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Final Project Report
Development of Demonstration National Plan of Action
re Addressing Land-based Sources of Marine Pollution
for
Saint Lucia
MOU Number: S-LMAQM-02-H-0053
May, 2006
Prepared by
Susanna Scott
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Table of Contents
Background 4
The Project 4
Goal and objectives 6
Establishment of a project steering committee 6
Approach 7Components of the NPA 7
Participatory Approach to Policy Formulation 9Coastal Zone Management Policy 9
Environment Policy 12
Land Policy 14Water Policy 15
Public Awareness Through Participation And Training 17
Assessment of Needs Through a Consultative and Participatory Approach 23
Project Constraints 26
Lessons learnt 27
Way forward 28
Financial Statement 31
Appendices 32Appendix I Memorandum of Understanding
Appendix II Lessons learnt during the development
and implementation of the Coastal Zone Management
Project (2001-3), Saint Lucia
Appendix III National Environment Policy and National
Environmental Management Strategy forSaint Lucia
Appendix IV A National Water Policy for Saint Lucia
Appendix V Location maps
Appendix VI Questionnaire Regarding the Perceptions ofMarine/Fresh Water Quality in the Mabouya
Bay Region
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Appendix VII Laborie Residents Water Quality Awareness
Outreach Data Capture Form
Appendix VIII LabNews Newsletter
Appendix IX Photos regarding Laborie training sessions:
water quality
Appendix X Brochure: Cartagena Convention & Protocolon Land-Based Sources of Marine Pollution
Appendix XI Water Body Classification Methods
Appendix XII Water Body Classification
Appendix XIII Power Point Presentation River and Coastal Water Quality
Exercise, Mabouya Valley
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Background
In the Caribbean, public health, food security, and economic and social benefits,
including cultural values and traditional livelihoods are dependent on the sustainable use
of coastal and marine resources. Healthy coastal and marine systems provide renewable
food supplies, fisheries, tourism, shipping and other economic opportunities. However,
the state of coastal and marine environments are mirrors of activities carried out on land,
and thus, poor land management practices and pollution degrade land based resources as
well as marine based resources. Pollutants such as agrochemicals, sedimentation, sewage
and solid waste, all of which prove to be detrimental to coastal and marine systems,
emanate from land based activities.
Notably, in comparison to large landmasses, the nature of small islands, like Saint Lucia,
makes it even more critical to recognise and address issues of unsustainable practices and
poor land management, and their influence on coastal and marine systems. This is so
because small islands are influenced by their environment and themselves affect the seas
around them in a much shorter period than large land masses, leaving little time for
settlement of sediments or dilution of other pollutants.
Being a small island State, Saint Lucias economy has historically depended, and
continues to depend on its coastal and marine resources. The rugged interior of the island
has led to a high demand for comparatively low lying coastal lands for commercial,
housing and infrastructural developments. Over the years, Saint Lucia has made many
efforts to sustainably utilise its limited coastal and marine resources, and has come to
recognise that these efforts would be futile without an integrated approach to
development. Consequently, the Government of Saint Lucia embarked on a process that
would facilitate sustainable development of its terrestrial, coastal and marine resources.
The Project
Cognisant of unsustainable use of the most important regional resource and the need to
address the rapid degradation, the Convention for the Protection and Development of the
Marine Environment of the Wider Caribbean Region (Cartagena Convention, 1983)
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evolved. It is the only region wide environmental treaty that protects critical marine and
coastal ecosystems, while promoting regional co-operation and sustainable development.
Saint Lucia ratified the Cartagena Convention in 1984. This Convention entered into
force in 1986. The Convention discusses issues such as pollution from ships, dumping,
land-based sources of pollution, sea-bed activities, airborne pollution, specifically
protected areas, cooperation between nations in case of emergencies, and environmental
impact assessments.
The Land-based Sources of Marine Pollution (LBSMP) Protocol, which is one of the
three ancillary instruments for attaining the aims of this Convention, was adopted on
October 6, 1999 in Aruba and contains 29 articles covering aspects such as General
Obligations, Monitoring and Assessment Programmes, Environmental Impact
Assessment, Transbounday Pollution, Institutional Mechanism and Ratification. The
Protocol also contains 4 Annexes that serve as appendages to this tool for the
management of LBSMP. The LBSMP Protocol forms the basis on which this study was
conducted.
The Assessment and Management of Environmental Pollution (AMEP) sub-programme
of the Caribbean Environment Programme is the focal point for coordinating Caribbean
Environmental Programme activities on marine pollution from land-based sources and
activities, including the LBSMP Protocol.
The LBSMP Protocol is a regional mechanism assisting the United Nations Member
States in the Wider Caribbean Region to meet the goals and obligations of two
international agreements: The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea
(UNCLOS) and the Global Plan of Action for the Protection of the Marine Environment
from Land-Based Activities (GPA). UNCLOS calls upon States to adopt laws and
regulations to prevent, reduce and control pollution of the marine environment from land-
based sources. The GPA highlights the need for action to reduce the pollutant load to the
seas from land-based sources and activities. Both of these instruments emphasize the
need to act at the regional level to address this problem.
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On 31st
January 2003, Saint Lucia entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU)
with the Regional Coordinating Unit of the Caribbean Environment Programme of the
United Nations Environment Programme (CAR/RCU). The aim of this MOU was to
develop a demonstration National Programme of Action (NPA) for Saint Lucia,
addressing land based sources of marine pollution. This MOU was concluded as part of
the CAR/RCUs sub programme on the AMEP.
The detailed MOU is presented in Appendix I.
Goal and objectives
The overall goal of the project is to assist in the protection of the Caribbean marine
environment from pollution from land based sources and activities. More specifically,
the objectives of the project were to
develop mechanisms to address the issue of marine degradation from land based
sources and activities through the development of a demonstration NPA for Saint
Lucia.
disseminate the demonstration NPA and other information arising from the
project to all countries of the Wider Caribbean Region to be used as a case study
in the development of further NPAs throughout the region.
Establishment of a project steering committee
In January, 2003, the establishment of a project steering committee was discussed
between the project implementing agency (Sustainable Development and Environment
Section, Ministry of Physical Development, Environment and Housing (SDES,
MPDEH)) and the Coastal Zone Management Project Coordinator. It was decided that
the Coastal Zone Management Technical Working Group, which had been established to
oversee a two year Coastal Zone Management Project (CZMP), would also assist with
guiding the NPA process. However, The SDEU and the CZMP Coordinator would take
the lead role in moving this project forward.
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Approach
In accordance with the UNEP Handbook on Development of an NPA, the steering
committee recognised the need to develop a demonstration NPA that was inclusive of
concrete actions to address the harmful effects of land based activities on the marine
environment. Further, it was felt that the integrated nature of coastal zone management,
especially on a small island, would require a participatory approach to development of
the project and a collaborative approach to implementing it.
Components of the NPA
As recognised in the Six Monthly Progress Report to the CAR/RCU, the funding
provided under the project was insufficient to cover all activities listed in the MOU. In
fact it should be noted that these monies were never intended to be used to conduct a
comprehensive study, but rather to serve as seed funding. Therefore, to produce outputs
consistent with the aims and objectives of the project, the approach to be used would be
to encompass a few new activities within the demonstration NPA and include other
relevant activities that were either already planned or in progress under other
projects/programmes. As such, there was a need to determine which activities should
form part of the demonstration NPA, and what new areas needed to be addressed, if any.
Consequently, meetings of the steering committee and a broad based consultation were
held to
identify and assess problems affecting the health of coastal and marine
ecosystems and benefits being derived from these;
establish priorities on which to focus the demonstration NPA; and
set objectives for each priority area.
Notably, these discussions and decisions were centred around several studies, which in
themselves had identified and elaborated on issues affecting coastal and marine
ecosystems. These studies included:
Biodiversity Country Study Report for Saint Lucia (1998)
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Saint Lucia Country Paper on National Climate Change Issues: Towards the
Implementation of CPACC Component 4 Formulation of a Policy Framework
for Integrated (Adaptation) Planning and Management (2001)
National Report on Integrating the Management of Watersheds and Coastal Areas
in Saint Lucia (2001)
Coastal Zone Management in Saint Lucia: Issues Paper (2002)
Status of the Environment Report (Draft)
National Land Policy: Green Paper (Draft)
Institutional, Policy and Legal Review (2002)
Discussions resulted in the selection of three components/areas for focus:
1. Demonstrating a participatory approach to policy formulation Saint Lucia was
in the process of developing and/or promoting several relevant policies/plans and
it was agreed that some of these should form one component of the islands
demonstration NPA. While this component served to demonstrate a participatory
approach to policy formulation, it was also aimed at establishing policy direction
on a comprehensive array of issues regarding land-based sources of marine
pollution. As such, the following policy areas were included for consideration:
coastal zone management;
land management;
management of freshwater resources; and
environmental management.
2. Creating public awareness through participation and training During discussions
the need for extensive public awareness, education and sensitisation was
emphasised. In this regard, the importance of a National Environmental
Awareness Strategy was highlighted. However, three strategies were brought to
the fore for demonstration:
Working with the youth, building their capacity through education and
training;
Changing attitudes through awareness and education; and
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Targeting decision makers, as well as the general public, through effective
packaging and presentation of messages, regarding land based sources of
pollution.
3. Assessment of needs through a consultative and participatory approach Impacts
of sewage on nearshore systems was highlighted as a major area of concern. As
such, an intended Sewage Needs Assessment Project, which was also a part of the
CAR/RCUs sub programme on AMEP, formed a third component of the
demonstration NPA. This component served as a localised pilot project to
demonstrate how needs could be assessed through community involvement.
The subsequent sections detail the findings of the three project components.
1. Participatory Approach to Policy Formulation
Coastal Zone Management Policy
Background
Over the years, Saint Lucia had established numerous legislative instruments that address
various aspects of coastal zone management (CZM), and the responsibility for such
management has been shared by a number of governmental, non-governmental and
community-based bodies. However, there was no accompanying comprehensive,
coordinated institutional and legislative framework in Saint Lucia for CZM.
This lack of a comprehensive, coordinated and integrated approach to CZM in Saint
Lucia allowed the existing links among planning and management agencies to remain
mostly weak and ad hoc, and address only a narrow range of issues.
Saint Lucia had engaged in many relevant projects, several of which recognised the need
for the establishment of a Coastal Zone Management Unit (CZMU) to focus on CZM
related issues. However, none of these initiatives provided adequate guidance for the
establishment of such a Unit.
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Considering the merit in these past initiatives and recognising the need to concretise
institutional arrangements that would facilitate the sustainable development and
management of the islands coastal zone, the CZMP was founded. The main objective of
this project was to develop an appropriate CZM policy framework for Saint Lucia,
inclusive of specific recommendations regarding institutional arrangements.
This policy was developed by way of broad based consultation and was formally adopted
by way of Cabinet Conclusion.
NPA Demonstration activity
The process used to prepare the national CZM policy involved broad based consultations
and studies, and notably, over 100 persons, representing 51 different institutions, made
contributions to this policy. As such, the steering committee felt that the process used to
develop this policy should be examined with an aim to highlighting lessons learnt and
developing possible guidelines to policy development and strategic planning, particularly
as these related to effective participation.
The outcome of this activity was a lessons learnt case study that highlighted several
recommendations, including:
Lesson 1: A multi-agency working group is key to the success of a project that has broad
based implications and consequences. Such a working group lends support to the process
by providing a diversity of experiences and expertise.
Lesson 2: Awareness exercises before and/or during consultation are key in clarifying
perceived roles of agencies, placing everyone on a level playing field; this in turn
influences the relevance and applicability of recommendations that persons make during
consultations.
Lesson 3: Consultations held with individuals or small groups were very useful in
obtaining valuable input into the development of the CZM policy. Persons were able to
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schedule these at their convenience and the small group provided for more focused
discussion compared to large consultations. It also allows for the less outspoken
individuals to provide input without intimidation or shyness.
Lesson 4: When recommendations coming out of consultations are to be implemented at
the ground level, these should be publicized, and the consultative process used to derive
this end product should be highlighted. In this way, persons would be made to feel that
the contribution that they make during consultations are invaluable and leads to the
implementation of relevant actions. This would likely reduce the notion of consultations
being talk shops and no action, and will also increase the willingness of persons to
participate.
Lesson 5: Consultations held with decision makers were key in addressing many concerns
before presentation to the Cabinet of Ministers. In addition, the fact that these
consultations were carried out by both the agency implementing the CZMP and the
agency proposed to house the CZMU, that is, a collaborative ministerial approach was
used, showed that there was support for the CZM framework among the key agencies.
This augured well for obtaining support from the decision makers.
Lesson 6: The assumption that everyone has read and understood information circulated
before consultations should not be made. The detailed working paper, while being
informative to the few who read the document, failed to be very useful to the overall
consultative process. As an alternative to a working paper, or rather, as a compliment to
it, the relevant information should be distributed in a more concise format and the
relevant information should also be highlighted at the beginning of each consultation
forum. Notably, the CZM flyer produced should have been one of the medium used for
informing persons to be consulted, rather than being used for general public awareness
activities.
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To date, this case study has been circulated to over 55 agencies (national and regional
governmental, non governmental and community based organisations). See Appendix 2
for the lessons learnt case study, CZM policy document and CZM issues paper.
Environment Policy
Background
Saint Lucia aspires to a form of development that meets the needs and aspirations of all
citizens and that is sustainable, equitable, harmonious, respectful of culture and identity,
and compatible with the legitimate claims and needs of other nations and societies. In
this search, the environment plays a central role, because it provides the natural resources
(e.g. the air, land, soils, waters, landscapes, ecosystems and species) that support
economic, social and cultural development activities. Development cannot be equitable
or sustainable without effective natural resource conservation and environmental
management.
The challenges of environmental management that are faced by a small island developing
nation such as Saint Lucia are many. Because of their small size and location, small
tropical islands are highly vulnerable to disasters, and to the negative impacts of
environmental change. From the early days of European colonisation, Saint Lucias
natural habitats have been radically transformed, giving way to the establishment of
plantations and human settlements, and to the importation of a wide range of plant and
animal species. Saint Lucias economy has been built almost entirely on the use of
natural resources, especially in agriculture and more recently in tourism. Today, in a
globalised world dominated by trade liberalisation, high and growing disparities and
inequities between rich and poor countries and regions, and security issues, the economic
and environmental sustainability of Saint Lucia is under threat.
Environmental policy is critical to national development. A nations environmental
policy, whether formal or informal, reflects its ability and commitment to manage and
sustain natural assets and to preserve and enhance the quality of human life. It also
defines, to a significant extent, the type of development that a country pursues, since it
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shapes the contours and the features of the economy; it is an expression of dominant
cultures and attitudes; and it reveals individual and collective relationships with nature,
with the past, the present and the future, as well as with other people, communities,
societies and nations. Environmental policy is a pillar of sustainable human
development.
NPA Demonstration Activity
In accordance with the terms of The St. Georges Declaration of Principles for
Environmental Sustainability in the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS),
the Government of Saint Lucia, with support from the Environment and Sustainable
Development Unit (ESDU) of the OECS, embarked upon the formulation of a National
Environmental Policy (NEP) and National Environmental Management Strategy
(NEMS). This exercise was initiated in early October 2003, and was completed in
October 2004. It was carried out by the Ministry of Physical Development, Environment
and Housing, under the guidance of a Steering Committee comprising representatives of
key national governmental agencies involved in environmental management.
The National Environment Policy provides the broad framework for environmental
management in Saint Lucia, and establishes links with policies and programmes in all
relevant sectors of economic and social development. The National Environmental
Management Strategy aims to provide the specific directions and mechanisms for more
effective policy implementation and includes specific results expected and actions
necessary to realise the policy objectives. Notably this policy also speaks to the issue of
land-based sources of marine pollution.
This policy document benefited from the input of a large number of individuals and
agencies in government, private sector and civil society. It was also informed by the
various policy processes and instruments in the various sectors that are relevant to
environmental management. In 2005, the Cabinet of Ministers formally adopted this
policy.
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See Appendix 3 for the National Environment Policy and National Environmental
Management Strategy.
Land Policy
Background
Land, including both terrestrial and marine space, is one of the most important resources
in any country, it is a key to economic growth, and it plays a central role in national and
community development; the management of land is a critical and essential requirement
for sustainable development. Many of the issues that affect land development and
management ultimately impact on economic, financial and environmental sustainability
and on the countrys social development.
The patterns of land development in Saint Lucia, if allowed to continue, could lead to a
crisis of multiple proportions. Consequently, land markets will be inaccessible to the
majority of people, and there will be conflicts among uses and users of land, leading to
the conversion of prime agricultural lands to other uses. Such could result in the radical
transformation and loss of many landscapes and ecosystems, with unavoidable
consequences on food security, water supply, agriculture, fisheries, biological diversity
and environmental quality, industry and tourism development, social cohesion and
quality of life.
In the past three decades, the Government of Saint Lucia has put in place a wide range of
legal instruments and institutional arrangements aimed at addressing these issues, and it
has implemented a number of programmes designed to rationalise and optimise land use
and management in the country. These initiatives have had positive impacts and have
remedied many of the problems inherited from the countrys colonial history. Yet, current
and emerging land development and management issues in Saint Lucia remain pressing.
Consequently, there is the need for urgent decisions and actions to improve coordination
and effectiveness in land administration and to take advantage of the opportunities that
will ultimately reverse negative trends.
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To begin to address land issues, a Land Committee was established. Between March
2000 and February 2002, the Committee and its various sub-committees met on several
occasions, and a small number of discussion papers were produced. In March 2002, a
national workshop was convened where the results obtained were presented and
discussed. An outline of a draft paper on a land policy was developed. Following this
workshop, a number of consultations were held and studies were conducted, leading to
the preparation of the Green Paper on a National Land Policy (working document). This
Green Paper formed the basis for another aspect of the demonstration NPA.
NPA Demonstration activity
The Green Paper provided the basis for new round of consultations and development of a
National Land Policy: White Paper. The White Paper provides a formal statement of
policy objectives and directions. This draft White Paper, the outcome of the
demonstration activity, will be submitted to the Cabinet of Ministers for consideration. It
is envisaged that this document will be endorsed by the Cabinet of Ministers and then
considered and approved by Parliament, allowing it to provide the mandate and the basis
for a range of programmes, measures and actions aimed at improving and rationalising
land use and management in the country, including the review and formulation of specific
laws and regulations wherever necessary.
Water Policy
Background
Water is essential to national prosperity, environmental sustainability and quality of life.
It is a catalyst for economic development and a vehicle for empowerment and poverty
alleviation.
There is growing awareness of and concern for the issues and problems in the water
sector, which threaten economic, social and environmental well-being and demand
considerable sums for their resolution. Though the island currently has sufficient
freshwater to meet all demands, the resources are unevenly distributed in both time and
location.
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To address issues facing the water sector, the Government of Saint Lucia embarked on a
process aimed at producing a policy and strategy to guide the sustainable use and
development of the islands freshwater resources. Interestingly, such a policy is a critical
aspect of CZM in Saint Lucia, especially given the fact that freshwater systems are often
the vehicle of much of the islands land based marine pollution.
NPA Demonstration activity
The policy formulation process was driven by Governments philosophy that there must
be joint ownership of the process of change. Consequently, the process was underpinned
by dialogue and consultation among the social partners, to generate awareness of the
major issues and challenges facing the Water Sector and to develop a coordinated
approach to overcoming the challenges and to achieve fundamental and sustainable water
resource use and development.
The Sustainable Development and Environment Unit and the then Coastal Zone
Management Project Coordinator, as well as other members of the NPA project steering
committee played an integral role in the development of this policy. Their role was in the
form of active participation in consultation exercises (including presentation of integrated
coastal zone management issues as they relate to watershed management and impacts on
coastal and marine systems) and review of the numerous working drafts of the policy.
The out come of this activity was a National Water Policy for Saint Lucia, which was
formally adopted by the Cabinet of Ministers in 2004. This policy not only enunciates
the governments policy as it relates to the water sector and the islands freshwater
resources, but also provides strategic actions to facilitate implementation of the policy,
including institutional arrangements to be implemented.
See Appendix 4 for National Water Policy of Saint Lucia.
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2. Public Awareness Through Participation And Training
It has long been recognised that knowledge is power and can change persons attitudes
and behaviours, facilitating effective management of resource use. Further, educated and
sensitised person are empowered and this can contribute positively to efforts aimed at
poverty alleviation and social development. Notably, numerous agencies conduct
relevant public awareness activities as part of their on going programmes. However, it
was recognised that there is a need for a National Environmental Awareness Strategy.
The following demonstration activities highlight three strategies that were used to foster
public and target audience awareness:
NPA Demonstration activities
Working with youth, building their capacity through education and training
Demonstration Area
The Mabouya Valley and village of Dennery are by definition, coastal and boarded
landward by a mountainous ridge. This region is located along the central east coast of
the island. See Appendix 5 for map.
The Mabouya and Dennery watershed area is a region where coastal resource
management is critical to sustainable human development. Even in the absence of large-
scale economic activity (such as tourism resorts and industrial plants), human settlements
and agricultural activities impact the coastal region.
The value of coastal resources remains critical, as they provide a range of social and
economic goods and services to local communities, and offer tremendous potential to
economic development and diversification.
It should, however, be noted that because the coastal zone is subject to a range of severe
environmental impacts from both terrestrial and marine sources, environmental
degradation, resource use conflicts and unsustainable forms of resource use are
threatening this valuable resource, with particular severe impacts on vulnerable local
communities.
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Objective
To educate and sensitise youth in this region through capacity building and training.
Tasks undertaken
Training of the areas youth group in questionnaire layout and design, sampling
methods, pre testing, survey methods and interview techniques. This training was
carried out by the Governments Department of Statistics.
Development of a questionnaire to obtain perceptions of community persons on
marine and freshwater quality in the Mabouya Valley area and Dennery (Appendix
6).
Administration of the questionnaire by the youth group in collaboration with the
Department of Statistics, noting that 507 persons were interviewed in the Mabouya
Valley and surrounding areas.
Training of the youth group in water sample collection methods.
Collection of water samples by the youth group in collaboration with the Caribbean
Environmental Health Institute.
Analysis of water samples.
Presentation of data/findings to the participating communities.
Outcome/outcome
Information on persons perceptions on marine and freshwater quality in the area,
providing a baseline to measure changes in perceptions over time.
Baseline data on water quality. Parameters sampled included pH, temperature,
bacteria (enterococci and faecal coliform) and pesticides (paraquat, diquat and
diuron).
Empowerment of the youth group through use of a participatory method.
Beneficiaries were empowered through the training received, and information
gathering techniques gained. However, the most enabling aspect was the
information gleaned through active participation in a process.
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Changing attitudes through awareness and education
Demonstration Area
Laborie village is a community of approximately 9000 people, located on the south-
western coast of Saint Lucia (see Appendix 5). Fishing and sea related activities form a
major part of the economic sector, and as more people become involved in these it is
becoming increasingly more urgent to address environmental and resource management
issues, including pollution from liquid and solid waste. The coastal area of the Laborie
Bay contains coral reefs, sea grass beds, beaches and small mangroves. Beaches are used
heavily for recreational purposes and by fishermen. The near shore reefs and surrounding
marine habitats support both trap and line fishing, and the harvesting of edible seaweeds,
white sea urchins (Tripneustes ventricosus) and conch (Strombus gigas). The main
sources of impact on these resources include nutrient (nitrates & phosphates) pollution,
primarily from domestic sources, and sedimentation. Biological diversity in the Laborie
Bay is critical to local development; therefore, human activity, especially land based,
must be managed to reduce impacts that threaten the resources upon which so many
economic activities are based.
Objective
A coastal water quality awareness campaign (WQAC) was designed and implemented for
this community. The WQAC sought to engage residents who might not attend
community meetings in discussions about water quality issues.
The overall objective of this activity was to share information about water quality issues
to facilitate attitude changes on the use of ravines and other watercourses as depositories
for sewage, and to improve water quality in the Laborie Bay by inciting behavioural
change through knowledge.
Tasks undertaken
Six young people from the community were identified and invited to participate in the
community outreach. The awareness campaign was described to them and their Kwyl
speaking capabilities observed. Of the six, only three felt comfortable enough with
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Kwyl to discuss water quality issues with residents. The three remaining youth were
furnished with water quality related information and topic lists. The three persons then
attended an orientation session at which their knowledge of water quality issues pertinent
to Laborie was tested (orally). They simulated discussions with households, and
demonstrated their ability to adequately share information with, and hold relevant
discussions with residents before being allowed to begin the awareness campaign.
Once the training exercise was completed, the following activities were undertaken:
Appropriate data capture sheets were developed (Appendix 7). These data
capture sheets aimed to obtain information on persons attitudes before and after
the awareness exercise and to determine if there was any positive change in theirway of thinking once they were made more aware of the issues.
Water quality issues were discussed with at least 300 households within Laborie
and data capture sheets filled out.
Waste disposal issues were discussed with at least 7 riverside garages in Laborie.
Two notice boards were installed at strategic points in Laborie and relevant water
quality information sheets were posted.
One issue of the Laborie Development Foundations Newsletter was dedicated to
water quality issues (Appendix 8).
Water test kit, supplies/consumables and other paraphernalia were purchased to
facilitate monitoring and testing of water quality in Laborie.
At least 6 residents were trained in testing water quality (faecal coliform bacteria)
in the Laborie Bay (Appendix 9).
Information gathered during the WQAC, including results obtained from water
quality monitoring, was shared with residents and disseminated to relevant
agencies and authorities.
Notably, information about the following water quality issues was discussed with
residents:
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Results of tests carried out by the Laborie Development Foundation in the Laborie
Bay (faecal coliform bacteria levels).
Land based sources of pollution and routes of pollution e.g. ravines and streams.
Sewage disposal and treatment within the community.
Department of Environmental Healths specifications and descriptions of septic
tank and soak-a-ways construction and maintenance.
Alternative methods of treating sewage (private households).
Effects of sewage pollution on human health, coral reefs and other marine
resources.
Impacts of disposal of garage wastes roadside and riverside garages were
targeted.
Possible sources of financial assistance through the Laborie Credit Union to assist
with securing appropriate toilet facilities in private homes.
Outcome/output
Based on the data captured during the outreach it was clearly evident that
residents placed little importance on ravines and seasonal streams as major
conduits of pollution for the Laborie Bay. Hence, this activity fostered
empowerment of the community through awareness and provision of options to
facilitate behavioural change.
Data on water quality. Note that water quality monitoring will be ongoing as part
of a collaborative effort among the Laborie Development Foundation, Department
of Fisheries and Ministry of Health.
Targeting decision makers, as well as the general public, through effective packaging
and presentation of messages, regarding land based sources of pollution.
Background
The Convention for the Protection and Development of the Marine Environment of the
Wider Caribbean Region (Cartagena Convention, 1983) was developed out of concern to
protect critical marine and coastal ecosystems in the Wider Caribbean, while promoting
regional cooperation and sustainable development. In 1984, Saint Lucia ratified the
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Cartagena Convention, which entered into force in 1986. To realise its aim of protecting
the marine environment and promoting sound development in the Wider Caribbean
Region, the Cartagena Convention was supplemented by three protocols, namely:
Protocol on Specially Protected Areas and Wildlife (SPAW)
Protocol Concerning Cooperation in Combating Oil Spills in the Wider Caribbean
Region
Protocol Concerning Marine Pollution from Land-based Sources and Activities
(LBSMP)
While Saint Lucia is party to the first two above-mentioned Protocols, it has not yet
acceded to the LBSMP Protocol. To begin to prepare to accede to this protocol, it was
determined that there was a need to sensitise decision-makers and the general public on
the issues relating to this protocol. As such, one aspect of the demonstration NPA was to
develop a simple tool to introduce the LBSMP Protocol to the target audience and
sensitise them on the various issues that this protocol seeks to address.
Objective
To design, produce and disseminate an appropriate tool that introduces the LBSMP
protocol and relating issues, in a simple manner, to decision-makers and the general
public, including schools.
Tasks Undertaken
A brochure was designed, presenting basic information on the Cartagena Protocol
and the LBSMP protocol (see Appendix 10). The brochure also highlighted
national issues as they relate to LBSMP.
The brochure was finalised, printed and distributed to numerous agencies,
including policy and management decision-makers within the various Ministries.
Ongoing distribution of brochures is taking place during relevant presentations to
interested groups, including schools. Presentations/lectures and discussions form
the ongoing public education, awareness and sensitisation programme of the
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Department of Fisheries and the Sustainable Development and Environment
Section.
Outcome/output
Brochure in circulation, informing on general aspects of the LBSMP protocol and
LBSMP issues in Saint Lucia. See Appendix 10 for brochure.
Although it was not quantified, it is believed that there has been some increase in
the awareness of persons on the issue of LBSMP and the relating protocol.
3. Assessment of Needs Through a Consultative and Participatory Approach
Demonstration Area
The southern town of Vieux Fort (see Appendix 5) has been earmarked for future
commercial, residential, tourism and industrial development. This town is home to
diverse coastal and marine systems that support fishing grounds and recreational areas
(for both locals and visitors). Notably, Vieux Fort is home to the islands two largest
mangroves, each of which have been declared a Ramsar Site under the Ramsar
Convention on Wetlands of International Importance. The coastal area also comprises
extensive seagrass beds, coral reefs, offshore islands, beaches and coastal landscapes.
However, the existing systems for sewage treatment in the town of Vieux Fort are far
from adequate for meeting the increasing demand, and thus, this presents a threat to
coastal resources within the area.
Consequently, Saint Lucias pilot project under the AMEP project entitled, Pilot Project
in Sewage Treatments Needs Assessments targeted the Vieux Fort area as a project site.
This project was seen to address a high priority issue (sewage treatment needs) and was
therefore selected as another activity to be included in the demonstration NPA. The
MOU regarding this project was signed in May, 2005 (MOU# QCL 2324-2288-2661-
2102).
Objectives
The objectives of this pilot project were to
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Evaluate the existing systems used for the collection and treatment of sewage in
Vieux Fort within the framework of the LBSMP through a comprehensive review
of existing information, legislation and additional water and effluent quality
analyses;
Identify and conduct a preliminary evaluation of wastewater treatment (low
operational and maintenance cost) and options for Vieux Fort;
Develop a methodology for designation of water, with Vieux Fort as the pilot
study area, as either Class I or Class II as defined in the LBSMP Protocol; and
Identify additional sources of funding and technical assistance to implement
identified solutions.
Tasks Undertaken
Background review and research this literature review included multilateral
environmental agreements and regional environmental agreements of relevance to
marine pollution prevention and conservation of marine resources; national
regulatory framework and policies; and reports on studies pertinent to sewage and
waste management.
Classification of waters secondary data was collected along with some primary
spatial data to contribute to the mapping process. The process of classifying
waters was undertaken in consultation with selected businesses and industries.
See Appendix 11 for details on water body classification methods used for this
study; limitations of the classification; and recommendations for replication of
water body classification.
Development of a sewage profile for Vieux Fort this profile was developed
from data obtained from a number of relevant agencies. In addition, a water
quality sampling and monitoring programme was implemented.
Socio-economic assessment of Vieux Fort A household survey was conducted
to obtain socio economic data.
Output
A report that presents an insight into issues such as:
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Sewage treatment and disposal problems that exist in Vieux Fort at the level of
the community and at the level of various relevant institutions and agencies.
Levels of awareness of the communities as it relates to sewage issues in the area.
Priority areas (not necessarily sewage related) perceived by the community for
urgent address by Government.
Water body classification for the project area (see Appendix 12).
In this light, this report details recommendations for sewage management in Vieux Fort.
The following summarise some of these recommendations:
Development of a social programme through a collaborative effort among
relevant agencies to assist less fortunate households in improving their excreta
disposal systems.
Promotion of the use of low nitrate and phosphate detergents and other cleaning
agents used. It is recommended that this promotion target local importers and
manufactures.
Development of a programme for the management of sewage from the industrial
sector and housing developments.
Construction of a municipal wastewater collection and conventional treatment
system for the town of Vieux Fort. Other options for suburban areas were also
recommended and include septic tanks with up flow filters, small bore sewerage
networks, soak-aways or leach fields, depending on the area.
Consideration be given to the construction of separate sewage treatment plants for
the airport and select industries.
Upgrading of some existing systems.
The next steps following this initiative would be to assess the recommendations with a
view to incorporating them, as necessary, into a comprehensive action plan for
implementation.
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The issue of data sensitivity also led to some delays in the project. Water quality
data, collected during initiatives aimed at community involvement, became a point of
contention when some authorities viewed such data as being too sensitive for release
to the public. After much discussion and time delays, this information was then
released for use in the planned community awareness activities Appendix 13.
Lessons learnt
While this demonstration NPA Project was in no way all encompassing of issues
pertaining to land based sources of pollution, it focussed on addressing LBSMP issues at
three different levels, namely through creation of
1. policy direction
2. awareness, and
3. solutions to high priority issues (sewage pollution).
During the project implementation, a number of general lessons were learnt:
Public awareness is a strategy commonly used by management and regulatory
agencies; however, public awareness efforts tend to be short term, reactionary and
non-participatory. The NPA process showed that incorporating training and
participation into public awareness activities provided for a deeper foundation for
attitude change.
Generally, policy statements provide direction for decision-making. However, these
statements tend to be broad and do not provide specific actions for implementation.
Given that Saint Lucia is generally constrained by insufficient finances and human
resources, and that much effort is put into the policy formulation, such policy should
be strategic in nature and action oriented. That is, the outputs of policy formulation
exercises should comprise a clear policy statement, as well as a strategy and action
plan. These plans should include specific actions to be carried out in the short,
medium and long term, and should clearly detail how these actions are to be
implemented. Actions should pertain to institutional arrangements, regulatory
frameworks, as well as monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, among others.
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It is frequently expected that issues, such as inadequate sewage treatment, should be
addressed by Government agencies. However, in addressing such high priority
issues, it would be prudent to establish systems that involve all interest groups.
Further, involvement should not just entail short-term arrangements, but include long
term planning with the role of each group/agency being clearly articulated. Given the
islands limited finances, such an approach could be key to devising more innovative
ways of addressing pressing issues.
Way forward
At this time, Saint Lucia must continue to forge its way to success in dealing with issues
regarding land-based sources of marine pollution. In this regard, Saint Lucia should:
Continue to target two main audiences 1) the decision makers, even in the light of
Saint Lucias stated commitment to acceding to the LBSMP Protocol; and 2) the
general public, especially in the climate of changing political landscapes and external
forces.
Continue to enunciate policy on areas that have implications for land-based sources of
marine pollution, with a view to providing comprehensive policy in this regard.
Interestingly, policy on sustainable agriculture has recently been developed and
culminated with the formal adoption of the National Policy and Strategic Plan for the
Development of the Agriculture Sector by way of Cabinet Conclusion No. 234 of
2006. This policy speaks to agriculture in the context of appropriate land
management practices and integrated watershed management.
Establish appropriate institutional arrangements and build capacity for general
environmental management. Note that the NEP/NEMS addresses the issue of
appropriate institutional arrangements for effective environmental management and
presents an action framework achieving this, as well as building capacity for
environmental management. However, actions outlined in the NEP/NEMS in this
regard are yet to be implemented.
Keep issues of marine pollution high on the national priority list until this issue is
adequately addressed. Currently, several relevant activities are planned or underway,
which support the address of this high priority issue and these include:
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o Development of a Sustainable Land Management Project. The Global
Environment Facility has approved a Project Design Facility grant to enable
eight participating countries, including Saint Lucia, to build local and
regional capacity to support sustainable land management. Note that apart
from the land-based sources of marine pollution in the form of sewage,
sediment is a major pollutant afflicting nearshore resources in Saint Lucia.
This proposed project aims to develop national demonstration projects to test
various in situ approaches and methodologies for the sustenance of ecosystem
function though sustainable land management. As such, promotion of good
land management practices and continued development of land use policies
are key components of this project. Inherently, this project will auger well
for efforts aimed at addressing issues of sedimentation in the nearshore.
o A ten year Forest Management Plan (1992-2002) provided for protection of
forest resources. The main aim of this Plan was to protect and conserve the
natural resources for the protection of the environment and to obtain
maximum utilisation consistent with sustainable development and the welfare
of the communities. This Plan is currently being reviewed with a view to
taking into account more recently emerging issues, in addition to
incorporating newly formulated policies.
o The CZM Policy presented a framework for strategies and actions. This
framework has now been used as the base to draft a CZM Strategy and
Action Plan which is currently being finalised. The draft plan presents a
number of objectives under which are detailed strategies and actions for
implementation. The broad objectives outlined in the plan are as follows:
- To develop and/or implement appropriate institutional frameworks to
guide the management and development of Saint Lucias coastal zone.
- To develop pollution control and waste management mechanisms.
- To manage the use of coastal and marine resources.
- To establish appropriate decision support systems to facilitate strategic
interventions in coastal zone management.
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- To empower the local populace to allow them to actively participate in
management and decision making as these relate to coastal and marine
resources.
- To secure sufficient financial resources for the implementation of
effective integrated coastal zone management.
Given that one of Saint Lucias biggest constraints is finance, the country must
continue to device innovative means to enable
o continuance of environmental monitoring, in particular water quality;
o use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) as a management tool;
o implementation of established policies; and
o monitoring and evaluation of management measures.
At present, it should be noted that Saint Lucia will be one of the two pilot countries under
Regional Project, on the Promotion of the Ratification of the LBSMP Protocol being
implemented by IMA LBS-RAC in Trinidad and Tobago. It is expected that this, along
with the numerous outputs/outcome from this demonstration NPA, and other related
efforts would lead to further strengthening of the institutional framework, in Saint Lucia,
for implementation of the Protocol.
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Financial Statement
It should be noted that while various components of this project were funded by several
different sources, this financial statement pertains only to the funding received under the
MOU entered into by the Government of Saint Lucia with the CAR/RCU in 2003 (MOU
Number: S-LMAQM-02-H-0053).
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APPENDIX I
Memorandum of Understanding
Re
Development of Demonstration National Plan of Action re
Addressing Land-based Sources of Marine Pollution
for
Saint Lucia
MOU Number: S-LMAQM-02-H-0053
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Appendix II
Lessons learnt during the development and implementation of the
Coastal Zone Management Project (2001-3), Saint Lucia
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Appendix III
National Environment Policy and National Environmental
Management Strategy for Saint Lucia
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Appendix IV
A National Water Policy for Saint Lucia
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Appendix V
Location maps
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Appendix VI
Questionnaire Regarding the Perceptions of
Marine/Fresh Water Quality in the Mabouya Bay Region
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Appendix VII
Laborie Residents Water Quality Awareness Outreach Data
Capture Form
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Appendix VIII
LabNews Newsletter
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Appendix IX
Photos regarding Laborie training sessions: water quality
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Appendix X
Brochure: Cartagena Convention & Protocol on Land-Based
Sources of Marine Pollution
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Appendix XI
Water Body Classification Methods
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Appendix XII
Water Body Classification
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Appendix XIII
Power Point Presentation River and Coastal Water Quality
Exercise, Mabouya Valley