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Abstract
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.