Island Communities

Pacific and Caribbean Island Water Resources

Island communities across the globe face challenges unique to their geography and physical setting. Their ecosystems are diverse and rich but also can be fragile. Exposure to the ocean and dramatic weather patterns elevates the need for advanced disaster preparations. Their local cultures are truly unique to their location, often emerging from complicated histories of colonization and economic extraction. HW has worked in these settings for decades, coming to understand the environmental, socio-political, and economic forces that shape local needs in ways that are different from the mainland. We have been fortunate to collaborate with islanders around the globe on tackling issues like stormwater management, watershed health, infrastructure, regulatory reform, and recreation.

Federal Partners:

NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program and Restoration Center • USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service • US Department of the Interior • US Environmental Protection Agency • National Fish and Wildlife Foundation

State & Territorial Agencies:

American Samoa Coral Reef Advisory Group • CNMI Bureau of Environmental and Coastal Quality • CNMI Office of Grants Management • Guam Coastal Management Program • Guam EPA • Hawaii Department of Health • Hawaii Water Agency Response Network • Palau Environmental Quality Protection Board • VI Department of Planning & Natural Resources • VI Department of Sports, Parks, and Recreation • BVI Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour

Other Organizations:

Association of Reef Keepers • Birds Caribbean • Coral Bay Community Council • Geographic Consulting • Guam Contractors Association • Hirschman Water and Environment • Hui’ o Ko’olaupoko • Island Green Building Association • KOA Consulting • Pacific Coastal Research & Planning • Protectores de Cuenca • St. Croix Environmental Association • The Mustique Company • The Nature Conservancy • Virgin Islands Conservation Society • West Maui Ridges2Reef

Areas of Expertise

Our tropics team brings specialized knowledge across a broad range of project types, with particular depth in ...

Watershed Resilience
Our watershed plans include rigorous evaluation of existing water quality data, current impairment conditions, and monitoring needs to identify pollutant sources and guide restoration efforts. Assessments draw on desktop GIS analysis, review of relevant studies, hydrologic modeling, and field reconnaissance.
Green Infrastructure
We have developed a GSI guide to help on-island stormwater managers implement better stormwater management. This guide is not regulatory but is intended to inspire our island stormwater champions to embrace and implement GSI.
Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Program (another name)?
MA Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) programs provides communities with support to plan and implement climate change resiliency projects.
Community Planning and Inclusion
Our approach begins with a comprehensive inventory of existing conditions that serves as the foundation for both analysis and public education. Our engagement process is then used to articulate a community’s values and priorities — which eventually structure the plan and implementation.
Emergency Response
We provide risk and resilience assessments as well as emergency preparedness and response services to help local communities be resilient and responsive during emergencies.
Adaptation Planning
Adaption planning is the ongoing process of preparing for, managing, and adjusting to the real or expected impacts of climate change. We work with local partners to consider each unique island environment and priorities.
Wastewater Management
Wastewater management is a critical component of land use planning, water resources, drinking water quality protection, and watershed protection. Sustainable management of wastewater requires an in-depth understanding of environmental resources, treatment technologies, hydraulic impacts, and opportunities for re-use.
Training and Public Engagement
We lead numerous outreach activities including hands-on workshops in the islands to teach attendees how to build rain gardens and to perform GSI maintenance. We have developed numerous programs and guides with local partners.