PART 1 THE NATIONAL CAPACITY SELF ASSESSMENT...management team for the NCSA took a novel approach to...

1 St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ National Capacity Self-Assessment for

Global Environmental Management

PART 1

THE NATIONAL CAPACITY SELF

ASSESSMENT



CHAPTER 1:

PROJECT BACKGROUND

1.1 Introduction

St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) is signatory to the three United Nations Conventions that

originated in Rio de Janeiro, namely the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity

(UNCBD), the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and the United

Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Participation in these Conventions

has however primarily been limited to the submission of national reports to the Conventions’

Conference of the Parties (COP). It thus means that SVG is neither fully participating nor benefiting

from its membership.

As a result of the above recognition, SVG sought to conduct a National Capacity Self Assessment

(NCSA) for Global Environmental Management from 2005 to 2006 to determine the country’s ability

to implement the three Rio Conventions and determine the factors that limit such implementation.

The NCSA is an initiative funded by the Global Environmental Facility (GEF) and implemented by the

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The project aims to assist countries in conducting

an assessment of their national capacity to participate effectively in the Multilateral Environmental

Agreement (MEAs) – the UNCBD, UNCCD and UNFCCC.

This initiative came out of a 1999 GEF Council decision to support a strategic partnership between

UNDP and GEF Secretariat to develop an approach to ascertain the requirement of each country to

implement activities to fulfil the commitments assumed at the global level. The Capacity Development

Initiative has three major components:

a) A needs assessment for capacity development at the country and regional level;

b) Development of a strategy to address the identified needs; and

c) An action plan to be submitted the GEF.



The NCSA project for SVG was approved in

August 2004 but work never truly started until

January 2005. During this time however, the

project management team worked consistently to

refine the project and position it within the context

of the National Environmental Management

Strategy (NEMS), guided by the St. Georges

Declaration of Principles for Environmental

Sustainability (SGD), the National Forestry

Development Plan and the national Physical

Development Plan. In the final analysis, the

project was housed within the Integrated Forestry

Management and Development Programme

(IFMDP). The IMFDP is a national environmental

flagship that seeks to create alternative livelihoods

for persons who eke out an existence from the

forest and cause significant deforestation, reduction

in surface water volume, a decrease in potable

water quality and loss of locally and globally

significant biodiversity.

SVG is a young independent nation with a

population of approximately 110, 000 people distributed on 334 sq. km of volcanic land space. This

Eastern Caribbean island state is part of the Lesser Antillean chain of volcanic islands formed during

the Precambrian era. The multi-island State consists of approximately 34 islands, islets and coves that

extend over a 40-mile (75-km) chain. St. Vincent (13o15’N, 61

o12’W), the mainland, is located in the

north, while Union Island lies south of the chain. Bequia, Mustique, Canouan, Mayreau, Palm (Prune)

Island and Petit St. Vincent are the other major islands of the Grenadines. Mainland St. Vincent lies 21

miles (34 km) south of St. Lucia, 100 miles (161 km) west of Barbados, 68 miles (109 km) north of

Grenada.



The nation’s geographic and geologic realities make it extremely vulnerable to natural disasters such as

hurricanes, storm surges, volcanic activities, and their associated consequences. The petite nature of

the island did not help its economic development. Having no mineral wealth, 60% of the population

extract their livelihood from the land and it biological resources. Couple this reality with those of the

global trade realities – absence of preferential markets, zero agricultural subsidies, phytosanitary

challenges and trade liberalization – one gets a recipe for land degradation, biodiversity loss, an

absence of infrastructure to address or respond to climatic realities and little capacity to fight back.

1.2 The NCSA - Rationale and Context

Given the Vincentian realities, it is not always seen as expedient to follow the standard means of

execution of projects and programmes designed to support the environment.

In 2002, SVG submitted its first National

Communication to the COP of the

UNFCCC. In 2003, the country submitted

its second National Report to the UNCCD.

In 2004, a biodiversity capacity assessment

was completed as part of the top-up to the

national enabling activity under the

UNCBD. For these reasons, the project

management team for the NCSA took a

novel approach to the implementation of its

NCSA project. Having recently completed and submitted the above-mentioned communications and

assessments, it was felt then that a desk review at that point was not the most effective way to assess

the true capacity needs of the country. Therefore, in determining the national capacity needs and

developing appropriate response strategies, the project management team agreed to test the country’s

capacity via the implementation of a demonstration project at the Yambou watershed. It thus meant

the engaging all of the appropriate players in such a practical approach. This approach, it was

believed, would reveal the country’s capacity (individual, institutional and systemic) to implement

such a project and indirectly its ability to implement the requisite Conventions.



The Project Management Team was charged with assessing the existing conditions at the Yambou

watershed, developing appropriate response strategies and testing those strategies. The surrounding

communities were brought in and encouraged to take ownership of the project. A number of national

and regional consultants were given short-term assignments to capture different phases of the activity.

The specific activities of the project included:

� Identification of appropriate species to re-vegetate the denuded slopes of the watershed;

� Planting of the vegetation;

� Review of a ten-year data-set on the site relative to vegetation cover, stream flow, water

quality, land slippage, biodiversity change, human activity and land tenure;

� Media coverage for public awareness; and

� Community meetings geared at sensitizing the surrounding communities about the project,

soliciting buy-in, getting community help to police the site and prevent encroachment by

farmers, and tethering of animals while the vegetation grew.

Data from the aforementioned activities was fed into the

thematic assessments (see Chapter 2), along with the

body of literature that already existing. Using this

approach, the thematic assessments revealed the

challenges faced by the individuals, departments and the

government system as a whole in implementing national

and international obligations under the three

Conventions.

This practical approach consumed more time than was

allotted by the project proponents and approved by the

GEF. In the end, however, it proved much more

valuable in that it not only tested and verified capacity

constraints and gaps, but it begun a process of resource-

sharing (human and technical), created real people ownership, and most importantly, created tangible

national benefits in terms of slope stabilization, water quality improvement and biodiversity protection.



1.3 Conceptual Framework for National Capacity Development

It is difficult, if not impossible, to separate capacity (Box 1) development for environmental

management from capacity development for institutional functionality and sustainable livelihoods.

Since these are not mutually exclusive, it is most desirable for the purposes of this report, to view

capacity development in the context of creating a

framework in which individuals, agencies and the

State are working to the same end vis-à-vis the

management of the environment to provide the

amenities needed for people to maintain an acceptable

quality of life. In this regard, this project identified

critical difficulties at the group and systemic level

relative to implementation of actions, setting of

priorities (immediate human need or environmental

quality) and the seat and extent of authority.

Some non-State actors feel that they have no

responsibility to maintain, conserve or encourage the

natural processes that support the regeneration of environmental resources but that they have the right

to harvest the resources on State lands. They contend that they do not have the technical expertise or

the resources to assist and that in-fact environmental conservation is the responsibility of the State

itself. True to form, the State actors with the technical competences are not excited about sharing their

expertise or authority with non-State actors because the institutions are not set up to function in that

way and there is no systemic support. Private sector technicians stand aloof, not wanting to get

embroiled in political debates while guarding their profits.

Land tenure issues present yet another challenge to capacity development. Maintenance of State lands

is seen as government responsibility even when work is conducted by private parties and the benefits

are immediately seen and shared by communities. Private land owners have no obligation to manage

their lands in ways that support the objectives of MEAs. In this regard, the capacity development

surrounding the Rio Conventions (and national environmental development) requires going beyond

technical training for governmental staff, procurement of equipment and development of formal

legislation to creating dialogue between State actors and civil society.

Box 1: Defining Capacity It is generally understood that ‘capacity’ in the context of this project refers to the ability of individuals and institutions to make and implement decisions and perform functions in an effective and sustainable manner. This ability can be measured by the extent to which the institution incorporates individuals, groups and organizations into a total cohesive system. In this context therefore, ‘capacity development’ is viewed as creating an overall policy framework in which the individual and organization operate and interact with the external environment as well as the formal and informal relationships of the institution. Capacity Development should therefore be viewed from the individual, institutional and systemic level.



The dialogue alluded to in the foregoing passage must involve all stakeholders, indeed a cross section

of the Vincentian public. The conversation should examine the existing institutional and systemic

capacities with a view to opening the project development and implementation process to all. The

outcome of the discussion should be a policy decision promoting sharing of resources and expertise,

horizontally and vertically, in order to maximize use of the limited resources in a way that benefits

stakeholders and the environment.



CHAPTER 2:

THEMATIC ASSESSMENTS

2.1 Introduction

Assessments were undertaken for the three thematic areas - biodiversity, desertification/land

degradation and climate change - and included the identification of opportunities for capacity building,

both within and across these thematic areas.

The thematic assessments also served to identify

related priority issues, and capacity constraints

or associated problems that prevented

implementation of national and international

obligations under the three Conventions, by

individuals, departments and the government

system as a whole. The findings and concerns

are further expounded upon below.

2.2 United Nations Convention on Biological

Diversity

The Government of SVG is cognizant of the

fact that environmental conservation and human

health are inextricably linked. Therefore, the

country’s involvement in programmes that

support both is critical. To support this policy,

the country became a signatory to the UNCBD

in 1996 and to the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety in 2002.

The UNCBD establishes a comprehensive framework for addressing all aspects of biodiversity. Its

three main goals are:

Box 2 : Understanding Biological Diversi ty Biological diversity – or – biodiversity – is the term given to the variety of life on Earth. This includes plants, animals and micro-organisms, as well as the ecosystems to which they belong. Biodiversity includes genetic differences within species, the diversity of species and the variety of ecosystems. It is the result of the interaction of species, including humans, with one another and with the air, water and soil around them. The combination of life forms – ecosystems, species and genetic varieties – has made the Earth a uniquely habitable place and provides the goods and services that sustain our lives, such as clean air and water, food and medicine, fuel, fibre, and material for construction. Our cultures are founded upon the different environments in which they have developed. However, biodiversity is currently being lost at unparalleled rates due to human activities that degrade or encroach upon habitats, increase pollution, and contribute to climate change. The Convention on Biological Diversity, also known as the CBD, addresses this problem. This legally binding treaty seeks to preserve the diversity of life forms through conservation and sustainable use. In so doing, it contributes to the overall objective of sustainable development. Source: Adapted from the Handbook on the CBD



� Conservation of biodiversity (Box 2) resources;

� Sustainable use of biodiversity components; and

� Fair and equitable benefit-sharing from the use of genetic resources.

In responding to these goals, SVG produced a National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan

(NBSAP) in 2002. This was an output from the GEF-funded Enabling Activity. In 2003, the country

further examined its capacity to manage its biodiversity resources. This capacity was tested during the

implementation of the NCSA, through the Yambou watershed project. The biodiversity thematic

assessment revealed serious systemic gaps; policies often do not support the required actions, and Civil

society groups have different agendas from public sector representatives. Hence the platform for

dialogue is often tilted.

The legislative reality in the country testifies of this imbalance, for although there are several pieces of

legislation that lend support to biodiversity conservation in SVG, there is no comprehensive legislation

that speaks specifically to biodiversity. The Articles of the UNCBD have not been translated into local

law. Although the country has obligations under this Convention, stakeholders are either unaware of

or do not identify with those obligations. The result is that biodiversity conservation is weak at best

and practiced mainly by government agencies.

In the real world, successes in natural resource conservation depend on government initiatives

supported by a strong and binding legislative framework. However, the real success of conservation

efforts relies on user groups. These groups often use only traditional knowledge to support their

survival skills. However, if this is coupled with scientific knowledge and empirical data relating to

consumption patterns, stocks and condition of habitats, then conservation of the resource can be

achieved. This was however not the case at the Yambou watershed. Rather than mapping knowledge

(traditional and empirical) against duties, benefits and alternatives in an attempt to ensure conservation

and sustainability of the resource, the watershed conservation initiative at Yambou left

users/stakeholders feeling exploited and alienated from the process - instead of managers of the

resource.

Because biological resources are often spatially bound, conservation efforts must cross borders and

forge linkages at the local level if they are to be successful. The huge body of data on conservation



and sustainable use of biological resources that currently exist worldwide must not only be

disseminated through a Clearing House Mechanism (CHM), but must also match user needs. This

requires an organized network of experts and end users in order to maximize the benefits of lessons

learnt. This network was not evident in SVG, hence, rather than assessing the resource and the

management arrangements, the NCSA project sought to correct the mistakes (e.g. deforestation which

led to accelerated erosion) made by users. In other cases at the national level, the poor condition of

many biological resources does not allow for correction of such mistakes.

SVG has responded to this challenge by establishing a CHM. However, an interactive modality for the

data use has not been developed. There is no true networking for biodiversity at any level. There is no

national conservation organization although there is an Avian Organization – AvianEyes Birding

Group, and a Wildlife Conservation Unit in the Department of Forestry. SVG has participated only

minimally at the regional level and has not participated at all at the international level on issues of

biodiversity conservation.

The genetic pool in SVG has not changed significantly in recent times. However, because agriculture

is a major livelihood undertaking on the island, there is significant moving around of the biodiversity

important to agriculture (e.g. yams, potatoes and corn). Despite this movement and the potential for

sharing of genetic resources, there is a significant growing threat to biodiversity in SVG. A case in

point is that of the proposed construction of a cross-country road. This proposed route will run from

east to west across treacherous volcanic slopes and cut through the heart of the small St. Vincent parrot

(Amazona guildingii) habitat. This national bird is endemic to the rainforests of SVG and already has a

small population of less than one thousand.

Macro-economic policies in SVG do not pay recognition to the role of biodiversity resources and the

need for their conservation. Over the past sixty years that the banana industry dominated the economic

landscape, deforestation and agro-chemical use have significantly reduced and weakened the

biodiversity resources of the country. The denudation seen in the water catchment at Yambou is as a

direct result of peasant farmers being pushed off prime agricultural lands to ply their trade on marginal

slopes.



The research and development capacity on the island is very weak. Pathogens such as the Black

Sicatoga (Mycosphaerella fijiensis), Pink Mealy Bug (Maconellicoccus hirsutus) and Mango Seed

Weevil (Sternochetus mangiferae) still pose significant threats to agriculture. There is a national effort

by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) at ex-situ conservation of indigenous

tree crops but no research on the propagation of native forest species. The Yambou watershed

experiment provided an opportunity to start this process but unveiled the lack of knowledge of forest

biodiversity and the shortage of persons skilled in silviculture.

There is need to develop a strategy for an informal education programme on conservation and

sustainable use of biodiversity.



The following list of recommendations is taken from the conservation component of the Biodiversity

Assessment Report of 2004 (Culzac-Wilson, 2004). They are reproduced here because they are still

considered very relevant to biodiversity development in SVG.

• There is need for a public education programme that speaks to the value (including monetary)

of biodiversity.

• There is need for the setting up of a “green fund” for biodiversity conservation and research.

• There is need for the incorporation of biodiversity issues into academia at all levels nationally;

research and development programmes can be supported by the “green fund.”

• The Nutrition Unit within the MOHE should undertake to promote the benefits of eating

locally-grown products over fast foods, paying special attention to life style diseases associated

with nutrition.

• There is need for a review and update of the Wildlife Protection Act and similar Regulations

with improved fines attuned to the times and issues.

• SVG, through its relevant Ministries, should seek to forge links with regional and global

conservation groups and countries with similar interests.

• Greater emphasis should be placed on reforestation using indigenous species.

• There is a need to clearly define new conservation limits in view of the current land use

patterns.

• SVG should consider developing an Island System Management approach to sustainable

development.

• SVG should consider gene-pooling with regional partners or agencies to protect endangered

species in case of an environmental disaster that can decimate small endangered populations.

2.2.1 The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety

Within the last two years, the issue of Biosafety has risen to national importance. Despite this, SVG’s

ability to deal with issues regarding Biosafety is inadequate. There is no detailed documentation of the

human and resource needs of the country, and there still remains a low level of awareness regarding

Biosafety among the population.



Box 3: Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety

For centuries, Man has crossbred related plants and animals in order to improve the genetic characteristics of crops and livestock, or obtain desired traits. However, within more recent times, the advent of modern biotechnology has allowed scientists to transfer genetic characteristics between unrelated organisms, such as between fish and fowl, animals and plants. This ability to remove the natural barriers between the families of living organisms has many opportunities, but also brings with it many fears about the possible negative impacts on the environment and human health. It is for these reasons that the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety has been established. This Treaty aims to ensure safe transfer, handling and use of living modified organisms that may have adverse effects on the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity and human health, and specifically focuses on transboundary movements.

Although SVG exports agricultural produce, its imports are also substantial. Imports include seeds and

grains, vegetables and animal products, all of which have become targets for the application of modern

biotechnology. Consequently SVG is exposed to the threat of Living Modified Organisms (LMOs)

and Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs).

The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (Box 3), a component of the Convention on Biological Diversity,

provides for the protection of human health and the environment from the possible adverse effects of

the products of modern biotechnology. The Protocol provides SVG with the opportunity and tools

necessary to develop a regulatory framework to interface with global biotechnology development. One

of the first activities to be undertaken in this regard

is the harmonizing and/or updating of national laws

within the framework of the Protocol. This would

be followed by the promotion and inclusion of

biosafety issues into conservation and sustainable

biodiversity use, policies and action plans.

It should be noted, however, that the programme in

SVG is in its infancy. Though funds were made

available to the country by the United Nations

Environment Programme - Global Environment

Facility (UNEP-GEF) in 2003, progress was rather

slow due to limited technical and human resources.

The National Biosafety Framework Project (NBFP)

was officially launched in September 2005. Its main

objective is the preparation of a National Biosafety Framework in accordance with the relevant

provisions of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety. The main elements of this framework include (1) a

regulatory system, (2) an administrative system, (3) a decision-making system that includes risk

assessment and management, and (4) mechanisms for public participation and information.

There continues however to be a need for provision of technical and financial support to the relevant

national authorities and institutions responsible for production of LMOs and GMOs, and for



management safety within national borders. This includes the training of technical and scientific

personnel on safety and biotechnology transfer techniques including risk analysis and management, as

well as packaging and transport of transgenic organisms.

The extent to which SVG is dependent on GMOs and LMOs is unknown. Also unknown are the real

threat(s) posed by the introduction of Goes and LMOs into the country, both in terms of human health

and environmental impacts. Therefore, in the absence of basic data, it is not clear if any GMOs or

LMOs have been released into the environment or marketed for feed processing.

Specific activities included under the development of the National Biosafety Framework are:

1. Assessment of the current technological capacity to manage biosafety issues, and the

implications of this on the implementation of national biosafety;

2. Strengthening of national capacity to develop the national regulatory framework;

3. Strengthening of national capacity for competent decision-making on notifications and requests

related to LMOs, including the establishment of administrative systems to assist with:

• Screening notifications and requests for completeness,

• Risk assessment, including, where appropriate, the consideration of risk management, and risk

evaluation (as socio-economic issues may be taken into account in accordance with the

Protocol),

• Decision-making within the time limits specified in the regulatory framework and in

accordance with the provisions of involvement of stakeholders, and

• A mechanism for feed back between these different steps.

4. Applying other measures according to the Protocol, taking into account the work of the Inter-

governmental Committee for the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety;

5. Supporting regional and sub-regional collaboration, including harmonisation of the

implementation of national regulations;

6. Raising public awareness and improving information flow to the public on the issues

surrounding the release of LMOs in order to promote informed debate and ensure transparency

with respect to the regulation of LMOs; and



7. Providing all stakeholders with an opportunity to be involved in the design and implementation

of the National Biosafety Framework.

The MOHE is the principal agency currently addressing Biosafety. Other agencies such as the

Forestry Department and Plant Protection Unit, both in the MAFF, provide a supportive function in

addressing issues of regulation and administration. These agencies form the building block for the

implementation of Biosafety Framework mechanisms within the country.

Additional assistance is given through the National Coordinating Committee established to advise and

guide the NBFP. It is comprised of representatives of the government agencies that have mandates

relevant to the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, and would also include representations from the

private and public sectors.

2.3 United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification

Contrary to the belief of many, the Caribbean region represents an area of severe land degradation

when considering the definition of the UNCCD

(Box 4). Yields per acre of banana in SVG

decreased consistently since the 1980’s despite

the use of new and improved agricultural

technologies. During the same period, loss of

topsoil continued at an alarming rate despite

reforestation efforts. Farming and housing

construction on steep slopes and marginal lands

continue to exacerbate the problem. Housing

practices appear unrestrained, with large houses

being erected on steep slopes and atop old volcanic cones. These actions result in loss of biodiversity,

land degradation and loss of sinks for carbon dioxide.

Land degradation fuelled by human activity is also being propelled by climatic conditions. Torrential

downpours on naked volcanic slopes carry tons of topsoil to the ocean floor. The situation is steadily

deteriorating, causing the death of coral reefs and loss of aquatic and marine biodiversity (refer to



Murray, 2003). There is no official data set (baseline data) on national soil loss but Murray (2003),

estimated that more than 350,000 tons of top soil reach the marine environment annually.

The Forestry Department claimed zero percent (0%) loss of overall forest cover in 2003. This they

attributed to aggressive reforestation efforts coupled with the abandonment of banana cultivation in

higher elevations occasioned by loss of preferential European market and reduced global market price.

Therefore, even though virgin forest was illegally destroyed, it was compensated for by reforestation of

other areas.

The Fare Trade banana regime coupled with Good

Agricultural Practice has supported the development

of buffer zones along water courses, reduction in the

use of agricultural pesticides and strengthening of

contour farming techniques along slopes in SVG.

Under the UNCCD, SVG conducted its awareness

seminar, national workshops and produced a draft

National Action Plan (NAP). The country is

currently developing a medium-sized project for

submission to the GEF. The country is also involved

in the Sustainable Land Management initiative lead

by the Organization of American States and the

UNEP. There is currently no designated co-

financing for any of these projects although this is a

requirement of the funding agency.

There is no dedicated human resource or ministerial

assignment for the UNCCD. Activities under this Convention are undertaken by the various line

Ministries with responsibility for agriculture, forestry, tourism, water and housing.

Box 4: United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification

The UNCCD was established at the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and adopted in Paris, France on 17th June 1994, coming into force in December 1996. The ultimate objective of the UNCCD is to reduce poverty through improved living conditions and the achievement of sustainable development in areas affected by desertification. Desertification is defined as land degradation in arid and semi-arid and dry sub-humid areas resulting from various factors, including climatic variations and human activities. These ‘drylands’ cover approximately 47% of the Earth’s surface, excluding polar and sub-polar areas. Source: Adapted from http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/35/62/34966479.pdf and http://www.elci.org/Unccd/unccd%20English.pdf SVG became a signatory to the UNCCD on October 15, 1994.



Box 5: United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change

The UNFCCC is an international environmental treaty produced at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), informally known as the Earth Summit, held in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. The UNFCCC was opened for signature on May 9, 1992. It entered into force on March 21, 1994. The treaty aimed at reducing emissions of greenhouse gas in order to combat global warming. Its stated objective is “ to achieve stabilization of greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a low enough level to prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system.” Source: Adapted from - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Nations_Framework_Convention_on_Climate_Change SVG became a signatory to the UNFCCC on September 06, 1996.

2.4 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change

Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are at the centre of the debate on climate change primarily

because of their vulnerability to sea level rise, salt-water intrusion and storm surges. The sizes of the

islands afford them no retreat from the

encroaching ocean and the fury of its waves.

For these reasons the UNFCCC (Box 5), more

than any other United Nations environmental

Convention, has resonated favourably with the

peoples of the islands.

Heavy losses in biodiversity and coastal lands,

coupled with infrastructural damage (including

coral reefs and wetlands) are foreseen with the

onset of climate change. The associated socio-

economic issues such as high cost of insurance

and reinsurance will mean that SIDS, including

SVG, will exhibit greater levels of vulnerability.

In responding to these challenges, SVG has

prepared its first national communications to the COP of the UNFCCC and is currently working on its

second report. The second report focuses heavily on adaptation and mitigation measures, capacity-

strengthening and identification of technology options. The report will also address greenhouse gas

emissions but only in response to the decision of the COP. It should be noted that SVG produces

approximately 0.01% of global emissions. In reality, the country is a net sink for greenhouse gases.

The activities undertaken by SVG so far are related to collection and processing of data, identification

and evaluation of mitigation and adaptation options, and development of strategies to evaluate the

socio-economic impacts of activities that are to be implemented. Unfortunately, the country lacks the

human, financial, scientific and institutional resources necessary to make these adjustments in a timely

fashion.

The government of SVG has a draft Climate Change policy paper with the following objectives:



1. To develop management strategies and approaches that should:

• Increase public awareness with regard to climate change issues;

• Reduce or avoid damage to settlement and infrastructure caused by climate change and sea

level rise;

• Minimize damage to beach and shoreline integrity and marine ecosystems caused by

climate change; and

• Avoid or minimize the negative impact of climate change on human health.

2. To develop economic incentives to encourage investment in public and private sector adaptation

measures.

3. To develop appropriate legislative and

regulatory framework for proper

environmental management, and

institutional systems for planning and

responding to climate change.

However, this draft policy document is more

than two years old, signalling the degree of

readiness of the country to respond effectively to an issue that is already vividly manifesting itself.



CHAPTER 3:

CROSS CUTTING ISSUES FOR

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE UNCBD, UNCCD

AND UNFCCC

3.1 Introduction

The information presented in this Chapter was derived from an examination of the key elements of the

UNCBD, UNCCD and UNFCCC, a study of the national implementation process for the three

Conventions, a review of the national institutional structure of the implementing partners, a desk

review of published data, data submitted to the COPs, and information synthesized from the Thematic

Assessment Report for each of the Conventions. Key elements of these findings are presented in

Tables 1 to 4.



Table 1: Overlapping1 Requirements of Parties to the Rio Conventions

Component

Thematic Area

(United Nations Convention)

Biodiversity

(UNCBD)

Desertification/Land

Degradation

(UNCCD)

Climate Change

(UNFCCC)

National and regional action

plans

Article 6 (a), (b) Articles 9, 10 Article 4 (b)

Identification and monitoring Article 8 Article 16

Legislation Article 8 (k) Article 5 (e) Preamble

Research Article 12 (b) Articles 17, 19 (b) Article 5

Public education Article 13 Articles 5 (d), 19 (6) Article 6

Environmental impact

assessment

Article 14 Article 4 (i) (d)

Clearing house for technical

information

Article 18 Article 18

Public participation Article 9 Article 19 (4) Article 6 (i) (a)

(iii)

Information exchange Article 17 Article 16 Article 7

Training Article 12 (a) Article 19 Article 6

Reports Article 26 Article 12

Examination of obligations –

assessing implementation

Article 23 Article 7 (e)

Report to COPs

Steps taken to implement

Convention

Article 26 Article 26 Article 12

1 Overlap describes areas of intersection between Conventions in their areas of technical discipline or competence thus

allowing for redundancy or synergy. Synergy, however, deals with positive amplification of an effect as a result of

coordination in implementation.



Table 2: Summary of Party Obligations under the UNCBD, UNCCD and

UNFCCC

United Nations Convention

Country

Obligatio

ns

UNCBD

UNCCD UNFCCC



Parties should: • Develop national

strategies, plans and programmes for the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity.

• Monitor, through

sampling and other techniques, the components of biodiversity paying particular attention to those requiring urgent conservation measures and those which offer the greatest potential for sustainable use.

• Promote the protection

of ecosystems, natural habitats and the maintenance of viable population of species in the natural surroundings.

• Identify processes and

categories of activities which have, or are likely to have, significant adverse impacts on the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.

• Regulate and manage

collection of biodiversity resources from natural resources.

• Integrate consideration

of conservation and sustainable use of biological resources into national decision-making.

• Promote and encourage research which contributes to the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity.

• Promote and

encourage understanding of the importance of and measures required for the conservation of biodiversity.

Parties should: • Adapt an integrated

approach towards physical, biological and socio-economic aspects of the processes of desertification and drought.

• Prepare and implement

a National Action Programme to combat desertification and mitigate the effects of drought as an integral part of their national policy for sustainable development.

• Cooperate within

relevant intergovernmental organizations, and determine institutional mechanism, keeping in mind the need to avoid duplication and promote the use of existing bilateral and multilateral financial mechanisms and arrangements to mobilize and channel financial resources to affected developing country parties in combating desertification.

• Promote cooperation in

the field of environmental protection and the conservation of land and water resources as they relate to desertification and drought.

• Provide an enabling

environment by strengthening, as appropriate, relevant existing legislation, and where they do not exist, enacting new laws and establish long term policies and action programmes.

• Prepare, publicize and

implement national action programmes, utilizing and building on existing relevant successes (e.g. related plans and programmes) as the central element of the strategy to combat desertification.

Parties should: • Protect the climate

system for the benefit of present and future generations, on the basis of equity and in accordance with their common and differentiated responsibilities, and respective capabilities.

• Develop, periodically

update, and make available to the COPs, national inventories of anthropogenic emissions by source and removal by sinks of all green house gases not controlled by the Montreal Protocol.

• Promote and cooperate

in the development, application and diffusion (including transfer of technologies, practices and processes that control, reduce or prevent anthropogenic emissions) of green house gases not controlled by the Montreal Protocol.

• Formulate, implement,

publish and regularly update national, and where possible, regional programmes containing measures for climate change.

• Take climate change

considerations into account to the extent feasible in relevant social, economic and environmental policies and actions, and employ appropriate methods (for example EIAs formulated and determined nationally) with a view to minimizing adverse effects on the economy, public health and the quality of the environment.

• Promote and cooperate

in the full, open and prompt exchange of relevant scientific, technological, technical, socio-economic, and legal information related to climate system and climate change, and to economic and social consequences of various response strategies.



Table 3: Comparative analysis of the Implementation Framework and

Required Outputs of the UNCBD, UNCCD and UNFCCC

United Nations Convention

Component

UNCBD

UNCCD UNFCCC

Responsible body

Focal point and steering

committee (NEAB)


committee (NEAB)


committee (NEAB)

Education

mechanism

Public outreach and

awareness programmes

Consultative workshops

National awareness

seminars

Public outreach and

awareness programmes


Information-

gathering

National Biodiversity

Strategy and Action Plan

(NBSAP)


NAP workshops.

Inventories, Issue paper,

Climate change policy.

Communication to

COPs First and second national

report

Clearing House

Mechanism

First and Second National

Report; Report to the

Committee for the Review

and Implementation of the

Convention.

First National

Communication; Draft

Climate Change policy;

Recommended

technology options.

3.2 Public Awareness, Education and Training

Despite the low impact and short-term effect of public awareness (Box 6) initiatives, they play an

important role in the process of implementation and fulfilment of obligations under the MEAs.

In the Vincentian context, public awareness programmes are very well organized. The media (radio,

television, press) is used to full advantage given the national coverage by these communication

instruments. The success of this communication strategy has however become its greatest weakness.

The volume of information bombarding the general public is now causing some persons to avoid

sections of the media at specific times.



For sustainable development and environment, public education is not well funded or presented. This

is a major deficiency considering the accepted vulnerability of SVG as a SIDS. Consider the

legislations designed to protect biodiversity, mitigate climate change and reduce land degradation -

these are neither known nor understood by the general

public. Worse still is the fact that the legal fraternity, with

responsibility for interpreting the laws and regulations of

the country, has no real appreciation of the issues.

In SVG, most information designed for public

education rest in the domain of academia and is not

readily accessible to the general public. Public

education with a focus on sustainable development

and environmental management is scarce. Hence

positive behavioural change to support sustainable

development, and specifically in relation to

elements of the MEAs, is minimal.

There is no programme of training designed to

address human resource capacity for sustainable

development. The University of the West Indies with campuses in Trinidad & Tobago, Barbados and

Jamaica offers Masters Degree programmes in Climate Change and Biodiversity but to date only two

Vincentians have accessed these programmes. Most trained Forestry personnel and Agricultural

Extension Officers have had courses in biodiversity management and soil conservation as elements of

their major programmes of study. However, there is no designated biodiversity specialist in SVG.

Overall, there is a chronic shortage of experts to address biodiversity, climate change and land

degradation issues.

Box 6: Defining Public Awareness and Education

Public awareness is defined as simply informing the general public of up coming or on going events without a call to ownership or action. Such public awareness serves only a legal function of notifying the public to reduce negative impacts, inconvenience or undue worry. Public awareness may be extended to serve as an invitation to an event or to provide general knowledge to a target audience. Public Education speaks to systematically organized and structured programmes designed to effect behavioural change.



3.3 Policy and Legal Framework

There is no existing compendium of environmental legislation for SVG. However, there are several

pieces of legislation that have significant impact on the implementation of the three Conventions under

consideration. These include the:

� Central Water and Sewerage Authority Act - No. 17 of 1991

� Electricity Supply Act - No. 14 of 1973

� Fisheries Act - No. 8 of 1986

� Forest Resource Conservation Act - No. 47 of 1992

� Marine Parks Act - No. 9 of 1997

� National Parks Act - No. 33 of 2002

� Pesticides Control Act - No. 23 of 1973

� Plant Protection Act - No. 43 of 2005

� Public Health Act - No. 9 of 1977

� Solid Waste Management Act - No. 31 of 2000

� St. Vincent and the Grenadines National Trust Act - No. 32 of 1969

� Town and Country Planning Act - No. 45 of 1992

� Veterinary Act - No. 7 of 1994

� Wildlife Protection Act - No. 16 of 1987

In addition to these local legislations, there are the obligations under the MEAs. Except for the

Montreal Protocol, no other MEA obligation has been translated into local law. Hence there is really

no binding obligation on the people of SVG as regards the implementation of the UNCCD, UNCBD or

UNFCCC. Despite this situation, many obligations are met with a high degree of success, depending

totally on citizens’ understanding of the environment and their desire to manage the resources in a

sustainable way for their own survival.

In addition to the national legislation and the MEA obligations, there are some sub-regional legal

considerations. These include the St. Georges Declaration of Principles for Sustainable Development

in the OECS (SGD), and agreements under the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

The absence of a defined national environmental policy document or an adequate regulatory system to

ensure compliance with environmental obligations under the three Conventions is the greatest



challenge to implementation. However, the preparation of the NEMS presents an opportunity for the

development of an appropriate legal and regulatory framework that could potentially strengthen the

implementation of the three Conventions.

There is no policy manual at the departmental level that can serve as an easy reference to guide

operations within a department, between departments, and between departments and third parties.

Such a document would lead to consistency, clarity and accountability in programme delivery.

A review and comparative analysis of policies related to the implementation of the UNCBD, UNCCD

and UNFCCC are needed. This process should be given high priority and high-level support,

recognizing the significance of these Conventions to the development process in SVG.

3.4 Institutional Framework

The organizational and legal structures of institutions in SVG lack effective mechanisms to adapt to

changes, and the demands of current environmental issues. This is due to a fragmented executive

administrative system - a product of institutional design created by the prevailing political and

financial malaise. Additionally, the requisite technological and scientific infrastructure is virtually

absent.

Educational structures in SVG are primarily geared towards formal scholarships, with emphasis on

white-collar professional training. There is therefore a lack of consciousness regarding the

Conventions under consideration despite their intimate links to traditional lifestyles of farming, fishing,

hunting and forest-gathering. The absence of Convention issues in the schools’ curricula speaks to the

lack of knowledge of the Conventions and their limited implementation at the national level.

3.5 Supporting Organizations

• The Ministry of Health and the Environment (MOHE) has the mandate for the management of

the environment which includes air and water quality, chemical management, biodiversity

conservation and protection, and some elements of land use. The Ministry fulfils this mandate

through the Environmental Services Unit (ESU) and the Public Health Department, both of



which are directly connected to the Ministry. In addition, the Central Water and Sewerage

Authority, a statutory body under the MOHE, manages all the water resources of the country.

• The Ministry of Finance and Planning, through the Physical Planning Unit, is responsible for

development control and forward planning. In this capacity the Department manages coastal

settlements and effluent discharge into the marine environment.

• The MAFF is tasked with biodiversity conservation, coastal resource management and food

security. This mandate is executed through the Forestry and Fisheries Departments, and the

Agricultural Extension Services.

Several other government bodies in SVG have pivotal roles in the implementation of the three

Conventions, but they have not been actively engaged to fully understand their roles and assist with the

discharge of national obligations under these Conventions. Such institutions include the

Meteorological Service, Ministry of Transport, Works and Housing, Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of

Education, Ministry of Social Development, and Ministry of Legal Affairs. Although the Attorney

General is represented on the National Environmental Advisory Board (NEAB), the representation is

not taken seriously. Interns and junior staff with no real handle on the national legal context, no

training in environmental law and clearly no interest in the workings of the NEAB are the occasional

representatives.

Although some Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) and Community-Based Organizations

(CBOs) contribute to environmental sustainability and do implement activities addressed by these

Conventions, the NGO community is practically out of the loop when it comes to active

implementation of the Conventions.

3.6 Financing for the Environment

SVG spends approximately 4.6 % of its national budget on management of the environment, albeit

through an indirect route. In direct investment, less than 0.01% of the national budget is invested in

the management of the environment. This anomaly is a factor of institutional arrangement.



From direct investment, there is no national funding for biodiversity management, climate change

adaptation and mitigation strategies, or land degradation mitigation measures. Direct funding for these

initiatives comes from the GEF, bilateral arrangements or through sub-regional initiatives. All of these

funds have some level of conditionality attached to them, hence national priorities or directions are not

always given due recognition. As a consequence, the intended global environmental benefit is

minimized.

As stated earlier, many NGOs and CBOs are not actively involved in the implementation of the

Conventions. However, despite this anomaly, NGOs do make a substantial financial contribution to

environmental sustainability from their meagre resources and from donor funding (e.g. the Global

Environment Facility - Small Grants Programme, Canada Fund, etc.)

The private sector is a very small contributor to the environmental sustainability effort. Efforts are

needed to bring this rich pool of resources into focus to address the environmental issues facing the

island including the effective implementation of the Rio Conventions.

There are no incentive systems or market instruments that are currently applied to encourage the

adoption of environmentally-friendly technologies and practices. Instead, there are economic

incentives that often lead to environmental degradation, loss of biodiversity and increased vulnerability

to coastal development. Such incentives are usually associated with foreign direct investments,

particularly in the tourism and manufacturing industries. Tax breaks on certain categories of vehicle

encourage inefficiency in the use of energy resulting in increased emissions and pollution of water

ways.

There is a need for the identification and establishment of innovative means of generating public and

private financial resources in support of the environment. Fiscal incentives and market-based

instruments should be encouraged. However the capacity to make this functional needs to be

developed at the individual, systemic and institutional level.

The effectiveness of existing economic incentives needs to be critically assessed so that perverse

incentives are identified and adjusted. The range of potential fiscal incentives that could encourage the

private sector to adopt sound environmental technologies and practices also needs to be identified.



3.7 Capacity Constraints across the UNCBD, UNCCD and UNFCCC

The GEF (2001) listed a number of issues that have been identified across the globe as key capacity

constraints issues relative to the implementation of the MEAs. These included limited cooperation

among stakeholders, limitations associated with resource mobilization, absence of incentive systems

and market instruments, and poor development and implementation of policies, among others. Table 4

summarizes these cross-cutting capacity constraints and the opportunities for capacity-building within

each thematic area.



Table 4: Key Capacity Constraints and Opportunities for Integrated Capacity-

Building across Thematic Areas

Thematic Area Cross-cutting

Capacity

Constraint Biodiversity

(UNCBD)

Climate Change

(UNFCCC)

Land Degradation

(UNCCD)

Opportunities for

Cross- cutting

Capacity building 1 Information

management

There is a biodiversity

clearing house with

potential to host other

thematic areas.

There is a wealth of

information collected

periodically relating to

green house gases.

Need for building

indicators and

following trends in

Biodiversity

development and GHG

emissions.

Data collection and

management.

Training for individuals

and groups.

2 Institutional

mandate; co-

operation

between

stakeholders

The MAFF has some

responsibility in all

areas and a large

extension team.

The MOHE, as focal

point for the GEF,

liaises with MAFF

through the National

Environmental

Advisory Board.

The emerging NAP is

multidisciplinary thus

there is a need to link

with other disciplines.

Co-management

opportunities.

Implementation of joint

work programmes and

training for individuals.

3 Resource

mobilization

The link between

agriculture, land and

water allows for joint

mobilization of

resources.

The development of

financial instruments

like the green fund.

The emerging NAP

calls for resource

allocation to address

land degradation.

Need to improve

negotiation skills and

skills in resource

mobilization.

4 Mobilization

of Science to

support

decision-

making

Biodiversity studies to

select resistant species

and minimize threats to

species.

Determining which

crops grow under

conditions of reduced

or increased

precipitation and carbon

dioxide levels

Land stabilization

techniques, including

biodiversity

conservation.

Making science a tool

for decision–making.

5 Incentive

systems and

market

instrument

Developing economic

valuation models

Carbon trading and

Clean Development

Mechanism require

pricing structure.

Valuing non-

agricultural lands,

wetlands and slopes.

Training in

environmental

economics and valuing

the environment.

6 Individual

skills and

motivation

Tracking biodiversity Establishing indicator

species

Understanding

population shifts

Training in Biodiversity

mapping and

monitoring.

7 Development

and

implementati

on of policies

Existence of

conservation legislation

and areas

Need for policies on

setbacks and buffer-

zones.

There are areas prone to

movement that are not

restricted

Need for training in

GIS mapping and land

policy formulation.

8 Creating links

between

national and

Global

Priorities

Identifying and

conserving nationally

and globally significant

biodiversity.

Need for renewable

energy policies and

technologies.

Reducing erosion that

impacts upon aquatic

and marine

environment.

Need for policy and

technology that

addresses the

conventions while

meeting national needs.



9 Engaging

civil society

Involving non-state

actors in biodiversity

conservation and food

security issues.

Developing appropriate

technology to reduce

carbon dioxide

emissions.

Local area soil and

water conservation.

Forest conservation

strategies -

development of

appropriate technology.

Template adopted from GEF Secretariat (2001)

Most of the cross-cutting capacity issues identified in the foregoing discourse were at the systemic

level, that is, the overall policy and framework under which individuals and organizations must operate

and interact with the external environment, as well as the formal and informal relationships among

institutions. In this regard it should be noted that none of the obligations of the Conventions in

question have been translated into local legislation, thus making them binding on the country. Given

this absence of a functional legal framework, it is no surprise therefore that the Conventions are poorly

implemented. There is no designated funding for addressing Convention issues and no formal or

institutional arrangement for their implementation. The arrangements that exist are at the personal

level across Ministries so that if one person is transferred, or leaves his or her post there is no

institutional memory or obligation for the successor to continue his predecessor’s work.

Several of the other cross-cutting issues were addressed at the institutional level. Here, the overall

organizational performance and functioning capabilities were examined. Also examined was the

ability of an organization to develop and successfully implement programmes or activities to address

challenges within its jurisdiction. Infrastructural support is generally weak. In cases where support

was provided under project funds, the equipment were housed within line Ministries and not always

readily available to persons working in the related field. Within the culture of the government service,

officers from one Department (even at the appropriate level) do not have access to information and

equipment in another Ministry.

Few of the cross-cutting issues existed at the individual level, that is, the process of changing attitudes

and behaviours, imparting knowledge and developing skills, while maximising the benefits of

participation, knowledge exchange and ownership. The greatest challenge in this area appears to be



the lack of familiarity with the requirements of the Convention and the unwillingness to share

techniques and data.

The cross-cutting capacity needs identified in this report should be considered as priority elements for

attention in the NAP. However, it should be noted that while there is much talk about promoting

synergy2 at the international level, the reality at the national level leaves much to be desired. There are

some built in synergies at the national level in SVG, borne out of economic and human resource

constraint. These fortuitous circumstances need to be nurtured and supported. There is need to

formally recognize these and provide appropriate funding and legal standing to make them best

practice.

2 Synergy for the purposes of this document is defined as the positive amplification of an effect as a

result of coordination in implementation.



CHAPTER 4:

PRIORITY AREAS FOR ACTION

4.1 Introduction

A number of priority areas have been identified for action under each of the MEAs, and is further

discussed in this Chapter.

4.2 Priority Areas for Action under the UNCBD

The National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for SVG lists nine major threats to biodiversity

within the State. Four of those threats featured prominently during stakeholder discussions and have

been the subject of national remediation strategies. These areas include deforestation, invasive species,

chemical use, and pressures imposed by the human population on biodiversity.

Deforestation has notably reduced the population of many terrestrial species by fragmenting or

completely destroying their habitats, while

pushing others into open spaces or forcing

them to compete with humans. The local

parrot population is under threat from illegal

cultivation deep in the forest. The proposed

cross country road, if realized, will do even

more damage to the habitat of this endangered

and endemic bird.

Invasive species are on the rise, presenting much challenge to local biodiversity. One example of this

is the Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis) whose roosting habits have been linked to loss of Mangrove at the

Brighton beach area. It appears that toxins caused by build-up of faecal deposits have polluted wetland



soil, destroying plant roots. Another example is that of the introduced Armadillo (Dasypus

novemcinctus) which has done considerable damage to the ecosystem in the Vermont watershed,

undermining trees, accelerating erosion and thereby threatening native biological resources.

Chemical use and forest encroachment are human

impacts that have caused significant negative

impact on SVG’s biodiversity. Slowing or

reversing these impacts will require policy

measures that put biodiversity on the economic

and social development agenda.

In SVG biodiversity conservation in its truest

sense is not a national priority. This needs to be

changed as a matter of urgency. Other priority actions required for sustainable biodiversity

management include:

• Active integration of biodiversity into economic planning;

• Development of economic instruments to obtain ‘rent’ for biodiversity benefits;

• Development of the ecosystem approach aimed at biodiversity conservation and strengthening

protected areas;

• Strengthening resource capacity through investment of civil society in biodiversity

management; and

• Regulating access to genetic resources and strengthening of the Cartagena Protocol on

Biosafety.

4.3 Priority Areas for Action under the UNCCD

The tropical location (characterized by abundant rainfall) and geography of the Caribbean islands

create a false image of the realities as regards droughts and land degradation. Couple this with the

significant amount of denudation that occurred during the colonial era and one is left with vulnerable

little islands having neither the institution nor infrastructure to manage the land base.



One reality of the aforementioned scenario is the fundamental disconnect between actual planning

policies, economic development, international obligations and local needs. This, together with the

current land tenure issues precludes timely response to emerging land degradation issues.

Priority areas for action under the UNCCD include the need for:

• Increased knowledge of the value of

land resources to support improved

management and protective mechanisms

to support sustainable land management;

• The strengthening of agricultural

extension and research services to

maximize the productive value of the

land;

• The management of seasonal surface

water to reduce flooding and support

year-long agriculture and indigenous livelihood practices;

• The enforcement and strengthening of legislation to reduce human activity on unstable

marginal lands; and

• Inclusion of a sustainable land management policy in the emerging National Physical

Development Plan to ensure that it takes into account inter alia food security, water resource

management and forest conservation).

4.4 Priority Areas for Action under the UNFCCC

In its concluding chapter, SVG’s Initial National

Communication to the UNFCCC states that ‘... it is

imperative that the country begins immediately to

develop a national Environmental Policy Reform

Programme. Because vulnerabilities associated with

climate change are already evidenced, adaptive and

mitigative measures appear to offer positive net benefit

even under moderate climate change scenarios’.



Heeding this call, the following priority areas should be given serious consideration in terms of budget

allocation to support implementation of this Convention. There is a need for:

• Increased capacity development to address vulnerability and adaptation;

• Adaptive and mitigative studies linked to economic incentives and realities;

• Implementation of climate change response policies and strategies appropriate to the level of

built vulnerability;

• Development of knowledge and mechanisms to adopt, transfer and implement appropriate

technologies in keeping with the Technology Needs Assessment report;

• Capacity-strengthening to support technology development in keeping with national

development priorities;

• Removal of barriers to renewable

energy development, and development

of incentives schemes designed to

support reduction in use of fossil

fuels; and

• Compliance with coastal setbacks and

building codes.



PART 2

ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES NATIONAL ACTION PLAN



CHAPTER 5:

SVG NATIONAL ACTION PLAN FOR

IMPLEMENTING MULTILATERAL

ENVIRONMENTAL AGREEMENTS

5.1 Introduction

The following NAP should be viewed as a long term guide to environmental management in SVG. It

is a tool intended to support implementation of the capacity-building recommendations identified

during the NCSA as priority areas for action. Consistent with the definition of capacity presented in

this document (the ability of individuals and institutions to make and implement decisions, and

perform functions in an effective and sustainable manner), the NAP presents suggested mechanisms

and modalities for building and sustaining the capacity needed for environmental development, in

keeping with the Conventions under consideration.

Capacity development (or building) occurs at three levels: Individual, Institutional and Systemic. At

the Individual level, there is a need for sensitization and training for human resource development. At

the Institutional level, there is need for mechanisms and modalities to improve organizational structure

and performance; and finally, at the Systemic level, an overarching policy framework, legislative and

inter-agency arrangements will be required.

The NAP therefore aims to:

o Map out a cross-cutting capacity-building strategy for implementing the recommendations

emerging from the Thematic Assessments;

o Identify the linkages between the national framework and global commitments;

o Provide direction to development activities with capacity-building components; and

o Provide a basis and justification for financing activities emerging from the NCSA.

Although some activities can begin almost immediately, others are follow-on type initiatives needing

the platform established by foregoing activities. Activities will therefore fall into one of the following

categories:



Short term: 1 - 2 years

Medium term: 2 - 4 years

Long term: 5 + years

5.2 The National Action Plan

The following pages include the NAP as set out for SVG. It identifies current and potential partnership

opportunities, as well as potential partners that may support activities corresponding with priority areas

under the three capacity levels.

40

St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ National Capacity Self-Assessment for


Priority Area 1: Capacity-Building for Public Awareness & Education

Individual Capacity

Institutional Capacity

System

ic Capacity

Initiatives offering potential

partnership opportunities

Potential

Partners

- ‘Greening the Media’

Workshop for media

personnel responsible for

disseminating information,

to become familiar with

country obligations under the

Conventions & enhance their

skills in communicating

environmental issues.

- Workshop for relevant

government agencies/policy

makers/decision makers to

become familiar with the

country’s obligations under

the Conventions & to

highlight each agency’s role

in facilitating compliance.

- Workshop for education

personnel involved in

curriculum development &

reform, & instructors

responsible for course

delivery, on the country’s

obligations under the

Conventions, & provide

training on priority

environmental issues in

SVG.

- Develop innovative methods to

convey information on the

Conventions (e.g. websites, news

articles, multimedia,

dramatizations) tailored to the

needs of the target audience, e.g.

rural communities, government

stakeholders, hotels, tour

operators, youth, etc.

- Strengthen the

Communication/Public Education

Unit of all relevant Ministries

through additional human,

technical & material resources,

e.g. through increased personnel

& multi-media equipment.

- Strengthen & expand the

environmental curricula at all

levels to include environmental

issues or an Environmental

Studies course.

- Develop a Knowledge, Attitudes

& Practice (KAP) Questionnaire

that focuses on Rio Convention

issues – will gauge levels of

public awareness, & gather

baseline data that can later be

used for assessing success of the

campaign.

- Enhance Focal Point capabilities

- Policy required to support

environmental component in

school curriculum.

- Policy required to facilitate

information exchange & include

civil society organizations.

- Institutional transformation to

support exchange of personnel &

sharing of expertise.

- Inter-ministerial dialogue to

support joint work programmes.

- On-going projects with potential

for/with an environmental

component:

• Special Adult Literacy

Programme - disseminates

information on environmental

issues inter alia.

• Curriculum Development

Project – developing a

manual on teaching methods

& course content which

includes an environmental

component for primary &

secondary schools.

- PRIDE Campaign - addressing

environmental conservation

education, & a Programme for

Protected Areas in the

Grenadines.

- API conducts sector-specific

awareness programmes, which at

present does not include


- St. Lucia has developed an

integrated KAP mechanism

covering the Rio Conventions.

SVG has adopted a similar

mechanism that is limited to the

UNFCCC.

- NEMS includes proposed

- Communicatio

n/ Public

Education

Units of the

following:

• MAFF

• Forestry

Department

• Fisheries

Division

- Ministry of

Rural

Transformation

- Ministry of

Tourism

- Ministry of

Urban

Development

- Private Sector

- Statistical

Division

- CMC

- CARDI

- CERMES/UWI

- MACC

- OESC-ESDU

- CTA

- The Nature

Conservancy

- Rare Centre

41



Priority Area 1: Capacity-Building for Public Awareness & Education

Individual Capacity


System

ic Capacity



Potential

Partners

to sensitise key stakeholders on

Rio Convention issues &

obligations.

- Develop a collaborative

mechanism for information

sharing among the Ministries’

Communication/Public Education

Units.

- Provide better facilities for

student research & environmental

projects

- Develop programmes for further

training in environmental

education e.g. apprenticeship or

internship

Programmes

- Governance mechanisms such

as transparency & increased

stakeholder involvement,

improved communication among

Government, NGOs & private

sector to encourage participation.

activities in this area

for Tropical

Bird

Conservation

- USAID

Lead Agencies : API; Ministry of Education; MOHE; National Media Association

Tim

e Frame: On-going

42



Priority Area 2: Enhancing the Legislative Framew

ork for Convention Compliance

Individual Capacity


System

ic Capacity



Potential

Partners

- Sensitise the relevant

Ministries & Agencies as

about the legal requirements

of the Rio Conventions.

- Relevant personnel in public

administration should be

trained in project

management, policy analysis,

strategic planning &

stakeholder involvement to

improve their ability to see

links between laws, policies

& projects.

- Workshop with legislative

drafters on issues to be

incorporated into national

laws.

- Briefing session(s) to

sensitise policy & decision-

makers on the obligations of

the Convention.

- Briefing session(s) to

sensitise key stakeholder

groups on the obligations

under national law.

- Recruit specialists in

environmental law.

- Strengthen the staff capacity &

provide equipment to relevant

Ministries (MAFF, MOHE,

Ministry of Tourism, MORT) in

order to improve surveillance.

- Develop procedures to

encourage community

surveillance; e.g. hotline.

- Develop standard procedures for

stakeholder participation to

facilitate the legislative review

process.

- Ensure representation on the

NEAB from Ministry of Legal

Affairs to address Convention-

related issues at the policy level.

- Provide environmental law

training & manuals to relevant

personnel (police, customs etc) to

promote greater awareness &

knowledge of laws.

-Provide incentives to resource

users in order to encourage

compliance.

- Participatory review of current

legislation & policy on

environmental management, to

ensure an integrated approach to

environmental management & in

an effort to support

implementation of the Rio

Conventions.

- Review the regulatory

framework to enhance

enforcement of environmental

legislation.

- Cross-reference all legislation

with current & forthcoming plans

& policies to ensure

harmonization with Convention-

related issues

- Translate Convention

obligations into local

policy/legislation.

- FAO/CANARI – The National

Forest Programme Facility

Project – Participatory Forest

Management: Improving Policy

& Institutional Capacity for

Development

- OECS/ESDU – Harmonising

Environmental Legislation in the

Region

- OECS/ESDU – Conservation of

Biodiversity Act

- St. George’s Declaration – To

review environmental policy

- Draft Pesticides & Toxic

Chemicals Control Act currently

under Parliamentary review

- Forestry Department

Programme to be implemented re

restructuring enforcement system

& upgrading skills of Forest

Rangers, Forest Guards & Forest

Officers.

- IWCAM – SVG to benefit from

ongoing initiatives in this

programme



- Permanent

Secretaries of

relevant

Ministries

- CANARI

- CEHI

- OECS/ESDU

- UWI/CERMES

- FAO

43



Priority Area 2: Enhancing the Legislative Framew

ork for Convention Compliance

Individual Capacity


System

ic Capacity



Potential

Partners

Lead Agencies: Ministry of Legal Affairs; Bar Association; MOHE; ESU

Tim

e Frame: Long term

44



Priority Area 3: Capacity Building for Sustainable Land M

anagem

ent

Individual Capacity


System

ic Capacity



Potential

Partners

- Upgrade the skills of land

use planners & cartographers,

e.g. in GIS

- Sensitise policy makers &

relevant Ministries about

sustainable land management

issues.

- Train environmental

managers in integrated land

use management & planning.

- Assess the state of land use

planning in the country & make

recommendations to strengthen

the Department(s) of Lands &

Surveys & the Physical Planning

& Development Unit.

- Integrate the outcomes of the

assessment into the

reorganization of the relevant

agencies.

- Strengthen the Planning Board

- Expand institutional & financial

capabilities for managing

environmental issues in the

Grenadines.

- Improve capacity (human

resource & equipment) to

undertake a cadastral survey.

- Develop a National Land Use

Policy.

- Review the zoning divisions.

- Develop an MOU between the

Fisheries Division & the Forestry

Department to streamline

functions for joint management of

mangrove areas.

- Update legislation to recognize

& enforce regulations with

reference to protected areas in the

Grenadines.

- Develop policies regarding the

execution of EIA. Ensure multi-

sectoral & civil society

involvement in the review

process.

- Integrated Forestry Management

& Development Project

- National Land Information

Management Project

- OPAAL Project

- Sustainable Grenadines Project

- Draft National Physical

Development Plan (does not

address land use issues)

- UNESCO Beach monitoring

- UNEP – Preventing Land

Degradation in Ecosystems

through Sustainable Land

Management

- UNDP/LDC/SIDS Targeted

Portfolio Project for Capacity

Building & Mainstreaming of

Sustainable Land Management

- UNCCD Youth Project on

Ecosystem Rehabilitation



- ESU

- Farmers

Association

- Integrated

Forestry

Management

Project

- Law

enforcement

- MAFF

- Ministry of

Legal Affairs

- National

Parks Authority

- CEHI

- UWI

- TNC

- UNCCD

Secretariat

- UNDP

- UNEP

- UNESCO

-WWBW

Lead Agencies: Ministry of Physical Planning & Lands & Surveys; Physical Planning Unit; Ministry of Legal Affairs

45



Priority Area 3: Capacity Building for Sustainable Land M

anagem

ent

Individual Capacity


System

ic Capacity



Potential

Partners

Tim

e Frame: Medium term

46



Priority Area 4: Capacity Building for Watershed M

anagement

Individual Capacity


System

ic Capacity



Potential

Partners

Mining Practices

- Workshop on principles of

watershed management for

law enforcement personnel,

civil servants, farming

communities, NGOs &

CBOs.

- Strengthen the capacity of

the Physical Planning Unit to

screen development

proposals, to interpret EIAs &

make recommendations.

- Train Extension

Officers/Community Liaison

Officers to undertake public

awareness programmes on the

dangers of mining (rivers &

beaches).

- Sensitisation for site

engineers - Physical Planning

& Development Unit

- Enhance community

surveillance.

- Strengthen management

capacity within Forestry

Department.

- Strengthen Communications

Unit of Forestry Department to

better sensitise & inform the

public on harmful environmental

effects of mining practices

- Develop best practices

procedures for mining/harvesting

which will address inter alia

compulsory restoration &

rehabilitation of ecosystems after

mining activities, & procedures

for recognizing & responding to

red flag situations; e.g. mining in

area where artefacts are

discovered.

- Develop mining policy to

protect shorelines, sand dunes,

archaeological sites, dry rivers,

river beds/banks & mangroves.

- Policy for Inter-Ministerial

cooperation on watershed

management; to include National

Parks Authority, CWSA,

VINLEC, Ministry of Transport

& Works, Ministry of Physical

Planning.

- TNC Protected Areas System

with a component on freshwater

ecosystem.

- MAFF programmes to address

beach monitoring & turtle

nesting.

- Sand Mining Committee to

address illegal mining in SVG.

- Monitoring by the Ministry of

Transport & Works of mining

activities - limited to the Rabacca

Dry River Site.

- CWSA

- Ministry of

Physical

Planning Unit

- Lands &

Surveys

- Ministry of

Rural

Transformation

- Ministry of

Urban

Development

- MOHE

- National

Parks Authority

- Private Sector

(Construction

Companies)

- VINLEC

- CEHI

- UWI -

Engineering

Department

- TNC

47




anagement

Individual Capacity


System

ic Capacity



Potential

Partners

Soil M

anagem

ent

- Training in soil engineering

& agronomy.

- Training for extension

officers & sensitization of

farming community on

importance of soil & water

conservation; e.g. terracing,

contour drainage/ploughing,

crop barriers, agro-forestry on

steep slopes, preventing

livestock grazing on steep

slopes.

- Expose farming community

to soil conservation

techniques used outside of

SVG.

- Develop manual on soil

conservation techniques (or DVD

for easy dissemination) that (1)

identifies criteria for identifying

appropriate soil conservation

technique for an area, (2) includes

maps of areas prone to soil

movement, (3) introduces modern

equipment where necessary. (e.g.

mechanical cultivators).

- Amend legislation to include

regulations for addressing

changes in land use upon sale

(retain conservation efforts) &

enforcement of soil conservation

measures.

- Proposal for a Demonstration

Project on Soil Management

Techniques.

- Soil Conservation Unit -

Erosion Control Programme

- Improve skills & capacity

within the Agricultural Labour

Force Project – funding

committed for the Development

of an Agricultural Institute.



- SVG BGA

- CEHI

- WINFA

- Government

of Taiwan

Forestry M

anagem

ent

- Provide training in the

following areas: species

identification, silviculture,

wildlife biology & hydrology.

- Increase human capacity to

undertake biodiversity

inventory every 5 years.

- Training staff in project

management (to manage

donor funding).

- Training of field

- Formalize informal information

exchange with the Fisheries

Division to promote public

awareness initiatives.

- Documenting of local

knowledge.

- Strengthen inter-institutional

linkages to promote the protection

of forest species

- Enhance monitoring capabilities

e.g. of medicinal plants,

- Review forestry conservation

plan 1994 – 2004.

- Encourage legislation for setting

up a Forest Development Fund,

Conservation Fund, Wildlife

Fund.

- Support agricultural

diversification programme

implementation unit.

- Review of regulations to support

enforcement mechanisms to

- FAO/CANARI NFPF project on

improving policy & institutional

capacity for forestry management.

- IMFDP digitized soil map

produced based on data from soil

use study of 1950s.

- Forestry flora & fauna

assessment initiated in 2000.

- Forestry development project

established boundaries for natural

forest, not yet implemented.

- CANARI

- CIDA

- EU

- FAO

- TNC

48




anagement

Individual Capacity


System

ic Capacity



Potential

Partners

staff/rangers (to deal with

illegal farmers, good farming

practices, deforestation,

effects on marine

communities).

harvesting in no-harvest zones,

sustainable livelihood practices

- Develop plan for Forestry

Plantation management – should

include operation schedule &

equipment required.

- Enhance mapping systems for

forestry management (using GIS,

vegetation maps, drainage

patterns, watershed boundaries,

road systems)

- Promote sustainability of

alternative livelihood initiatives

(promotion, monitoring).

enable forestry management



Introduced Species

- Refresher training in the

MAFF & other relevant

agencies (including customs

officers) to recognize

introduced species (flora &

fauna).

- Document introduced

species presence in SVG

- Provide training in pest risk

analysis, epidemiology.

- Develop an awareness campaign

to support the monitoring process

& disseminate public information.

- Develop procedures for

identifying the level of threat of

the introduced species in order to

inform response to &

management of the threat.

- Develop reporting & feedback

mechanisms for addressing

economic threat & introduced

species.

- Enhance monitoring capabilities

- Collaborative agreement

between the Forestry & Customs

Departments to regulate

introduced species.

- Update legislation & regulations

to standardize importation of

plants & animal products into

country.

- Create network to report level of

threat.

- Enhance mechanisms for

information sharing among

regional researchers.

- CARDI project to examine

agricultural invasive species.

- FAO resources available

regarding invasive species e.g.

databases, regulations, &

procedures for handling

introduced species.



- Agriculture

Input

Warehouse

- Customs

Department

- CARDI

- IICA

- UWI

- WINFA

- CITES

- FAO

- IUCN

- WWF

49




anagement

Individual Capacity


System

ic Capacity



Potential

Partners

- Promote the establishment of a

Database on introduced species

(can be linked to Rio Convention

website). Best practices can also

be archived here.

- Seek partnerships with private

landowners to strengthen their

ability to monitor & report alien

species.

- Disseminate information to

public on early warning, control

& monitoring of aliens.

- Put mechanism in place to

exploit commercial value of some

invasive species.

- Strengthen quarantine system.

-Upgrade capacity to perform

import audits

-Develop capacity or seek

assistance to measure economic

impact of introduced species

Agrochem

ical pollution

- Training extension officers

to develop competencies in

outreach, & education of the

farming community on the

issues surrounding

- The MAFF to have information

sessions with farmers &

community groups on the

negative impacts of chemicals

used in agricultural practices &

- Policy review to regulate the

importation & use of agricultural

chemicals.

- Enforcement of regulations,

- Pesticide & Chemical Control

Act before Cabinet for adoption

- Pesticide Board to review

importation of agro chemicals

- Customs

Dept.

- National

Pesticide Board

50




anagement

Individual Capacity


System

ic Capacity



Potential

Partners

agrochemical use.

- Provide training for

Pesticides Control Board

members on knowledge of

agrochemicals, chemical

assessments, etc.

- Safety & education training

for pesticide retail outlets.

- Training for Customs

Officers at Ports of Entry.

promote alternative measures for

good farming practices.

- To designate a unit to undertake

research into the environmental

effects of agro chemical use &

make recommendations for safer

alternatives.

- Enhance Communications Unit

of the MOHE to sensitize

communities on the effects of

agrochemicals.

- Enhance capacity of Wildlife

Unit to monitor effects of

agrochemicals on local fauna;

Fisheries Division to monitor

harmful fishing practices;

Agricultural Department to

monitor farming practices near

critical watersheds.

including clear & appropriate

fines for offending retailers; e.g.

Polluter Pays Principal.



- CARDI

- CGPC

- WIBDECO

- WINFA

- FAO

- IICA

- UNDP

- UNEP

Lead Agencies: MAFF; Ministry of Transport & Works; Public Service Commission; Plant Protection Unit; Forestry Department; Customs Department;

MOHE; Pest Management Unit; Soil Conservation Unit

Tim

e Frame: Long term

51



Priority Area 5: Capacity Building for Human & Technical Resource Development

Individual Capacity


System

ic Capacity



Potential

Partners

- Train & upgrade skills of

personnel (statisticians, data

entry clerks, analysts,

economists & monitoring &

evaluators) in inventory

management, monitoring &

assessment.

- Train personnel in specialist

fields (taxonomy agronomy,

botany, zoology, marine

biology, vulnerability

assessments, hydrology,

meteorology, GIS) to update

inventory records on a

continuous basis.

- Train personnel in the area

of project management.

- Strengthen the capacity of

relevant Ministries for

monitoring, data collection &

analysis (from a needs assessment

survey).

- Establish standard protocols for

data collection in key areas.

- Reorganize agencies to

accommodate trained personnel &

effectively create, monitor &

manage databases.

- Improve access to technologies

(equipment, laboratories – sharing

with other institutions, computer

software & hardware).

- Refresher training for technical

staff, peer exchange, mentoring.

- Design & formalize

internship/apprenticeship

programmes for youth

participation in environmental

initiatives e.g. Forestry

Department Summer Internship

Programme.

- Formalise partnerships with

local stakeholders to provide

additional capacity where

- MOU between agencies (including

UWI) to share facilities &

equipment.

- MOU between agencies & tertiary

level institutions (e.g. UWI) to

contract specialist personnel.

- MOU with UWI (& other tertiary

level institutions) to facilitate

training programmes for relevant

staff.

- Develop a Capacity Building

Strategy for environmental

management in the Grenadines; e.g.

staff, training, equipment &

facilities.

- FAO/CANARI Participatory

Forestry Management.

- OPAAL Project

- University of Guyana

identified as Focal Point for

Forestry Management training

in the region under COTED

- Durrell Wildlife Conservation

Trust has offered training

opportunities in Island

Endangered Species

Conservation.

- Global Water Partnership/

Caribbean with a focus on

integrated water resources

management. Network of

regional partners, with access to

funds, training, knowledge

sharing & other benefits.

- CIPMNET

- IFMDP to develop system to

integrate critical watershed

management

- Reef check programme

introduced.

- Central

Planning Unit

Ministry of

Finance

- CWSA

- Meteorological

Unit

- Ministry of

Trade -

(Statistical

Department)

- Physical

Planning Unit

- CANARI

- CCA

- OECS/ESDU

- UWI

- VINLEC

- FAO

- UNCCD

Secretariat

- WWF

52



Priority Area 5: Capacity Building for Human & Technical Resource Development

Individual Capacity


System

ic Capacity



Potential

Partners

necessary e.g. with dive shops for

coral reef monitoring.

- Source scholarships

- Establish/support Research &

Development Unit similar to

CARDI.

- Sustainable Grenadines

Project


activities in this area.

Lead Agencies: Ministry of Science & Technology; ESU; MAFF

Tim

e Frame: Long term

53



Priority Area 6: Mitigation Response & Recovery Capabilities

Individual Capacity


System

ic Capacity



Potential

Partners

- Train & upgrade skills of

emergency response personnel.

- Train church groups, CBOs &

NGOs for disaster response.

- Upgrade skills to conduct

environmental damage

assessments, as well as train

farmers to conduct preliminary

assessments.

- Train personnel in geological

engineering, hydrology &

environmental economics.

- Create roster of trained

personnel to operate heavy duty

equipment.

- Enhance capacity for voluntary

compliance with disaster

management guidelines through

public awareness campaigns

- Train personnel within various

environmental agencies to

conduct vulnerability & damage

assessment in order to formulate

disaster management plans that

cover all environmental sectors.

- Improve capacity to develop

Flood & Hazard Mapping; i.e.

to dovetail with the Disaster

Preparedness Policy.

- Create register of owners of

heavy duty equipment that may

be needed in time of disaster.

- Collaborate in the

establishment of a regional

gene pool.

- Increase seed storage capacity

for reforestation programmes.

- Establish procedures for

selection of species for

reforestation.

- Procedures for regular

maintenance & upgrading of

disaster response equipment, &

emergency shelters.

- MOU between NEMO & UWI for

technical support.

- Develop & enforce safety standards that

guide use of heavy duty equipment.

- MOU between Ministry of Works & the

Ministry of Agriculture to address coastal

re-vegetation & road development.

- Publicize & implement Disaster

Preparedness Policy (for various disaster

emergencies) to address the following:

• responsibilities of public officers in

times of crisis; e.g. operation of

shelters, securing buildings &

protection of resources.

• evacuation & relocation procedures in

times of disaster.

• share equipment & resources among

Ministries to respond to crisis.

• drills for implementing evacuation

procedures.

• protection for equipment &

documents.

- Establish an Emergency Fund to address

response to natural disasters.

- Develop a Building Code & Land Use

Policy.

- Beach Policy exists but not

enforced

- IFMDP

- EU/CWSA water resources study

completed

- Japanese International

Cooperation Agency funded Flood

Mitigation Mapping & Community

Response Initiative

- SPACC - commence pilot project

on Union Island

- Island-wide Flood Risk

Assessment Study – completed in

November 2005; NEMO

responsible for implementation

- Disaster Mitigation Policy under

review by Parliament

- NEMO has ongoing Hazard

Mapping



- CBO

- Chamber of

Commerce

- Church

groups

- NGO

- Police

Department

- Red Cross

Society

- Relevant

Ministries

- Special

Services Unit

-CDERA

- UWI -

Seismic Unit

- JICA

Lead Agency: NEMO

54



Priority Area 6: Mitigation Response & Recovery Capabilities

Individual Capacity


System

ic Capacity



Potential

Partners

Tim

e Frame: Long term

55



Priority Area 7: Environmental Information Systems that Effectively Support Implementation of the Rio Conventions

Individual Capacity


System

ic Capacity



Potential

Partners

- Train personnel in database

management, analysis of raw

data & data entry.

- Access to requisite

computer software.

- GIS training to enhance

mapping capabilities.

- Training to create & operate

information management

systems.

- Training to maintain

environmental archives -

library cataloguing.

- Strengthen database

development for storage &

retrieval of information across

sectors.

- Develop research programmes

to address key data gaps related to

the Conventions, taking into

consideration traditional

knowledge sources.

- Centralize information to be

readily accessible.

- Put mechanism in place to

analyze data.

- Information management

system to update regularly with

backups on hard & soft copy, &

appropriately catalogued.

- Improve material resources –

e.g. digital cameras & computers.

- Assess Ministry of Science &

Technology’s capabilities.

- Standardize protocols for data

collection, analysis, management,

exchange & dissemination.

- Assessment of data gaps &

- Develop policy to facilitate

inter-agency transfer of

information through the Intranet.

- Encourage agreement between

Permanent Secretaries to expand

meteorology division’s mandate

to train data analysts.

- Develop policy on intellectual

property management for data

(i.e. for e.g. protection & access).

- Clearinghouse established at

Ministry of Science &

Technology.

- Library at MAFF.

- NALIMP project has training

component to enhance capacity to

generate information.

- TNC produced vegetation maps

of selected islands including

SVG.

- FAO provides forestry-related

training in data collection

software.

- GIS training certificate course

proposed.

- Proposed Environmental

Information System to include (1)

education project at diplomate,

graduate & post-graduate levels;

(2) system of automated weather

stations in each district to collect

data; (3) river monitoring; (4) soil

pollution; & (5) computer system.

- MACC to develop a Climate

Change Centre to conduct

research & analysis.

- Ministry of

Science &

Technology

- CEHI

- OECS

- UWI

- EU

56



Priority Area 7: Environmental Information Systems that Effectively Support Implementation of the Rio Conventions

Individual Capacity


System

ic Capacity



Potential

Partners

development of programmes to

address key gaps.

- Strengthen observation

capabilities in meteorology &

hydrology, through community &

private sector participation.

Lead Agency: Ministry of Science & Technology

Tim

e Frame: Ongoing

57



Priority Area 8: Civil Society and Community Development

Individual Capacity


System

ic Capacity



Potential

Partners

- Train NGO & CBO

members in relevant


- Train persons in conflict

resolution, co-management,

stakeholder analysis, proposal

writing & general tools to

become better project

partners.

- Address high turnover rate

of NGOs through leadership

training, project management

& financial management.

- Workshop to strengthen

NGO capacity to sensitize

communities, & create

awareness of the


- Strengthen institutional

organization.

- Enhance capacity of training

institutions (private & public) to

develop & conduct training

programmes (including delivery

mechanism for these

programmes).

- Create an umbrella body/NGO

representatives to advise &

manage CBOs & NGOs.

- Establish a communication

channel between government &

NGOs, through workshops,

newsletters, working groups,

radio programmes.

- Develop NGO registry or

database for NGO network of

partners.

- Strengthen NCB’s - Small

Enterprise Development Unit

partnership to provide loans to

small businesses with a business

plan & to monitor financial

progress.

- Promote innovative

partnerships: SVG National Trust

- Create policy on environmental

management by CBOs & NGOs

to address financial accountability

- IFMDP component to stimulate

formation of NGOs.

- Legal committee to address

NGO accountability in legislation

(draft stage).

- FAO technical co-operation

project (Community capacity).

- EU social investment fund to

provide assistance to

impoverished CBOs.



- NEMO

- ESU

- NCB

- WINFA

- ECTAD

- FAO

- GEF - SGP

- UNV

58



Priority Area 8: Civil Society and Community Development

Individual Capacity


System

ic Capacity



Potential

Partners

& hotels, tour companies; involve

youth groups & other volunteers

in enforcement (stewardship

roles).

Lead Agencies: Ministry of Rural Transformation; Ministry of Social Development; Cooperative Development Unit

Tim

e Frame: Medium term

59



Priority Area 9: Funding M

echanisms

Individual Capacity


System

ic Capacity



Potential

Partners

- Train persons in relevant

line Ministries in proposal-

writing & project-design

aimed at accessing

development funds (locally &

internationally).

- Appoint fund developers to

source alternative funding.

- Financial management for

NGOs who access funds for a

project.

- Develop publicly-accessible

environmental funding

information clearinghouse, with

information on the full range of

possible donors & funding

mechanisms. e.g. through

websites.

- Enhance the Below the Line

Account to process donor funding

for projects in order to avoid

inclusion in the National

Consolidated Fund.

- Address bureaucratic hurdles in

accessing external funds – to

establish the “Below the Line”

account: a requirement for donor

funding.

- Developed screening process for

vetting proposals.

- Establish a ‘Green Fund’ or

environmental fund.

- Establish joint venture funding

for environmental projects

(private sector, government,

donor agencies, etc.)

- Provide co-funding to support

greater access to GEF

- IFMDP involving community

groups in execution of the project

- GEF-SGP proposed to do

training for proposal writing.

- SEDU

- Convention

Secretariats

- FAO

- GEF

- GEF-SGP

- UNDP

Lead Agencies: Ministry of Finance & Planning; MOHE

Tim

e Frame: Short term

60



Priority Area 10: Capacity Building for International Convention M

anagem

ent

Individual Capacity


System

ic Capacity



Potential

Partners

- Briefing session for

politicians & decision-

makers to disseminate results

of NCSA & copies of NAP.

- Presentations to high-level

government, civil society &

the public on possible roles

to ensure Convention

compliance.

- Enhance Focal Point

capabilities to sensitise key

stakeholders on Rio

Convention issues &

obligations; especially

negotiators.

- Develop procedures for

selecting & briefing delegates

including putting mechanisms in

place to address substitute

delegates where necessary.

- Centralize documentation from

Conventions - national reports,

national communications & other

Convention-related documents

- Maintain inventory of who has

attended Convention activities,

national positions &

commitments regarding Rio

Conventions (website/resource

centre)

- Develop roster of regional

expertise for use by Focal Point

where necessary

- Strengthen the NEAB to meet

regularly for consultations –

preparation meetings prior to

COP, & after Convention-related

activities, also as a working group

to mainstream the Rio

Conventions

- Network regionally to develop

partnerships, contacts on

convention-related projects

- Develop a government strategy

for implementing core

conventions, with the aim of

integrating convention

obligations with national

priorities in national plans &

programmes

- Review commitments to ensure

international obligations match

national priorities

- Make financial provisions for

support to environmental

initiatives in national budget

- NBSAP

- UNCCD NAP

- SNC to UNFCCC (to be

undertaken)

- UNITAR Course on legal

aspects of global environmental

conventions

- The SVG NEMS includes

proposed activities in this area

- GEF focal point support

- ESU

- CARICOM

- Conventions’

Secretariats

- GEF

61



Priority Area 10: Capacity Building for International Convention M

anagem

ent

Individual Capacity


System

ic Capacity



Potential

Partners

- Develop monitoring plan for

NCSA

- Hold Action Plan follow-up

meetings to evaluate progress

against monitoring plan

- NAP activities to be integrated

into national work-plans

Lead Agency: MOHE, Ministry of Finance

Tim

e Frame: Short term



CHAPTER 6:

MONITORING AND EVALUATION

6.1 Introduction

To ensure adherence to the objectives and, as far as possible, the proposed outputs, outcomes and

impacts of the NCSA and the proposed projects in the NAP, a monitoring and evaluation programme

will be put in place. The programme, built

along the lines of the UNDP’s monitoring and

evaluation programme outlined in the UNDP’s

Handbook on Monitoring and Evaluation

(http://stone.undp.org/undpweb/eo/evalnet/doc

store3/yellowbook/), will be used.

Responsibility for ensuring the implementation

of this monitoring and evaluation rests with

the lead organization that is responsible for

ensuring implementation of the NAP. Monitoring and evaluation should continue along individual,

institutional and systemic lines as done for the NCSA.

6.2 Monitoring

Specifically, the monitoring programme is intended to:

• Ensure follow-up to the NAP, programme of work and budget.;

• Ensure that those responsible for the plan respond to new information and changing

circumstances by updating the capacity-assessment and NAP recommendations;

• Ensure that the necessary steps are taken to redress situations where actions recommended in

the NAP are not being implemented;

• Document the successes and lessons learnt that can be built upon to improve plan

implementation; and



• Communicate information on capacity-development successes, weaknesses and lessons learnt

to local stakeholders and national, regional and international partners and organizations,

including the GEF and its implementing agencies, the Conventions’ COPs and Secretariats,

other MEAs, and other international organizations involved in capacity development and

environmental management.

6.3 Evaluation

It is recommended that evaluations be done at mid-term and at the end or termination of projects. They

should also be conducted by independent third parties. These evaluations should involve the relevant

stakeholders and should be based on agreed-upon outputs, outcomes and timelines as relates to the

work-plans. The report should be viewed and commented upon by all participating stakeholders before

being finalized.

Where applicable baseline data should be provided or otherwise generated so that outputs can be put

into perspective. This will make the setting of milestones more realistic and give the evaluators a clear

sense of what is achievable. It is also important that the stakeholders agree on the indicators to be used

for evaluation and on respective responsibilities for data collection and analysis. This will establish a

foundation for any future changes in the implementation strategy, based on the risk assessment

conducted at the start of the NCSA project.

An evaluation form should be developed with the following objectives:

• To assess progress based on the baseline data, proposed timelines and targets as set out in the

work-plan.

• To capture stakeholder perception to help fashion the way forward.

• To facilitate a cost-benefit analysis and determine the true value of the project.

Adhering to the timelines set out in the work-plan is extremely important to measuring successes.

Each indicator should have a target (quantity, quality) and date corresponding to the timelines in the

work-plan. If changes take place, such as the modification of outputs or outcomes, new sets of

indicators should be established to reflect the actual targets.



CHAPTER 7:

RECOMMENDATIONS AND CONCLUSION

7.1 Introduction

The unorthodox implementation modality of this project provided some unique insights into the

implementation of the Rio Conventions in SVG. The modality attempted to assess the available

national capacity for MEA implementation in SVG by testing it in-situ. The results of this test

indicated that at the individual level, human capacity exist nationally but that this capacity is dispersed

and not readily available when and where it is needed for environmental purposes. Institutions also

have some capacity but it is not programmed in the direction of the environment. Here, it is important

to note that “the environment” in its pure and true form is not a central theme in national development.

As a result, systematic capacity is in a tangential position to MEA implementation. Much work needs

to be done at the systemic level to mainstream the environment and allow the country to experience

real local and global benefits from the implementation of the Rio Conventions.

7.2 Recommendations

The following recommendations are presented to help SVG mainstream environmental management,

and accrue real value from its effort at

fulfilling its international obligations under the

various MEAs.

• There is need to rationalize the

plethora of MEAs signed by SVG in

terms of commitment, contribution,

benefits derived and capacity to

implement.

• The obligations under the major MEAs



(UNCBD, UNCCD, UNFCCC) should be translated into local law making the obligations

binding on its citizenry.

• The NEAB needs to be upgraded to function as a sustainable development body with financial

support and an expanded mandate.

• The IMFDP needs to be upgraded with committed funding and human resource.

• The link between the environment, health, economy and forest/environmental services (water,

electricity, livelihoods) needs to be clearly identified and taught in all national educational

institutions.

• The ESU requires some prominence, legal authority and a clearly-defined mandate to speak to

sustainable development in the context of national development and the MEAs. Overall, this

Unit is lost within the MOHE.

• There is an urgent need for structured capacity-building programmes (not just workshops,

scholarships and media blitz) to address all areas of capacity: individual, institutional and

systemic.

• There is need for policy enactment to support this capacity-development initiative.

7.3 Conclusion

The real success of the NAP lies in the follow through. The various thematic assessments and the

cross-cutting report (Part 1 of this document) all identify capacity constraints and challenges that limit

successful implementation of MEAs in SVG. Given the global and national benefits to be derived

from effective implementation of the UNCBD, UNCCD and UNFCCC, it is imperative that the

national authorities examine this NAP with a view to implementing the proposals, particularly those

pertaining to land-use planning and legislative adjustment.

The NAP calls for the implementation of a broad-based public education programme to support

capacity development. Immediate to this is the coordination and deliberate joint implementation

(where possible) of all capacity-development components under the Second National Communication

to COP of the UNFCCC, the emerging Special Project on Adaptation, Sustainable Land Management

and Portfolio Project on Land management. The multiplied effect of joint implementation of these

initiatives can create the kind of momentum needed to initiate true and lasting capacity development.



To make this joint implementation

possible, some policy shift is necessary.

At this initial stage, the NEAB should

petition the Minister with responsibility

for the Environment to lobby his Cabinet

for policy shifts to support the joint

implementation of national activities

where possible. A cost-benefit analysis is

a good tool for lobbying the Minister.

Therefore such an analysis should be done

early, perhaps as part of the National

Circumstance under the Second National Communication to the COP of the UNFCCC.



BIBLIOGRAPHY

Culzac-Wilson, L.G., ed., 2004. National Report on the Status of Biodiversity in St. Vincent and the

Grenadines: A Report on the Capacity of St. Vincent and the Grenadines to Conserve its

Biodiversity. Prepared for the Ministry of Health and the Environment, Kingstown.

Global Environment Facility Secretariat. (2001). A Guide for Self-Assessment of Country Capacity

Needs for Global Environmental Management. Available at:

http://unfccc.int/files/cooperation_and_support/capacity_building/application/pdf/gefsecncsabo

okeng.pdf [2006/11/02]

Murray, R., 2003. The Nexus between Rainfall and Land Degradation: The Vincentian Experience. In:

University of the West Indies, ed., St Vincent and the Grenadines Country Conference, May

22-24, 2003. Available at:

http://www.cavehill.uwi.edu/bnccde/svg/conference/papers/murray.html [2006/11/27]

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