

The magnitude of the damage caused by the floods is estimated The magnitude of the damage caused by the floods is estimated to be equivalent to G$92.2 billion or 59% of current GDP for the to be equivalent to G$92.2 billion or 59% of current GDP for the year 2004. The agriculture sector was the hardest hit with severe year 2004. The agriculture sector was the hardest hit with severe damage to the two principle crops, Rice and Sugar.damage to the two principle crops, Rice and Sugar.

This event resulted in loss of 34 lives, disease outbreak, loss of This event resulted in loss of 34 lives, disease outbreak, loss of crops, livestock, population displacement and infrastructural crops, livestock, population displacement and infrastructural damage.damage.

Flood condition in Mon ReposFlood condition in Mon Repos Flood condition in Mahaicony CreekFlood condition in Mahaicony Creek Flood condition in Good HopeFlood condition in Good Hope

Flood Hit Regions, 2005Flood Hit Regions, 2005

Georgetown, Region No. 4Georgetown, Region No. 4

Mahaica, Region No. 4Mahaica, Region No. 4

Mahaicony, Region No. 5Mahaicony, Region No. 5

Failure of the EDWC dams in January 2005 did not occur. Failure of the EDWC dams in January 2005 did not occur. However significant overtopping did occur, thus compounding However significant overtopping did occur, thus compounding the flood situation . Comparison of flood levels with a crest the flood situation . Comparison of flood levels with a crest level survey undertaken by the GLSC in 2005 suggests that 10 level survey undertaken by the GLSC in 2005 suggests that 10

% of the length of the dam was overtopped [TFIR, 2005].% of the length of the dam was overtopped [TFIR, 2005].

Initiatives towards Adaptation/Mitigation of Climate ChangeInitiatives towards Adaptation/Mitigation of Climate Changein D&I Sectorin D&I Sector

Conservancy Adaptation ProjectConservancy Adaptation Project

Institutional Measures; Maintenance of D&I SystemInstitutional Measures; Maintenance of D&I System

Introduction of more Mechanical Means of Drainage Introduction of more Mechanical Means of Drainage (GDRP)(GDRP)

New Dredging TechnologyNew Dredging Technology

Rip Rap Designs (Flexible Wall), 9Rip Rap Designs (Flexible Wall), 9thth European European Development Fund Development Fund

Improved Design of D&I Infrastructures (Relevant Data)Improved Design of D&I Infrastructures (Relevant Data)

Construction CriteriaConstruction Criteria

East Demerara Water Conservancy East Demerara Water Conservancy

Background of the EDWC:Background of the EDWC: The EDWC was constructed over The EDWC was constructed over 150 years ago by damming the Lama and Maduni creeks, a 150 years ago by damming the Lama and Maduni creeks, a number of water courses and tributaries.number of water courses and tributaries.

The EDWC functions as a flood control structure during the The EDWC functions as a flood control structure during the rainy periods and simultaneously store water for irrigation in rainy periods and simultaneously store water for irrigation in the dry season.the dry season.

Raw water is also tapped from the EDWC, treated and supply Raw water is also tapped from the EDWC, treated and supply the city with potable water.the city with potable water.

Data on EDWC: Data on EDWC:

Surface Area:Surface Area: 130 sq.miles130 sq.miles

Catchment Area:Catchment Area: 200 sq.miles200 sq.miles

Length of Perimeter Dam:Length of Perimeter Dam: 45 Miles45 Miles

Full Storage Level:Full Storage Level: 57.5 GD57.5 GD

Dead Storage Level:Dead Storage Level: 53.5 GD53.5 GD

Relief Structures:Relief Structures:

Lama Relief Sluices: Lama Relief Sluices: Discharge into Mahaica CreekDischarge into Mahaica Creek

Maduni Relief Sluice:Maduni Relief Sluice: Discharge into Maduni CreekDischarge into Maduni Creek

Land of Canan Sluices:Land of Canan Sluices: Discharge into Demerara Discharge into Demerara RiverRiver

Cunia Relief Sluice:Cunia Relief Sluice: Discharge into Demerara Discharge into Demerara RiverRiver

Friendship (Kofi) Sluice:Friendship (Kofi) Sluice: Discharge into Demerara Discharge into Demerara RiverRiver

Areas Provided with WaterAreas Provided with Water

Sugar Cane:Sugar Cane: 13,000 hectares13,000 hectares

Rice:Rice: 2,500 hectares2,500 hectares

Vegetables:Vegetables: 500 hectares500 hectares

Orchards/Coconuts:Orchards/Coconuts: 2,000 hectares2,000 hectares

Water Management and EDWCWater Management and EDWC

GRAPH SHOWING DECEMBER TO JANUARY RAINFALL & WATER LEVELS IN THE EDWC FOR THE YEARS 2005 - 2009

46.00

48.00

50.00

52.00

54.00

56.00

58.00

60.00

ELE

VA

TIO

N (G

D)

0.010.020.030.040.050.060.070.080.090.0

RA

INFA

LL (m

m)

Dec 2006/Jan 2007 Rainfall Dec 2005/Jan 2006Rainfall Dec 2007/Jan 2008 RainfallDec 2008/Jan 2009 Rainfall Dec 2006/Jan 2007 WL Dec 2005/Jan 2006 WLDec 2007/Jan 2008 WL Dec 2008/Jan 2009 WL Avg. Dam Level38.1 mm Rainfall

Conservancy Adaptation Project: EDWCConservancy Adaptation Project: EDWC

Project Objective:Project Objective: To reduce vulnerability of catastrophic To reduce vulnerability of catastrophic flooding in low-lying costal areas by developing technical flooding in low-lying costal areas by developing technical master plan for future investment in improving and master plan for future investment in improving and upgrading the drainage system.upgrading the drainage system.

Deliverables (Medium & Long Term):Deliverables (Medium & Long Term): a) Development of a Hydraulic engineering foundation for flood a) Development of a Hydraulic engineering foundation for flood control and water management.control and water management.

b) Recommendation on 10 key drainage projects/regime aimed b) Recommendation on 10 key drainage projects/regime aimed at improving or upgrading the drainage system.at improving or upgrading the drainage system.

c) Improved discharge capacity of the EDWC by 30%-35%.c) Improved discharge capacity of the EDWC by 30%-35%.

d) Strengthening of the GOG institutional capacity in flood d) Strengthening of the GOG institutional capacity in flood control and water management.control and water management.

Project Components:Project Components:

Component 1-Component 1- Pre-investment studies for engineering Pre-investment studies for engineering design of works ( US 2.1 m, GEF).design of works ( US 2.1 m, GEF).

Objective;Objective; Develop the hydrologic baseline, detailed elevation Develop the hydrologic baseline, detailed elevation model, mapping of the local water shed characteristics and drainage model, mapping of the local water shed characteristics and drainage regimes for future engineering interventions will be achieved regimes for future engineering interventions will be achieved through:through:

- Detailed topographic and land use mapping- Detailed topographic and land use mapping

- Hydrologic/hydraulic modeling of EDWC and costal lowlands- Hydrologic/hydraulic modeling of EDWC and costal lowlands

- - Assessment of EDWC structural integrityAssessment of EDWC structural integrity

- Operational Capacity building within the GOG agencies- Operational Capacity building within the GOG agencies

- Pre-feasibility studies for costal lowlands interventions- Pre-feasibility studies for costal lowlands interventions

Component 2-Component 2- Investments in specific adaptation Investments in specific adaptation measures ( US 2.9 m, US1.7 GEF, US1.2 m from GoG).measures ( US 2.9 m, US1.7 GEF, US1.2 m from GoG).

Objective;Objective; Improve the overall discharging capacity of Improve the overall discharging capacity of the EDWC during rainfall and to counteract the effects of the EDWC during rainfall and to counteract the effects of sea level rise:sea level rise:

- 2.1 Widening of key drainage relief canals- 2.1 Widening of key drainage relief canals

- 2.2 Improvement of Water flow system within EDWC- 2.2 Improvement of Water flow system within EDWC

- 2.3 - 2.3 Upgrading of Water control StructuresUpgrading of Water control Structures

- 2.4 Selected equipment purchase and installation- 2.4 Selected equipment purchase and installation

Lma SluiceLma Sluice

Land of Canaan SluiceLand of Canaan Sluice Maduni SluiceMaduni Sluice

Strengthen of embankmentStrengthen of embankment

Component 3-Component 3- Institutional Strengthening and Project Institutional Strengthening and Project Management ( US 0.1 m, GEF,).Management ( US 0.1 m, GEF,).

Objective;Objective; Strengthen the institutional framework of the Strengthen the institutional framework of the national emergency management sector, Civil Defense national emergency management sector, Civil Defense Commission:Commission:

- 3.1 Contingency plan for flood events- 3.1 Contingency plan for flood events

- 3.2 Consolidation of flood control actors- 3.2 Consolidation of flood control actors

- 3.3 - 3.3 Monitoring and evaluation of project progressMonitoring and evaluation of project progress

- 3.4 Project management- 3.4 Project management

Expected Impact: Components 1& 3Expected Impact: Components 1& 3

The development of engineering data and models, will result in the The development of engineering data and models, will result in the preparation of future works & bidding packages for future execution preparation of future works & bidding packages for future execution through the GOG and Donor Agencies.through the GOG and Donor Agencies.

Improving the government’s ability to protect over 75% of population Improving the government’s ability to protect over 75% of population in Guyana and its capital from flooding associated with drainage in Guyana and its capital from flooding associated with drainage system and failure of the EDWC dam.system and failure of the EDWC dam.

Development of an engineering tool to be used as a foundation for Development of an engineering tool to be used as a foundation for determining the environmental impacts of follow-on interventions.determining the environmental impacts of follow-on interventions.

Expected Impact: Component 2Expected Impact: Component 2

Investment in Investment in specificspecific adaptation measures; rehabilitation of relief adaptation measures; rehabilitation of relief drainage structures.drainage structures.

Increasing the discharging capacity (30-35%) by rehabilitating the Increasing the discharging capacity (30-35%) by rehabilitating the Cunha relief channel and associated structures, less need to Cunha relief channel and associated structures, less need to operate the eastern reliefs.operate the eastern reliefs.

Lessons learned and reflected in Project DesignLessons learned and reflected in Project Design

Loss of Information: Analytical output of CAP will be Loss of Information: Analytical output of CAP will be distributed to GOG agencies who will be trained in data distributed to GOG agencies who will be trained in data management and analysis.management and analysis.

Implementation delays at procurement stage: Due to re-Implementation delays at procurement stage: Due to re-biding, high bid cost, too big contract package, etc. biding, high bid cost, too big contract package, etc. Tenders under this project is divided in 3 package.Tenders under this project is divided in 3 package.

Lack of expert firms to undertake specific service: Lack of expert firms to undertake specific service: Tender criteria developed to attract both local and Tender criteria developed to attract both local and international expert firms.international expert firms.

Conclusion:Conclusion:

The effects of climate change will only get worst in the The effects of climate change will only get worst in the years ahead especially in small developing countries years ahead especially in small developing countries such as Guyana. Therefore, it remains a priority to such as Guyana. Therefore, it remains a priority to intensify our efforts in adaptation/mitigation measures by intensify our efforts in adaptation/mitigation measures by working with our Caribbean and international partners. In working with our Caribbean and international partners. In this regard, the development and implementation of CAP this regard, the development and implementation of CAP will seek to upgrade the functioning of the EDWC and will seek to upgrade the functioning of the EDWC and recommend mitigation projects for implementation in recommend mitigation projects for implementation in highly vulnerable low costal region in Guyana to highly vulnerable low costal region in Guyana to safeguard some 300,000 acres of agricultural land.safeguard some 300,000 acres of agricultural land.

Thank youThank you..

HopeHope(07/01/09)(07/01/09)