On the long term basis, the rising sealevel associated with global warming will affect the Caribbean, but not as serious as in such dominantly low-lying and densely populated areas as the Netherlands or Bangladesh. Of course, rising sealevel in the Carribbean will have its main impact on the generally low-lying tourist resorts, sugg esting the need to consider set-back (higher ground) regulations.
Although the Caribbean rated 7th on the global list of problem areas in case of rising sealevel (Hoozeman et al., 1993) intensive studies are underway under the auspices of IOCARIBE (Maul, 1989). In this context, it was disappointing to note that the tot al of operational sealevel stations in Caribbean islands as per January 1995 amounted to nine only, of which 4 are located along the coast of Cuba (CARGOOS , 1995).
It is interesting to view the shore as a zone of convergence - and attendant pressure - resulting from the dominant trend of coastward movement of people on the one side, and rising sealevel on the other.