KINGSTON, Jamaica — The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) multi country office in Jamaica is bringing together communities and experts in a demonstration of local water harvesting initiatives and their impacts on climate change, food security and community growth, at a virtual Word Water Day showcase scheduled for tomorrow at noon.

World Water Day is commemorated globally on March 22 to draw attention to the critical impacts of this natural resource on virtually every facet of life.

The UNDP said the 2021 observation will focus on “what water means to people, its true value and how we can better protect this vital resource”.

Scheduled to speak at the virtual event are: mayor of May Pen, Winston Maragh; UNDP Resident Representative Denise E Antonio; Everton Robinson of the Food and Agricultural Organization/Rural Agricultural Development Authority; Derval McLean of the Cascade Farmers Association; Eltha Brown of the United Nations/Government of Jamaica Human Security Joint Programme, and Hyacinth Douglas of UNDP’s GEF Small Grants Programme, along with other guests.

The UNDP said the event will highlight how water harvesting infrastructure is being implemented in communities, as well as success factors and impacts. It said panelists will also offer advice and resources on establishing water harvesting systems in underserved communities plagued by the effects of climate change including drought.