Intro to the AARP

The Adopt A River Programme

In 2012 the Water Resources Agency (WRA) of the Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) began implementation of the Adopt A River Programme (AARP) to bring awareness of local watershed issues and to facilitate the participation of public and private sector entities in sustainable and holistic projects to improve the status of rivers and watersheds in Trinidad and Tobago.  In 2015, the Programme received grant funding from the Green Fund for execution of the Programme.

The specific objectives of the AARP are:

1. Identify critical watersheds in need of improved water supply and/or management
2. Identify watershed degradation issues, including unplanned housing/squatting and slash-and-burn agriculture, and communicate these issues to relevant Government Agencies to be addressed
3. Engage stakeholders at the national and community levels to identify water related projects
4. Prepare a compendium of water-related projects across watersheds
5. Collaborate with other Government Agencies and community groups to implement projects to alleviate watershed degradation issues for lasting success
6. Facilitate partnerships with the business community and NGOs in the implementation of identified projects
7. Educate citizens on water pollution and mitigation measures
8. Foster a culture change towards greater appreciation of the environment
9. Promote a culture of volunteerism for the national good
10. Empower water users to protect the resource and participate in its management
11. Train trainers to promote community water resources management
12. Partner with existing programs and water resources initiatives by other Organisations/Agencies.

Asa Wright  (Heights of Aripo tributary)