Appendices 1-9.pdf - Caribbean Environment Programme - UNEP

QCL-2324-2288-2661-210400Cost to UNEP: USD 29,000MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDINGThis Memorandum of Understanding (herein referred to as the “MOU”) is concluded between:The Ministry of Planning, Development, Environment and Housing(Saint Lucia)andThe Regional Co-ordinating Unit of the Caribbean Environment Programme of the UnitedNations Environment Programme (herein referred to as “CAR/RCU”)14-20 Port Royal Street, Kingston, JamaicaDEVELOPMENT OF DEMONSTRATION NATIONAL PLAN OF ACTION FORSAINT LUCIABackground1. This MOU is concluded as part of CAR/RCU’s sub-programme on the Assessment andManagement of Environmental Pollution (AMEP). The AMEP Sub-programme focuses onthe activities required for the establishment of the measures necessary to prevent, reduce andcontrol marine pollution and to assist countries in the development of integratedenvironmental planning and management practices in coastal and marine areas. The AMEPSub-programme assists with the regionalisation of global agreements and initiatives such asthe Global Programme of Action for the Protection of the Marine Environment from LandbasedActivities (GPA). In its efforts to support the implementation of the GPA, AMEPrecognises the need for National Programmes of Action (NPAs) and supports theirdevelopment throughout the Wider Caribbean Region (WCR).2. The above captioned project has been developed as an activity under the AMEP subprogrammeand is funded by the United States Department of State under the Bureau ofOceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs.3. The third Protocol to the Cartagena Convention, the Protocol Concerning Pollution fromLand-based Sources and Activities (LBS Protocol), was adopted in 1999, and constitutes acommitment by the Contracting Parties to protect, develop and manage their common waters.4. The Protocol requires the Contracting Parties to take appropriate measures to prevent, reduceand control pollution within the Convention area from land-based sources and activities(Article III). The Protocol states that this requirement shall be met through the developmentand implementation of appropriate plans, programmes and measures, including the use ofappropriate management approaches such as integrated coastal area management. Theproposed project has been developed in response to this requirement. The National2

Programme of Action (NPA) for Saint Lucia will contribute towards the overall efforts in theWCR, and will be used as a demonstration case study for the development of further NPAsthroughout the Convention area.5. AMEP recognises the need for research, assessment and management of marine pollution,particularly as related to land-based activities, as well as research, assessment and control ofdegradation in the marine and coastal environment of the WCR. Additionally, it recognisesthe need for the development of integrated planning and strengthened institutionalinfrastructure for the management of marine and coastal resources which incorporates theresults of global, regional and sub-regional research and assessment.6. The project recognises these needs and has been developed to address the issue of marinedegradation from land-based sources and activities in Saint Lucia through the development ofan NPA. This NPA will serve to assist in the protection of marine organisms that arecommercially important to Saint Lucia and the WCR as a whole. In addition, the results willform a case study for other countries within the region to enable replication and thedevelopment of further NPAs. It is estimated that the reefs in the Caribbean contain over 500commercially valuable fish and invertebrate species, which are in need of appropriatemanagement measures and protection from pollution. The project was designed to supportthe goals of the Global Programme of Action (GPA), which provides for the development ofNPAs (see paragraph below).7. The Global Programme of Action (GPA) for the Protection of the Marine Environment fromLand-based Sources of Pollution provides practical guidance to regional and nationalauthorities to address marine degradation from land-based activities. The Government ofSaint Lucia has expressed its interest in taking a leadership role in the development of anNPA for the protection of the marine environment.Rationale8. This project seeks to protect the Caribbean marine environment from pollution entering thesea from land-based sources and activities and representing a threat to commercially andenvironmentally important marine organisms. The project will work towards this goalthrough the development and implementation of an NPA. Pollution can have a severe impacton the variety and numbers of reef species, and the loss of commercially viable species canhave a detrimental impact on economic growth.9. It is recognised that the development of NPAs can help to ensure long-term protection of theregions' marine assets from land-based sources of pollution. Currently, many Caribbeancountries provide less than 15% of their population with adequate sewage treatment and thelong-term effect of this form of pollution is likely to have a serious impact on marine species.Overall Goal, Objectives and Outputs10. This MOU will support the Ministry of Planning, Development, Environment and Housing ofthe Government of Saint Lucia in the development of a demonstration NPA. The project will3

e developed under the direction of, and in cooperation with, UNEP-CAR/RCU, and incollaboration with the GPA Coordination Office of UNEP, and will complete the outputs andactivities as set out in the Terms of Reference at Annex I.11. The overall goal of the project is to assist in the protection of the Caribbean marineenvironment from pollution from land-based sources and activities.12. The objectives of the project are as follows:• To develop mechanisms to address the issue of marine degradation from land-basedsources and activities through the development of a National Programme of Actionfor Saint Lucia;• To disseminate the demonstration NPA, and other information arising from theproject to all the countries of the WCR to be used as a case study in the developmentof further NPAs throughout the region.13. The project will complete the following outputs:• A demonstration NPA for Saint Lucia for use in national planning, and as a casestudy for the development of NPAs elsewhere in the WCR;• Information and results available on the GPA Clearinghouse and other regional andnational nodes;• A regional meeting convened and results of the project presented;• Greater public and stakeholder awareness and understanding of the benefits of thedevelopment of NPAs with measurable objectives.14. The resulting demonstration NPA will include a workplan and timetable, budget and targetedaction, and management strategies for implementation.Sustainability and National Ownership15. In order to ensure the long-term sustainability of the NPA for Saint Lucia, the projectencourages a strong sense of national ownership. The Ministry of Planning, Development,Environment and Housing for Saint Lucia will be responsible for the implementation of theactivities and the development of the NPA. This level of governmental participation willensure that the benefits arising from the project will continue to accrue once it is completed.It will also ensure that NPA activities are maintained and continuous.16. Early signs indicate that the commitment of the Saint Lucian Government to the project ishigh, and it fully acknowledges the need for an NPA to protect the common waters of theCaribbean Sea, as well as its own commercial interest. To that end, the development of anNPA will further support existing efforts in the development and implementation of acomprehensive coastal zone management policy.17. Sub-regional recognition of the need for NPAs within the WCR will further support the longtermefforts of the government of Saint Lucia and will assist in ensuring sustainability.4

18. National ownership and sustainability are further enhanced by the participatory processadvocated by this project. The full involvement of local organisations and institutions, aswell as other stakeholders, including the general public, will result in a highly developedsense of the project being a Saint Lucian initiative.Project Organisation and Reporting19. The development of the NPA will be overseen by UNEP-CAR/RCU, as Secretariat to theCaribbean Environment Programme (CEP) and Cartagena Convention for the Protection andDevelopment of the Marine Environment for the Wider Caribbean Region, who will beresponsible for ensuring that implementation progresses as proposed in this MOU.20. CAR/RCU has extensive experience in regional marine environmental co-operation at boththe operational and policy-making levels. This experience provides a sound basis on which toimplement the proposed project and for its overall co-ordination.21. Under the terms of this MOU, the Ministry of Planning, Development, Environment andHousing of Saint Lucia will be responsible for the submission of a progress report andexpenditure statement to UNEP-CAR/RCU after four months from the start of the projectacitivities. In addition, Ministry of Planning, Development, Environment and Housing shallsubmit a terminal report and expenditure statement to UNEP CAR-RCU at the completion ofthe project. Reports shall be prepared using the format provided in Annexes IV and V.22. Any substantive reports and drafts thereof resulting from this MOU are deemed UNEPproperty, and UNEP affirms itself as the copyright holder and expresses its intention toconsider any of the said texts for inclusion in its publications programme.23. The Ministry of Planning, Development, Environment and Housing will submit toCAR/RCU a draft copy of any substantive reports developed during the course of this MOUfor comments and clearance. The views of UNEP on the report, and any suggestions foramendments will be conveyed expeditiously to the Ministry of Planning, Development,Environment and Housing, with an indication of any disclaimer or recognition CAR/RCUmay wish to see appear in the publication.Disbursement of Funds and Budget24. The Ministry of Planning, Development, Environment and Housing will receive a totalamount not exceeding USD 29,000 for their work on this MOU according to the contract forthis project. Banking details for the supporting organisation are at Annex III. Disbursementof funds will be made as follows:(i)(ii)CAR/RCU will make an initial payment to Ministry of Planning, Development,Environment and Housing of USD 8,000 upon signature to this MOU.USD 13,000 will be paid to the Ministry of Environment following the satisfactorycompletion of the first Progress Report and financial statement;5

(iii)The balance (USD 8,000) will be paid upon completion of the project. Completion isdefined as:(a) Completion of a demonstration National Plan of Action for Saint Lucia;(b) Participation in the sub-regional meeting convened by UNEP/CAR RCU;(c) Information, project results and model NPA submitted to the GPA Clearinghouse fordissemination, as well as other regional and national nodes;(d) Satisfactory submission of the Terminal Report and final expenditure statement toUNEP-CAR/RCU.25. The Ministry of Planning, Development, Environment and Housing will cover its travel andper diem expenses within the country as per the Budget in Annex II.26. Cost overruns are the responsibilities of the Ministry of Planning, Development,Environment and Housing, unless a revised budget has been agreed with UNEP in advanceof such overruns.27. The Ministry of Planning, Development, Environment and Housing will maintain separatearrangements for any disbursements pertaining to this MOU and shall submit to CAR/RCUon or before the completion of the project (as defined above), a detailed breakdown ofexpenditures incurred duly certified by an authorized official of the Ministry of Planning,Development, Environment and Housing. The expenditures will be reported by Object ofExpenditure as per the attached budget (Annex II) of this MOU. Any portion of cashadvances remaining unspent or uncommitted by the Ministry of Planning, Development,Environment and Housing on completion of the activities under this MOU will bereimbursed to CAR/RCU within one month of the presentation of the final expenditurereport. In the event of any delay in such reimbursement, the participating country will befinancially responsible for any adverse movements in exchange rates.28. The Ministry of Planning, Development, Environment and Housing shall retain, for a periodof three years; all supporting documents relating to financial transactions under this MOU. Ifrequested the Ministry of Planning, Development, Environment and Housing shall facilitatean audit by the United Nations Board of Auditors and/or the Audit Service of the accounts ofthe MOU.29. CAR/RCU is responsible for the overall management of this project and will coordinate andoversee the activities with the Ministry of Planning, Development, Environment and Housingas described in this MOU. In addition CAR/RCU will ensure sub-regional consistency andcoordination.30. All correspondence regarding this MOU should quote the MOU number: QCL-2324-2288-2661-210400 and should be addressed to:6

at UNEP CAR/RCU;Mr. Nelson Andrade, Co-ordinatorUNEP-CAR/RCU, 14-20 Port Royal StreetKingston, JamaicaTel. (876) 922-9267Fax. (876) 922-9292at the Ministry of Planning, Development, Environment and HousingPermanent SecretaryMinistry of Planning, Development, Environment and HousingP.O. Box 709, Government BuildingsCastries, Saint LuciaTel. (758) 468-4459Fax. (758) 451-6958/452-2506And copy to:Mr. Edmundo Ortega, ChiefBudget and Financial Management ServiceUnited Nations Office at Nairobi, KenyaTel: (254-2) 623637/623632Fax: (254-2) 623755/62361431. The MOU name and account should be quoted in all correspondence.32. CAR/RCU has no liability for any risks to personnel of the Ministry of Planning,Development, Environment and Housing, arising as a result of the work carried out underthis MOU, whether it is undertaken on the premises of UNEP, or elsewhere.33. This MOU shall be in effect from date of signature to September 2003, unless otherwisemodified and agreed to by both parties.34. The Ministry of Planning, Development, Environment and Housing or sub-contractor shallindemnify, hold and save harmless and defend at its own expense UNEP, its officers, agentsand employees from and against all suits, claims, demands and liability of any nature or kind,including costs and expenses, arising out of negligent misconduct of the Ministry ofPlanning, Development, Environment and Housing or its employees in the performance ofthe terms of this MOU.35. The Ministry of Planning, Development, Environment and Housing shall neither seek noraccept instructions from any authority external to UNEP-CAR/RCU in connection with theperformance of its services under this MOU. The participating country shall refrain from any7

action, which may adversely affect UNEP or the United Nations and shall fulfil itscommitments with fullest regard for the interest of the United Nations.36. Any controversy or claim arising out of, or in accordance with, this MOU or breach thereof,shall, unless it is resolved by direct negotiation, be settled in accordance with UNCITRALArbitration Rules as at present in force. The Parties shall be bound by any arbitration awardrendered as a result of such arbitration as the final adjudication of such controversy or claim.37. Nothing in, or relating to, this MOU shall be deemed a waiver of any of the privileges andimmunities of the United Nations.38. The Ministry of Planning, Development, Environment and Housing shall be considered ashaving the legal status of an independent contractor. Agents or employees of the participatingcountry shall not be considered in any respect as being officials or staff members of UNEP.39. Either party may terminate this MOU before its expiry date by giving notice in writing to theother party. The period of notice shall be 30 days.40. In the event of the MOU being terminated prior to its expiry date the Ministry of Planning,Development, Environment and Housing shall be compensated on a pro rata basis for nomore than the actual amount of work performed to the satisfaction of UNEP-CAR/RCU.Additional costs incurred by UNEP-CAR/RCU resulting from the termination of the MOUby Ministry of Planning, Development, Environment and Housing may be withheld from anyamount otherwise due to the Ministry of Planning, Development, Environment and Housingfrom CAR/RCU.41. Prior written communication between UNEP-CAR/RCU and the participating country shallmake no change in or modification to this MOU. The participating country shall not assign,transfer, pledge, sub-contract or make other disposition of this MOU or any part thereof, orof any of its rights, claims or obligations under this MOU except with the prior writtenconsent of UNEP-CAR/RCU.SignedIn Kingston, JamaicaFor UNEP-CAR/RCUIn Saint LuciaFor the Ministry of Planning, Development,Environment and HousingNelson Andrade ColmenaresCo-ordinatorPermanent Secretary8

ANNEX ITERMS OF REFERENCEUnder the direction of UNEP-CAR/RCU, and in collaboration with the GPA Coordinationoffice, the Ministry of Planning, Development, Environment and Housing for Saint Lucia willdevelop an NPA utilising as guidelines, the UNEP handbook (seehttp://www.gpa.unep.org/documents/npa-docs.htm) on the development of NPAs, the 1995 GPA(see www.gpa.unep.org/documents/about-GPA-docs.htm), and the LBS Protocol to theCartagena Convention, as follows:Activitiesa. In consultation with UNEP-CAR/RCU, establish and develop a national core team to lead thedevelopment of an NPA for Saint Lucia;b. Identify, in coordination with UNEP-CAR/RCU, sub-contractors to be directly responsible tothe Ministry of Planning, Development, Environment and Housing who will conduct a studyto assess the adequacy of the existing Coastal Zone Management Policy and other relevantpolicies and action plans to address land based sources of marine pollution. The report of thisstudy will include; inter alia; recommendations for incorporation of additional policy, legaland institutional requirements to enable effective implementation of the GPA and LBSProtocol, and to provide mechanisms to ensure effective implementation of theserequirements.c. Prepare for, and convene, no less than two in-country workshops for stakeholderconsultation. These workshops should include representatives of Ministry of Planning,Development, Environment and Housing, National Water Authorities, Agriculture and otherrelevant ministries, as well as NGOs and representatives of the private sector;d. Develop and implement appropriate outreach and stakeholder participation mechanisms andimplement pilot projects to ensure the widest possible public awareness of the NPA. Developand implement corresponding stakeholder surveys and evaluations to measure change in thelevel of awareness;e. Prepare a comprehensive report of the NPA demonstration case study, and ensure widestpossible regional dissemination, including through the GPA Clearinghouse node;f. Develop a presentation explaining the NPA demonstration project for GPA participants;g. Prepare and deliver a presentation for the regional meeting (2 nd LBS-ISTAC meeting to beconvened in the first half of 2003), convened by UNEP-CAR/RCU and intended to provide aforum for the dissemination of information about the demonstration project and the NPAcase study. The meeting will include up to 20 representatives of the WCR and is intended toencourage replication of the NPA within the region. The Ministry of Planning, Development,Environment and Housing will be expected to present lessons learnt from the projectactivities;9

h. Provide all information, results of the project, and the NPA case study to UNEP-CAR/RCUto be submitted to the GPA Clearinghouse to allow for easy accessibility within the regionand further afield;i. Submit a draft NPA case study to UNEP-CAR/RCU, for approval and acceptance prior to therelease of the second payment of funds.j. The Ministry of Planning, Development, Environment and Housing will be responsible forensuring the timely submission of deliverables under this MOU;Outputs1. A National Programme of Action for Saint Lucia for use in national planning, and as a casestudy for the development of other NPA's throughout the Wider Caribbean Region. ThisNPA will form a part of the overall Coastal Zone Management Policy;2. Information and results of the project disseminated and available on the GPA Clearinghouseand other regional and national nodes;3. In-country workshop reports submitted and approved by UNEP-CAR/RCU;4. Presentation for GPA participants developed and in use to provide information andunderstanding of the NPA demonstration project;5. Presentation of results, information and NPA case study at a regional workshop convened byCAR/RCU to encourage further replication throughout the WCR;6. Greater understanding amongst stakeholders and the general public of the benefits of thedevelopment of coordinated NPAs through the implementaion of pilot project activities;7. Printed and electronic copies of NPA demonstration case study in Microsoft Word submittedto UNEP-CAR/RCU;8. Terminal Report and Final Expenditure Statement submitted to UNEP-CAR/RCU.10

ANNEX IIBUDGET(see separate spreadsheet)11

Format of Project Expenditure Accounts for Supporting OrganizationsProject No. QCL-2324-2288-2661-210400Supporting Organization : UNEP-CAR/RCUProject title: Development of Demonstration National Plan of Action for Saint LuciaProject commencing:April 2002 Project ending: September 2005(date)Object ofexpenditure byProject budgetallocation for year2005for thequarterending July06Expenditure incurredCumulativeexpenditures this year2005(date)Unspent Balance ofbudget for year 2005m/m Amount m/m Amount Amount Amount-1 -2 -3 -4 -6 (2)-(6)1100 ProjectPersonnel1200 Consultants1300 Administrativesupport1400 Volunteers1600 Travel2100 Sub-contracts $10, 500.00 $10,420.00 $80.002200 Sub-contracts $1,944.44$1,892.17$52.272300 Sub-contracts $2,555.56 $2,539.66 $2,539.66 $15.90*2400 Sub-contracts $882.31 $882.313200 Group training $10,000.00 $2,171.68 $9,973.86 $26.143300 Fellowships4100 Expendableequipment4200 Nonexpendable4300 Premises5100 Operation5200 Reporting costs $4,000.00 $2,397.27 $3,291.11 $708.005300 Sundry5400 Hospitality99 GRAND TOTAL 29,000 $7,990.92 $28,999.11 $882.31Signed:Duly authorized official of supporting organization* Note that the remaining $883.00 were added up to allow for payment to 2400 Sub Contract

Bank fees 1st disbursement $26.002nd disbursement $7.503rd disbursement $15.00

ANNEX IIIBANKING INFORMATIONSupporting Organisation:Name and Address of Bank:Ministry of Planning, Development, Environment andHousing.Bank of Saint Lucia LtdFinancial Centre BuildingP.O. Box 1860Bridge StreetCastries, Saint LuciaPhone: (758) 456-6000Fax: (758) 456-6720Bank Account Name:Bank Account Number:12

GUIDELINES FOR FINANCIAL REPORTSAppendix IFORMAT OF PROJECT EXPENDITURE ACCOUNTS FOR SUPPORTING ORGANIZATIONS............................ to ..............................Project No. ................................................. Supporting Organization................................................................Project title:.....................................................................................................................................................................................Project commencing: ................................ Project ending: .....................................(date)(date)Object of expenditure by UNEPbudget code1100 Project personnel1200 Consultants1300 Administrativesupport1400 Volunteers1600 Travel2100 Sub-contracts2200 Sub-contracts2300 Sub-contracts3100 Fellowships3200 Group training3300 Fellowships4100 Expendableequipment4200 Non-expendableequipment4300 Premises5100 Operation5200 Reporting costs5300 Sundry5400 HospitalityProject budget Expenditure incurred Unspent balance of budgetallocation foryear.........m/m(1)Amount(2)for thequarter.................m/m(3)Cumulativeexpendituresthis year...................Amount(4)allocation for year ............m/m(5)Amount(6)m/m(7)Amount(2)-(6)99 GRAND TOTALSigned: ______________________________________Duly authorized official of supporting organizationNB: The expenditure should be reported in line with the specific object of expenditures as per project budget14

Appendix IICASH ADVANCE STATEMENTStatement of cash advance as at ..............................................................................And cash requirements for the quarter of ..................................................................Name of cooperating agency/Supporting organizationProject No.Project title_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________I. Cash statement1. Opening cash balance as at ......................... US$ __________________2. Add: cash advances received:DateAmount............................................... ........................................................................................... ........................................................................................... ........................................................................................... ............................................3. Total cash advanced to date US$ __________________4. Less: total cumulative expenditures incurred US$ (_________________)5. Closing cash balance as at ........................... US$ __________________II. Cash requirements forecast6. Estimated disbursements for quarterending ......................................................... US$ __________________7. Less: closing cash balance (see item 5, above) US$ (_________________)8. Total cash requirements for the ...................quarter ......................................................... US$ __________________Prepared by_________________________ Request approved by_______________________Duly authorized official of cooperating agency/ supporting organization15

Appendix IIIPROGRESS REPORT FORMATUNITED NATIONS ENVIRONMENT PROGRAMMESIX MONTHLY PROGRESS REPORTSECTION 1 - BACKGROUND INFORMATION1.1 Project or MOUTitle:________________________________________________________________________________________1.2 Project or MOU Number: _____________________________________________________1.3 Responsible Office: (PAC/Unit/Branch) _________________________________________________1.4 Coordinating Agency or Supporting Organization (if relevant):_____________________________________________________________________________________________1.5 Reporting Period: (the six months covered by this report)___________________________________________1.6 Relevant UNEP Programme of Work Component Number: (3 digits)___________________________SECTION 2 - PROJECT STATUS2.1 Status of the Implementation of the Activities and Outputs Listed Under the Workplan in the ProjectDocument (check appropriate box)Project activities and outputs listed in the Project workplan for the reporting period have been materiallycompleted and the responsible Office is satisfied that the project will be fully completed on time (givereasons for minor variations as Section 3 below).Project activities and outputs listed in the Project Workplan for the reporting period have been altered(give reasons for alterations: lack of finance; project reformulated; project revisions; other at Section 3below).Project activities and outputs listed in the Project Workplan for the reporting period have not been fullycompleted and delays in project delivery are expected (give reasons for variations in Section 3.1 and newcompletion date in Section 3.2 below).Insufficient detail provided in the Project Workplan.16

2.2 List Actual Activities/Outputs Achieved in the Reporting period:(please tick appropriate box)(a) MEETINGS (UNEP-convened meetings only)Inter-governmental (IG) mtg Expert Group Mtg. Training Seminar/WorkshopOthersTitle:________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Venue anddates_____________________________________________________________________________________Convened by ___________________________________ Organized by________________________________________Report issued as doc. No/Symbol_______________ Languages ________________ Dated_________________________For Training Seminar/Workshop, please indicate: No. of participants _____________ and attach annex givingnames and nationalities of participants.(b) PRINTED MATERIALSReport to IG Mtg. Technical Publication Technical Report OthersTitle:_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Author(s)/Editor(s)__________________________________________________________________________________Publisher_________________________________________________________________________________________Symbol (UN/UNEP/ISBN/ISSN)_______________________________________________________________________Date of publication__________________________________________________________________________________(When technical reports/publications have been distributed, attach distribution list)(c) TECHNICAL INFORMATION PUBLIC INFORMATIONDescription______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Dates____________________________________________________________________________________________17

(d) TECHNICAL COOPERATIONGrants and FellowshipsAdvisory ServicesStaff MissionsOthers (describe)Purpose_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Place and duration__________________________________________________________________________________For Grants/Fellowships, please indicate:Beneficiaries Countries/Nationalities Cost(in US$)___________________ ___________________ _____________________________________ ___________________ _____________________________________ ___________________ _____________________________________ ___________________ __________________(e) SERVICESDescription___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Dates_____________________18

(f) OTHER OUTPUTSFor example, Centre of excellence, Network, Environmental Academy, Convention, Protocol,University chair, etc.________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________SECTION 3 - PROJECT DELIVERY3.1 Summary of the Problems Encountered in Project Delivery (if any)_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________3.2 Actions Taken or Required to Solve the Problems (identified in Section 3.1 above)_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________19

Appendix IVTERMINAL REPORT FOR INTERNAL PROJECTS1. Project Title:2. Project Number: (include number of latest revision)3. UNEP Programme of Work Component Number: (3 digits)Include a statement of how effective the project has been in attaining this component and its contributionto overall Subprogramme implementation4. Performance Indicators:UNEP Programme of Work: {State the relevant Performance Indicators (with the Quantity figure) fromthe Programme of Work, and compare against actual results}5. Scope:6. Duration:(a) Initial {(as indicated in the original project document)List day/month/year of start and end of project.List project duration in terms of total months}.(b) Actual {(as indicated in the latest project revision)List day/month/year of start and end of the project.List project duration in terms of total months}.(c)7. Cost:(a)(b)(c)(d)Reasons for the variance {When there is a difference between the initial and actual duration, list theconsecutive project revisions (number and date of approval), and summarize justification for eachrevision}.Initial {(as indicated in the project document)List the total project cost (UNEP and "Others") and give breakdown by funding source. Give actualfigures and contribution in terms of percentages}.Actual {(as indicated in the latest project revision)List the total project cost (UNEP and "Others" and give breakdown by funding source. Give actualfigures and contribution in terms of percentages}.Reasons for the variance {(When there is a difference between the initial and actual cost, list theconsecutive project revisions (number and date of approval) involved in amending the project costs. Listany other reasons for discrepancy}.Relate expenditure to achievement of outputs (e.g. 100% expenditure and 82% output completion).8. Needs:(a) Identified needs (as indicated in the original project document).(b) Satisfied/realized needs (List needs fulfilled due to implementation of the project).9. Results:(a) Expected Results (as indicated in the original project document).(b) Actual Results (indicate actual results achieved/attained from project implementation).(c) Reasons for the variance (state the reasons for the difference between expected and actual results).(d) State corrective action(s) to be taken.20

10. Outputs:(a) Expected Outputs (as indicated in the original project document).(b) Actual Outputs (List actual outputs resulting from project implementation emphasizing activitiesundertaken.(c) Reasons for the variance (state reasons for the difference between expected and actual outputs).(d) State corrective action(s) to be taken.11. What are the catalytic effects of the project on other agencies or governments?(a) intellectual:(b) financial:12. Describe the problems encountered during project implementation:Problems: Causes: Consequences:(a) Substantial/Programmatic(b) Institutional(c) Financial13. Lessons learned from the achievement and/or weaknesses of the project:14 Recommendations:Make recommendations to:(a) improve effect and impact of similar projects in the future;(b) indicate what further action might be needed to meet the project needs/results.15. Further follow-up action required:(a) Action Required: (b) Responsible unit(s): (c) Schedule:16. Evaluated by:Name and position of Evaluator:_______________________________Date:___________________________17. Approved by:Name of Programme Manager/Regional Director:________________________________Date:____________________________Chief, Project Design and Evaluation Unit:__________________________________Date:______________________________21

Lessons learnt during the development and implementation ofthe Coastal Zone Management Project (2001-3), Saint LuciaJune, 2004Written bySusanna De BeauvilleDepartment of FisheriesMinistry of Agriculture, Forestry and FisheriesPointe Seraphine, CastriesSaint Lucia1

INTRODUCTIONIn 2001, the Government of Saint Lucia embarked on an initiative aimed at establishinginstitutional arrangements to facilitate the sustainable development and management ofthe island’s coastal zone. As a part of this initiative, a Coastal Zone Management Project(CZMP) was established under the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries andassigned the task of preparing coastal zone management related policy and guidelines.This paper details the circumstances leading up to the CZMP, the process used to developthe policy and guidelines, and the lessons learnt during this process.MOTIVATING FACTORSBeing a small island State, Saint Lucia’s economy has historically depended andcontinues to depend heavily on its coastal resources, especially for human settlements,communications, fisheries and, more recently, for tourism. The rugged interior of theisland has led to a high demand for the comparatively low-lying coastal lands forcommercial, housing and infrastructural developments. The Government of Saint Luciahas long recognised this heavy dependence on its coastal and marine resources and hasput a number of policy, legal and institutional arrangements in place to facilitatesustainable development of the island's natural wealth. However, these arrangementshave been inadequate, and coastal resources remain vulnerable to over exploitation and tothe impacts of natural disasters. This, in turn, has led to a slow and difficult movetowards sustainable development.SEEKING A SOLUTIONOver the years, Saint Lucia had established numerous legislative instruments that addressvarious aspects of coastal zone management (CZM), and the responsibility for suchmanagement has been shared by a number of governmental, non-governmental andcommunity-based bodies. However, there was no accompanying comprehensive,coordinated institutional and legislative framework in Saint Lucia for CZM.2

This lack of a comprehensive, coordinated and integrated approach to CZM in SaintLucia allowed the existing links among planning and management agencies to remainmostly weak and ad hoc, and address only a narrow range of issues.In 1994, to begin to address the myriad of CZM related problems being experienced, theGovernment of Saint Lucia initiated the development of a coastal zone managementframework for St Lucia with a two-year project, the North West Coastal ConservationProject (NWCCP). The goal of this project was to develop an integrated planning andmanagement programme that would address environmental and development pressuresalong the north west coast (Pointe du Cap – Roseau Bay), as well as facilitate the longterm restoration, protection, maintenance and sustainable use of coastal resources withinthe project site.In 1997, a second phase of the NWCCP was initiated. The primary objective of thisstudy was to assess contaminant inputs and loadings to the northwest coastal area and,from this evaluation, to develop recommendations and an action plan for the northwestcoastal zone and related watersheds. The findings of this study showed that degradationof marine and coastal resources was mainly a result of land based activities such as soilerosion from cultivated areas and introduction of sewage into riverine and coastal waters.Although the NWCCP focused on the northwest coast, the project recognised that, inorder to adequately address the problems occurring in this region, it had to make overallrecommendations for CZM in Saint Lucia. One of the main recommendations was toestablish a Coastal Zone Management Unit (CZMU) within the public sector, along witha multi-sectoral advisory committee, to focus on addressing coastal zone managementissues.In 2000, after completion of assessments of the damage resulting from Tropical StormLenny (1999), the Government of Saint Lucia sought assistance from the NaturalResources Management Unit of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States, to develop3

strategies to address the island’s coastal issues. The recommendations coming out of thisinitiative supported the establishment of a CZMU.However, despite the fact that these aforementioned initiatives recognised the need forthe establishment of a CZMU, none of these initiatives provided adequate guidance forthe establishment of such a Unit.A STEP AHEAD: BUILDING ON PAST INITIATIVESConsidering the merit in these past initiatives and recognising the need to concretiseinstitutional arrangements that would facilitate the sustainable development andmanagement of the island’s coastal zone, the CZMP was founded. The main objective ofthis project was to facilitate the establishment of the CZMU proposed by earlierinitiatives. It was agreed that the establishment of this Unit would take place in twophases. In the first phase, the project would assume the task of amalgamating the outputsof all the aforementioned initiatives, as well as seeking and assimilating the contributionsfrom the public for input into a comprehensive policy for CZM in Saint Lucia. This firstphase would further recommend institutional arrangements and guidelines for CZM inSaint Lucia. The policy and guidelines would be the foundation for the second phase,which would then implement the recommended institutional structure and devise a workprogramme for the impending CZMU.THE PROCESSEstablishment of a steering teamTo help steer and guide the process, a CZM Working Group (CZMWG) was established.The CZMWG comprised key agencies with an interest in integrated coastal zonemanagement:• Coordinator of Coastal Zone Management Project (Chair)• Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture• Department of Forestry, Ministry of Agriculture• Sustainable Development and Environment Unit, Ministry of Planning• Physical Planning, Ministry of Planning4

• Planning and Statistical Unit, Ministry of Agriculture• Water Resources Unit, Ministry of Agriculture• Research and Development Unit, Ministry of Agriculture• Environmental Health Department, Ministry of Health• Maritime Desk, Saint Lucia Air and Sea Ports AuthorityThe approachThe CZMWG recognised that small islands, such as Saint Lucia, are influenced by theirenvironment and themselves affect the seas around them in a much shorter period thanlarger landmasses. As such, the concept of ‘island systems management’ should serve asa guiding principle in determining what approach would be used to develop the CZMpolicy and related guidelines. The all-encompassing nature of this concept determinedthat the development of CZM policy and guidelines would be conducted using a broadbased, participatory approach. It was felt that this would ensure that all aspects thatimpacted and/or depended on the coastal zone and resources therein, would beconsidered. As such, two (2) national consultations were planned (one in the north of theisland and the other in the south).Public awareness and sensitisationPrior to these aforementioned consultations, a number of public sensitisation andawareness activities were carried out to allow for persons to more readily participate inthe development of the national CZM policy. These activities included:• Development and distribution of a flyer on CZM issues and information on theplanned consultations;• Publication of three (3) newspaper articles on CZM issues and information on theplanned consultations;• Participation of selected members of the CZMWG in two (2) panel discussion(radio and television), which allowed the public to call in and ask pertinentquestions, or give comments on the discussion; and• Conduct of a televised interview in Creole, providing information of the plannedconsultations and their objectives.5

In addition, to facilitate a focused discussion on relevant issues during the consultations,a Working Paper was developed, which broadly outlined some of the main CZM issuesbeing experienced in Saint Lucia. This paper was disseminated to all persons/agenciesinvited to consultations and was designed to allow persons to familiarise themselves withthe broad range of CZM issues in Saint Lucia, enabling them to more effectivelyparticipate in the process.As the process progressed, the Working Paper was later transformed into a more detailed‘issues’ paper (see Appendix I).ParticipationIn total, fifty-one (51) different institutions, represented by over 100 persons, took part inthe national consultations. Apart from the national consultations, numerous other smallmeetings were held, including one-on-one meetings, to give as many persons/institutionsas possible an opportunity to have input into the development of the CZM policy and atall stages in its development.A POLICY PROPOSEDInformation received during the consultative process, coupled with information fromrelevant past initiatives and modern approaches/case studies, was used to develop a draftpolicy document, titled ‘Coastal Zone Management in Saint Lucia: Policy, Guidelinesand Selected Projects.’The proposed policy statement affirmed that the Government of Saint Lucia is committedto the sustainable development of the coastal zone through an integrated approach, inaccordance with the concept of ‘Island Systems Management’; however, foradministrative purposes, the statement defined the coastal zone for Saint Lucia as theareas that lies between the 100 foot contour, or where a cliff area adjacent to the seaexceeds this, 75 feet inshore from the cliff edge, and 1 mile offshore.6

ObjectivesThe policy states that its overall objectives are to maintain the integrity and productivityof the coastal zone and resources therein; optimise the contribution of the coastal zone tosocial and economic development through the sustainable use of resources and theequitable sharing of benefits; and harmonise uses of the coastal zone and provide aframework for the management and resolution of resource use conflicts.VisionThe vision presents an idealistic view of the future of CZM in Saint Lucia. This viewencompasses a number of elements that pertain to CZM policy, legal and institutionalarrangements, coastal resources, society and socio-economics.PrinciplesThe policy recognizes a number of fundamental principles:• The responsibility of the State to establish and manage a policy framework forcoastal zone management;• The need for fairness, transparency and accountability in the design andimplementation of public policy;• The recognition of the rights associated with public property, and the criticalfunctions of common property resources (beaches, ports, communicationfacilities) in the coastal zone;• The need to adopt the precautionary principle, i.e. not to proceed with significantchanges within the coastal zone and environs in the absence of an adequateassessment of the potential impacts of these changes; and• The need to respect regional and international obligations when formulating andimplementing national policy.Institutional and legal arrangementsIt was recognised that to begin to take an integrated approach to CZM in Saint Lucia, theroles of regulatory and other agencies need to be comprehensive and clear; allstakeholders must be informed of, and sensitised to, CZM issues; and CZM related7

information must be made readily available to inform decision-making. To effectivelyachieve this, a coordinated approach was needed, and formal linkages had to be createdamong planning and management authorities.As such, it was recommended that the CZM framework comprise both a Coastal ZoneManagement Advisory Committee (interagency coordinating body), in accordance withthe Physical Development and Planning Act No. 29 of 2001, and a Coastal ZoneManagement Unit. This CZM framework would:• Serve as a mechanism for co-ordination among agencies and institutions involved incoastal zone management and development;• Allow for the integration of coastal issues into the national planning and developmentframework;• Assist in minimising duplication of functions of management agencies, and inaddressing gaps;• Provide a forum for conflict resolution and management; and• Conduct specific programmes and activities that do not currently fall within themandate of existing organisations.Coastal Zone Management Advisory CommitteeIn particular, the Coastal Zone Management Advisory Committee (CZMAC) would bespecifically responsible for identifying coastal zone management and developmentissues; proposing and formulating policies; facilitating communication and co-ordinationamong key actors; and guiding and supervising the various Programme components.The CZMAC would comprise representatives from the public and private sectors, localgovernment, as well as community-based organizations. Representation on thisCommittee would be at the decision-making level, and when necessary other agencieswould be co-opted as required. In addition, the CZMAC would be assigned the task ofdeveloping a medium- to long-term strategy and action plan with set targets, gearedtowards full implementation of this policy.8

Coastal Zone Management UnitThe CZMU would be specifically responsible for serving as the Secretariat of theCommittee; providing technical input and advice to relevant planning and managementagencies on matters pertaining to coastal development and management; collecting,managing and disseminating data and other information on coastal resources, issues andprocesses; creating and enhancing public awareness of coastal zone management issuesand programmes; and conducting selected programmes and activities directly relevant tocoastal zone management and development.THE REVIEW PROCESSThe proposed policy document as outlined in the previous section was put through areview process, which took place over a one-year period, and involved:• Circulation of the draft for review to persons/agencies who participated inconsultations;• Presentation of the recommendations for review to the Permanent Secretaries andtheir deputies of the ministries with responsibilities for agriculture, forestry,fisheries, physical planning, housing and the environment;• Presentation of the policy and recommendations for input at a regional forum ofcoastal zone management and disaster preparedness experts; and• Presentation of the policy and recommendations for comments to the Ministerswith responsibilities for agriculture, forestry, fisheries, physical planning, housingand the environment.THE DECISIONAfter the review process, the final draft of the policy document was submitted to theCabinet of Ministers for consideration. On April 13, 2004, by way of CabinetConclusion Number 287, the CZM policy, including the associated recommendations andguidelines, was formally adopted.The complete policy document adopted by the Cabinet of Ministers is presented inAppendix II.9

LESSONS LEARNTA number of lessons were learnt during the process that led to the development of theCZM policy and it is hoped that by documenting them, these experiences could be usedduring other such initiatives to facilitate effective consultation and policy formulationprocesses.Coastal zone management working groupFrom the onset of the project, there were difficulties in determining how to proceed. Thisdifficulty arose from the fact that the project proposal had failed to clearly state its mainobjectives and expected outputs. As such, different persons had their own preconceivedideas as to what the project should entail. The CZMWG was instrumental in clarifyingthe specific objectives, goals and outputs to facilitate effective implementation of theproject.In fact, the CZMWG was critical in providing support throughout the process, providingfora for the airing of varied views, but at the same time, allowing specific actions, andultimately, the best way forward to be identified. The multi-agency nature of this groupalso made available to the project a diversity of expertise and experience.Lesson: A multi-agency working group is key to the success of a project that has broadbasedimplications and consequences. Such a working group lends support to the processby providing a diversity of experiences and expertise.Key concepts and ideasThe concept of integrated coastal zone management and its implications was one thatbrought about much discussion, in an effort to identify the most suitable agency to takethe lead in administering activities affecting the coastal zone. A number of options wereproposed, but two took the forefront: 1) Department of Fisheries within the Ministry ofAgriculture Forestry and Fisheries, and 2) Ministry of Planning, Physical Developmentand Environment.10

The Department of Fisheries was strongly recommended, since it had played a key role incoastal resource management and had experience in integrated coastal zone management;for example, in the establishment of the Soufriere Marine Management Area (a zoned,actively managed coastal area, catering to a myriad of uses). However, once it wasclearly understood by all that CZM is primarily an environmental issue, with specificfocus on physical development, land-use planning and natural resource management, itwas recognised that the narrow focus of the Department’s legislation (fisheriesmanagement), limited its ability to address issues such as land-based activities thatimpact on nearshore resources; noting that such land-based activities are in urgent needof address.Conversely, the Ministry of Planning, Physical Development and Environment has thelegal mandate for physical development and environmental matters, including regulatingenvironmental impact assessments. As such, after much discussion, it was agreed thatthis Ministry was the ideal location for the CZMU.The discussions regarding the location of the CZMU, made it apparent that sometimes itis taken for granted that the roles of regulatory and other agencies are clear to thoseconcerned; however, this process has shown that this is not the case as it was obvious thatthe perceived role of the Department of Fisheries lay well outside of its legal mandate.Lesson: Awareness exercises before and/or during consultation are key in clarifyingperceived roles of agencies, placing everyone on a level playing field; this in turninfluences the relevance and applicability of recommendations that persons make duringconsultations.Consultation ‘burn out’It has become the norm to develop policies and other related documents, using aconsultative approach rather than the ‘top-down’ approach used in the past. However,most people who attended the consultations expressed a concern about attending too11

many consultations. The main view was that such consultations were a waste of time andonly good for developing documents, which did nothing else but took up shelf-space. Itis, therefore, essential that the output of any consultation exercise be explicit.It should be noted, however, that this view of ‘too many consultations’ was moreapparent in the north of the island than in the south. In fact, persons attending theconsultation in the south showed a much higher level of enthusiasm to participate andshare their views, than persons who attended the northern consultation. This is likely dueto the fact that most of the main administrative offices of the public sector are located thenorth of the island, and thus, many more consultations and meetings are held in the north,as compared with the south of the island. Compounding this issue is the fact that many ofthe same people represent their respective agencies at most, if not all, of these variousfora.Lesson 1: Consultations held with individuals or small groups were very useful inobtaining valuable input into the development of the CZM policy. Persons were able toschedule these at their convenience and the small group provided for more focuseddiscussion compared to large consultations. It also allows for the less outspokenindividuals to provide input without intimidation or shyness.Lesson 2: When recommendations coming out of consultations are implemented at theground level, these should be publicised, and the consultative process used to derive thisend product should be highlighted. In this way, persons would be made to feel that thecontribution that they make during consultations are invaluable and does lead toimplementation of relevant actions. This would likely reduce the notion of consultationsbeing ‘talk shops’ and ‘no action’, and will also increase the willingness of persons toparticipate.Lesson 3: Consultations held with decision makers were key in addressing manyconcerns before presentation to the Cabinet of Ministers. In addition, the fact that theseconsultations were carried out by both the agency implementing the CZMP and the12

agency proposed to house the CZMU, that is, a collaborative ministerial approach wasused, showed that there was support for the CZM framework among the key agencies.This augured well for obtaining support from the decision makers.Working PaperThe working paper prepared was circulated to all agencies/persons that were invited tothe consultations. The intent was to allow everyone to become familiar with the issuesand past initiatives leading up to that stage. In support of this idea, the contents of theWorking Paper were also presented at the beginning of each consultation exercise, alongwith the objectives of the consultations. Despite these efforts, from the discussions at theconsultations, it was clear that a number of persons had not fully read the document, if atall. This led to persons recommending that the objectives of the CZMP be radicallychanged to reflect their preconceived ideas of what they thought the project shouldachieve. Such recommendations, if taken up, would have resulted in the repetition ofactivities that had already been realised under other past initiatives: initiatives that weredetailed in the working paper.Most persons stated that the reason for this was due to work overload, which made itvery difficult to adequately read and/or review the many documents sent by the manyongoing initiatives to their respective agencies for information or input. This was evenmore evident, given the few responses received once the policy was drafted andcirculated for final comments.Lesson: The assumption that everyone has read and understood information circulationbefore consultations should not be made. The detailed working paper, while beinginformative to the few who read the document, failed to be very useful to the overallconsultative process. As an alternative to the working paper, or rather, as a complimentto it, the relevant information should be distributed in a more concise format and therelevant information should also be highlighted at the beginning of each consultationforum. Notably, the CZM flyer produced should have been one of the medium used for13

informing persons to be consulted, rather than being used for general public awarenessactivities.THE WAY FORWARDThe task at hand is to implement this policy along with the approved institutionalarrangements; all of which will require a dedicated effort. Further, CZM cannot occursuccessfully in isolation, especially on a small island where the connectivity of ecologicalsystems (terrestrial and marine) is so intertwined. Thus, in general, to facilitate a holisticapproach to development and environmental management, efforts should also be made toestablish a national vision for development, an economic development strategy and anational land use plan.Optimistically, it is worth noting that several relevant initiatives, such as anenvironmental institutional and legislation review have taken place, and the developmentof a land policy and environmental policy are currently underway. These efforts augurwell for the success of CZM in Saint Lucia, and environmental management in general,including its bountiful social and economic benefits.14

Government of Saint LuciaMinistry of Physical Development, Environment and HousingNATIONAL ENVIRONMENT POLICY (NEP)andNATIONAL ENVIRONMENTALMANAGEMENT STRATEGY (NEMS)FOR SAINT LUCIANovember 2004

FOREWORDIn accordance with the terms of The St. George’s Declaration of Principlesfor Environmental Sustainability in the OECS, the Government of SaintLucia, with support from the Environment and Sustainable DevelopmentUnit (ESDU) of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), hasembarked upon the formulation of a National Environmental Policy (NEP)and National Environmental Management Strategy (NEMS). This exercisewas initiated in early October 2003, and was completed in October 2004. Ithas been carried out by the Ministry of Physical Development, Environmentand Housing, under the guidance of a Steering Committee comprisingrepresentatives of key national governmental agencies involved inenvironmental management.The National Environment Policy provides the broad framework forenvironmental management in Saint Lucia, and establishes links withpolicies and programmes in all relevant sectors of economic and socialdevelopment. The National Environmental Management Strategy aims toprovide the specific directions and mechanisms for more effective policyimplementation and includes specific results expected and actions necessaryto realise the policy objectives.This document has benefited from the input of a large number of individualsand agencies in government, in the private sector and in civil society. It hasalso been informed by the various policy processes and instruments in othersectors that are relevant to environmental management. Its ambition is tobecome a “living document” that is used to guide policy formulation andprogramming in the environmental sector, but that is also modified andimproved over time, as more experience is being gained, as results are beingobtained and measured and as new lessons are being learned.i

TABLE OF CONTENTSFOREWORD................................................................................................................................................. ITABLE OF CONTENTS .............................................................................................................................IIINTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................................ 1VISION.......................................................................................................................................................... 4GOAL ............................................................................................................................................................ 6PRINCIPLES AND VALUES ..................................................................................................................... 6OBJECTIVES............................................................................................................................................... 8MAIN POLICY INTERVENTIONS .......................................................................................................... 8MAINTENANCE OF THE DIVERSITY OF ECOSYSTEMS, SPECIES AND GENES........................................................ 8MAINTENANCE AND ENHANCEMENT OF THE NATURAL PRODUCTIVITY OF ECOSYSTEMS AND ECOLOGICALPROCESSES .................................................................................................................................................. 9OPTIMISATION OF THE CONTRIBUTION OF NATURAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES TO ECONOMICDEVELOPMENT .......................................................................................................................................... 10OPTIMISATION OF THE CONTRIBUTION OF NATURAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES TO SOCIALDEVELOPMENT .......................................................................................................................................... 10PREVENTION AND MITIGATION OF THE NEGATIVE IMPACTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE AND NATURALDISASTERS ................................................................................................................................................. 11MAINTENANCE AND ENHANCEMENT OF THE CONTRIBUTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT TO HUMAN HEALTH ........ 11FULFILMENT OF REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES ............................................................. 12POLICY FRAMEWORK.......................................................................................................................... 14THE POLICY PROCESS................................................................................................................................. 14INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS ................................................................................................................. 14LEGAL AND PLANNING INSTRUMENTS .......................................................................................................... 16ECONOMIC INSTRUMENTS .......................................................................................................................... 18FINANCING................................................................................................................................................ 19TECHNOLOGY............................................................................................................................................ 19RESEARCH................................................................................................................................................. 20COMMUNICATION ...................................................................................................................................... 20POLICY MONITORING AND EVALUATION ...................................................................................................... 21THE NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT STRATEGY ............................................ 22STRATEGY 1: PROMOTING A POLICY-DRIVEN AND PRO-ACTIVE APPROACH TO ENVIRONMENTALMANAGEMENT ......................................................................................................................................... 23Rationale............................................................................................................................................. 23Expected results .................................................................................................................................. 23Action framework................................................................................................................................ 23STRATEGY 2: INTEGRATING ENVIRONMENT AND DEVELOPMENT OBJECTIVES AND ACTIONS ............ 27Rationale............................................................................................................................................. 27Expected results .................................................................................................................................. 27Action framework................................................................................................................................ 27STRATEGY 3: ESTABLISHING APPROPRIATE INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS ................................... 29Rationale............................................................................................................................................. 29Expected results .................................................................................................................................. 29Action framework................................................................................................................................ 29STRATEGY 4: BUILDING THE CAPACITY FOR ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT .................................. 32Rationale............................................................................................................................................. 32Expected results .................................................................................................................................. 32Action frameworks .............................................................................................................................. 32ii

STRATEGY 5: DEVELOPING AND USING APPROPRIATE, FAIR, EFFECTIVE AND EFFICIENTINSTRUMENTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT .............................................................................. 35Rationale............................................................................................................................................. 35Expected results .................................................................................................................................. 35Action framework................................................................................................................................ 35STRATEGY 6: PROMOTING CULTURAL AND ATTITUDINAL CHANGE ..................................................... 36Rationale............................................................................................................................................. 36Expected results .................................................................................................................................. 36Action framework................................................................................................................................ 36STRATEGY 7: PROMOTING A KNOWLEDGE-BASED APPROACH TO ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT .38Rationale............................................................................................................................................. 38Expected results .................................................................................................................................. 38Action framework................................................................................................................................ 38IMPLEMENTATION OF THE STRATEGY ................................................................................................... 39ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS................................................................................................... 40iii

National Environmental Policy and National Environmental Management Strategy for Saint LuciaIntroductionSaint Lucia aspires to a form of development that meets the needs and aspirations of allcitizens and that is sustainable, equitable, harmonious, respectful of culture and identity,and compatible with the legitimate claims and needs of other nations and societies. In thissearch, the environment plays a central role, because it provides the natural resources(e.g. the air, land, soils, waters, landscapes, ecosystems and species) that supporteconomic, social and cultural development activities, and because the physical andmental well-being of people and of society as a whole cannot be maintained in theabsence of a clean and healthy environment. Development cannot be equitable orsustainable without effective natural resource conservation and environmentalmanagement.The challenges of environmental management that are faced by a small island developingnation such as Saint Lucia are many. Because of their small size and location, smalltropical islands are highly vulnerable to disasters, and to the negative impacts ofenvironmental change. From the early days of European colonisation, Saint Lucia’snatural habitats have been radically transformed, giving way to the establishment ofplantations and human settlements, and to the importation of a wide range of plant andanimal species. Saint Lucia’s economy has been built almost entirely on the use ofnatural resources, especially in agriculture and more recently in tourism. Today, in aglobalised world dominated by trade liberalisation, high and growing disparities andinequities between rich and poor countries and regions, and security issues, the economicand environmental sustainability of Saint Lucia is under threat.Environmental policy is critical to national development. A nation’s environmentalpolicy, whether formal or informal, reflects its ability and commitment to manage andsustain natural assets and to preserve and enhance the quality of human life. It alsodefines, to a significant extent, the type of development that a country pursues, since itshapes the contours and the features of the economy, it is an expression of dominantcultures and attitudes, and it reveals individual and collective relationships with nature,with the past, the present and the future, as well as with other people, communities,societies and nations. Environmental policy is a pillar of sustainable human development.This National Environmental Policy and this National Environmental ManagementStrategy are formal expressions of the nation’s commitment to arrest and reverse trendsof environmental degradation and to ensure that sound environmental management isfully integrated into the national development policy framework. They seek tocomplement and build upon the other policy statements and instruments that Saint Luciahas put in place to address issues of environmental quality and sustainability in thecountry. The purpose of this document is neither to duplicate existing statements, nor toprovide a blueprint for environmental management. It is a statement of intent issued bythe Government of Saint Lucia on behalf of the nation as a whole. It is an integratingframework that seeks to provide guidance and direction, but also to set clear and specifictargets for policy implementation, and to address policy gaps and conflicts wherever theyexist.1

National Environmental Policy and National Environmental Management Strategy for Saint LuciaThis policy statement and the strategy that it contains complement all relevantinternational agreements and commitments to which Saint Lucia is a party, including theMillennium Declaration, the various global and regional conventions and agreements inthe field of the environment, the Barbados Programme of Action for the SustainableDevelopment of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and the St. George’s Declarationof Principles for Environmental Sustainability in the OECS 1 .This document also builds upon the wide range of national policy statements andinstruments that exist and are already in force in Saint Lucia. In particular, the NEP andthe NEMS have been directly informed by:o the report on the Legal and institutional review of environmental management inSaint Lucia released in March 2002;o the Report on the State of the Environment currently being finalised by theMinistry of Physical Development, Environment and Housing;o the Analysis of environmental policy which was prepared by the Ministry ofPhysical Development, Environment and Housing as part of this policy process.1 In the rest of this document the St. George’s Declaration of Principles for Environmental Sustainability inthe OECS will be referred to as The St. George’s Declaration.2

National Environmental Policy and National Environmental Management Strategy for Saint LuciaMain concepts and definitions used in this document:Conservation: the preservation and renewal, when possible, of natural resources;the use, protection and improvement of natural resources according to principlesthat will ensure optimal economic or social benefit on a sustainable basis.Environment: the living and non-living surroundings in which a person, a society,a community or an organisation operates, including the air, the water, the land, theflora, the fauna and the other natural resources, as well as the relationshipsbetween humans and these surroundings.Environmental policy: a statement or a set of statements made by a country ororganisation of its intentions and principles in relation to its environment, whichprovides a framework for collective behaviour and for the setting of environmentalobjectives and targets.Environmental management: the measures, procedures and actions that are usedand applied to determine the extent and conditions of the use of natural resourcesand the environment, and the impacts of human activities, products and services onthat environment.Environmental impact: any change to the environment, whether adverse orbeneficial, wholly or partially resulting from an activity, product or service.Environmental impact assessment: the methods and procedures that are used toidentify, measure and adjust the impacts resulting from an activity, product orservice.Pollution: the presence of a substance in the environment that because of itschemical composition or quantity prevents or affects the functioning of naturalprocesses and produces undesirable environmental and health effects.Prevention of pollution: the use of processes, practices, materials or products thatavoid, reduce or control pollution, which may include recycling, treatment, processchanges, control mechanisms, efficient use of resources and material substitution.Stakeholder: a person, group of persons or organisation that may affect, or beaffected by, the extent and conditions of the use of natural resources and theenvironment3

National Environmental Policy and National Environmental Management Strategy for Saint LuciaVisionThe Government and People of Saint Lucia envision a healthy and productiveenvironment that guarantees the sustainability of development activities and processesand that contributes fully to human development and to the quality of human life. In thisvision, poverty will be eliminated, and the environmental causes of poverty, such asinadequate land use, poor sanitation and inequitable access to natural resources, will beeffectively addressed. At the same time, all main threats to human health and safety willbe eliminated, and mechanisms will be in place to cope with new and emerging risks andto manage the different types of wastes and the various sources of contaminationgenerated from within and outside the country.While the economic and social benefits of environmental management will berecognised, nature and the environment will also be respected for their intrinsic value,and for their place within the national patrimony. In this vision, there will be fair andequitable opportunities for people to access and use natural and environmental resourcesfor social, economic and cultural benefits. The environment and the way it is perceived,used and managed will contribute to cultural identity and social cohesion at the local andnational levels.In this vision, all people and institutions will be aware and will have a goodunderstanding of environmental issues, making them conscious and ready to demand, aswell as to play a part in, environmental conservation and management. In accordancewith Principles 3, 4 and 5 of The St. George’s Declaration, rights and responsibilities inenvironmental management will be distributed among all sectors of society, including thestate, the private sector, non-governmental and community organisations, communities,and individual households. In particular:o the public sector will be efficient and effective, providing overall guidance tothe processes of environmental management as well as specific resources andservices in relevant areas;o there will be a strong sense of corporate social and environmentalresponsibility, with businesses and private sector bodies playing a part in theregulation of market forces and in the management of the environment;o people and communities will be empowered and involved in all relevantaspects and institutions of governance, particularly for the management of theenvironment;o some of the responsibilities for environmental management will be sharedwith other nations, through relevant regional and international institutions andinstruments;4

National Environmental Policy and National Environmental Management Strategy for Saint Luciao there will be genuine international cooperation in environmental affairs, andexternal partners will assume their responsibility for environmentalmanagement at the global, regional, national and local levels.In its quest for environmental quality and sustainability, Saint Lucia will fully assume itsglobal and regional responsibility, especially for the joint management of resources,landscapes and environments that are shared with other countries, either in ecologicalterms, or on the basis of and historical cultural relationships.5

National Environmental Policy and National Environmental Management Strategy for Saint LuciaGoalThe goal of national environmental policy is to ensure that development isenvironmentally sustainable, while optimising the contribution of the environment to theeconomic, social and cultural dimensions of development.Principles and valuesIn the achievement of these policy objectives, a number of fundamental principles will beadhered to:‣ Rights: all citizens, including those of future generations, have the right toa clean, healthy, safe and productive environment. The actions andbehaviour of people and institutions must respect these rights.‣ Equity: the rights of all citizens must be recognised, and opportunities toaccess environmental resources and to derive benefits from theseresources must be equitable, without any discrimination on the basis ofage, sex, race, religion or ability.‣ Stewardship: all citizens and institutions should feel a sense ofresponsibility, and there should be a fair sharing of rights and authorityamong the state, civil society, individuals and the private sector. Allstakeholders must recognise that they have a part to play in the processesof environmental management.‣ Leadership: it is the responsibility of the state to establish and manage apolicy framework for environmental management, and government musttherefore assume and retain a leadership role in policy formulation andimplementation.‣ Accountability and transparency: it is also the responsibility of the state toensure that there is fairness, transparency and accountability in theformulation, adoption and implementation of all public policy, includingnational environmental policy.‣ Collaboration and participation: public policy must promote theparticipation of stakeholders, facilitate the development of collaborationand partnerships among relevant actors, and encourage communityinvolvement in management whenever desirable and practical. Voluntarycompliance must be promoted and encouraged to the maximum extentpossible.‣ Enforcement: at the same time, laws and regulations must be effectivelyand efficiently enforced, conflicts and crises must be fairly resolved and6

National Environmental Policy and National Environmental Management Strategy for Saint Luciaarbitrated whenever they arise, and the procedures and processes ofenforcement must be properly coordinated.‣ Legitimacy: enforcement measures should be acceptable to and acceptedby all stakeholders, thanks to the fairness and transparency of decisionsand to stakeholder participation in policy formulation and decisionmaking.‣ Efficiency: organisations and processes of environmental managementmust be fully effective and efficient, with streamlined and integratedsystems and procedures.‣ Capacity-building: all social partners must be capable of participating inenvironmental management, and must therefore develop their human andtechnical resource capacity through training, organisational development,resource mobilisation and technical assistance.‣ Coordination and integration: there is a need for proper co-ordinationamong all actors, and policy objectives and instruments must remaincoherent, compatible and mutually reinforcing.‣ Precaution: whenever necessary, the precautionary principle must beapplied and followed, i.e. the decision not to proceed with significantchanges in resource use in the absence of an adequate assessment of thepotential impacts of these changes.‣ Provision of incentives and disincentives: whenever applicable, financialand other economic instruments can be used to promote sustainableactivities and patterns of resource utilisation.‣ Diversity: public policy should make use of a wide range of instruments,using them creatively and effectively, and recognising the value of bothformal and informal measures and mechanisms.‣ Public awareness: effective environmental management requires aneducated public, aware of issues and their causes, and informed of needsand requirements.‣ Knowledge: environmental management must be based on sound researchand information, with appropriate monitoring of issues, trends andimpacts.7

National Environmental Policy and National Environmental Management Strategy for Saint LuciaObjectivesIn order to achieve the goal of environmentally sustainable development, environmentalpolicy must pursue a set of seven broad objectives, which are complementary andmutually reinforcing:1. Maintain the diversity of ecosystems, species and genes.2. Maintain and enhance the natural productivity of ecosystems and ecologicalprocesses.3. Optimise the contribution of natural and environmental resources to theproduction and trade of economic goods and services.4. Optimise the contribution of natural and environmental resources to social andcultural development.5. Prevent and mitigate the negative impacts of environmental change andnatural disasters.6. Maintain and enhance the contribution of the environment to human health.7. Fulfil regional and international responsibilities.Main policy interventionsMaintenance of the diversity of ecosystems, species and genesSaint Lucia must, to the maximum extent possible, preserve the natural diversity ofecosystems, species and genes that are part of the country’s natural patrimony, includingthe diversity of breeds and cultivars that have been created by human activity during thecourse of history.The main instruments that will be used in the implementation of this component of thepolicy are:‣ Full implementation of the National Biodiversity Strategy and ActionPlan (NBSAP).‣ Review and revision of the plan for a System of Protected Areas(SPA), and preparation of an indicative list of areas still requiringstatutory protection and of a work programme for the establishment ofsuch protected areas.8

National Environmental Policy and National Environmental Management Strategy for Saint Lucia‣ Effective management of existing protected areas, with theimplementation of management programmes in research, conservation,sustainable use, monitoring and evaluation, and public awareness.‣ Effective enforcement of the provisions of the Wildlife Protection Actand other legislation relevant to ecosystem and species conservation.In addition, instruments will be introduced in order to address new and emerging issues.These instruments include:‣ Participatory formulation of a new national forest policy, andformulation and implementation of a forest management plan.‣ Formulation of a specific policy on bio-prospecting.‣ Formulation of a policy on biotechnology and bio-safety, with specificprovisions concerning the introduction and use of genetically modifiedorganisms.Maintenance and enhancement of the natural productivity of ecosystems and ecologicalprocessesIn addition to their providing the habitat for natural species and genes, ecosystemsnaturally produce a range of good and services that are essential to human society. Theirnatural productivity must therefore be preserved and enhanced, through the maintenanceand improvement of critical ecological processes.The main instruments that will be used in the implementation of this component of thepolicy are:‣ Full implementation of the NBSAP.‣ Review and revision of the plan for a System of Protected Areas, andpreparation of an indicative list of areas still requiring statutoryprotection and of a work programme for the establishment of suchprotected areas.‣ Adoption and full implementation of the Plan for Managing theFisheries of Saint Lucia.In addition, instruments will be introduced in order to address new and emerging issues.These instruments include:‣ Participatory formulation of a national forest policy, and formulationand implementation of a forest management plan.9

National Environmental Policy and National Environmental Management Strategy for Saint Lucia‣ Formulation and implementation of a comprehensive plan for theconservation and management of critical watersheds, including thedesign and use of market-based instruments for watershedmanagement.Optimisation of the contribution of natural and environmental resources to economicdevelopmentSaint Lucia’s economy remains largely dependent on natural and environmentalresources, especially in agriculture, fisheries and tourism. One of the essential objectivesof environmental management is to ensure that these resources contribute optimally, andon a sustainable basis, to economic activity and prosperity.The main instruments that will be used in the implementation of this component of thepolicy are:‣ Implementation of an expanded programme for agriculturaldiversification.‣ Identification and promotion of sustainable use practices in all relevantsectors, including agriculture, fisheries and tourism.‣ Integration of nature and heritage tourism in national tourism policiesand programmes, and promotion of heritage tourism ventures andprojects.‣ Exploration of the potential for the development of aquaculture.‣ Identification and promotion of opportunities for non-timber forestproducts, especially in the arts and crafts sector.‣ Promotion of forestry and agro-forestry on suitable private lands, andof community forestry on selected public lands.Optimisation of the contribution of natural and environmental resources to socialdevelopmentThe environment and the resources it contains provide a range of cultural and socialservices, and contribute, in a variety of ways, to social integration, artistic expression andcultural identity. Environmental management must therefore seek to optimise thiscontribution.The main instruments that will be used in the implementation of this component of thepolicy are:10

National Environmental Policy and National Environmental Management Strategy for Saint Lucia‣ Adoption and implementation of the Social Policy for HumanDevelopment, and particularly its provisions that relate to the use andmanagement of natural resources and the environment.‣ Implementation of the aspects of the National Cultural Policy thatrelate to environmental management.‣ Implementation of the proposed Local Government Reform, anddesign and implementation of a phased programme aimed at vestingmanagement authority over locally important natural asserts to localgovernment authorities.‣ Formulation and adoption of guidelines for landscape management, foruse in development planning and control.‣ Preservation of traditional knowledge and maintenance of traditionaluses consistent with the principles of equity and sustainability.Prevention and mitigation of the negative impacts of environmental change and naturaldisastersChange is a permanent feature of the environment, and it comes as a result of a number offactors, including natural and other disasters. One of the objectives of environmentalmanagement must be to ensure that the negative impacts of change – including thosecoming from climatic change – are minimised and mitigated, in accordance withPrinciples 8 and 9 of The St. George’s Declaration.The main instruments that will be used in the implementation of this component of thepolicy are:‣ Adoption and implementation of the National Hazard Mitigation Plan.‣ Implementation of the National Climate Change Policy and AdaptationPlan.‣ Comprehensive and effective application of regulations governingenvironmental impact assessment in development planning processesand procedures.Maintenance and enhancement of the contribution of the environment to human healthThere is a direct relationship between environmental quality and human health, and acentral objective of environmental management is to reduce, minimise and wheneverpossible eliminate the negative impacts of environmental conditions on the physical andmental well-being of people and society, while optimising the positive contribution ofthat environment to human health.11

National Environmental Policy and National Environmental Management Strategy for Saint LuciaThe main instruments that will be used in the implementation of this component of thepolicy are:‣ Completion, adoption and implementation of the National WasteManagement Strategy.‣ Completion, adoption and implementation of the medical waste andother bio-hazardous wastes management plan.‣ Completion, adoption and implementation of the agrochemical(pesticide) hazardous wastes management plan.In addition, instruments will be introduced in order to address new and emerging issues.These instruments include:‣ Formulation and adoption of comprehensive legislation to addresspollution.‣ Continued development and enforcement of health and safetystandards.‣ Completion and adoption of the Labour Code and implementation ofits provisions that relate to health, safety and environmental quality.‣ Formulation and implementation of a plan to promote the use oftraditional medicines whenever desirable.Fulfilment of regional and international responsibilitiesThe objectives of environmental management in Saint Lucia go well beyond the shores ofthe island. As an independent and responsible nation, Saint Lucia is committed to theregional and global environmental agendas, and wishes to play a key role in theirimplementation, in conformity with commitments made in Principle 17 of The St.George’s Declaration.The main instruments that will be used in the implementation of this component of thepolicy are:‣ Full application of the St. George’s Declaration of Principles forEnvironmental Sustainability in the OECS, and provision of periodicreporting on the status of implementation at the national level.‣ Full implementation of and adherence to the provisions of the variousinternational conventions to which Saint Lucia is a party.12

National Environmental Policy and National Environmental Management Strategy for Saint LuciaIn addition, instruments will be introduced in order to address new and emerging issues.These instruments include:‣ Development and implementation of an integrated system ofmonitoring and reporting on implementation of international policiesand instruments.‣ Formulation and adoption of specific targets and indicators in allrelevant sectors and programmes.13

National Environmental Policy and National Environmental Management Strategy for Saint LuciaPolicy frameworkThe policy processThe implementation of national environmental policy will be structured around a processthat involves the following elements:o The vision, goal, objectives, principles and values outlined in this policydocument will form the core of the policy process, with all other elementsdrawing from, and contributing to, this core.o The National Environmental Policy and National Environmental ManagementStrategy will be submitted to and eventually approved by the Cabinet ofMinisters.o The policy elements contained in the present document will be submitted to andeventually approved by the Parliament of Saint Lucia.o There will be a determined national effort towards implementation, as expressedin the strategy presented below, with the Ministry with responsibility for theEnvironment assuming the leadership role in this effort.o The National Environmental Policy and the National Environmental ManagementStrategy will in turn support the formulation and implementation of specificstrategies, programmes and plans that guide actions and interventions in allrelevant sectors (e.g. water, land, biodiversity, tourism or coastal zonemanagement).o Implementation will be supported by efficient and effective legal and institutionalinstruments.o These instruments will specifically provide for mechanisms for informed publicinvolvement in policy formulation and implementation.o The policy process will be ongoing and iterative, with continued monitoring,assessment, evaluation and adaptation, and with periodic reviews of the status ofimplementation of the policy and management strategy.Institutional arrangementsA key to the effective implementation of national environmental policy is effectivecoordination and integration, at various levels:o coordination and cooperation between state agencies, the private sector and civilsociety;14

National Environmental Policy and National Environmental Management Strategy for Saint Luciao integration of policies, institutions and interventions within the state, and use ofcoordinating mechanisms among all agencies involved, directly and indirectly, inenvironmental management;o avoidance of duplication and use of a coordinated approach to enforcement;o clarity and accountability in the allocation of roles and responsibilities among thevarious institutional actors;o integration of institutions and actions at the local level, through effective systemsof local governance;o creation and promotion of equitable and effective partnerships involving publicsector agencies, private sector bodies, civil society and communities;o effective delegation of relevant regulatory functions to regional institutionswhenever desirable and feasible;o integration between national policies and institutions on the one hand and theregional and international institutional environment on the other.These institutional arrangements require the redistribution of the main roles andresponsibilities in environmental management among the various key institutions, asillustrated in the table below.Main roles inenvironmentalmanagementCurrent rolesDesirable rolesChanges neededto performdesirable rolesIndividual Community Civil society Private sector StateLimited, anddependent onindividualinitiativeSelf-regulationand appropriatebehaviourIndividualinitiativeIncreasedawarenessEmpowermentRewards forpositivebehaviourMechanisms forLimited, anddependent oninitiative ofcommunityleaders andorganisationsSelf-regulationand appropriatebehaviourLocal initiativeStrengthening oflocalgovernmentMechanisms forpopularparticipation inpolicyLimitedIsolated butsignificantcases of civilsocietyinvolvementActiveinvolvement inmanagementPolicy reform tofacilitatecommunityempowermentand devolutionIncreasedcapacity ofLimited anddependent oninitiative ofindividualbusinessesIsolated butsignificantcases of goodcorporatebehaviourHigh sense ofcorporateresponsibilityInvestment inenvironmentalmanagementIncentives tocorporateenvironmentalresponsibilityIncreasedcapacity inselected areasLeadership inpolicy andmanagementExclusive role inenforcementPrimary andoften exclusiverole in allaspects ofenvironmentalmanagementContinuedleadership roleIncreasedfacilitating roleReducedenforcementrolePolicy reform tofacilitatedevolution andpartnershipsLocalgovernmentreform15

National Environmental Policy and National Environmental Management Strategy for Saint Luciapopularparticipation inpolicyformulation,monitoring andreviewformulation,monitoring andreviewcivil societyorganisationsIncreasedcapacity,particularly infacilitation,policyformulationand partnershipdevelopmentThe effective functioning of these institutional arrangements requires that capacities bebuilt, strengthened and sustained at all levels within government, civil society and theprivate sector. In many instances, it will also require that formal partnership agreementsand memoranda of understanding be developed and signed among agencies, to improveefficiency, avoid the duplication of roles and efforts, and optimise the use of human,technical and financial resources.Legal and planning instrumentsThe implementation of national environmental policy must be supported by effectivelegal, planning and management instruments. These include:‣ Policy statements: the Government of Saint Lucia has already formulated andadopted a number of important statements dealing with specific sectors andissues, including the Coastal Zone Management Policy, the Water Policy and theNational Climate Change Policy and Adaptation Plan. In addition, Saint Luciasubscribes to all relevant international statements of environmental policy,including the Millennium Declaration, the Plan of Implementation of the 2003World Summit on Sustainable Development, the Barbados Programme of Actionand the St. George’s Declaration. These policy statements will continue to guideaction and management activities in the various areas and sectors, and they shouldtherefore be used, publicised, monitored and periodically reviewed. In addition,the following policy statements should be formulated or reviewed:o National Land Policy: a White Paper on a National Land Policy iscurrently being formulated, and the completion of this policy process iscritical to overall environmental policy.o Forest Policy: there is no current and up-to-date statement of forest policyin the country, and such a statement is critically needed at this time.‣ Legislation: the Government of Saint Lucia will pursue its efforts towards theestablishment of an integrated, efficient and effective legislative framework forenvironmental management. This requires:o the development of an integrated legislative framework for pollutioncontrol;16

National Environmental Policy and National Environmental Management Strategy for Saint Luciao the review of the existing institutional and legislative framework for themanagement of protected areas, in order to eliminate duplication andincrease management effectiveness and efficiency;o the implementation of Local Government Reform, with the necessarylegislative framework to allow for effective environmental managementby local government agencies;o the development of an adequate legal instrument for the establishment andoperation of civil society organisations at the national and communitylevels.‣ Regulations: the Government of Saint Lucia is committed to supporting all lawswith practical and comprehensive regulations that provide for effectiveenforcement. Existing regulations will be enforced, and new regulations will bedeveloped in specific areas whenever required.‣ Standards: within this comprehensive legal framework, the Government of SaintLucia remains committed to the development and adoption of internationalstandards and to their application to the local context, and will introduce suchstandards whenever applicable and relevant.‣ Statutory zoning plans: a national land use plan will be developed, in accordancewith national land policy. Land use plans will also be developed at the local level,in accordance with the provisions of the Physical Planning and Development Act.‣ Environmental impact assessments (EIA): under the provisions of the PhysicalPlanning and Development Act, appropriate regulations for environmental impactassessment will be developed and enforced. All efforts will be made to ensure thatthe EIA process is efficient, participatory, transparent and supportive ofdevelopment initiatives.‣ Environmental management systems (EMS): such systems will be promoted in allorganisations that have, or may have, a significant impact on the environment,including tourism business, industries and large commercial establishments.‣ Environmental management guidelines: informal guidelines will be developed forall relevant sectors, in order to guide the adoption of good environmentalbehaviour. These guidelines will be used by all relevant organisations in trainingand monitoring programmes.‣ Environmental audits: the effective application of EMS and other instruments willbe monitored and assessed through environmental audits carried out bycompanies, private sector bodies and governmental agencies.17

National Environmental Policy and National Environmental Management Strategy for Saint Lucia‣ Eco-labels and certification: international and local standards will be used forcertification and labelling schemes that link business promotion to goodenvironmental practice and corporate environmental responsibility. Certificationschemes will also be applied to public resources, especially beaches.Enforcement is a key element of implementation of environmental policy. In order toensure that environmental laws are properly enforced, the Government of Saint Lucia andall its relevant agencies will:o encourage voluntary compliance on the part of corporate and individual citizensto the maximum extent possible;o ensure that state agencies always act in conformity with the law and adherestrictly to established rules and procedures;o ensure that the public is aware of institutional roles and responsibilities inenvironmental management;o build the capacity of enforcement agencies through training, capacity-building,resource mobilisation and networking;o foster coordination and sharing of resources and information among enforcementagencies;o empower local government agencies and selected civil society organisations withenforcement capacity and mandates whenever desirable and feasible.Economic instrumentsThe implementation of environmental policy will make use of a range of economicinstruments, as stipulated by Principle 6 of the St. George’s Declaration, includingregulatory instruments as well as market-based instruments:o Fee systems and charges on resource consumption: whenever desirable andpossible, user fees will be introduced, to generate fiscal revenue (see below), butalso to guide use and management in desirable directions. This will be the case, inparticular, for protected areas and heritage tourism sites. In the case of relevantpublic utilities (electricity and water), rates will be reviewed in order to promotedesirable levels of usage. Charges will also be introduced, whenever possible anddesirable, for effluents and other polluting sources.o Environmental tariffs: these will be applied for goods that have a potentialnegative impact on the environment and thus create a financial burden forenvironmental management in the country. Whenever such tariffs and levies areapplied, they will be used, to the maximum extent possible, in support ofenvironmental management institutions and activities.18

National Environmental Policy and National Environmental Management Strategy for Saint Luciao Incentives: fiscal incentives will be provided to individuals and individualhouseholds to promote environmentally friendly behaviour and technology, suchas the production of renewable energy, or the construction of storage tanks inresidential buildings and tourism facilities.o Taxation: more generally, taxation policy will be reviewed and revised, in order toensure that taxation can serve as a guide and an incentive to desirableenvironmental behaviour by individuals, households, businesses and agencies.FinancingIn order to finance environmental management programmes and actions, Saint Lucia willuse a diverse range of instruments, including the following:o Public investments: environmental projects will constitute a significantcomponent of the Public Sector Investment Programme (PSIP) and of the workprogrammes of social investment agencies, namely the Basic Needs Trust Fund(BNTF) and the Poverty Reduction Fund (PRF), notably in water supply,sanitation, drainage, disaster management and impact mitigation.o Establishment of a national Social Investment Fund (SIF): a new and permanentfinancing mechanism will be established that will integrate existing funds whilegenerating additional sources from private and public sector sources, and that willinclude the environmental agenda in its portfolio of programmes and projects.o User fees and payment for environmental services: in addition to theircontribution to environmental management, these instruments will serve togenerate revenue and provide financial resources for environmental managementagencies and programmes.o Environmental tariffs and levies: whenever these instruments are used to generaterevenue while regulating imports, in accordance with provisions of theCARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) and other trade agreements, therevenue they generate will be applied, to the maximum extent possible, to supportenvironmental institutions and programmes.o Contributions of the international community: Saint Lucia will place theenvironmental sector among its priorities for external financing and developmentcooperation.TechnologySaint Lucia will continue to encourage the development and use of appropriatetechnology, through:19

National Environmental Policy and National Environmental Management Strategy for Saint Luciao the promotion of local research in selected priority areas;o the importation of technology that is directly relevant and applicable to localconditions and needs, particularly through South-South exchanges.ResearchResearch will become a central part of environmental policy, in a number of ways,through:o the promotion of a culture of learning by doing, of documentation and review, sothat lessons can be learned from failure while positive experiences can bereproduced and scaled-up;o capacity building and strengthening of research institutions, with the provision offinancial and technical support to research institutions, programmes andactivities, as well as the creation of linkages with external research agencies andskills;o the promotion of environmental reporting, and effective and efficient informationmanagement;o the effective and on-going use of information to guide policy formulation, reviewand implementation;o fair and equitable access to environmental information by all citizens andagencies.CommunicationThe national environmental policy will promote and support the dissemination ofinformation, the development of positive attitudes and behaviour, and a broad-basedappreciation and understanding of environmental issues, processes and managementrequirements. The main activities will include:o the inclusion of environmental issues and subjects in the formal education system,through continued attention to curriculum development;o the sensitisation and training of media personnel and other communicationprofessionals to enhance their capacity to report on environmental issues,programmes and trends;o the promotion of informal and popular media in support of information andcommunication;20

National Environmental Policy and National Environmental Management Strategy for Saint Luciao the promotion of incentives and rewards, particularly with the introduction of aNational Awards on the Environment.Policy monitoring and evaluationEnvironmental policy making is a continued process that will require:o specific institutional arrangements and mandates to monitor progress, under theauspices of a new National Environmental Commission (see below);o continued assessment of trends, needs and issues;o evaluation of policy and programme impact and achievement of targets, withspecified periodicity.This will require that Saint Lucia adopt an environmental policy culture and cycle that arecreative, dynamic and adaptive. The strategic elements presented below aim atresponding to this need.21

National Environmental Policy and National Environmental Management Strategy for Saint LuciaThe National Environmental Management StrategyEnvironmental management cannot be effective without a focused and strategic approachthat guarantees efficient and effective implementation. It is for this reason that theNational Environmental Policy needs to be translated into seven main strategies that mustbe followed concurrently in order to permit the achievement of the objectives ofenvironmental policy. These crosscutting strategies are as follows:o a policy-driven and pro-active approach to environmental management will beemployed, within a framework of Integrated Development Planning, and with animproved and more effective policy process;o environment and development objectives, concerns and actions will be fullyintegrated, at the macro and micro levels;o appropriate institutional arrangements will be developed, with institutionalcollaboration, social participation and partnerships, and with the sharing anddecentralisation of environmental management responsibilities wheneverdesirable and feasible;o the capacity to manage the environment and the various processes that impact onit will be built at all levels within government, the private sector and civil society;o appropriate, fair, effective and efficient instruments of environmentalmanagement instruments will be developed and used, including financingmechanisms and technologies;o cultural and attitudinal change will be promoted, leading to a greater sense ofownership of and responsibility towards the environment, an awareness of issuesand an understanding of causes and possible solutions;o knowledge will be enhanced, and access to and use of information will beimproved, allowing knowledge to serve as the basis for environmental policymaking and programming.Against this background, the purpose of this National Environmental ManagementStrategy (NEMS) is to provide a concrete and practical work plan for the implementationof these strategic directions. Its implementation should take place over a period of fiveyears, beginning immediately after its approval by the Cabinet of Ministers.22

National Environmental Policy and National Environmental Management Strategy for Saint LuciaStrategy 1: Promoting a policy-driven and pro-active approach to environmentalmanagementRationaleWithin a framework of Integrated Development Planning (IDP), there is a need forimproved and more effective policy frameworks and processes. Environmentalmanagement aims at preventing and mitigating negative environmental impacts, but italso aims at optimising the contribution of natural and environmental resources tosustainable human development. This cannot be achieved without pro-active policies thatpursue long-term objectives in a strategic fashion. At the same time, environmentalmanagement activities cannot be dictated primarily by reactions to issues and problems asthey occur, and many environmental problems are caused by ad hoc decision-making thatis inconsistent with established policy. A coherent policy framework must guideenvironmental management in all domains.Expected resultsWithin this Strategy’s five-year time frame, Saint Lucia should have established a policyframework and process that are characterised by:o improved coherence and consistency within environmental policy;o integration of key elements of environmental policy into policies and programmesin relevant economic, social and cultural sectors;o provision of explicit policy and operational guidance and direction on the mostcritical environmental issues;o increased awareness of the rationale for and provisions of policy at all levels andin all sectors within society;o use and respect of policy to guide decision making in the public sector.Action frameworkSpecific objective Action Time frame ResponsibilityPublish anddisseminate theNEP and NEMSDecember 2004 Ministry of PhysicalDevelopment,Environment andCreate awareness ofenvironmentalpolicy amongpolicy makersEncourage high-levelparticipation inlocal, regional andinternationalenvironmentalforums and eventsOn-goingHousingMinistry of ExternalAffairs andMinistry ofPhysicalDevelopment,Environment andHousing23

National Environmental Policy and National Environmental Management Strategy for Saint LuciaSpecific objective Action Time frame ResponsibilityDevelop negotiatingskills for peopleinvolved ininternational policyprocesses2005 Ministry of ExternalAffairs andMinistry ofPhysicalDevelopment,Environment andCreate awareness ofand support forenvironmentalpolicy among thegeneral publicPromote integrateddevelopmentplanningResolve and eliminatepolicy conflicts andoverlapsPublish anddisseminate theNEP, using writtenand audio-visualformats in bothEnglish and CreoleDisseminateinformation on allapplicable policyinstruments, andinform audiencesabout theirprovisionsFormulate a nationaldevelopment planFormulate localdevelopment plansIntegrateenvironmentalmanagementobjectives andconsiderations intotaxation systemsIdentify policyconflicts anddevelop plan ofactionFocused and intensivecampaign onNationalEnvironmentalPolicy, January toSeptember 2005,taking advantage,in particular, of theSIDS Conferencein January 2005On-goingHousingMinistry of PhysicalDevelopment,Environment andHousingAll relevantenvironmentalmanagementagencies2005-2006 Ministry of Financeand EconomicAffairs andMinistry ofPhysicalDevelopment,Environment andHousing2005 – 2009 Local GovernmentAgencies and civilsocietyorganisations2005-2007 Ministry of Financeand EconomicAffairs andMinistry ofPhysicalDevelopment,Environment andHousing2005 Ministry of PhysicalDevelopment,Environment andHousingDevelop Develop, through a 2005 – 2006 Ministry of Physical24

National Environmental Policy and National Environmental Management Strategy for Saint LuciaSpecific objective Action Time frame Responsibilitycomprehensiveenvironmentalmanagementlegislationparticipatoryprocess, acomprehensiveEnvironmentalDevelopment,Environment andHousingDevelop andimplement new orupdated policyinstruments inrelevant areasManagement ActFormulation of anational forestpolicy and forestmanagement planFormulation of anintegrated legalinstrument onpollutionFormulation of aBiodiversityConservation andSpecial AreasManagement ActFormulation of apolicy statement oncritical areas ofbiodiversityconservation andmanagement,including bioprospecting,traditionalknowledgepreservation andbio-safetyFormal adoption andfull implementationof the FisheriesManagement andDevelopment PlanCompletion andadoption of aNational LandPolicyForest policydeveloped andapproved by June2005Forest managementplan developed andapproved by March2006Forestry Department,Ministry ofAgriculture,Forestry andFisheries2005 Ministry of Healthand Ministry ofPhysicalDevelopment,Environment andHousing2005 Ministry of PhysicalDevelopment,Environment andHousing, Ministryof Agriculture,Fisheries andForestry, and SaintLucia NationalTrustMarch 2005December 2004December 2004Biodiversity project,Ministry ofAgriculture,Fisheries andForestryMinistry ofAgriculture,Fisheries andForestryMinistry of PhysicalDevelopment,Environment andHousing25

National Environmental Policy and National Environmental Management Strategy for Saint LuciaSpecific objective Action Time frame ResponsibilityReview of the plan fora System ofProtected AreasNovember 2004 toJune 2005Saint Lucia NationalTrustIn addition, Saint Lucia will conduct a strategic review of its obligations under allrelevant multi-lateral environmental agreements, in order to ensure that these agreementscontribute fully to nationally driven processes and that Saint Lucia remains in fullcompliance with the terms of these agreements. In particular, opportunities forrationalising Saint Lucia’s participation in regional and international processes and ofincreasing the benefits derived from such participation will be explored. This process willinvolve the various ministries and other public sector agencies that have direct or indirectrelationships with regional and international agreement and with the institutionsresponsible for these agreements.26

National Environmental Policy and National Environmental Management Strategy for Saint LuciaStrategy 2: Integrating environment and development objectives and actionsRationaleEnvironmental management is a critical requirement for sustainable economic and socialdevelopment. Too often, environmental concerns are perceived as antagonistic toeconomic and social development imperatives. There is now a need to reconcile theobjectives of economic and social development and environmental management, byintegrating these central dimensions of human development. This integration must takeplace at the level of policies, but also at the level of programmes, projects and actions.Expected resultsWithin the five-year time frame of this Strategy, Saint Lucia should have:o approved social and economic development policy statements that make specificreference to environmental management objectives;o an established system of national environmental accounting;o a national budgeting process that takes environmental issues into account;o effective and efficient systems and procedures to assess the environmentalimpacts of development programmes and projects.Action frameworkIn addition to the actions that will be undertaken to review and improve institutionalarrangements and capacities, as described in the following two sections, a number ofspecific objectives and actions will be pursued to achieve the required integrationbetween environment and development.Specific objective Action Time frame ResponsibilityIntegrateenvironmentalconsiderations intothe main nationalpolicy processesand instrumentsEngage the NationalEconomic Councilto assess theimplications ofenvironmentalpolicy for nationaldevelopmentJanuary to March2005Ministry of PhysicalDevelopment,Environment andHousingReview of selectedpolicy instruments(socialdevelopment,water, tourism,transportation,energy, etc.) toincorporateenvironmentalconsiderationsJanuary to June 2005Ministry of PhysicalDevelopment,Environment andHousing27

National Environmental Policy and National Environmental Management Strategy for Saint LuciaSpecific objective Action Time frame ResponsibilityEstablishment of asystem ofenvironmental andnatural resourceaccounting2005 and 2006 Ministry of Financeand EconomicAffairs andMinistry ofPhysicalDevelopment,Environment andIntegrateenvironmentalconsiderations intoprivate investmentsand developmentinitiativesSystematic integrationof environmentalconsiderations intobudgeting processAwareness andinformationcampaigns withprivate sectordevelopers anddevelopmentprofessionalsDesign andestablishment ofmechanisms forready access toinformationrequired by privatedevelopersProvision of fiscal andother incentivestowards corporateenvironmentalresponsibilityHousing2006 and 2007 Ministry of Financeand EconomicAffairs andMinistry ofPhysicalDevelopment,Environment andHousing2005 Ministry of PhysicalDevelopment,Environment andHousing2005 Ministry of PhysicalDevelopment,Environment andHousingStep by step over fiveyearsMinistry of Financeand EconomicAffairs andMinistry ofPhysicalDevelopment,Environment andHousing28

National Environmental Policy and National Environmental Management Strategy for Saint LuciaStrategy 3: Establishing appropriate institutional arrangementsRationaleThere is a need for new and improved institutional arrangements that are efficient andeffective, and that are based on the principles of collaboration, social participation andpartnerships. There is also a need to promote the sharing and decentralisation ofenvironmental management responsibilities whenever desirable and feasible.Expected resultsWithin this Strategy’s five-year time frame, Saint Lucia will have developed andestablished institutional arrangements for environmental management that include:o substantially improved coordination and cooperation among public sectoragencies;o a more equitable sharing of rights and responsibilities among state agencies, civilsociety, the private sector and individual citizens and households;o a legal framework that allows for effective management and enforcement;o a legal and institutional framework that enables devolution and delegation ofauthority;o a culture and a structure within public sector agencies that favour partnerships andparticipation;o an awareness of institutional arrangements within the general public.Action frameworkThe main actions that are required in order to establish the appropriate institutionalframework for environmental management in Saint Lucia are as follows:o Integration of the environmental agenda into the policies, programmes andstrategies of the National Economic Council.o Establishment of a National Environmental Commission. The primary function ofthis Commission will be to guide, integrate and coordinate policies andprogrammes in all areas of environmental management. The next steps in thisprocess should be:• drafting the terms of reference for the Commission (time frame:January to June 2005; responsibility: Ministry of PhysicalDevelopment, Environment and Housing);• submission of a Cabinet Paper, leading to: (a) the formalestablishment of the Commission, (b) the adoption of its terms ofreference, (c) the appointment of its chairperson and members, (d)the provision of a mandate to the Commission to proceed with thereview and development of environmental legislation and (e) theprovision of budget, office and staff necessary for the efficientfunctioning of the Commission (time frame: July 2005;29

National Environmental Policy and National Environmental Management Strategy for Saint Luciaresponsibility: Ministry of Physical Development, Environmentand Housing).o Strengthening and repositioning of the Sustainable Development andEnvironment Unit of the Ministry of Physical Development, Environment andHousing, particularly by:• preparing a strategic plan for the Unit;• transforming the Unit into a full-fledged Department, withresponsibility and capacity to assume executive functions on behalfof the National Environmental Commission;• reviewing and streamlining the mandates of that Department:• increasing the budget allocated to that Department;• providing relevant training to the staff of the Department.o Establishment of the National Environment and Development Forum as an annualevent that serves to: (a) engage civil society and other actors in the review ofenvironmental policy and in the identification of issues and priorities, (b)disseminate information on the state of the environment and on the status ofenvironmental policy in the country, and (c) foster cooperation and coordinationamong institutions and actors (time frame: on-going, next Forum to be held inJune 2005; responsibility: Ministry of Physical Development, Environment andHousing).o Implementation of Local Government Reform, leading to the establishment andeffective functioning of Local Government Agencies that: (a) have authority overall geographic areas within their locality, instead of being confined to theboundaries of towns and villages, (b) have clear legal mandates and adequatecapacity to perform planning functions as well as specific environmentalmanagement functions at the local level, (c) have established mechanisms toinvolve community-based organisations and local communities in planning andmanagement processes, and (d) receive adequate financial and technical supportfrom central government agencies (time frame: 2005; responsibility: Ministry ofSocial Transformation, Culture and Local Government).o Promotion of partnerships involving the private sector, civil society organisationsand public sector agencies, through:• the formal delegation of management authority from state agenciesto non-governmental entities whenever feasible and desirable;• the involvement of communities, civil society organisations andother actors in selected areas of environmental management.o Initiation of a consultative process aimed at the rationalisation of roles andresponsibilities in protected area management, with the anticipated result ofreducing the amount of state agencies mandated to establish and manageprotected areas, and of identifying functions and services that can be sharedamong these agencies.30

National Environmental Policy and National Environmental Management Strategy for Saint Luciao Review of the provisions and requirements of the multi-lateral environmentalagreements of which Saint Lucia is a party, to identify the ways in which theseagreements can become more directly useful to national capacity-buildingprocesses, and to develop more efficient systems of monitoring, evaluation andreporting.o Establishment of a permanent funding mechanism, through the deliberateinclusion of an environmental portfolio within a new and integrated SocialInvestment Fund (SIF).31

National Environmental Policy and National Environmental Management Strategy for Saint LuciaStrategy 4: Building the capacity for environmental managementRationaleEnvironmental management is a difficult and complex process that requires skills,resources and effective action at all levels within government, the private sector and civilsociety. In recent times, the responsibility for environmental management has fallenalmost exclusively on the State and its agencies. A participatory approach toenvironmental management requires that capacities be built and enhanced in all sectors ofsociety, and that all institutions be equipped with the capability to develop and sustainmeaningful partnerships.Expected resultsWithin the Strategy’s five-year time frame, the following changes in capacity will berealised:o all organisations will have kept or acquired the most essential among the technicalskills they need to perform environmental management functions efficiently andeffectively;o all organisations will have access to the financial resources required to design,implement and sustain essential environmental management programmes;o whenever desirable and feasible, organisations involved in environmentalmanagement will share human, financial and technical resources in a manner thatenhances their efficiency and effectiveness.Action frameworksHuman resource developmentSpecific trainingobjectiveDevelop professionalcapacities inpriority areas ofenvironmentalmanagementAction Time frame ResponsibilitySeek and securescholarships fortraining in priorityareasReview ofenvironmentalprogrammes atSALCCTraining plandeveloped by June20052005 SALCCMinistry of PhysicalDevelopment,Environment andHousing andMinistry ofEducation, HumanResourceDevelopment,Youth and Sports32

National Environmental Policy and National Environmental Management Strategy for Saint LuciaSpecific trainingobjectivePromote the sharingof skills andexpertise amongenvironmentalmanagementagenciesFacilitate access toexternal expertiseAction Time frame ResponsibilityIn-service training onnew and emergingenvironmentalissues andinstruments,includingnegotiating skillsfor internationalenvironmentalconferencesDevelopment of a database ofenvironmentalmanagementexpertiseStrengthening oflinkages withtechnical andprofessionalorganisationsregionally andinternationallyPromotion of South-South exchange ofenvironmentalmanagementexpertisePlan developed byJune 2005Ministry of PhysicalDevelopment,Environment andHousing andMinistry ofEducation, HumanResourceDevelopment,Youth and Sports2005 Ministry of PhysicalDevelopment,Environment andHousing, withsupport from allotherenvironmentalmanagementagenciesOn-goingAll national agencies,with support fromregional andinternationalorganisations andnetworksOn-goingAll national agencies,with support fromregional andinternationalorganisations andnetworksOrganisational developmentAll key organisations and agencies involved in environmental management will beencouraged to engage in organisational development and strengthening processes, and inthe formulation and use of strategic plans or similar instruments. In particular:o The Sustainable Development and Environment Unit of the Ministry of PhysicalDevelopment, Environment and Housing will formulate a strategic plan that willbe based on:• a review of the mandate, role and mission of the Unit• an analysis of the expectations from and perceptions of the Unit byvarious stakeholders• the formulation of new organisational objectives and programmes• the identification and establishment of strategic partnerships33

National Environmental Policy and National Environmental Management Strategy for Saint Lucia• the identification and procurement of the technical, financial andhuman resources required by the Unit to perform its mandate, roleand mission• the design and use of an effective system to monitor and evaluateimpact and effectiveness(Time frame: January to September 2005; responsibility: Ministry of PhysicalDevelopment, Environment and Housing.)o Similar strategic planning processes will be undertaken within the other Units orDepartments at the Ministry of Physical Development, particularly in light of theimplications of the recently introduced Physical Planning and Development Act.o The Coastal Zone Management Unit will be fully established, with theformulation of a work plan, the development of job descriptions and therecruitment of staff.o The Department of Fisheries will complete the strategic planning process that ithas initiated. (Time frame: to be completed in March 2005; responsibility:Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.)o In the context of the process to develop a new forest policy and forestmanagement plan, the Forestry Department will develop a strategic plan. (Timeframe: 2006; responsibility: Forestry Department, Ministry of Agriculture,Fisheries and Forestry.)o The Ministry of Health with advance the Health Sector Reform programme andthe implementation of its strategic plan.o The Saint Lucia Solid Waste Management Authority with pursue theimplementation of its Solid Waste Management Policy and Strategy, as well asthe various specific strategies that it has developed in recent times34

National Environmental Policy and National Environmental Management Strategy for Saint LuciaStrategy 5: Developing and using appropriate, fair, effective and efficientinstruments of environmental managementRationaleEnvironmental management requires that appropriate instruments be developed and used,including financing mechanisms and technologies. The instruments must be adapted tolocal environmental, social and cultural conditions, they must be efficient and effective,and they must be accessible to all. Some of these instruments already exist, while othersneed to be created, adapted or simply imported from other countries or regions.Expected resultsWithin this Strategy’s five-year time frame, Saint Lucia should have:o improved mechanisms and more effective procedures to finance environmentalmanagement;o systems and procedures to incorporate environmental management considerationsinto the country’s main economic activities;o systems and procedures to assess and mitigate the negative environmental impactsof human activities in critical areas;o environmental standards that guarantee human safety and environmentalconservation.Action frameworkFormulation of a plan for the development and application of environmental managementand audit systems. (Time frame: 2005; responsibility: Ministry of Physical Development,Environment and Housing, Bureau of Standards and all relevant agencies.)Identification and introduction of suitable market-based instruments of environmentalmanagement, with particular attention given to charges, taxes, tariffs, markets forenvironmental services and incentives. This will require a comprehensive study andplanning exercise involving all relevant sectors, including public utility companies andprivate business organisations. (Time frame: 2005-2006; responsibility: Ministry ofPhysical Development, Environment and Housing, Ministry of Finance and EconomicAffairs, and Bureau of Standards.)Design and introduction of suitable and effective environmental impact assessmentsystems and procedures. (Time frame: 2005; responsibility: Ministry of PhysicalDevelopment, Environment and Housing.)35

National Environmental Policy and National Environmental Management Strategy for Saint LuciaStrategy 6: Promoting cultural and attitudinal changeRationaleThe management of Saint Lucia’s environment requires radical changes in many of thebehaviours and attitudes of people and institutions. In particular, there is a need todevelop a greater sense of ownership of and responsibility towards the environment, toincrease understanding of issues, causes and possible solutions, and to encourage andreward positive and adequate behaviour at all levels.Expected resultsWithin this Strategy’s five-year time frame, it is expected that Saint Lucia and all itscitizens will have:o a strong commitment to environmental management ;o behaviours that are generally consistent with the goal of environmentalsustainability;o a good understanding of the rationale for and provisions of environmental policy.Action frameworkTargetGeneral publicUsers of naturalresourcesCommunicationobjective(“Messages”)Ownership andresponsibilityAppropriateenvironmentalbehaviourAppropriateenvironmentalbehaviourMediumParticipation inplanning andmanagementMedia and publicinformationcampaignsOn-goingenvironmentaleducationprogrammes ofministries and otheragenciesNationalEnvironmentalAwardsOn-goingenvironmentaleducationprogrammes ofministries and otheragenciesResponsibilityAll agenciesLine ministriesSaint Lucia SolidWaste ManagementAuthoritySaint Lucia NationalTrustNationalEnvironmentalCommission whenestablishedLine ministriesPrivate sectorgroupingsSaint Lucia SolidWaste ManagementAuthoritySaint Lucia NationalTrustCBOs and NGOs36

National Environmental Policy and National Environmental Management Strategy for Saint LuciaTargetCivil societyorganisationsPrivate sectorPublic sector agenciesCommunicationobjective(“Messages”)Involvement andresponsibilityInvolvement andcorporateenvironmentalresponsibilityImportance of policy,need to basedecision making onpolicy (politiciansand technicians)Need for coordinationand collaboration,need forenforcementMediumParticipation inplanning andmanagementParticipation inplanning andmanagementInformation andadvocacycampaignsNationalEnvironmentalAwardsInformation andadvocacycampaignsResponsibilityMinistries of SocialTransformation,Culture and LocalGovernment andPhysicalDevelopment,Environment andHousingChamber ofCommerce,Industry andAgricultureMinistry of Financeand EconomicAffairsNGOsNationalEnvironmentalCommission whenestablishedNationalEnvironmentalCommission whenestablishedMinistry of PhysicalDevelopment,Environment andHousingNGOs37

National Environmental Policy and National Environmental Management Strategy for Saint LuciaStrategy 7: Promoting a knowledge-based approach to environmental managementRationaleEnvironmental management cannot be successful in the absence of relevant, accurate andup-to-date information. This information must be accessible to all those who need toformulate environmental management decisions, including public sector agencies, privatesector bodies, civil society and individual citizens. Environmental data and informationmust be managed efficiently and effectively.Expected resultsWithin the five-year time frame of this Strategy, Saint Lucia should have:o an integrated system to manage environmental information;o efficient and effective monitoring and evaluation systems and procedures;o up-to-date data and information on key environmental issues and processes;o functional Geographic Information Systems with accurate and up-to-datetopographic and thematic maps;o an informed citizenry, motivated and able to access all relevant environmentalinformation.Action frameworkWithin the first year of implementation of this Strategy, Saint Lucia will develop andadopt a policy on environmental research and access to environmental information.Over the next five years, attention will be given to the development and application ofmonitoring and evaluation procedures and protocols in all relevant and priority areas,including pollution and water quality, land use, climate change and its impacts on localresources and processes, and the status of critical and locally important habitats andspecies.An integrated Geographic Information System (GIS) will be established, with accurateand up-to-date maps and with an effective system for data acquisition and management.The national institutional framework will be built and reinforced, notably through:o the strengthening of the capacity of national agencies to conduct research andmanage information, through the acquisition of equipment, the training of staffand the adoption of suitable institutional policies and procedures to governresearch;o the strengthening of existing linkages and the development of new partnershipswith regional and international research agencies;o the provision of financial and other incentives for the conduct of research inpriority areas;o the delegation of authority to local government agencies to enable them toconduct monitoring programmes and activities in critical priority areas.38

National Environmental Policy and National Environmental Management Strategy for Saint LuciaImplementation of the strategyThe implementation of this Environmental Management Strategy requires that theMinistry with responsibility for the Environment – currently the Ministry of PhysicalDevelopment, Environment and Housing – be vested with the mandate, authority andresources required to monitor and guide the implementation process. At the same time,there is a need for all environmental management agencies to make a formal commitmentto the implementation of this strategy.In order to ensure effectiveness, transparency and accountability, the implementation ofthe National Environmental Management Strategy will be reviewed on an annual basis,as part of the National Environment and Development Forum (NEDF). In particular, theaction frameworks that are part of this strategy will be evaluated, and new activities willbe included as necessary.Funding will be sought for the implementation of the Strategy. This will take the form ofa five-year programme to be implemented in partnership with a range of regional andexternal agencies, including the OECS, the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and theEuropean Union (EU). To the maximum extent possible, elements of this Strategy will beintegrated into the existing and proposed cooperation programmes of Saint Lucia’s bilateraland multi-lateral partners.39

National Environmental Policy and National Environmental Management Strategy for Saint LuciaAcronyms and abbreviationsBNTFCBOCDBCSMEEIAEUEMSESDUNBSAPNEMSNEPNGOOECSPRFPSIPSALCCSIDSSIFSPABasic Needs Trust FundCommunity-based organisationCaribbean Development BankCARICOM Single Market and EconomyEnvironmental impact assessmentEuropean UnionEnvironmental management systemEnvironment and Sustainable Development UnitNational Biodiversity Strategy and Action PlanNational Environmental Management StrategyNational Environmental PolicyNon-governmental organisationOrganisation of Eastern Caribbean StatesPoverty Reduction FundPublic Sector Investment ProgrammeSir Arthur Lewis Community CollegeSmall Island Developing StateSocial investment fundSystem of protected areas40

A NATIONAL WATER POLICY OF SAINT LUCIA

TABLE OF CONTENTSPART ONE : BACKGROUND ………………………………………………………… 051.0 Introduction1.1 Policy Development Process1.2 Structure of the Document1.3 Next stepsPART TWO : ANALYSIS OF THE EXISTING SITUATION ………………………… 082.0 Current Situation in Water Resources Management2.1 Water Resources Management2.1.1 Legal, Policy and Institutional Framework2.1.2 Supply and Demand Management2.1.3 Allocation and Pricing Mechanisms2.1.4 Resource Monitoring and Assessment2.1.5 Education and Training2.1.6 Public Education and Awareness3.0 Current Situation Relating to Water for Health and Sanitation4.0 Current Situation relating to Water for Food and Agriculture5.0 Current Situation Relating to Water for Industry6.0 Current Situation relating to Water Use for Nature and Environmental Sustainability6.1 Natural Disaster Management7.0 ConclusionsPART THREE: THE POLICY ………………………………………………………….. 188.0 Background/Introduction8.1 Long Term Policy Goal8.2 Overarching Policy Objectives8.3 Strategic Objectives of the Policy8.4 Guiding Principles9.0 Building Capacity for Integrated Water Resources Management …………….. 219.1 Basis for Action9.2 The vision9.3 Guiding Principles9.4 Objectives9.5 The Strategic Response9.5.1 Promoting Integrated Water Resources Management9.5.2 Strengthening Human Resource Capacity9.5.3 Promoting effective water pollution prevention and control9.5.4 Improving the Information Base9.5.5 Changing Cultures and Attitudes9.5.6 Establishing Effective Allocation Mechanisms9.5.7 Reducing the Impact of Natural Disasters10.0 Water for Health and Sanitation ……………………………………………….. 2610.1 Basis for Action10.2 The vision10.3 Guiding Principles10.4 Objectives10.5 The Strategic Response10.5.1 Ensuring Adequate Water Supply and Sanitation Services10.5.2 Financing the Provision of Water and Sanitation Services

10.5.3 Strengthening Capacity for Monitoring and Surveillance10.5.4 Increasing Private Sector Ownership and Participation11.0 Water for Agriculture and Food ………………………………………. 3011.1 Basis for Action11.2 The vision11.3 Guiding Principles11.4 Objectives11.5 The Strategic Response11.5.1 Increasing Production11.5.2 Promoting water and ecosystem conservation11.6 Institutional responsibilities11.7 Financing and Cost Recovery11.8 Emergency Assistance11.9 Ownership and private participation12.0 Water for Industry ……………………………………………………. 3312.1 Basis for Action12.2 The vision12.3 Guiding Principles12.4 Objectives12.5 The Strategic Response12.5.1 Ensuring Adequate Water Supply12.5.3 Reducing the Negative Environmental Impacts of Industry13.0 Water for Environmental Sustainability ……………………………….. 3513.1 Basis for Action13.2 The vision13.3 Guiding Principles13.4 Objectives13.5 The Strategic Response13.5.1 Integrating Development with Ecosystem Conservation13.5.2 Mitigating the Impacts of Natural Disasters14.0 Implementing the Policy …………………………………………………… 3714.1 The Role of Government14.2 The Role of the Private Sector14.3 The Role of the Citizen14.4 The Role of Civil Society14.5 The Role Of the International Development CommunityTablesTable 1:Table 2:Table 3Listing of Agencies, Responsibilities and Enabling LegislationDemand Distribution Among SectorsPrevious and Existing Water Tariff StructureList of Documents Reviewed. 40

ACRONYMSCARDICARICOMCCSTCEHICSCEIAEHIAGEFHTSIWCAMIWRMMAFFMACCMCMNEMONWSCOASWASAWASCOWIBDECOWWCWUACaribbean Agricultural Research and Development InstituteCaribbean CommunityCaribbean Council for Science and TechnologyCaribbean Environmental Health InstituteCommonwealth Science CouncilEnvironmental Impact AssessmentEnvironmental Health Impact AssessmentGlobal Environmental FacilityHunting Technical ServicesIntegrated Watershed and Coastal Area ManagementIntegrated Water Resources ManagementMinistry of Agriculture, Fisheries and ForestryMainstreaming Adaptation to Climate ChangeMillion Cubic MetresNational Emergency Management OrganisationNational Water and Sewerage CommissionOrganisation of American StatesWater and Sewerage AuthorityWater and Sewerage CompanyWindward Island Banana Exporting Company LimitedWorld Water CouncilWater Users Association

PART ONE : BACKGROUND1 IntroductionWater is essential to national prosperity, environmental sustainability and quality of life. It is a catalyst foreconomic development and a vehicle for empowerment and poverty alleviation.There is growing awareness of and concern for the issues and problems in the water sector, which threateneconomic, social and environmental well-being and demand considerable sums for their resolution. Thoughthe island currently has sufficient freshwater to meet all demands, the resources are unevenly distributed inboth time and location. Shortfalls relate to both the non- agricultural and agricultural sectors and relatedcapital expenditure to meet the shortfall is estimated.Systematic planning as a matter of policy, based on reliable information and a range of plausiblealternatives has the potential for containing demand and reducing the amount of capital expenditure needed.Against this background, the Government of Saint Lucia embarked on a process aimed at producing apolicy and strategy to guide the sustainable use and development of the island’s freshwater resources.1.1 The Policy Development ProcessThe process was driven by Government’s philosophy that there must be joint ownership of the process ofchange. Consequently, the process was underpinned by dialogue and consultation among the socialpartners, to generate awareness of the major issues and challenges facing the Water Sector and to develop acoordinated approach to overcoming the challenges and to achieve fundamental and sustainable waterresource use and development.The process involved four stages. The first stage involved a consultancy which produced an analysis of thecurrent situation within the Water Sector and helped to identify the threats posed by a continuation of a“business-as-usual approach to management and resource use 1 .The second stage involved a National Consultation, attended by representatives from the public and privatesectors and non-governmental organisations 2 at which the Consultant’s report was reviewed and priorityconcerns and actions were identified.The third stage involved another consultancy which produced a draft Water Policy drawing on the outputsof the earlier stages.The fourth stage involved a series of Focus Group meetings with stakeholders in the areas of Health andSanitation, Agriculture, Industry and the Environment respectively. These meetings were used to buildownership of the process as well as the product as well as to invite recommendations on ways in which theDraft Policy could be refined prior to its eventual submission to the Cabinet of Ministers for consideration.This process was jointly supported by a number of national, regional and international agencies includingthe Organisation of American States (OAS); the Caribbean Council for Science and Technology (CCST);the Caribbean Environmental Health Institute (CEHI) and the European Union (EU), through the SaintLucia Water Resources Management Project.1 Report on National Water Situation and Assessment of National Water Profile prepared by AGRICO Ltd.December 2001.2 The Consultation was held on December 10, 2001 at the Conference Centre of the National InsuranceCorporation.

1.2 Structure of the DocumentThe remainder of this document is set out in two Parts. Part 2 outlines the current situation and problemswithin the Water Sector, as well as the implications which this situation holds for Policy. Part 3 outlines apolicy and strategic framework which will guide the island’s approach to sustainable use and managementof the island’s water resources.Based on the approach adopted at the National Consultation, both parts of the document are framed alongthe lines of the categorizations adopted by the World Water Council (WWC) for the Second World WaterForum held in March 2000, as follows:(a) Water for Health and Sanitation(b) Water for Agriculture and Food(c) Water for Industry(d) Water for Nature (Environmental Sustainability).1.3 Next StepsFollowing the review and adoption of the Policy by the Cabinet of Ministers, a detailed ImplementationPlan will be developed. The development of this Plan will be led or coordinated by the National Water andSewerage Commission (NWSC) with input from relevant stakeholders at the national and community level.Taking into account the agreed Policy, the Plan will:a) identify principal activities for each of the strategies contained in the Policy, along with budgetsand realistic timelines for each activity;b) identify the tasks and responsibilities of the respective agencies involved in implementing eachactivity;c) specify investments;d) define more detailed targets;e) programme the changes to the legal and institutional arrangements;

PART TWOANALYSIS OF THE CURRENT SITUATION

2 CURRENT SITUATION IN WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT2.1 Water Resources ManagementLike most other Caribbean countries, the management of Saint Lucia’s freshwater resources ischaracterised by the following:a) a chronic lack of coordination among public sector agencies charged with designing andimplementing water resources policies and programmes;b) a multiplicity of laws, each dealing separately with various aspects of resource management, thusencouraging a compartmentalised and isolated approach to environmental management;c) the absence of credible arrangements for involvement of civil society in sustainable developmentinitiatives; and,d) the lack of understanding and awareness of the principles of sustainable development and theinseparable linkages between social and economic uses.2.1.1 Legal, Policy and Institutional FrameworkThe Water and Sewerage Act (#13 of 1999) established the National Water and Sewerage Commission(NWSC) "…to regulate the granting of licenses, the development and control of water supply and seweragefacilities and related matters". The Act identifies the NWSC as the body responsible for the orderly andcoordinated development and use of water resources and for the promotion of a national policy for water.Currently no such policy exists and precise responsibilities have not been articulated with respect to variousaspects of policy formulation. Further, responsibilities for water resource management are not fullydefined.There are a number of other agencies whose mandates bear some relationship to integrated water resourcesmanagement. These agencies are identified in Table 1.Table 1 Agency, Responsibilities and Enabling LegislationAGENCYWater and SewerageCompanyIncorporated(WASCO)Department ofForestry, MAFFDepartment ofForestry, MAFFMinistry of Planning,Housing, etc.ENABLINGLEGISLATIONWater and SewerageCompany Act (1999).Forest, Soil and WaterConservation Act (1946)Wildlife Protection Act,(1980)Physical Planning andDevelopment Control Act(2001)RESPONSIBILITY• production and supply of freshwater .• maintenance of water production and supplyinfrastructure.• Management of Forest resources• Establishment of forest reserve and protected forests• Protection of Forest, Soil and Water. Wildliferesources.• Management of water catchments.• Conservation of wildlife.• Designation of wildlife reserves• Land use planning, development control, formulationand implementation of housing policy,environmental management.

Department ofAgriculture, MAFFAgricultural SmallTenancies Act (1983).Ministry ofLand Conservation &Agriculture, Forestry Improvement Act (1992)& FisheriesDepartment of Pesticides Control Act.Agriculture, MAFF (1975);Pesticides ControlRegulations (1987)Department of Plant Protection Act,Agriculture, MAFF (1988):Regulations SI, 1995Ministry of Health Public Health Act (1975).Public Health Regulations1978, 1980,National Solid Waste St. Lucia Solid WasteManagement Management Act (1996).AuthoritySt. Lucia National St. Lucia National Trust ActTrust(1975).St. Lucia Fire St. Lucia fire Services ActServices(1976)National Emergency National Emergency PowersManagement Act (1995).Organisation Disaster Preparedness and(NEMO)Response Act (2000).NationalNational ConservationConservation Authority Act (1999)Authority• Enforcement of regulations requiring sound soil andwater conservation practices on small holdings.• Provision for better land drainage conservation.• Establishment of Pesticide Control Board;• Control of import, use, labeling and storage ofpesticides;• Registration of and licenses for use and storage ofpesticides.• Control of pests and diseases injurious to plants ;• Prevent the introduction of potentially harmful exoticspecies.• Regulatory oversight of water quality, excretadisposal, sanitary facilities, food safety and drainage.• Responsibility for solid waste disposal.• Management of Parks and protected areas;• Preservation of buildings and other objects ofhistoric and architectural value.• installation and maintenance of fire hydrants;• front-line response during fire-related emergencies.• coordinates efforts at mitigating natural and manmadedisasters, including floods, droughts,hurricanes, tsunamis, earthquakes, dam collapse,famines, and plagues.• Establishment of an authority for the care andmanagement of public parks and beaches.2.1.2 Supply and DemandSaint Lucia depends solely on surface water to meet to its water requirements. Rainfall is both spatially andtemporally distributed, with annual values ranging from 1524 mm in the northwest and south-east, to morethan 3048 mm in the mountainous interior.The island’s freshwater needs are supplied via an integrated network of river intakes, treatment plants,transmission pipelines and distribution systems, under the operation and control of WASCO.Approximately 42,000 customers are served by the system, evenly distributed between the northern andsouthern networks. (WASCO, 2000).

The island is divided into thirty -seven watersheds, seven of which (Marquis, Dennery, Roseau/Millet,Soufriere, Woodlands/Grace, Troumassee, Desruisseau/Canelles and Patience/Fond), are classified asmajor sources of surface water. In 1995, a new water supply system was developed to serve the northernhalf of the island. The nucleus of this system is the Roseau Dam and Millet Reservoir, with a storagecapacity of 700 million gallons. Significant investments are being made to improve the water transmissionand treatment facilities between the Dam and the consumer bases in the north.Notwithstanding these improvements, the public water supply, has in recent years, been severely impactedby pressures of increased demand due to increasing socio -economic development, destruction of upperwatersheds, increasing exploitation of the rivers and wetlands, and an inefficient, inadequate and agingwater distribution network. Low river base flows experienced during the dry season and high turbidityduring the rainy months, combine to significantly constrain the ability of the Water and SewerageCompany (WASCO) to meet the current demand for water island wide. During the dry season (usuallyJanuary to May) water production can be as low as 24.5 million litres per day, as compared to a value ofapproximately 41 million litres per day during the rainy season (Ministry of Agriculture 1998).It is widely suggested that present water demand is exceeding the available supply and that the potentialincrease in future demand can only serve to exacerbate this deficit. While the available data does not allowfor an exact determination of supply/demand dynamics, data of the potential supply/demand situationwithin various sectors and zones and for the island as a whole point more to a suppressed demand than areal deficit. (AGRICO,2001).The evidence indicates that water demand continues to change rapidly in certain regions due to highinfrastructural development and migration of people to more densely population regions. A currentassessment of water available for public water supply estimates an approximate yield of 18.9 million cubicmetres per year (MCM/yr.) while net production is presently estimated at 16.55 MCM/yr. High losses of upto 47% in unaccounted-for-water (UFW) reflect an aging system. WASCO has instituted an aggressiveprogramme, including metering and a strengthened maintenance programme, aimed at reducing levels ofUFW.Table 2 provides some indication of trends in water demand among the various sectors.Table 2: Demand Distribution Among SectorsDescription Percentage %1987 2010Domestic / Minor Commercial 48.6 53.0Hotels 9.6 10.0Government/ Institutional 7.0 6.7Industrial 2.5 5.3New Commercial 0 2.0Unaccounted for 32.3 23.0[Source: Flynn et al, 1998]The rural water supply situation is critical. Facilities for the treatment and storage of raw water, as well astreated water, are inadequate to meet the growing demand for freshwater, especially in the dry season.A Study of the water supply needs for the South, undertaken as part of the Southern Region Water SupplyProject, estimated the 1997 unrestrained demand for that region to be approximately 3 million gallons perday (GPD). Based on a population forecast for the area of 76,000 by the year 2025 (which includes major

touristic, housing, institutional and recreational projects the demand for water is projected to increase to 5million GPD 3 .Rural water sources, comprising mainly small and medium intakes, are subject to gross contamination inthe rainy season. This results directly from runoff contaminated by erosion due uncontrolled agriculturalintensification, poor agricultural practices (such as cultivation or construction on steep slopes and alongriver banks), inappropriate land use, and direct and or, indirect discharge of untreated effluent intowaterways. Problems encountered result in the main from inadequate public education and participation inecosystem conservation efforts.2.1.3 Allocation and Pricing MechanismsThe main uses of water resources include :(a) health and sanitation.(b) agriculture and food production.(c) manufacturing.(d) ecological.(e) recreational uses.Generally, water is not treated as an economic good and consequently water rights, water markets andpricing are not used to improve management and for the most part, there is no incentive for consumers touse water efficiently. Presently, there is no clear strategy or criteria by which to establish allocationpriorities. Generally, allocation mechanisms are administratively-based, with current sector demand used toguide allocation. In addition, priority is given to uses such as health and sanitation and tourism where thereare health risks associated with water shortages.The current tariff structure was inherited from the Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) 4 with increasesmade in 2000 to offset the financial indebtedness of the new company WASCO. There is a certain degreeof cost recovery but this has not been quantified against medium to long term plans. Still, the expenditureof the average household on water is about less than half that spent on electricity (AGRICO, 2001). Afinancial plan is being drawn up but thus far, no steps have been taken to determine the economic value ofwater. Table 3 provides an indication of the previous and existing tariff structure.Table 3: Previous and Existing Tariff StructureRATES / 1000 GALLONSPrior to 2000 ($) Current ($)Domestic less than 3000 gals 4.10 7.35more than 3000 gals 7.78 15.00Commercial 10.28 20.00Government 6.4 14.00Ships 40 40.00Hotels 11 22.00The mobilisation of the necessary financial resources for water resources management remains a criticalmanagement issue. Historically, water supply projects have been financed by the Government, with very3 In determining these projections, a gradual reduction in leakage to 12.5% by the year 2025, was assumed.4 WASA was replaced by the Water and Sewerage Company Incorporated, in 1999.

little private sector participation. Presently, the use of the capacity of the private sector is limited to themanufacturing of bottled water, engineering services and construction2.1.4 Resource Monitoring and AssessmentPresent knowledge and understanding of the island's water resources situation is limited due to theunavailability of data and information. Only rainfall data is available, thus preventing any realisticassessment of water resources. Currently, monitoring of stream flows and river water quality is quiteinadequate. In the mid-1980’s, attempts were made to establish a system for river flow monitoring, but thishas not been maintained and at present continuous river stage monitoring is no longer being undertaken.Instead, the Ministry of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) takes spot measurements of river flowon a weekly basis.MAFF collects rainfall data from a total of 33 agro-meteorological stations. Of these, two are managed bythe Meteorological Services Department, while two are managed by the Windward Islands BananaExporting Company’s (WIBDECO) Technical Services Division and the Caribbean Agriculture Researchand Development Institute (CARDI respectively. Rainfall data of reasonable quality is usually available asdaily, monthly and yearly totals. Rainfall intensity data is available for only one of the gauging sites.The monitoring of water quality is also unsatisfactory. The Ministry of Health and WASCO undertaketesting for faecal coliform and other parameters. However, the focus of this testing program is essentiallygeared towards meeting international standards and guidelines for drinking water. As a follow-up to aproject entitled: The Development and Integration of Biotic and Chemical Monitoring with Land UseAssessment for Tropical River Resource Management undertaken between 1994 and 1996, the CaribbeanEnvironmental Health Institute (CEHI) generated water quality information at 13 streams on the island.However this programme has not been sustained.A current assessment of the water available for public water supply indicates an approximate yield of 18.9million cubic metres per year (MCM/yr.). Net production is presently estimated at 16.55 MCM/yr., due torelatively high losses in the system.Previous attempts at developing groundwater for public water supply purposes have met with little or nosuccess and in only a few instances has groundwater been developed for private use. Anse Chastanet Hoteloperates the only reported groundwater extraction facility, which produces water of acceptable quality.Currently, interest has been expressed in undertaking geological exploration to determine the existence ofbedrock aquifers capable of solving local water shortage problems.2.1.5 Education and TrainingPresently, there is no comprehensive training programme in Water Resources Management at the Nationallevel. However, from time to time, regional agencies such as the OECS’ Environmental and SustainableDevelopment Unit (ESDU), the Caribbean Natural Resources Institute (CANARI) and the CaribbeanEnvironmental Health Institute (CEHI), have delivered workshops on various aspects of water resourcesmanagement. CEHI routinely conducts short-term training in areas of water quality testing and in themanagement of sewerage treatment plants. A number of policy makers have also been trained in convertingdata to information for decision making. CEHI has also trained the staff of the Forestry Department’sEnvironmental Unit in the execution of field methodologies and this Unit has in turn developed a similartraining programme for schools.

2.1.7 Public Education and AwarenessCurrently, there is no comprehensive and sustained public education and awareness (PEA) on water -related issues. Generally, PEA activities are more pronounced during periods of drought, when waterconservation is encouraged. During the construction of the John Compton Dam and Millet Reservoir andmore recently during the transition from WASA to WASCO, public relations campaigns were launched toinform and educate the public on the aims and objectives of these undertakings. Further, through itsLearning and Environmental Action Programme (LEAP), the Forestry Department has sought to sensitiseschool students to some of the problems confronting the water sector. In 2000, the Department mounted acampaign to sensitize select communities on the importance of water catchment areas. Following a series oftraining workshops, community groups were established with the aim of protecting the water catchment intheir communities through community mobilization and sensitization. Currently, two of the groups are stillvibrant. The Talvan Water Catchment Group is engaged in active management of the watershed and ispresently engaged in a riverbank stabilisation programme using wattles in the Talvan Watershed. The othergroup, the Thomazo Water Catchment Group is active in community mobilization and education.Other initiatives include the training of select communities in river water quality monitoring quality usingbiological indicators , as well as mass media programs and community consultations. However, theseinitiatives cannot be regarded as constituting a well designed, comprehensive and sustained publiceducation and awareness campaign that can successfully transform water users into water managers.3.0 CURRENT SITUATION RELATING TO WATER FOR HEALTH AND SANITATIONSaint Lucia has made significant progress in providing water services to its people with 95% of thehouseholds having access to pipe-borne water. The percentage of households relying on water from rivers,springs and ponds for everyday use has fallen while the use of pit latrines and other types of sanitation hasdeclined. Unfortunately, the poorest of the population have not shared widely in these improvements, andin some cases the poor are still relying on untreated sources such as rivers, for their water needs.Government has committed to making potable water available to all citizens in such quantity and quality soas to sustain life, irrespective of the citizens’ ability to pay. Water provided for fire hydrants is also a publicresponsibility.Rapid population growth and high rates of urbanisation have contributed to increased pollution offreshwater resources from solid and liquid waste thereby exposing the population to significant health risks.Many of the threats to human health are a direct result of inadequate sewerage treatment. Within the capitalcity - Castries, there is a sewer system that serves only the city center and its immediate suburbs. However,the system only collects and disposes of sewerage; i.e. no treatment is done. The collected effluent ispumped directly into the Castries Harbor. Only 13 % of the total population of Castries of 62,342, isconnected to this system. Approximately 31% of the population use septic tanks and soakaway systems;49% utilise pit latrines while 7% use no waste disposal facility.In the north of the island, the situation is similar despite the presence of the Rodney Bay Sewage TreatmentPlant. The Facility is grossly under-utilised. Currently, twelve (12) hotels in the immediate vicinity and13% of the households (450 h/holds) are connected to this system. No manufacturing plants are connectedto the system. This had resulted in growing complaints regarding coastal water quality in the north.In the south of the island, there is a small collection system serving approximately 200 households. It isestimated that 29% of the population of this area utilise septic tank and soakaway systems with 53% usingpit latrines. It is further estimated that only 13% of the population is connected to municipal seweragetreatment facilities 5 . Human health risks are further compounded by inadequate drainage which results in5 Draft Regional Synthesis on Trends in Freshwater and Coastal Area Management n Small IslandDeveloping States of the Caribbean - CEHI.

large pools of contaminated water. During severe weather, these pools present a major threat of seweragerelatedoutbreaks of diseases.4.0 CURRENT SITUATION RELATING TO WATER FOR AGRICULTURE AND FOODWhile the agriculture sector depends on the availability of an adequate supply of water for its survival, theevidence indicates that freshwater resources are facing a serious threat from unsustainable farmingpractices, including uncontrolled agricultural intensification, inappropriate land use (such as cultivation onsteep slopes and river banks) and poor irrigation practices. Increased abstraction from rivers inevitablyresults in reduced downstream flows and reduced water levels in rivers, particularly during the dry season.Soil erosion is the largest contributor to land degradation and is the single, most important environmentalproblem facing the island. As has been already noted, the scale of the impact of soil erosion on the watersupply is evident in increased river siltation and reduced water quality especially during the rainy season.Further, while flooding induces high dilution ratios with respect to chemical contamination, it facilitatesgreater run-off washes of top soil as well as debris into streams and rivers, thereby clogging water intakes,and impairing the operation of water treatment plants.The supply of water to the agriculture and food sector is plagued by several weaknesses. Cost recovery andoperating efficiencies are low, with high levels of wastage due to lack of funding to effect efficiencyimprovements such as canal lining and reduction in leakage from pressurised irrigation systems. In somecases, farmers use inefficient irrigation and water management techniques. Consequently, it is oftendifficult to respond to farmers needs as desired. Currently, important parts of the country that could benefitfrom irrigation and improved water management do not have access to this service.Irrigation is currently practiced on a very small scale where private users abstract water directly from riversdownstream of domestic water intakes. The need for irrigation systems in order to ensure stability andconsistency of banana production for export is an issue that is currently being addressed. A total of 400hectares have been targeted for irrigation by 2002. However, there is no on-gong assessment of the actualavailability of water for irrigation by determining catchment water balances and the extent of abstraction byWASCO.Food safety continues to be a primary concern in the provision of water for post-harvest purposes.Achieving and maintaining a balance between quantities of water abstracted and water quality, protectionof watersheds and other sources of water including freshwater habitats and ecosystems, emerge as keymanagement challenges.5.0 CURRENT SITUATION RELATING TO WATER FOR INDUSTRYThe rapid growth of the tourism industry and manufacturing industries (beer, soft drinks, rum, bottledwater, paper, and agro-processing ) as well as changes in residential development, have increased demandson the water supply. The Tourism industry is a major user of water. Visitor accommodation stands atapproximately 4000 rooms, the majority of which are located in the north of the island. The allocation ofwater to this sector especially during the dry season (which also coincides with the cruise tourism season)has presented a major problem. However, growing attention is being given by the hotel and cruise sectorsto water conservation and reuse. Some hotels have installed water saving devices and have retrofitted theirplumbing and drainage systems to permit the reuse of wastewater for irrigation purposes. Many of the moremodern cruise ships are now equipped with desalination plants as well as water recycling facilities.The manufacturing sector is also following suit, albeit at a slower pace. A few manufacturing companiesincluding the Windward and Leeward Brewery (WLBL) and Saint Lucia Distillers Ltd. have madeimpressive steps towards reducing water consumption. WLBL has reduced its consumption of freshwaterper litre of beer, by 50% over the past 2 years 6 .6 This was revealed by the representative of WLBL at the Focus Group Meeting for Industry.

Construction activities, urban development and attendant issues of waste disposal, have all contributed andcontinue to contribute directly or indirectly to the pollution and deterioration of the freshwater supply.There are no standards or legislation in place to govern the quality of effluent discharged from industrialand commercial establishments. Invariably, such effluent enters the urban drainage system. In the pastmany hotels especially in the north, utilized their own treatment plant with subsequent disposal of thepartially treated effluent in the sea. In some cases the extent of acceptable treatment of the effluent wasquestionable, but this has improved in recent times.The absence of properly-sized and maintained drainage systems for collection, channeling and disposal ofrunoff has exacerbated the problem of soil erosion and sedimentation. Within the public sector, thisresponsibility falls generally within the purview of the Ministry of Communications, Works, Transport andPublic Utilities but is generally treated as an adjunct to road construction. However, sufficient attention isnot being given to the importance of determination drainage requirements based on hydrological data, so asto minimise the incidence of flooding. Further, the issue of drainage systems serving as major contributorsto near-shore pollution is not being addressed.6. 0 CURRENT SITUATION RELATING TO WATER FOR NATUREVery little research if any, has been undertaken locally, to help build an understanding of the interactionsbetween the hydrological cycle and associated priority issues such as ecosystems health, land-use impactsand forest cover, climate change and variability and attendant vulnerability to floods and droughts.However, given the absence of clear policies and strategies governing imperatives such as water rights, soilprotection and control, and watershed and river protection, it is safe to assume that the health of freshwaterand the ecosystems that support it, and thus human health, are being compromised by conditions of watersurplus and scarcity.The rapidly growing population and attendant demands for land and water for income generation has led tosignificant encroachment on sensitive water catchment areas and in some instances to unregulatedabstraction of water. Further, waste discharge (domestic, industrial, agricultural) is also not regulatedresulting in poor water quality especially in the lower reaches of the river system. As the residual streamflows necessary to support aquatic biota has not been determined, it is possible that current abstractionsmay in some cases exceed that required for sustaining environmental quality.6.1.1 Natural Disaster ManagementThe more pronounced impacts of natural disasters on the water sector have been linked mainly to extremeweather events such as hurricanes, droughts, and floods. Hurricane Lennie and Tropical Storm Debbie areexamples of extreme weather events which induced flooding in low-lying areas, landslides, destruction ofbiodiversity, and crops and damage to social and economic infrastructure. Flooding resulted in largeamounts of sediment and other pollutants being washed onto sensitive near-shore habitats, such as sea-grassbeds and coral reefs. Several public sector agencies including the National Emergency ManagementOrganisation (NEMO), WASCO and the Ministry of Communications, Works and Public Utilities haveDisaster Management Plans in place. However, these plans have tended to focus mainly on post-disastermitigation rather than on proactive measures to reduce the impacts of such disasters.The evidence suggests that much of the damage to the water supply, experienced during and after extremeweather events, is caused, not by the events themselves but by weaknesses arising from the absence of anintegrated approach to water resources management. The level of collaboration between the respectivewater resource management agencies is inadequate and ineffective in dealing with current risk levels andtherefore cannot be expected to respond to future situations such as the spectre of more frequent, extremeevents arising out of Global Climate Change (GCC), Sea Level Rise (SLR) and the consequentintensification of the global hydrological cycle, all of which can have major adverse impacts on water

esources. It is predicted that changes in the total amount of precipitation and in its frequency and intensity,will directly affect the magnitude and timing of runoff and the intensity of floods and droughts.The impacts of GCC will depend on the baseline condition of the water supply system and on the ability ofwater resource managers to respond, not only to Climate Change but also to population growth and changesin demands, technology and economic, social and legislative conditions.In this regard, Saint Lucia stands to benefit from its participation in two regional, Global EnvironmentFund (GEF) projects which will provide technical and financial assistance to mitigate the potential impactsof climate change, namely: The Integrated Watershed and Coastal Area Management Project (IWCAM)and the Mainstreaming for Adaptation to Climate Change (MACC) Project. .7. 0 CONCLUSIONSThe preceding situational analysis has highlighted several critical issues and concerns which can only beaddressed by fundamental shifts in the governance arrangements for water resources management. Theanalysis suggests that Saint Lucia is facing a situation of water stress which will worsen if a business asusual approach should continue. The following findings and conclusions from the analysis will requireurgent attention:a) the average annual per capita availability of renewable water resources is expected to fall. Giventhe already unequal distribution of these resources, marginal groups especially in the rural areaswill experience water stress;b) the supply of water for health and sanitation especially in the rural areas is inadequate anddemands priority attention ;c) indiscriminate use of forest resources and encroachment upon protected areas is severely affectingthe sustainability of water resources;d) notwithstanding recent increases in the price of water services for food and agriculture, health andsanitation and industry, current prices are being heavily subsidised by Government withunintended, but perverse consequences;e) Users still do not value water; water conservation technologies are still rudimentary andincentives for innovation are weak;f) poor land use planning and soil management especially in and around watersheds is severelyreducing freshwater capturing capacity, and is also affecting coastal water quality and aquaticbiodiversity. Sedimentation and over-utilisation of chemicals for agriculture and industrial use,are deteriorating water quality and are posing significant risks to public health;g) decision-support arrangements for water resources management, in particular, the institutionalarrangements for monitoring, collection, research and evaluation of water related data andassociated environmental conditions are poor and pose a serious threat to the emergence of asound and effective IWRM programme;h) human resource capacity in the water sector is weak especially in such critical areas as water andwastewater management, pollution control, finance, integrated water resource planning and theoperation and maintenance of water-related infrastructure and services;i) the absence of environmentally-sound and cost effective sewerage collection and treatmentfacilities threatens the integrity of the water supply and sustainability of water resources andsupporting ecosystems;j) increasing the productivity of agriculture through expanded irrigation could accelerate waterstress, if it is not buttressed by effective and timely technical and management measures toimprove the productivity of irrigated water, including the use of better agronomic practices;k) notwithstanding recent attempts at centralising the management of water resources, considerablefragmentation exists among a multiplicity of institutions whose mandates and activities impact thewater resource;l) by itself, a system of licenses is insufficient to permit the NWSC to effectively allocate availablewater resources among competing uses;

m) for the purposes of transparency and objectivity, the responsibility for allocation of waterresources should be divorced from responsibility for monitoring, enforcement and compliance inwater-related issues.

THE POLICY

8. 0 INTRODUCTION.The findings and conclusions from the Situational Analysis contained in Part One of this document,confirm that the way the island’s freshwater resources are managed is far from ideal. Government acceptsthat to ensure the sustainability of freshwater resources, it must be viewed holistically, and managed in away that balances competing demands on it, whether domestic, agricultural, industrial and environmental.Sustainable management of water resources requires systemic, integrated, decision-making that recognisesthat:a) there is a direct relationship between the use of land for domestic, commercial, industrial oragricultural purposes, the generation of waste by these uses and the impact on the quality of bothfreshwater resources;b) that decisions on water also affect the environment and land use;c) decision’s about Saint Lucia’s economic and social future, currently sectoral and fragmented,affect hydrology and the ecosystemsConsistent with its belief in joint ownership of the process of change, the Government has sought to ensurethe widest possible participation of key stakeholders both within and without the Government in theformulation that this Policy.The Policy seeks to promote the concept of freshwater as a socially-vital, economic good that requires amore coordinated and participatory management approach to sustain economic growth and to reducepoverty. It also acknowledges the importance of balancing water uses with the requirements of the manyinterrelationships within the ecosystem. The Policy stresses that Government action is not enough and thatthe people of Saint Lucia must become aware of the true value of water in their daily lives and use itwisely.In the implementation of this Policy, the following four key challenges to the sustainability of waterresources management have been identified:a) Financial Sustainability - mobilising enough money for capital investment to reach all thecurrently under-served people and to cover operation and maintenance and eventual replacement;b) Institutional Sustainability - building the capacity of water resource management institutions andmaintaining effective relationships between the relevant public authorities, the private sector andcivil society;c) Operational Sustainability - reversing the downward spiral by pricing water services to recoverfull costs and investing the capital raised in operation and maintenance to provide better servicestandardsd) Technical Sustainability - exploring a range of alternative options and adapting solutions to bemore appropriate to strength of the economy and to the needs of the people and are also amenableto affordable management and maintenance8.1 The Overall VisionThe Policy is driven by a vision of a future in which all users of water resources understand and appreciatethe value of water as a fragile, finite and essential resource and are sufficiently empowered whetherindividually or collectively, to perform their respective roles in ensuring access to a safe, secure, adequate,and affordable supply of freshwater.8.2 Long Term Goal of the PolicyThe goal of the Policy is to sustain economic growth, human development and environmental sustainabilityby promoting and facilitating the use and management of freshwater resources in an efficient sustainableand equitable manner that is consistent with the social, economic and environmental needs of current andfuture generations as well as with the country’s international obligations.

8.3 Objectives of the PolicyThe specific objectives of the Policy are as follows:a) to foster the adoption of an integrated approach to the management of water resources;b) to enable people to lead healthier and more productive lives through improved management ofwater resources and increased and sustained access to water supply and sanitation and water-basedservices;c) to increase and sustain the contribution made by water resources to the development of theagriculture and food sector;d) to increase and sustain the contribution made by water resources to the development of theindustrial sector;e) to increase and sustain the contribution made by water resources to environmental sustainabilityand the conservation of biological diversity;f) to ensure efficient and equitable allocation of water among competing uses8. 4 Guiding PrinciplesThe following principles will guide the pursuit of the objectives of this policy:I. freshwater is a fragile, finite and vulnerable resource essential to sustaining life, economiccompetitiveness, human development and the environment;II. all water in the water cycle whether on land, underground, or in surface channels, falling on,flowing through or infiltrating such systems, will be treated as part of the common resource and tothe extent required to meet the broad objectives of this policy, will be subject to commonmanagement approaches;III. only that water required to meet basic human needs and maintain environmental sustainability willbe guaranteed as a right; all other water uses will be recognised only if they are in the public interestand will be subjected to a system of allocation which is optimal for the achievement of equitable andsustainable economic and social development;IV. water has an economic and social value in all its competing uses and must be recognised as aneconomic good; water development and management will be based on a participatory approachinvolving users, planners and policy makers at all levels;V. putting people at the centre of water policies involves recognising their right to enjoy healthier andmore productive lives and to participate in water resources management;VI. putting users at the centre of water services leads to the need to respond to demand;VII. women have a central role to play in the provision, management and safeguarding of water;VIII. the ideal approach to water resources management is one that is demand-driven rather than supplydriven;IX. water should be priced in such a way as to encourage judicious use and to generate the moneyneeded to maintain water services;X. prices that accurately reflect water’s economic or scarcity value enable consumers’ choicesregarding water consumption and use;XI. investments in the water sector should balance economic development with poverty alleviation andimprovement in public health;

9. 0 BUILDING CAPACITY FOR INTEGRATED WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT9.1 Basis for ActionGovernment is conscious of the myriad problems which have emerged out of a fragmented andcompartmentalised approach to water resources management. Government accepts that the water cyclecannot be divided into tiny conceptual and managerial parts, where freshwater management is consideredseparately from land management; groundwater from surface water and freshwater supplies from aquaticecosystems. Further, Government has noted the paucity of reliable information on water use andavailability and the lack of capacity within water resource management institutions.9. 2 The VisionGovernment’s vision is that:• by 2004, a mechanism will have been established to coordinate the management of water resources inan effective and integrated manner;• by 2005, comprehensive policies and strategies for IWRM will have been adopted and in the processof implementation;• by 2007, the efficiency of water supply and use will have increased by at least 30% over 2003 levels.9.3 Guiding PrinciplesIn pursuing this vision, Government will be guided by the following principles:I. effective use of water resources and the provision of appropriate service levels are best facilitatedby the participation of at all relevant stages of planning and implementation and management ofoperation and maintenance.II. the needs of the poor must be given priority in the allocation of water.III. emphasis must be placed on the efficient use of water, including measures to: promoteconservation and supply augmentation (such as rainwater harvesting and effective management ofdemand; promote the use of appropriate technology and strengthen the security of water resources;IV. to promote the efficient use of water the policy will be to charge users the full financial costs ofproviding access to water, including infrastructure development and catchment managementactivities;9.4 ObjectivesThe objectives of this component of the Policy are as follows:a) to foster the integrated management of water resources;b) to strengthen the human resource capacity and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of waterresource management agencies;c) to promote effective water pollution prevention and control;d) to improve the information base for sustainable water resources management;e) to engender the appropriate changes in cultures and in the perception and attitudes of users ofwater resources;f) to establish effective and efficient mechanisms for allocating water among competing uses; and,

g) to reduce the negative impacts of water-related disasters on the society, the economy and theenvironment and to reduce the impact of natural disasters on the water sector.9.5 The Strategic Response9.5.1 Promoting Integrated Water Resources ManagementGovernment is fully committed to the principles, approaches and processes of IWRM which seeks topromote the coordinated development of water, land and related resources in order to maximise equitableeconomic and social welfare, while maintaining environmental sustainability. Government embracesIWRM as a basis for sustaining the involvement of all stakeholders in the management of water, in all itsaspects and interactions. Government will urgently explore the possibility of establishing an institutionalmechanism for coordinating national and community-based agencies with responsibilities for water andland. It is envisaged that such a mechanism will have the ability to:1. formulate and implement water policy including limitations on use of ground and surface waterresources and allocations for health and sanitation, agriculture, industry and habitat for aquaticlife;2. decide on interventions to be carried out within the water sector and coordinate the monitoring oftheir use and effectiveness;3. assist in the development and enforcement of national water quality standards;4. monitor water quality and quantity;5. liaise with all agencies dealing with natural resources management related to water;6. design and implement an overall strategy for the sustainable use of water resources and prepareaction programmes that consider existing institutional, financial and physical constraints andoptions;7. provide for public participation in the formulation of policies and strategies;8. provide for the use of facilitation, mediation, assisted negotiations and other techniques ofalternative dispute resolution to better manage competition among uses;9. review legislation and regulations governing the water sector and monitor their enforcement;10. establish the legal basis for the issuance and enforcement of permits for water abstraction;11. design and deliver public education and awareness programmes on water resources managementissues.Responsibility for developing and monitoring standards relating to water quality will continue to bedischarged by the Ministry of Health, the Bureau of Standards as well as the National Water & SewerageCommission.9.5.2. Strengthening Human Resource Capacity.Government is seized of the need to build the human resource capacity of water resource managementinstitutions. These institutions will be encouraged to strengthen their HRM policies and practices so as toensure that current and future personnel are exposed to formal and informal training, in IWRM. A prioritytarget group for such training would be water managers, who should be exposed to training in such areas asenvironmental impact assessment, conflict resolution, institutional design, policy design, informationmanagement and designing and implementing participatory and gender sensitivity processes. Governmentwill use its influence to encourage national and regional educational institutions to provide programmes onIWRM and to design and implement water-based strategies for sustainable land use. The Ministry ofEducation will be invited to consider incorporating locally relevant water management topics into preschool,primary, secondary and tertiary level education.

9.5.3 Promoting effective, water pollution prevention and controlPriority attention will be given to the design and adoption of measures to prevent and control the pollutionof water resources and their supporting ecosystems from negative the impacts of development, resourceexploitation and natural processes. At the institutional level, the focus will be on building the requisiteregulatory capacity, including the development of a legislative framework that outlines appropriatepreventive and corrective measures. In addition, attention will be given to the following:1. strengthening enforcement agencies, community-based organizations and relevant stakeholdergroups;2. protecting public health against disease vectors and from pathogens;3. ensuring sustainable water use;4. implementing the “polluter pays” principle;5. implementing a sustained and comprehensive water quality programme and9.5.4 Improving the water resources information baseThe management of water resources requires adequate, reliable and representative data. Governmentbelieves that if water users are to change their attitudes and practices, they will need appropriateinformation and advice. Government will support research and training initiatives aimed at strengtheningnational efforts to promote the sustainable use of water resources. Priority will be given to the followingneeds:1. determining the economic value of water resources and ecosystems;2. estimating water availability, use and loss;3. monitoring and evaluating policies and procedures to strengthen the integration andmanagement of water and land uses, manage water demand and promote sustainable useof aquatic resources;4. conducting sustained assessments of climate and hydrological trends;5. ensuring the accuracy and integrity of primary data on the state of water resources,including through closer scrutiny and maintenance of recording instruments;6. promoting closer working relations between sector institutions and data exchangerepresenting either impacts on water resources or use of water resources;7. undertaking regular analyses of socio-economic aspects of water use and availability,including user behaviour, the potential effects of demand management, urban growth andchanging land use patterns.9.5.5 Fostering appropriate cultural and attitudinal change.Recognising that achieving IWRM will require changes of deep-seated cultures and values in individuals,institutions, professionals and social organisations, campaigns to persuade water users to adapt theirbehaviour to the water cycle and to recognise that water is neither limitless nor free. In designing theseprogrammes, the knowledge and perceptions of key target groups will be used. Key points will include:1. creating a basic understanding of the water cycle (where it comes from and where it goes), throughteaching in schools and colleges and via the media;2. promoting awareness of the water cycle and its implications among decision makers;3. explaining the need for everybody to protect against water pollution;4. improving public awareness of watersheds and aquatic ecosystems and the ways in which theseresources can be used in a sustainable manner;5. providing decision-makers with syntheses of the best available scientific data so that theyunderstand interactions among water uses and users;6. facilitating broad stakeholder participation in water planning and operating decisions;7. promoting the development of self-regulating water institutions;

8. increasing the willingness of users to pay or contribute to water services;9. awareness for planning for emergencies.9.5.6 Establishing Equitable and Efficient Allocation and Pricing MechanismsGovernment believes that a well-defined allocation strategy would serve to address many of the conflicts inmanagement of water resources. Government’s view is that allocation of water must be married withefficient water use and that efficiency can best be assured by: (a) charging the full cost of water, includingthe cost of building and operating water supply systems; (b) reducing losses in distribution; and (c)protecting forests, watersheds and other ecosystems required to regulate and maintain water quality.Government will apply a combination of appropriate administrative and economic instruments, includingtariffs that are affordable, acceptable and administratively feasible. In setting these tariffs, Government willseek to ensure that the poor and other disadvantaged groups are not harmed. For those groups engaged inproductive activities, such as agriculture, some of the charges may be waived for a determined period, inemergency situations. All major water user sectors will be required to develop a water use, conservationand protection policy and regulations will be introduced to ensure compliance with the policy in key areas.Economic incentives will be applied to encourage the use of water conservation and storage technologies.Recognising that water use is determined not only by its own price, but also by the prices of goods andservices that consume water, Government will consider the implementation of a balanced programme ofreforms to correct price distortions in agriculture, industry and other areas that affect water. Currentadministrative and market-based mechanisms for allocating water resources, will be expanded based on thefollowing basic allocation criteria:• Historical water rights• Availability of water• Effects on existing sources and downstream users• Water quality• Economic considerations• Efficiency of use• Protection of the supporting ecology and ecosystems• Investments made by the user in providing infrastructure• The National Water and Sewerage Commission (NWSC) will be charged with responsibility fordesigning and operating a system in which conflicts between water users are resolved in a manner thatensures that water resources are used as efficiently and economically as possible. In line with this, afee system to control access to and use of ground and surface water will be developed. These fees willbe reflective of costs related to management, administration, monitoring and other associated costs.The management of public facilities and standpipes will continue to be the responsibility of the Ministry ofSocial Services. Formal agreements will be established with respect to the level of charges and quality ofservices in accordance with local demand. A system of cross subsidies will be considered as a means ofreducing prices for the poorer groups.In the short term, Government will pursue prioritized investments to break the cycle of inadequate incomeand poor service and to build management capacity at the central and local levels. Investments will targetpriority needs and reactivate under-utilised systems. At the same time, a long term investment plan will beprepared to coordinate sector activities at both the community and national levels, with investments in theeconomic and social sectors. A related programme will also identify sources of finance for theseinvestments and will explore the creation of development funds.Cost recovery mechanisms will be used to ensure that the direct beneficiary pays and that the supply ofservice can be maintained. A regulatory regime will be developed to ensure that only efficient cost levelsare recovered from consumers. Licensed operators will continue to recover operating costs through tariffs.Where necessary to achieve social objectives, the Government will provide subsidies equal to the tariff,

fees and charges otherwise payable by the consumer for “social water”. Recovery of these costs isfundamental to the sustained viability of the entity providing the service.The Government intends that the sector is able to access a wide range of sources of finance in the future.These sources will include:• Charges levied on consumers in addition to the tariff to fund new projects fromwhich they will benefit;• Finance provided by the private sector where feasible;• Government grants for specific works with high social or environmental value.Developers of new housing developments and/or developers of off-site infrastructure that benefit a newhousing development, industrial park or residence shall be required to provide all water infrastructure andto recover these costs from the price of housing units.Having regard to the administrative implications of applying the above approach to funding and costrecovery with respect to major projects, the areas requiring attention shall be identified and the appropriatefunding and method of cost recovery prescribed ahead of time. Private sector involvement in sourcing thenecessary funds and carrying out the project may then be solicited.The amount chargeable for the public supply of water and wastewater services for domestic or industrialuse may include the following features:• A lifeline rate full cost recovery• Differential tariffs depending on the areas servedThe objective shall be to reflect in the tariff the cost of providing the service, while also taking into accountsocial considerations where appropriate.The NWSC will be responsible for setting tariffs at a level which allows the licensed operators to fullyrecover efficient cost levels (including both capital and operating costs). The licensed operators will beresponsible for increasing the efficiency of their operations, and thus reducing costs to the lowest efficientlevels. Where exceptional circumstances dictate the need for additional funds for systems improvements orrehabilitation, the NWSC will take this into account in setting tariffs.

10. 0 WATER FOR HEALTH AND SANITATION10. 1 Basis for ActionGovernment is of the firm belief, that in addition to being a basic human right, universal access to a safe,water supply and appropriate sanitation can also increase economic well-being and contribute to humandevelopment by providing real personal benefits in the form of greater privacy, convenience, safety anddignity - all important aspects especially for women and children. Further, bringing water and sanitation tohouseholds and communities can reduce the time and energy that is lost in fetching water from longdistances and from illness from water borne diseases, and allow the time saved to be applied toeconomically productive and educational activities.The commitments made by Government in this part of the policy, are consistent with commitments made inregional and international treaties such as:• The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989) which obligates states party totake measures to combat disease and malnutrition among children, through inter alia,providing adequate nutritious foods and clean drinking water, taking into considerationthe dangers and risks of environmental pollution;• The 1972 Stockholm Declaration ;• Agenda 21;• The Cartagena Convention;• The Caribbean Cooperation in Health Initiative (CCH2) which obligates CARICOMStates to implement programmes to improve environmental health.10. 2 The VisionGovernment’s vision is that:• by 2005, the proportion of people who are unable to reach or afford safe drinking water will have beenreduced by 50% ;• by 2005, the proportion of people not having access to hygienic sanitation facilities will have beenreduced by 50%;• by 2003, appropriate standards for the construction of sanitary facilities will have been developed andapplied;• by 2010, at least 40% of homes in the main urban centres will have been connected to anenvironmentally acceptable and cost effective sewerage treatment system;• by 2010, at least 10% of the water supply and sanitation services will have been owned and managedby the private sector.10. 3 Guiding PrinciplesIn pursuing this vision, Government will be guided by the following principles:I. in allocating water use, priority must be given to the health and sanitation needs, especially of the poorand disadvantaged groups.II. minimum standards and levels of service for the public supply of potable water must be ensured.III. a priority for investment must be to secure improvements in sewerage treatment and disposal, in orderto protect human health and the environment.IV. improvements in the quality of urban drainage, both in its initial provision and its maintenance, mustbe assured.V. the satisfaction of basic needs will require an increased coverage of water supply and sanitation,particularly to rural, low income groups.

10.4 Strategic ObjectivesThe strategic objectives in the provision of water for health and sanitation are as follows:a) to ensure the availability of minimum necessary quantities of potable water and minimumstandards of sanitation service to all, in a cost-effective and efficient manner and with due regardto health and environmental considerations;b) to ensure a sustained flow of financing for the provision and maintenance of water and sanitationservices;c) to strengthen institutional capacity for monitoring, surveillance and management of water suppliesand treatment facilities;d) to increase private sector participation in the provision and maintenance of water supply andsanitation services.10.5 The Strategic Response10.5.1 Ensuring adequate water supply and sanitation servicesThe main role of Government in this respect will be one of setting priorities, direction, definition ofminimum levels of service and the stimulation and regulation of the activities of the service providers. As ameans of reducing poverty, Government will concentrate its efforts on improving the management andallocation of water resources and access to water and sanitation and on achieving improved health andsustainable livelihoods for the poor. In addition, Government will:1. develop a Sanitation and Environment Master Plan summarising the conditions in the major populationcentres and establish a plan to resolve the major problems;2. plan for expansion of the sewerage network in areas with high population densities, having regard tohealth, environmental and economic considerations;3. reduce harmful effects of wastewater on the environment through improved drainage and thepromotion of measures to put wastewater to beneficial use where this is economically and financiallyfeasible;4. strengthen the capacity of enforcement and regulatory agencies;5. establish or strengthen where appropriate, specific programmes, laws, policies and regulations toprotect public health by ensuring access to water supplies that are free from bacteria, heavy metals andchemical contaminants that are harmful to human health;6. provide support for accountable and autonomous service providers, private sector participation andpublic-private partnerships, emphasising equity in access to water for the poor and under-served;7. implement tariffs which enable access to a minimum quantity of safe water for poor people, includingpackages that combine water use and resource management charges to cover costs, improvedregulation and increased public awareness and provisions ;8. promote research into best management practices in other jurisdictions, with a view to replicating suchpractices where feasible, within the local setting;10.5.2 Financing the provision and maintenance of water and sanitation servicesGovernment subscribes to the view that where there is no viable alternative, and in order to protect humanand environmental health, minimal levels of water and sanitation services should be provided to meet basichuman needs, irrespective of the citizen’s ability to pay,. Government is aware that many rural customersrely on water sources such as storage tanks, standpipes and trucking, as well as piped water. These sourceswill be improved to provide at least the minimum standards necessary for the sustenance of life and goodpublic health, at a price which rural customers can afford. The relevant agencies / communities will berequired to:(a) define the minimum standards of service for social water;(b) determine the desirable minimum quantity of water based on the “lifeline quantum” concept;

(c) determine the eligibility criteria for recipients/beneficiaries of social water(d) recommend the appropriate levels of service necessary for households;(e) determine, in consultation with the Ministry of Finance the appropriate mix of revenuesources to cover the cost of the recommended levels of social water. The following sources ofrevenue shall be considered:• Tariffs and user fees• Cross-subsidies (this means some customers pay more than the cost of the serviceprovided, so that other customers can receive service at below cost)• Direct subsidies from the Government Budget.The Poverty Reduction Fund and the Basic Needs Trust Fund will be required to play an integral role insupporting the provision of social water.The NWSC shall have responsibility for the approval of fees and tariffs based on prescribed/agreed waterquality and service quality standards, minimum standards of sewerage services coverage and otherappropriate parameters. The licensed operators and the NWSC shall implement a public awarenesscampaign whenever tariffs are adjusted. This will include information on ways in which consumers canreduce bills through increased water conservation.The NWSC, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the Bureau of Standards shall developacceptable service standards for urban potable water and wastewater services provided to consumers. TheNWSC will also develop the appropriate enforcement mechanisms and the necessary legal reforms.10.5.3 Strengthening institutional capacity for monitoring, surveillance and management.Government anticipates that improvements in the provision of water and sanitation services will help toreduce the incidence of water-borne infectious and non-infectious diseases, usually linked to lack of accessand low coverage of appropriate sanitary services. However, Government is conscious of the need tocomplement these improvements with measures to strengthen the capacity of water resources managementand health institutions for monitoring, surveillance and management. These measures will include:• strengthening the laws to ensure effective monitoring of compliance by operators of water and sanitaryfacilities;• providing Environmental Health Officers and officers from other relevant agencies with adequatetraining and resources to monitor the efficiency and effectiveness of sewerage treatment facilities andto monitor the presence of contaminants in the public water supply;• ensuring that water and sewerage treatment facilities are managed by trained and/or certified operators;• developing an epidemiological surveillance system to inter alia, monitor trends of water-borneinfectious diseases;• encourage the participation of members in monitoring and surveillance of water and sanitationservices, through the provision and training and other incentives;• implement measures to prevent the disposal of solid, liquid and hazardous waste into the water supply;• establish and/or strengthen linkages among institutions involved in monitoring, surveillance andmanagement of water resources.10.5.4 Increasing Private Sector Ownership and ParticipationCognisant of the capital-intensive nature of the water supply and sanitation sector, Government is keen torelieve itself of the full burden of financing the sector, by encouraging private sector ownership andinvestment in new infrastructure and in the operation of water services. However, the Government shallcontinue to own and/or control (directly or through designated entities) the natural resources and existinginfrastructure assets.

Government is aware that low population densities and low incomes reduce the viability of water andsewerage projects in rural areas and decrease the likelihood that the private sector will be willing toparticipate. In developing its recommendations on private participation, the Ministry with responsibility forWater, will be required to recommend ways in which rural consumers can benefit from private participationwhere appropriate. This may include requiring private operators to take responsibility for service provisionin a designated area. Government may provide incentives to encourage private participation, which willbenefit rural people. Where appropriate, Government will promote the involvement of co-operatives andsmall entrepreneurs in providing water and sanitation services.Government will be prepared to consider a range of options for private sector participation including,service contracts, management contracts, leases, concessions, Build Own Operate and Transfer (BOOT)arrangements, and Rehabilitate Operate Transfer arrangements. The specific option to be used in any giveninstance will depend on the mix of objectives that the Government wishes to achieve at any given time. Inaddition, Government will encourage private sector initiatives to supply areas which currently do not haveadequate service. Further, incentives will be given to private landowners wishing to develop waterresources on their properties.Privatization will be treated as one the strategies of Government to secure economic benefits and not as anend in itself. Emphasis will be placed on private sector participation that:i. that are in the country’s best interest;ii.iii.iv.improves economic efficiency in the sector, in both operating performance and the use ofcapital investment;brings technical and managerial expertise and new and appropriate technology into thesector and thus providing productivity improvements;injects investment capital into the sector and/or access to private capital markets, therebyreducing public investment;v. insulate the sector from short-term political intervention in utility operations andlimitation of opportunities for intervention by powerful interest groups;vi.vii.viii.transfer the risks and responsibilities of ownership from Government to the private sectorover the long term;deliver of a reliable and efficient service to communities throughout the island;make the sector more responsive to consumers’ needs and preferences.

11. 0 WATER FOR AGRICULTURE AND FOOD11.1 Basis for ActionIt is generally accepted that water used for food production brings several benefits. At the national level,increased food production can boost food security and in the process generate and conserve foreignexchange. At the household and community levels, water for food production can improve poor people’slivelihoods and economic well-being. At the individual level, food security improves health by improvingnutrition and hence the individual’s ability to recover from diseases.For these reasons, Government is keen to increase production in the agriculture sector, especially in thevital banana industry. To this end, Government is poised to expand the area of irrigated land in agriculture.Further, Government is pursuing an agricultural diversification programme, including livestock productionand freshwater aquaculture, both of which will increase the demand for water. Mindful that the rate ofexpansion of irrigated land is the most important determinant of water stress, Government is keen to ensurethat the focus of water policies in the agriculture and food sector aims at increasing the productivity ofwater.11.2 The visionGovernment’s vision is that water productivity for food production from rain fed and irrigated farming willhave increased by 25% by 2008.11.3 Guiding PrinciplesIn pursuing this vision, Government will be guided by the following principles:I. the more food that is produced with the same amount of water, the less the need for infrastructuredevelopment, the less the competition for water, the greater the food security and the more waterthat is available for household and industrial use;II. the control of water for agriculture can boost the yield of the main wet-season crops and enablethe timing of production to match market demands.11.4 ObjectivesThe objectives for the provision of water for agriculture and food are:(a) to increase food production by providing access to water:• in a cost effective and efficient manner;• at a price which takes into consideration the opportunity cost of the commodityproduced as well as the social dimension of agriculture to reflect the real value of thesector;• with due regard to availability both in terms of quantity and quality;• using approaches which encourage stakeholder involvement.(b)to encourage implementation of measures to ensure conservation and sustainability byproviders and consumers of water;(c ) to promote effective research that can boost the productivity of water for food andagriculture production;(d)to mobilise additional sources of funding and investment support, introducing costrecovery mechanisms;

11.5 The Strategic Response11.5.1 Increasing productivity of waterThe following policies and strategies will be employed to increase the productivity of water:• improving crop varieties through plant breeding, aided by biotechnology, that producesmore drought-tolerant varieties or varieties of crops that yield more mass per unit ofwater consumed;• switching to crops that:(a) consume less water;(b) tolerate poorer quality water;(c) generate higher economic or physical productivity per unit of transpiration;• promoting better production and soil management techniques, fertilisation and pest andweed control so as to increase the productivity of land and reduce the amount of waterthat is consumed;• improving irrigation water management through better timing of water supplies to helpreduce stress at critical crop growth periods;• using more deficit, supplemental and precision irrigation;• promoting wastewater use• encouraging improved farming practices like land leveling, ridging, mulching and othertechniques that increase water intake after rainfall and improve the retention capacity ofwater;11.5.2 Promoting water and ecosystem conservationThe increased demand for water for food and rural development will have to be met by storing water forlater use with lower economic, social and environmental costs. To this end, Government will promote amix of large and small dams as well as traditional storage and management techniques and rainwaterharvesting. Research into alternative sources of freshwater including the use of non-traditional sources ofwater will also be encouraged.Further, measures will be introduced to restrict the use of fertilisers, pesticides and other chemicals onfarms located in the vicinity of watersheds and water intakes. Farmers and local communities will beencouraged to play active roles in catchment maintenance, especially erosion control, water quality andbiodiversity conservation. To support these initiatives, strategic or unique natural ecosystems will be highlyvalued and conservation measures that reflect the needs and involvement of the local communities will bedesigned and implemented. This will include measures to: (a) ensure that adequate water is available tomeet ecosystem requirements; (b) restore and/or rehabilitate ecosystems; minimize siltation from land useactivities; and (c) acquire lands in or around water catchments and other sensitive areas.11.5.3 Promoting Effective ResearchThe achievement of the vision for water for food and agriculture will require substantial investment andsupport in research capacity. Government will actively seek to increase overall support for research on landand water use so as to ensure that a diverse set of user knowledge is integrated into the research activitiesand that the results are useful to a wide range of users. Further, Government will as a matter of priority,seek to identify all existing and potential sources of water.11.6 Institutional Responsibilities in Water for Agriculture and FoodGovernment is committed to the establishment of a service-oriented approach to management that focuseson making managers responsive to user needs. Within the agriculture and food sector, this approach mayentail service agreements between farmers and water managers that inter alia: describe the services to beprovided; payments in return for services; verification of service provision; the consequences for bothparties for failing to comply with the terms of agreements; and the rules for arbitration of conflict.

The Ministry with responsibility for Water and the Ministry of Agriculture, shall jointly determine theresponsibilities of those institutional charged with ensuring an adequate water supply for agriculture andfood. Government will examine the feasibility of delegating responsibility for irrigation and other relatedwater management systems to Water Users Associations (WUAs) composed of the farmers who stand tobenefit most from such systems.11. 7 Financing and Cost Recovery for Water for Agriculture and FoodTo ensure that irrigation and other water management systems are financially-viable, the operations andmaintenance costs of existing systems should be met from charges paid by the users of those systems. Thispolicy objective will be phased in within 5 years. In the case of new systems to be constructed under anynational irrigation and water management development plan, users will also be required to pay a reasonableproportion of the capital costs. The proportion of the cost which will be carried by users, will depend on theability of the users to pay, and will be decided on a case by case basis.In addition, Government will promote:a) the achievement of cost-efficiencies;b) mobilization of additional sources of funding and investment support from the private sector andexternal sources;c) the introduction of cost recovery mechanisms to ensure that the direct beneficiary pays and thatthe supply of services can be maintained and expanded.11.8 Emergency Assistance in Water for Agriculture and FoodGovernment accepts that given the critical contribution of water to food production and by extension tosocial and economic stability, it may be necessary to provide short-term assistance to farmers to help themovercome the impact of disruptions in the production cycle.The following agencies will determine the circumstances under which such assistance shall be provided tofarmers and define the minimum standards of service for water and agriculture and food that will apply insuch cases and to advise on the appropriate mix of revenue sources to cover the cost:• NWSC• the Ministry responsible for Public Utilities• Ministry responsible for Social Transformation• Ministry of Agriculture• Water Users Associations• Ministry of Finance,11. 9 Ownership and Private Participation in Water for Agriculture and FoodIt is envisaged that the current practice for servicing water needs for agriculture and food will continue.The intention is that private sector and co-operative involvement in public irrigation and water managementsystems will be facilitated through groups or associations which could function as legal entities (e.g. cooperativesor limited liability companies) where this is deemed the best model for any particular system.The membership of these Associations will be drawn from among farmers.

12. 0 WATER FOR INDUSTRY12.1 Basis for ActionThe activities of the Services and Manufacturing industries have important relationships with theenvironment and natural resources. Hence, the owners and managers of these industries have critical rolesto play in achieving the vision which drives this part of the policy. While Government is pleased to note thegrowing environmental awareness being demonstrated by many industrial establishments, the evidenceindicates that the situation remains highly unsatisfactory with many industries still contributingsignificantly to the impairment of water resources and the ecosystems which support them.12. 2 The VisionGovernment’s vision is that:• by 2004, emission standards for industry will have been developed and implemented;• by 2004, at least 30% of industries will have developed and adopted corporate environmental policiesthat include water conservation and standards and systems for liquid waste management;• by 2006, at least half of the hotels on the island will have implemented water reuse policies andpractices12.3 Guiding PrinciplesThe pursuit of the vision will be guided by the following key principles:I. the Polluter Pays Principle 7II. the User Pays Principle 8III. the Precautionary Principle 9IV. allowing industries to choose how they meet standards that promote efficiency and innovation.12.4 Strategic ObjectivesThe objectives of this component of the Policy are as follows:(a) to ensure the availability of a safe, reliable and affordable supply of water for use by industry;and(b) to reduce the negative environmental impacts of industry on water resources and supportingecosystems.12.5 The Strategic Response12.5.1 Ensuring an Adequate Water SupplyIn line with the development objectives of the country, including the imperatives of internationalcompetitiveness, Government will ensure that water for industry in the context of Tourism, Commercialand Manufacturing sectors, is treated as an integral part of the water sector. Further, Government will seekto ensure that:• minimum standards/levels of service are met on a 24 hours per day, 7days per week basis;• the provision of water and sewerage services are directed at meeting the needs of areas targeted by therelevant industrial development policy, so as to have the maximum impact on economic growth anddevelopment;7 This Principle stipulates that the polluter should bear the cost of any pollution and control measures which arenecessary in order to ensure that the environment is in an acceptable state.8 This Principle calls upon the user of a natural resource to bear the cost of any draw-down of natural capital.9 According to the Precautionary Principle, critical environmental assets should be left intact, especially where there isuncertainty about the effects of human actions on these assets, but grounds for thinking that they may be substantial.

• coordination between the various institutions involved in the sub-sectors is improved.Because processing and extractive industries are normally located in areas that relieve urban congestion,the capital and operating costs of supplying water and sewerage services to industries are likely to be high.Additionally, the remote location of these industries excludes the possibility of cross-subsidisation of costs.The general principles and approaches outlined in earlier sections regarding capital and operating costrecovery will be applied.Government is aware that some hotels and manufacturing plants have installed or are considering installingDesalination Plants, to enhance their international competitiveness. While Government is fully committedto support the efforts of local businesses at competing effectively in the international marketplace,Government is also concerned to ensure that the use of Desalination Plants does not affect theeffectiveness, viability and sustainability of its interventions in the water sector. Except in emergencycases, or in cases where freshwater resources are exhausted or are in limited supply, licenses will not begranted to applicants wishing to produce desalinated water for public consumption. Other applications willbe considered on a case-by-case basis. In all cases, due consideration will be given to:a) the strategic importance of the business;b) the degree of reliability of its current source of freshwater;c) the results of an Environmental Impact Assessment of the operations of the proposedDesalination Plant;d) the production capacity of the proposed plant.12.5.2. Reducing the Negative Environmental Impacts of IndustryA mix of regulation and voluntary compliance instruments will be used to achieve this objective includingdemand management, waste control and process and emission standards.As with other groups of users, efforts will be focused on reducing the demand for water by industries. Thisapproach will produce dual benefits as less water that is used will mean less wastewater that is eventuallydischarged into the receiving environment. Demand Management will be encouraged by sensitisingindustry managers to the ways in which water consumption can be reduced and the benefits to be derivedtherefrom. Industries will be encouraged through a system of incentives or through a combination ofallocation mechanisms and punitive measures, to adopt demand management practices. As a condition ofPlanning Approval, hotels and industries may be required to implement a dual water supply system,involving separate lines for freshwater, for human consumption, (drinking, bathing and cooking) andrecycled water for flushing toilets and watering lawns and golf courses. Strict standards will be developedand enforced in respect of the use of recycled water.Consideration will be given to the use of incentives to encourage the use of appropriate water conservation,storage, wastewater treatment and recycling technologies.Legislation is already in place, requiring Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) for developmentshaving known or potential, negative environmental impacts. The effects of these laws will be reviewedfrom time to time and will be strengthened when necessary. Further, the capacity of all resourcemanagement agencies will be strengthened to enable staff to effectively manage the EIA process, includingthe preparation of Terms of Reference and the evaluation of Scoping and EIA Statements. The capacity ofthe Ministry of Health and other relevant agencies will be strengthened to undertake Environmental HealthImpact Assessments (EHIA) which will allow early identification of potential risks to human andenvironmental health from an existing or proposed development. The results of all EIAs and EHIAs willbe made public.Government will require periodic reports by industries on measures being implemented to protect andimprove the environment, especially from those industries involving high environmental risks.Emphasis will also be placed on monitoring and enforcement of standards regarding gaseous and effluentemissions from industries. As a condition of planning approval, hotels and industrial plants may be

equired to connect to municipal waste water treatment facilities, where such facilities are located inreasonably close proximity. Where municipal treatment facilities are not available, permission may begranted for the use of an appropriate on-site treatment facility, on condition that:a) the facility is designed and built to the specifications of the Ministry of Health;b) the facility complies with the effluent standards of the Ministry of Health or other relevant agencies;c) the facility will be operated only by certified personnel;d) adequate back up facilities are in place.Where disposal by sea outfall cannot be avoided, the following rules will apply:1. disposal will not be allowed in areas with possible human contact;2. disposal will not be allowed in areas containing sensitive ecological systems and/or marinehabitats that are likely to be affected;3. disposal will only be allowed in areas where the prevailing currents are off-shore throughoutthe year;4. disposal will only be allowed in areas where sufficient dispersion and dilution of effluent cantake place;5. disposal will only be allowed where outfalls can be anchored at a depth of at least 40 metres.Measures will be implemented to ensure that the development of industry in general and the tourismindustry in particular, does not exceed the carrying capacity of the island. While tourism does not harvestnature in the same way or to the same extent as extractive industries, the industry and its infrastructure ofhotels, transport and other facilities is having a major impact on the environment. Government will workalong with industry representatives and conservation groups to:a) ensure that tourism is properly planned and regulated so as to control its impact on nature andmaintain its resource base;b) ensure that planning for tourism is integrated with other land-use planning activities, especially inrespect of protected areas;c) balance the various sub-sectors of tourism to: prevent environmental damage; locate the rightdevelopment in the right place and increase the economic viability of both the industry and thelocal communities;d) educate tourists and operators on their responsibilities regarding environmental conservation.13 . 0 WATER FOR ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY13.1 Basis for ActionFreshwater and the ecosystems that support it, play a critical role in environmental sustainability and in theregeneration of many ecological processes. Wetlands, and flood plains, in particular play a strong role inmaintaining biodiversity and the functioning of the environment as a whole. Secondly, good sanitation andsolid waste management reduce water pollution although complete protection of water quality also needsmajor improvements in industrial and agricultural pollution control. Thus, Government believes thatprotecting catchment basins and maintaining river flow is essential, if full benefit is to be obtained from theisland’s freshwater resources.

13.2 The VisionGovernment’s vision is that by 2005 standards will have been established to ensure the health of freshwaterecosystems.13.3 Guiding PrinciplesIn pursuing this vision, the following guiding principles will be observed:I. the role of watershed ecosystems in regulating water quality and quantity and controlling the productivityof coastal and floodplain fisheries and agricultural and livestock production systems must be assessedand sustained.II. the costs and benefits of protecting watershed forests, wetlands and other key ecosystems must be madean automatic component of irrigation and other water supply projects.III. the interface between water bodies and the land should be protected.IV. priority attention must be given to rehabilitating critical ecosystems such as water catchments, includingforests rivers, wetlands and associated aquatic ecosystems that have been severely degraded or destroyed.V. environmental sustainability and regeneration benefit everybody, especially the poor. Emphasis must beplaced on the implementation of measures to restore and enhance the quality and quantity of usable waterand protect the aquifers, watersheds and other sources of water.13.4 Strategic ObjectivesThe objectives of this component of the policy are as follows:(a) to integrate the development of water resources with conservation of ecosystems that playa key role in the water cycle;(b) to mitigate the impacts of natural disasters on water resources;13.5 The Strategic Response13.5.1 Integrating Development with Ecosystem ConservationMany of the policies and strategies outlined earlier should assist in protecting the health of water resourcesand the ecosystems that support them. Increased attention will be given to the management of watercatchments, including through the strengthening of land-use planning agencies to design and implementeffective land use plans and through the establishment of management regimes that control developmentactivity within and in the vicinity of watersheds. These regimes will include the definition of drinking waterprotection zones, water permits and soil protection and erosion control measures. In addition, Governmentwill seek to ensure that:1. effective cooperation and coordination takes place between land use planners and watermanagers;2. pollution from non-degradable substances does not exceed levels that would endanger humanhealth or ecosystem function or the maintenance of ecosystem structure and functioning;3. pollution by biodegradable substances does not exceed the assimilative capacity of receivingenvironment;4. the use of toxic substances whose long term impact on human and ecosystem health is notknown, is banned;5. water for health and sanitation, agriculture and industry, as well as that required for themaintenance of ecosystems does not exceed the limits of sustainable supply, taking fullaccount of the requirements for ecosystem functioning.Priority attention will be given to the implementation of the National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBASP)and the Land Policy respectively.Recognising the importance of sound and regular data to the effective management of ecosystems,Government will establish institutional mechanisms to ensure adequate data collection and monitoringsystems to permit sound, decision-making. Efforts will also be directed at promoting sustained community

participation in the management of water resources. The participatory water catchment managementapproach that was successfully piloted in the Talvan community will be replicated in other communities.13.5.2 Mitigating the Impacts of Natural DisastersAs with other aspects of IWRM, an effective planning process that takes account of potential hazards andthe vulnerability of people and ecosystems, to extreme events is critical to the success of any strategy that isaimed at reducing or managing risks. Consequently, Government will seek to build the capacity andcapability of all relevant agencies to:1. undertake risk assessments that can inform decisions on appropriate levels and mitigationstrategies to deal with water-related, natural and human induced hazards, such as resource scarcity,water quality, non-average climatic events, public health and ecosystem change;2. analyse the nature and distribution of potential harms from water management policies andpractices;3. evaluate public perceptions of risk and risk mitigation priorities;4. undertake flood and drought forecasting.Government is aware of the several regional and international initiatives that seek to promote sustainablewater management for present and future generations, by better mitigating the adverse impacts of ClimateVariability and Climate Change. Government will give its fullest support to these initiatives and will alsoseek to engage key stakeholders in a process to build and disseminate reliable information andunderstanding, identify options and define strategies for adapting to Climate Variability and ClimateChange.14. 0 IMPLEMENTING THE POLICYIt will be recalled that this Policy is based on the results of a situational analysis of the water sector. Thisfact dictates that the Policy be treated as a dynamic instrument in a dynamic environment. It also meansthat the institutional arrangements must be put in place to monitor the impact of the Policy, against thevision and objectives that have been set and to adjust the policy in the light of changes in the situation.The policy has been influenced by, and strives to operationalise the principle of IWRM. While the Policyhas been written from the perspective of Government, this does not discount the significant roles that mustbe played by diverse actors and agencies at the national and community levels. The role envisaged by theseactors is summarised below.14.1 The Role of GovernmentGovernment is perhaps, the most important actor in the water sector. Its principal task will be to provide anadequate political and legal environment; facilitate the provision of suitably supervised investment fundsand encourage the participation of the private sector in the construction of improved water sources.Government will retain a certain capacity to intervene in areas where private participation is shown to benon-viable. More specifically, Government will be charged with:a) providing leadership, coordination and coordination;b) establishing effective public sector institutions with full accountability, representation andtransparent decision-making;c) establishing the institutional and other mechanisms for integrated water resources management;d) incorporating IWRM in national strategies for sustainable development;e) identifying research needs and the ways in which they may be met;f) improving coordination among stakeholders;g) promoting public education and awareness;h) promoting participatory decision-making in IWRM;i) using appropriate legal and financial instruments to balance economic development priorities withimpacts on social structures, livelihoods and the environment;j) protecting the rights of the public (especially the poor) ;

k) reducing wasteful consumption of water by allocating water efficiently between competingsectors;l) regulating the activities of water service providers;m) providing an appropriate environment for private sector involvement in the water sector;n) promoting the goals, objectives and strategies of the policy;o) monitoring the implementation of the Policy;p) managing natural hazards impacting the water supply;q) improving emergency responses;r) planning for prevention and mitigation of disasters related to floods and droughts;14.2 The Role of the Private SectorThe dynamism of the private sector is seen as critical in accelerating the rate of implementation of thePolicy and in establishing the close relationship between the quality of a water service and its financialviability. Consequently, the Policy envisages a more direct and involved role for the private sector, inassisting in the management and/or expansion of existing services provided by Government, throughvarious approaches including contracting -out, management concessions and direct investment.Private sector involvement will be promoted through a legal and policy environment defining roles andresponsibilities and transparent processes for award of contracts to service providers. More specifically, theprivate sector will be expected to:a) develop and implement corporate environmental policies that emphasise water conservation andguidelines for sustainable industrial processes;b) define and action programme to define objectives for all personnel with guidelines on how theyshould be met;c) observe the Polluter Pays Principle; the User Pays Principle and the Precautionary Principlerespectively;d) make informed investments in the water and sewerage sector.14.3 The Role of the CitizenIn embracing the IWRM approach, the centrality of the citizen in helping to attain the objectives of thePolicy is re-affirmed. The citizen is seen as playing a proactive role in articulating his or her needs inrelation to their respective livelihood priorities. Such action will help to inform decisions regarding theallocation of water, as well as assist in improving water security and reducing risks and uncertainties. Thecitizen is also expected to take full responsibility for arming himself/herself with appropriate information toguide decisions whether at the individual or community level, regarding water resources management.14.4 The Role of Civil SocietyIt is envisaged that civil society organisations will play a key role in helping consumers especially the poor,to express their demands, as well in advocacy. This will involve:a) monitoring the responses of government and the private sector to the demands of consumers;b) enabling the poor and other marginalised groups to determine their livelihoods, improvesustainable water resources and gain access to essential and appropriate services;c) forming a communication channel from government to the people about choices of service level;about practical difficulties arising from the implementation of the policy; and the role of thedifferent players, including government itself and the private sector ;d) disseminating information and knowledge about new IWRM approaches, within communities;e) assisting in monitoring the impact of the policy through indicators and monitoring systems;f) assisting with assessments of water quality and the health of freshwater ecosystems.14.5 The Role of the International Development Community

In recent times, the international development community has demonstrated a growing commitment to helpSaint Lucia to address its water and sanitation needs. It is envisaged that the Water Sector Policy will helpto strengthen the involvement of the international development community in the management of the watersector, by providing a clear and predictable environment in which the coordinated interventions of theinternational community can be made and received. More specifically, the international developmentcommunity will be invited to assist in:a) supporting good practice and providing guidance to the private sector on efficient and sustainableservice provision;b) providing financial and technical assistance;c) assisting the public sector to compile and disseminate accurate information about water and sanitationservices;d) supporting the institutions that provide training and education for water resource managers;e) encouraging the growth of the indigenous private sector;f) sharing more effectively, the existing knowledge that can contribute to meeting the various waterchallenges.

LIST OF DOCUMENTS REVIEWED1. AGRICO Ltd. : Draft Report on the National Water Situation and Assessment of the NationalWater Profile in Saint Lucia - December 2001.2. Deloitte and Touche and Mandell Mills: Restructuring of the Windward Islands Banana Industry -Water Consultancy - St. Lucia - Final Report of Phase 2 - November 1997.3. Department for International Development (DFID): Addressing the Water Crisis - Strategies forAchieving the International Water Targets - March 2001.4. Eudovique Raphael and Arnold Lester : Evaluation of the Improved Water Supply Intake forSurface Water Courses - Paper presented at the 10 th Conference of the Caribbean Water andWastewater Association (CWWA) - Grand Cayman - October 2001.4. Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations Technical Cooperation -Programme: St. Lucia Pre-feasibility Study for Small Scale Irrigation, Volumes 1 and 2TCP/Sl/6711 - October 19985. Global Water Partnership : Policy Guidance and Operational Tools - Version 1 - March 20026. Hunting Technical Services and Mott MacDonald Ltd: Watershed and EnvironmentalManagement Project Phase 2, Final Report - Volume 2.7. Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment of St. Lucia : BiodiversityCountry Report of St. Lucia, 19988. Stanley Associates Engineering Ltd. and Klohn Leonoff Ltd.: Roseau Basin Water DevelopmentProgramme, Stage 1 Feasibility Report - CIDA Project No. 868/11547 - May 1998.9. Stantec Consulting International Ltd. - Water and Sewerage Company INC. St. Lucia :Distribution Network Assessment and Project Prioritisation Pre-Implementation Studies- FinalReport - October 2000.

Location Maps:Laborie and Vieux Fort2004 © Laborie Development Foundation Inc.Created by GlaceGrafix, LLC

Mabouya Valley, Dennery

DraftQuestionnaire Regarding the Perceptions of Marine/FreshWater Quality in the Mabouya Bay Region1. What is your age?1. Under 102. 10 to 17 Years3. 18 to 34 Years4. 35 to 50 Years5. Over 50 Years1a. Community Name?1 Richfond2 Grande Riviere3 La Caye4 Aux Leon2. What is your sex? 1. Male 2. Female5 Deniere Riviere6 La Pointe7 Bois Jolie8 Village9 Anse Canot/Green Mountain3. How clean is the sea/marine water in the Mabouya Valley?1. Very Dirty 2. Somewhat Dirty 3. Somewhat Clean 4. Very CleanIf the response to Question 3 is 1, 2 or 3 then go to Q.4, otherwise skip to Question 64. How long has the sea water been like this?1. 0-5 years 2. 6-10 years 3. 11-15 years 4. 16-20 years 5. >20 years5. Do you think that the sea water is dangerous to the health of people?1. Yes 2. No 3. Maybe 4. Don't Know6. Where do you think the sea is most polluted/dirty/contaminated?(name or describe precise location(s))NameLocation (Community Name)12347. What could be the main causes of this pollution/dirtiness/contamination of the Sea water?123

Draft8. What should be done about improving the quality of the Sea Water?1239. Who should do it?12310. Do you think that you could help (make a difference)? 1. Yes 2. No11. If no, why not?12312. If yes, how?123

Draft12. How clean is the fresh water in the Mabouya Valley?1. Very Dirty 2. Somewhat Dirty 3. Somewhat Clean 4. Very CleanIf the response to Question 12 is 1, 2 or 3 then go to Q.13, otherwise skip to Question 1513. How long has the fresh water been like this?1. 0-5 years 2. 6-10 years 3. 11-15 years 4. 16-20 years 5. >20 years14. Do you think that the fresh water is dangerous to the health of people?1. Yes 2. No 3. Maybe 4. Don't Know15. Where do you think the rivers are most polluted/dirty/contaminated?(name or describe precise location(s))1234NameLocation (Community Name)16. What could be the main causes of this pollution/dirtiness/contamination of the Rivers?123

Draft17. What should be done about improving the quality of the River Water?12318. Who should do it?12319. Do you think that you could help (make a difference)? 1. Yes 2. No20. If no, why not?12312. If yes, how?123

Laborie Development Foundation Inc.Residents Water Quality Awareness OutreachData Capture FormAddress: ………………………………………………………………………………………………..1. Is house located near a water way? (Estimate distance) ………………………………………2. No. of persons who attended discussion/conversation: …………………………………………3. How important are ravines (to those taking part in discussion)?………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………4. What are the main causes of pollution in ravines, rivers and the sea (opinions of residents)?1. …………………………………………………………………………………………………2. …………………………………………………………………………………………………3. ………………………………………………………………………………………………….4. ………………………………………………………………………………………………….5. Is there a functioning toilet used by members of the household?YesNo6. What type of toilet do you use most frequently? (More than one response can be ticked)Type of Toilet• Pit toilet• Flush toilet in my house• Flush toilet – public toilet• Natural area√7. How is your household sewage disposed of?Sewage Disposal systems• Septic tank alone• Septic tank with soak-away• Other (describe)√• Describe soak-away used at your house:………………………………………………………………………………………….

Laborie Development Foundation Inc.………………………………………………………………………………………….• Where does water from soak-away drain? ……………………………………………..………………………………………………………………………………………………8. Do you own the house where you live?(If house does not have toilet)9. What is needed to install toilet & sewage treatment at the house?YesNo………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………10. Would you be willing to start a fund to save enough to put toilet at yourhouse?Discuss Garden Soak-away at this time. Share information on it – fact sheets.YesNo11. Having heard about traditional soak-away and the garden soak-away, which system would youchoose if constructing a sewage treatment system?…………………………………………………………………………………………………….12. Why? ……………………………………………………………………………………………..Evaluation:1. Is there anything you did not understand about the information I shared with you? If yes, what?…………………………………………………………………………………………………..2. Did you learn anything new about how people can affect water quality in Laborie?Give an example: …………………………………………………………………………………….………………………………………………………………………………………………………...3. Did I share any information that you would find useful?Give an example: …………………………………………………………………………………….………………………………………………………………………………………………………...Outreach done by: M………………………………………………………..Date: ……………...

LABNEWS May – August, 2005LABNEWSLaborie Development Foundation Inc.ISSUE NO. 08MAY – AUGUST, 2005Water Quality in LaborieYon Konmin, Yon Katjil, Yon Mouvman, Pou Divelopman!Alina Sadoo and Clem Thomas conversing with coastal resident about water quality issues, June 2005Courtesy Lydia CharlemagneLeft: Youth, Alina Sadoo & Clem Thomasparticipating in the Laborie DevelopmentFoundation Inc. Water Quality AwarenessProgramme. This programme was financed bythe Sustainable Development Unit in theMinistry of Planning.The Laborie Development Foundation Inc.does both marine water quality monitoringand water quality awareness withinLaborie. Simply put, water quality refers tothe state of water and whether it is suitablefor a particular purpose such as drinking,or for swimming or for playing. Waterquality changes over time and can beimproved or made bad or worse by humanactivities.Most contaminants of water originate on land including sewage, animal waste, fertilizer and other chemicalrunoff from farms, garage waste and other wastes from households. In St. Lucia, as in many other parts of the world,an indeterminate amount of untreated sewage enters the environment each year. Untreated or inadequately treatedsewage contains dangerous, infectious bacteria, viruses, parasites and toxic chemicals. There is little monitoring orpublic information, on the extent of sewage pollution or the prevalence of water borne infections/illnesses in St. Luciaor Laborie, in particular. We do not know how many people get sick each year from swimming in or drinking sewagecontaminatedwater. However, we do know that if sewage is not contained and properly treated on land it couldcontaminate our drinking water supplies: most pipe networks carrying treated water in many communities in St. Luciaare over 40 years old; the water they carry could become contaminated from sewage seeping into cracks or breaks indeteriorating pipes. When septic systems are allowed to drain into or when faeces or raw sewage is dumped intoravines, streams and drains the sea could become polluted. Unwary residents and visitors could therefore be exposedto playing, fishing, swimming, snorkelling, boating or diving in sewage-polluted water.According to guidelines developed by the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), the faecal coliformcontent of recreational water should not exceed 200 colonies per 100 ml (≤ 200/100 ml); that for enteroccoci bacteria

LABNEWS May – August, 2005should not exceed 35 colonies per 100 ml (≤ 35/100 ml). The faecal coliform group of bacteria is used as an indicatorof the presence of sewage in water. Faecal coliforms, including enteroccoci bacteria are used as indicators becausethey originate in the digestive tract of mammals and are discharged into the environment through faeces. Thus, thepresence of faecal coliforms and enteroccoci indicate the presence of sewage which could contain harmful bacteria,viruses, parasites and other organisms.Results of water quality tests carried out by secondary school students from April to October 2004 under thedirection of marine biologist, Allan Smith, indicate that levels of faecal coliform bacteria near the jetty in the Laborie bayare higher than the limits recommended by PAHO. For most of the year, bacteria levels near the Rudy John BeachPark were way below the geometric mean of ≤ 200/100 ml, which means the water in the area was safe for recreation.For most of the year, bacteria levels near the jetty did not conform to the guidelines recommended by PAHO. This isparticularly significant considering that the jetty area has recently become a favourite spot for recreational fishing.Tests done by the Fisheries Department on water collected by Juwen Du Bois in 2004 revealed that bacteriallevels (both faecal coliform and enteroccoci) were higher in May than in September. Again, bacteria levels were highernear the jetty than near the toilet at Crossover from which the water samples were collected. In September of 2004,bacteria levels near Crossover conformed to the mean guidelines established by PAHO.Sewage pollution can be controlled and significantly reduced. In order to prevent sewage pollution residentsmust ensure that household septic systems are functioning well and adequately treat sewage.Impact of Sewage Pollution on Human Health and Local economiesSewage pollution causes manyenvironmental and public healthproblems including drinking watercontamination, beach watercontamination, algal blooms that cancause coral reef damage, fish andother marine kills, contamination ofshellfish beds, waterborne illnesses,and lower or depressed propertyvalues. Sewage pollutants cancombine with other pollutants e.g.fertilizer runoff and other chemicalsfrom farms to create even moredeadly pollutants.During the rainy season the soil’scapacity to deal with sewage intraditional soak-aways is seriouslycompromised and the problem ofsewage pollution couldbe exacerbated. Aspopulations increase andthe number of housesincreases, the problemcan be expected toworsen.Sewage pollution cancost billions of dollars inmedical treatment, lostproductivity, clean ups,rehabilitation andrepairs. Exposure tosewage can seriouslyharm or kill people anddamage localeconomies.What is Water Quality?Water quality is a term used to describewhether water – with respect to itschemical, physical, and biologicalcharacteristics – is suitable for aparticular purpose. Water may becometoo polluted for drinking, washing orswimming.What is Water Pollution?Water pollution is the act of makingwater dangerously impure or unfit foruse. Polluted water contains manypathogens.What are Pathogens?Pathogens are agents such as bacteria,viruses, or fungi that cause disease.2

LABNEWS May – August, 2005Participating in Water Quality Monitoring- by Alina Sadoo -During the month of May, 2005 I was privileged to be better able to perform this task at the Jetty area than Igiven the opportunity to participate in the Water Quality was. All this had to be done quickly so that the waterMonitoring programme of the Laborie Developmentwould not be contaminated between being collectedFoundation Inc. I knew that it would mean waking up and being stored in the cooler with the ice. Theearly every Monday morning, but didn’t realise it would involvement of my father in this process has made himbe so hard getting out of bed. My father’s presencemore aware of how important it is for people to avoidand kind assistance during this exercise made thepractices that could pollute our water and to keep theexperience all the more enriching. He drove me to the environment clean. Working together with my fatherBay each morning and helped in collecting water at the has given me a greater appreciation for teamwork andjetty area. I waded in and collected the water myselfalso was a practical way of showing other members ofnear the toilet at Crossover, Bay Street.the community that we can all contribute to maintainingPreparation, however, had to be done at least a healthy environment. I got involved in Water Qualityone day in advance: the cooler had to be cleaned and Monitoring with the hope that the people of Laborieice made - ice is used to preserve the water until itwould take the results into consideration and make thereaches the Fisheries Department and the laboratory necessary changes that would make the Laborie bay aat Gros Islet where the water is tested for faecalbetter place for us all.coliform and enteroccoci bacteria.It was truly a rewarding and exciting experience.During collection the containers have to beheld under water and, once full of sea water, closedHave you ever explored the ravines in Laborie?under the surface. My father with his longer arms wasDo so and discover the natural beauty and calmingsounds of a usually overlooked natural system!Membership ProfileRavines are important!▪ They convey rainwater and helpreduce floods;▪ They provide habitats for wildlife,including migratory birds, crayfish;▪ Their unique ecosystems link naturalareas and create natural corridors;▪ Vegetation in ravines reduces soilerosion and traps soil sediment thatwould otherwise destroy fish habitats;▪ They help improve air quality andmoderate noise levels.All life, all living systems areinterconnected. By destroying one youharm all.Activities & Services:• Workshops & other services for fishers• Insurance of fishing equipment• Organisation of Fishers FeastLaborie Fishers and Consumers Cooperative: the LaborieFishers and Consumers Cooperative, formerly known as the LaborieFishermen’s Cooperative, was established in the early 1970s. Itcurrently has a membership of 87. Its overall objective is to serve theinterests of its members, of all local fishing households, and of thewider community. During the last four years the Cooperative hasbeen engaged in strengthening its management capacity, improvingits financial performance and widening the scope of the services itoffers.The Fishers and Consumers Cooperative is managed by a sevenmember Board of Directors.• Liaising with Department of Fisheries on behalf offishers, divers and other marine users• Management of the gas station near market, Laborie• Sale of fishing gear and tackle

LABNEWS May – August, 2005Opinion: If sewage pollution is to be reduced and controlled, sewage treatment systems must be sealed, must costrelatively little to construct and must have very low or no recurring maintenance costs. Systems where residents have topay a monthly fee for sewage services are not practical for poor households. It may also be necessary to assist poorhouseholds to install functioning appropriate sewage systems.Impact of Sewage Pollution on Human Healthewage pollution threatens public health. A small drop of faecal matter can contain millions of micro organisms,some of which are pathogenic. Some health conditions (water borne infections and diseases) associated withexposure to untreated sewage in recreational water are listed below:• Abdominal pain• Cholera• Fevers• Rashes• Typhoid (from typhoid bacillus bacteria)• Respiratory illness;• Urinary tract infection• Reactive arthritis• Kidney failure (in children)• Bacillary dysentery• Poliomyelitis• E. coli (diarrhoea, other illnesses, death• Hepatitis A• Meningitis• Gastroenteritis (viral)• Ear, nose or throat irritation & infection - causedby human adenoviruses• Heart damage & failure - caused by the FaecalCoxsackie B4 virus• SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome)(viral)• DeathSome of these illnesses are not life threatening to healthy people. However, vulnerable populations such as pregnantwomen, young children, the elderly, and people whose immune systems have already been weakened orcompromised (such as people with HIV, organ transplant recipients, and cancer patients) can become seriously ill ordie from contact with sewage contaminated water. Further, some medications used to treat water borne illnesses arecarcinogenic (cancer causing) or have other serious side effects.Most waterborne and seafood-borne diseases are caused by viruses and are related to seafood contaminatedwith untreated or inadequately treated sewage. Waterbornepathogens travel through human wastes, and animalwastes such as dog and cat faeces. Human sewage cancontaminate shellfish. Eating contaminated shellfish orother edible marine products can re-infect humans withconcentrations of viruses that are 100 to 900 times greaterthan in the surrounding water.The mere presence of pathogens and toxicchemicals in untreated or inadequately treated sewagedoes not necessarily lead to the onset of disease. A varietyof factors come into play, including the volume of sewage,Garden soak-away at public toilet near Crossover Field, Laborie, 2005the pathogenic load (concentration of pathogens and/or chemicals), the type of exposure (inhalation, ingestion, dermal,etc.), the duration of exposure, and the ability of an exposed person to resist the disease (immunity).Recreational exposure - from diving, swimming, kayaking, canoeing or other activities in recreational waters -usually occurs through ingestion, but also can occur through the eyes, ears, nose, anus, skin, or genitourinary tract.Courtesy Lydia Charlemagne

LABNEWS May – August, 2005Impact of Sewage Pollution on the EnvironmentApart from pathogens, sewage containspollutants that can alter the physical environment andthe health of aquatic organisms and indirectly affectpublic health.All aquatic life need oxygen to survive. Rawsewage discharges reduce the amount of oxygenavailable, causing fish kills, habitat loss, decreasedtourism, and loss of recreational opportunities. Sewageis food for certain micro-organisms which use upoxygen as they ‘eat’ or decompose waste. When rawsewage is discharged to the environment without beingtreated the number of micro-organisms dramaticallyincreases because the food source is plentiful. Theyuse up oxygen faster than it can be replenished (byphotosynthesis, wave action, or other natural means)depriving other living organisms of much neededoxygen. Thus the biological oxygen demands (BOD) ofthe other organisms cannot be met and they die. Fishkills, noxious odours, and habitat loss result.All animal wastes, including human waste,enrich soil with important nutrients for plant growth.These wastes are high in nitrogen and phosphorouswhich are necessary for plant growth. Anoverabundance however, causes green algae to growso rapidly that they kill other submerged aquaticvegetation by blocking their access to sunlight. Vitalfisheries habitats – feeding, spawning, and breedinghabitats - can be destroyed in the process. Nutrientenrichment also stimulates the growth of toxic algaewhich poisons the nerves of seabirds and other marinemammals. They can also affect humans if ingestedthrough contaminated seafood or inhaled throughcontaminated sea spray.Even when the levels of pathogens appear tobe small in water, actual levels may be much higher insediments on the bottom of rivers, or within coral reefs.Turbulence could re-suspend the bacteria and spreadit over a wider area.Sewage & Coral Reef DestructionCoral reefs are beautiful and diverse ecosystems. They grow very slowly and can take as much as about 10,000 yearsto form. Bigger barrier reefs could have taken as much as 100,000 to 30 million years to form. Thus, if existing reefsare destroyed they cannot be replaced readily.Coral reefs are economically important as they provide habitats for millions of aquatic organisms. Countlesscrustaceans and fish rely on coral reefs for their survival. Thousands of coastal communities around the world,including Laborie, depend on coral reefs for food, jobs, tourism dollars, and protection from destructive ocean waves.Valuable new medicines can be derived from chemicals obtained from coral reef organisms.Coral reefs are integrally connected to sea grasses which provide habitat for fish and shellfish, and act asnurseries for marine life. Sea grass beds filter coastal waters, dissipate wave energy and limit the movement ofsediments. They are interconnected with coral reefs, mangroves, and other marine habitats.Water pollution, including human sewage, stimulates the growth of microbes and algae which cause disease inand completely destroy corals. E.g. Elkhorn corals are destroyed by white pox disease which is caused by humanintestinal bacteria. Sea grasses are also affected by sewage effluent. Sewage pollution exposes coral to infectiousbacteria e.g. Serratia marcescens clouds water with suspended solids, and provides nutrients that stimulate the growthof algae. Some algae is needed to provide coral polyps with oxygen, sugars and starches from photosynthesis, but toomuch algae chokes off polyp growth. Nutrients input from human sewage can deplete oxygen in the water causing thegrowth of harmful algae in waters around reefs. Suspended solids and overgrowth of algae block sunlight needed by5

LABNEWS May – August, 2005the coral polyps for growth and processing of food. Pollutants in sewage can combine with other chemicalcontaminants, become toxic and kill coral larvae when exposed to ultraviolet radiation from sunshine.Research (based in the Florida Keys) suggests that bacteria concentrations from sewage contamination arehigher within corals than in the water above the coral reefs. This has environmental, public health and economicimplications:• Water tests may not reveal the true level of contamination within coral reefs• Reef organisms, including fish and shell fish may be more highly contaminated than realised• Swimmers, snorkelers, and scuba divers may be at high risks of infection near coral reefs.• Coastal tourism activities may have to be curtailedCoral reef damage caused by sewage contamination can be compounded by nutrient pollution from other wastewaterand storm water, rising sea temperatures, hurricanes, oil spills, destructive fishing practices, tourism activities, otherrecreational activities, as well as activities such as dredging, and sand extraction.Economic Impact of Sewage PollutionBesides causing illness and even death, sewagecontamination can cause economic damage as well.Clean water is worth hundreds of billions of dollars toany economy, including such sectors as recreation andtourism, and commercial fishing.The permanent loss of potentially newmedicines that could be derived from chemicals ofcoral reef organisms cannot be calculated. Loss of fishhabitats and fish stock would destroy livelihoods andcripple local economies.Costs associated with reducing sewagecontamination include cleanup and rehabilitation ofmarine resources, medical care, loss of productivitywhen people become ill, reduced tourism opportunities,reduced property values, and natural resourcedamage.Provision of treated water at reduced costs,commercial fishing, recreational fishing, shell fishing,clean beach water and beaches, and other recreationaland tourism activities are all dependant on a reductionof sewage pollution. It is therefore imperative thatfaecal contamination of drinking and recreational wateris reduced as much as is possible.Water Quality Resources• http://www.nrdc.org/water/pollution/sewage.asp• http://www.nrdc.org/water/pollution/sewage/contents.asp• http://www.sfei.org/camp/• http://www.toronto.ca/trees/ravines.htm• Clean Water: A Guide to Water Quality Monitoring forVolunteers Monitoring Coastal Waters, 1992• Gem Hutchinson, 2001, “A survey of perceptions ofwater quality, and baseline data on the level anddistribution of bacterial contamination, in LaborieBay, St. Lucia”• http://idepfoundation.org/default_site/wwg2.htm• http://www.ecological-engineering.com/zeroD.html• Appropriate Technology for Sewage Pollution Control inthe Wider Caribbean Region, Caribbean EnvironmentProgramme Technical Report # 40, 1998,http://www.cep.unep.org/pubs/techreports/tr40en/appendixd.htmlLaborie Development FoundationAllan Louisy StreetP. O. Box LB21Laborie, St. LuciaTel: (758) 455-9910Fax: (758) 4559911Email: labdev@candw.lcThis issue of LabNews was financed by the Sustainable Development Unit in the Ministry of Planning & Environment, GOSL6

Laborie training sessions: water quality analysis