Hydrology and public health: linking human leptospirosis and local hydrological dynamics in Trinidad, West Indies

Abstract Background Human leptospirosis is currently one of the most widespread bacterial zoonoses and is the only epidemic-prone infection that can be transmitted directly from contaminated water. Transmission in humans is caused by direct or indirect contact with contaminated water, soil or infected urine, blood or tissue of carrier animals. Initial symptoms are similar with those suffered during influenza, dengue or viral hepatitis. As the disease progresses, internal organs can be compromised causing severe hemorrhages, organ failure and, potentially, death. Human leptospirosis is a growing global public health problem although, in endemic areas, it is considered a neglected disease. Hydrological factors, including rainfall and floods, have been frequently related to human leptospirosis. In the Caribbean, leptospirosis is endemic and it is a disease under surveillance. Based on confirmed cases, in Trinidad &amp; Tobago the average annual incidence of human leptospirosis ranges between 1.78 to 1.84 cases per 100,000 population. Methods In this paper, we used Geographical Information System (GIS) analysis and Geographically Weighted Poisson Regression (GWPR) for the development of ecological models, to assess the spatial variability in the relationships between local hydrological factors and human leptospirosis occurrence at the community level on the island of Trinidad. Five explanatory covariates were developed for the analysis: rainfall, river drainage density, proportion of soil with free drainage, proportion of soil with imperfect/impeded drainage, and a topographic wetness index. Results The GWPR model presented an improvement (AICc = 392.46; deviance = 583.36) over the Global regression model (AICc = 595.52; deviance = 381.78), indicating spatial variability in the relationship of human leptospirosis and hydrological factors. Pseudo t-values of rainfall, imperfect/impeded drainage soil and the topographic wetness index showed high values (|t| &gt;1.96) indicating that local relationships with leptospirosis occurrence may be significant. Conclusion Results suggest that rainfall, imperfect/impeded drainage soil and topographic wetness index influence the local dynamics of human leptospirosis. </jats:sec

Soil Friction Angle as an Instability Factor in Landslide Susceptibility Modeling

Abstract Landslide susceptibility mapping and modeling is critical in the understanding and consequent management of land resources. A study was conducted to ascertain the effect of an intrinsic soil property on landslide susceptibility mapping. Soil friction angle was added as instability factor in the form of PFAS (Peak friction angle -Slope) and RFAS (Residual friction angle -slope). These novel parameters replaced two traditional parameter; lithology and slope. Results indicated that PFAS and RFAS were significant additions and increased the predictive capabilities of the model

Advancing geospatial information management for disaster risk management in the Caribbean

The Caribbean is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, extreme weather events and other natural hazards. The subregion is also exposed to anthropogenic hazards, including petroleum and other industrial chemical spills, fires, and soil, air and water pollution. These hazards can result in loss of life and other health impacts, damage to infrastructure, social and economic disruptions and ecological degradation. To significantly reduce the negative effects of these hazards, it is important that key stakeholders, including national disaster management agencies, development partners, and the private sector, particularly insurance companies be integrally engaged in the shaping of comprehensive disaster risk management (DRM) strategies and plans. The success of DRM will depend on the effective management of relevant information and data. Geospatial Information Management (GIM) has enabled more timely, data-driven, informed DRM decision-making. This research provides an introduction to the status and use of GIM in support of DRM in the Caribbean region. The data and information obtained from on-line surveys and desk studies indicated that the Caribbean countries are at varying stages of progress towards the integration of GIM in DRM. Policy setting, legislation, education, capacity building, technological investment and institutional strengthening driving geospatial data management are priority areas identified for further advancing this progress. The study offers recommendations towards further strengthening the use of GIM in DRM both nationally and at the level of the Caribbean region.Abstract .-- Introduction .-- I. Methodology .-- II. Geospatial Information Management and Disaster Risk Management .-- III. Geospatial Information Management for Disaster Risk Management in the Caribbean .-- IV. Recommendations for advancing geospatial information management for disaster risk management

TOWARDS A G1S-BASED CARIBBEAN LAND AND WATER RESOURCES INFORMATION SYSTEM

The management of land and water resources in the Caribbean is a major challenge due to their relatively fixed quantity and smallness, limited and decreasing quality, increasing demand, aversion to natural and human degradation and exogenous influences. For effective and efficient management of these resources, there is need for current and accurate information on the extent and status of these resources. The use of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing are seen as enabling technologies to combat the deficiency in the land and water resources information. The chapter presents examples on the use of GIS in land resources inventory and in evaluation of the carrying capacity of land resources. A Caribbean Land and Water Resources Information System (CLAWRIS) is being proposed that allows for the integration and dissemination of land and water resources data. The chapter underscores the need to develop a strategic development programme that would ensure effective and efficient development of CLAWRIS

Land and water resources management in the Caribbean

Proceedings of the first Annual Technical Meeting of CLAWRENET held in Barbados, October 2000. Highlights various aspects of natural resources management in the region and proposes a planning framework for sustainable land and water use in SIDS