The Barbados Coastal Risk Assessment and Management Program (CRMP) was a comprehensive island-wide investigation to quantify coastal risks, identify vulnerability ecosystems and infrastructure, and to develop mitigation strategies to increase the island’s resilience to climate change and coastal hazards.

Services Provided

The CRMP study involved the development of the most comprehensive coastal risk management database and predictive tools to date in the Caribbean. The CRMP was divided into eight technical studies:

• Coastal LIDAR Study
• Nearshore Wave Study
• Circulation, Water Quality and Sedimentation Study
• Sediment Transport Study
• Shoreline Change Study
• Geotechnical Surveys and Investigations
• Waterfront Improvements – St. Lawrence Gap to Rockley Beach
• Ecosystem Based Adaptation Pilot Project

Six of these studies were focused on developing background information to better understand the coastal environment and the severity of the hazards that could impact the country in the future. The final two studies were pilot projects that involved design and implementation of climate change- resilient coastal works. These included the design of a waterfront walkway spanning almost 2km, including headlands and beach fill, and a pilot project to develop coral nurseries to support fringing reef restoration for shoreline protection.