National Physical Sustainable Development Plan, Turks and Caicos Islands
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Project Objective

Geosyntec provided technical assistance in coastal and marine engineering and coastal resiliency to create a 10-Year National Physical Sustainable Development Plan for the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI). TCI comprises more than 40 cays and islands, each with its own characteristics. Six primary islands of study included Providenciales, North Caicos, Middle Caicos, South Caicos, Grand Turk, and Salt Cay.

Scope of Services

Geosyntec conducted an extensive literature review of government documents, regulations, development guidelines, planning protocols, and other similar documentation. This was followed up with a data-gap analysis to identify critical missing data. Exploratory meetings were held with the majority of government departments and leadership.

Subsequently, Geosyntec conducted nationwide field assessments and ground-truthing of coastal and maritime resources and coastal developments to complete a coastal risk assessment. To do this, we used satellite and aerial imagery, conducted flyovers, and deployed drones. Using this information, we developed detailed shoreline types/categories and risk ratings in a GIS-based framework. We then rated coastal risks of the nation’s entire shoreline and evaluated numerous variables, including erosion, shoreline type, exposure, island orientation, and deep-ocean proximity. This work allowed us to make archipelago-wide mapping and improvement recommendations to maritime infrastructure, including ports, harbors, and ferry/shipping operations.

Notable Accomplishments

Using the results of the coastal risk and marine infrastructure assessments, Our team developed a rating system for future development categories and provided recommendations on how to update regulatory design guidelines and develop maritime networks to support sustainable national development. Throughout plan development, Geosyntec worked closely with the multidisciplinary project team, as well as local and government officials, and participated in many public and stakeholder outreach meetings and presentations.

Note: At the time of this project, Geosyntec practitioners were contracted as ATM, which was acquired by Geosyntec.