National Environmental Management Strategy and Action Plan 2004-2006

ST. VINCENT & THE GRENADINES ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN 2004-2006 16th April, 2004 Floyd Homer and David Shim SVG NEMS 16Apr04 Page 2 of 50 TABLE OF CONTENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS.....................................................................................................2 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ...................................................................................................3 CONTEXT ...........................................................................................................................4 Use and Structure of the NEMS...........................................................................................5 Overview of the Economic Situation ...................................................................................5 Macroeconomic Policy Objective ........................................................................................6 Economics and the Environment .........................................................................................7 Value of environmental goods and services ........................................................................7 SRATEGY AND INCREMENTAL ACTION FOR BROAD-BASED ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT .............................................................................9 PRINCIPLE 1: Foster Sustainable Improvement in the Quality of Life .............................9 PRINCIPLE 2: Integrate Social, Economic and Environmental Considerations into National Development Policies, Plans and Programmes.....................................................9 PRINCIPLE 3: Improve on Legal and Institutional Frameworks .....................................11 PRINCIPLE 4: Ensure Meaningful Participation by Civil Society in Decision Making. .14 PRINCIPLE 5: Ensure Meaningful Participation By The Private Sector..........................16 PRINCIPLE 6: Use Economic Instruments for Sustainable Environmental Management ............................................................................................................................................16 PRINCIPLE 7: Foster Broad-based Environmental Education, Training and Awareness19 PRINCIPLE 8: Address the Causes and Impacts of Climate Change ...............................20 PRINCIPLE 9: Prevent And Manage the Causes and Impacts of Disaster ......................20 PRINCIPLE 10: Prevent and Control Pollution and Manage Waste.................................21 PRINCIPLE 11: Ensure the Sustainable Use of Natural Resources ..................................22 PRINCIPLE 12: Protect Cultural and Natural Heritage ....................................................24 PRINCIPLE 13: Protect and Conserve Biological Diversity ............................................25 PRINCIPLE 14: Recognize Relationships between Trade and Environment ...................26 PRINCIPLE 15: Promote Cooperation in Science and Technology .................................26 PRINCIPLE 16: Manage and Conserve Energy ................................................................27 PRINCIPLE 17: Negotiate and Implement Multi-lateral Environmental Agreements .....28 IMPLEMENTATION AND MONITORING ...................................................................29 1-YEAR WORKPLAN AND ESTIMATED BUDGET – 2004 .......................................39 SVG NEMS 16Apr04 Page 3 of 50 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT We gratefully acknowledge the cooperation of the various Ministries of Government, Statutory Agencies, and community members who participated in the consultations. We also extend our appreciation to Dr Reynold Murray, Environmental Services Coordinator and his staff at the Environmental Services Unit for their support in coordinating the field-work and in building awareness of the NEMS. The preparation of the NEMS was funded by the Environmental Capacity Development Project (ENCAPD). The ENCAPD Project is funded by CIDA. The views expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the donor agency supporting the activity or of the OECS Secretariat. SVG NEMS 16Apr04 Page 4 of 50 ST.VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN 2004-2006 16th April, 2004 Floyd Homer and David Shim CONTEXT The preparation of a National Environmental Management Strategy and Action Plan (NEMS) for St Vincent and the Grenadines is a requirement of the Government in discharge of its obligations under the St George’s Declaration (SGD) of Principles for Environmental Sustainability in the OECS, 2001. There are 21 Principles that have been prescribed in the SGD, and OECS Member States have agreed to utilize these in the governance of national affairs. Most of these Principles are directly relevant to the operations of many of the Ministries in St Vincent and the Grenadines, and these Ministries can best ensure that strategies and actions are utilized to uphold these Principles. In the past, national strategies and action plans have been largely underutilized because they were not integrated with existing institutions’ work-programmes and were seen as requiring separate human, financial and material resources for implementation. Additionally, institutional capacity for key agencies were not enhanced to effectively discharge expanded programmes suggested by many of these strategies and action plans. The NEMS for St Vincent and the Grenadines was developed through a process of district and sectoral consultations held across the country during July and August 2003, a review of key policies and programmes (refer to Consultation Report, and Summary report on Policies, Plans and Legislation) and feedback from a National Consultation on the draft NEMS held in Kingstown on 9th December, 2003. The overall process was coordinated by the Environmental Services Unit, especially local publicity on the NEMS and community consultations, with inputs from the National Environmental Advisory Board. The district/sectoral meetings and National Consultation were chaired by the Local Consultant who gave an overview of the purpose of these consultations and the need for a National Environmental Management Strategy (NEMS). The NEMS Lead Consultant then provided an overview of the St George’s Declaration and its relationship to the NEMS. The participants were then encouraged to discuss environmental issues of priority concern to them and subsequently became very animated and made significant contributions to the deliberations. The major environmental problems or issues affecting each community were identified and potential solutions were recommended. About 80% of the activities in the NEMS came from the operational plans of the key ministries/ departments and approved annual budget estimates. The balance of activities were developed from the inputs of the consultations, so most of the activities are based on what people have already agreed to do, were ongoing, or were in the process of starting. SVG NEMS 16Apr04 Page 5 of 50 Use and Structure of the NEMS The NEMS should not be seen as a ‘stand alone’ document, but as integrating the operational plans and priorities of the government agencies and the people of St Vincent and the Grenadines. The NEMS is intended to guide programmes in environmental management over the long term. However, it was designed with an initial 3-year implementation period, so that local action linked to ongoing funding cycles and Public Sector Investment Programmes can be better managed. The NEMS will help to streamline the annual OECS reporting requirements on the SGD and may also serve to harmonize the reporting needs for many of the international agreements. Implementation of the NEMS offers an opportunity to support and expand on the delivery of the Medium Term Economic Strategy Paper and build on local efforts for environmental sustainability. It is therefore anticipated that the NEMS will be used by all Government agencies having significant jurisdiction in the various aspects of environmental management. The NEMS is structured around the major principles contained in the St George’s Declaration of Principles for Environmental Sustainability in the OECS (SGD). What follows is not meant to be prescriptive for all aspects of the SGD but a series of preliminary and incremental activities designed to implement aspects of these strategies. Lead agencies in the Government of St Vincent and the Grenadines will over the next 3 years adopt the sections in the NEMS that are relevant to their work and adapt activities that are consistent with their priorities. At the end of this period, these agencies are expected to lead a review of progress on implantation of the NEMS and plan for another 3-year NEMS cycle. Overview of the Economic Situation The St Vincent and the Grenadines Medium Term Economic Strategy Paper, 2002-2004 (MTESP) provides a review of socioeconomic and environmental issues and recommends priority policies and action to ensure economic growth and stability. The following summary of economic conditions was extracted from the Medium Term Economic Strategy Paper. The economy of St Vincent and the Grenadines experienced a small but positive real growth over the period 2000 to 2001. Agriculture, particularly bananas, was the mainstay of the economy but showed a small decline in 2001, largely due to lower prices and reduced output. The Hotels and Restaurants sector, used as a proxy for the tourism sector, had a 3% decline in 2001, following two years of positive growth but still contributed about 2.4% to GDP. The Manufacturing sector performed poorly over the period, recording its 5th consecutive year of decline. This was mainly due to the inability SVG NEMS 16Apr04 Page 6 of 50 to compete with regional and extra regional sources. The Construction sector however, improved its performance in 2001 to demonstrate real growth of 7.1%. Growth in the Combined Services sector improved its performance and grew by 2%. The consolidated public sector savings was 5.3% and 6.1% in 2000 and 2001 respectively. The public sector external disbursed and outstanding debt moved from EC$432.1 million (47.7% of GDP) to EC$454.3 million (48.8% of GDP) in 2000 and 2001. This was mainly for investments in education, energy and other basic infrastructural programmes. In 2000 the deficit on the External Current Account improved markedly to stand at 7.8% of GDP compared with 21.9% in 1999. This was due to a significant decrease in merchandise imports and the surplus position in the services account. Inflation measured using the consumer Price Index averaged 0.2 and 0.9 in 2000 and 2001 respectively. These relatively low rates can be attributed to lower prices for some major food items in the "Food and Beverages" and electricity in the " Fuel and Light" sub indices. Macroeconomic Policy Objective The overall objective of the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines is to attain high levels of sustainable growth and development, while at the same time reducing the levels of poverty and raising social consciousness and increasing the levels of employment. To achieve this objective, the Government has proposed, in the medium term, the implementation of an economic diversification programme, specific measures to increase the level of exports and to renew emphasis on social development These objectives will be implemented through the following policy instruments: 1. Prudent fiscal management of public sector resources. 2. Mobilising domestic resources for development. 3. Improved and more focused legal and regulatory framework to facilitate investment. 4. Focus on pro-poor policies, particularly equity in access to the factors of production, land, capital, labour and knowledge. 5. Pursue sustainable debt management strategies. 6. Improvement in the delivery of public sector services. 7. More focused and deliberate policy for an improved implementation of programmes supporting economic growth and development. SVG NEMS 16Apr04 Page 7 of 50 8. Improvement to the social and economic infrastructure. 9. Implement the recommendations of the poverty reduction strategy 10. Strengthening the country’s capacity for disaster management. Economics and the Environment The Government of St Vincent and the Grenadines recognizes the importance and the interdependence of the economy and the ecology of the islands. It is cognizant of the fact that the country’s prospects for social and economic growth and development depend on the ability to maintain environmental integrity. Hence, the policy with respect to the environment is one that seeks to protect, conserve, enhance or restore the natural resources of the country through effective utilization and management, thereby ensuring sustainable development (Medium Term Economic Strategy Paper, 2002-2004). There are several issues that are noted by the government in the MTESP as critical to environmental integrity and economic development in the country. These include: 1. Loss of agricultural lands to housing and squatting. 2. Deforestation due to illegal agriculture. 3. Mis-management of small ships generated waste. 4. Highly stressed reefs in the Tobago Cays due to poor management. 5. Lack of proper regulation for sand mining. 6. Poor management of the aggregate site at Rabacca. 7. Lack of public awareness of the importance of the environment to survival. The challenge for the Government and citizens of St Vincent and the Grenadines is to demonstrate an appreciation for the linkages between environmental quality and sustained economic and social development. An understanding of the value of the goods and services provided by environmental resources to everyday consumers will help in promoting the linkages. Value of environmental goods and services SVG NEMS 16Apr04 Page 8 of 50 A healthy environment and proactive management of natural resources provides many goods and services to the local population and attracts foreign investment. For example, tourists visit St Vincent and the Grenadines because of its large areas of relatively unspoilt natural areas; especially the quality of the marine and potable water, and the stable domestic situation. Touristic activities based on the natural environment and renewable natural resources contribute significantly to the economy. Below are a few examples of the types of benefits that are derived from healthy environmental assets. Tourism Total visitor arrivals in 2002 were 247,458 with estimated expenditures of EC$219.46 million in 2002. This number included stay over tourist air arrivals (77,631), cruise ship visitor arrivals (70,314) and yacht visitors (86,451). It is unknown how many people are earn a living from the tourism industry but there were 169 properties registered as hotels or guesthouses in 2000, which provide direct employment for more than 1000 persons. Indirect employment from this sector will include tour operators, restaurants, shops, and taxi drivers. Fishery About 2,500 persons are directly employed in the fishing industry, both part-time and full-time, plus 500 more employed indirectly e.g. vendors. In 2002, an estimated 1.42 million pounds of fish were landed and marketed in St Vincent and the Grenadines, with a value of about EC$5.39 million. Sixty-five marine species were harvested from the sea and contributed to the dollar value of the local fishery. Water There were 20 water abstraction areas in the country during 2002, with the major sites located at Dalaway, Hermitage, Majorca and Montreal. In 2002 the total production of water was almost 2 billion gallons with an estimated GDP of EC$12.6 million (current prices). Free flowing water resources from undisturbed watersheds are also harnessed to produce hydro-electricity. This supply accounts for about 20% of power generated in St Vincent and the Grenadines with an estimated GDP of EC$7 million (current prices). SVG NEMS 16Apr04 Page 9 of 50 STRATEGY AND INCREMENTAL ACTION FOR BROAD-BASED ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PRINCIPLE 1: Foster Sustainable Improvement in the Quality of Life Strategy 1: The Government of St Vincent and the Grenadines will develop, promote and implement programmes to address poverty, health, employment, education, social development and provision of basic human needs to sustainably improve the quality of life within the carrying capacity of its natural resources, and giving due consideration to levels of acceptable change. Activities: i. Continue the implementation of measures outlined in the Medium Term Economic Strategy Paper 2002-2004. [Central Planning Division] ii. Approve the draft National Physical Development Plan 2002-2022 and ensure that the measures proposed in this Plan are implemented. [Cabinet of Ministers] iii. Consult with national community to define priorities for improvement in Quality of Life [Environmental Services Unit] iv. Define how Programmes being implemented contribute to improved Quality of Life [All Agencies] PRINCIPLE 2: Integrate Social, Economic and Environmental Considerations into National Development Policies, Plans and Programmes. Strategy 2: Pursue sustainable development policies aimed at poverty alleviation, the general improvement of social, economic and cultural conditions, the conservation of biological diversity, the mitigation of adverse effects of climate change and the maintenance of essential ecological processes and life support systems. Activities: i. Continue the implementation of the Integrated Forest Management and Development Programme. [Forestry Dept.] ii. Continue the implementation of the Fisheries Development and Management Plan. [Fisheries Division] iii. Continue the implementation of programmes of Livestock Production, Pest control, Crop Production, Soil Loss and Land Degradation, Extension Development, and Farmers Development. [Agriculture Division.] SVG NEMS 16Apr04 Page 10 of 50 iv. Continue and expand the work of the Poverty Alleviation Task Force in partnership with NGOs and other stakeholders; helping communities to become self-sufficient, and the Children Against Poverty programme. [Central Planning Division] v Implementation of Tourism Policy. [Ministry of Tourism] Strategy 3: Formulate, promote and implement integrated development policies, plans and programmes to ensure that environmental management is treated as an integral component of planning processes in pursuit of sustainable development. Activities: i. Approve the draft National Physical Development Plan 2002-2022 and the Planning Standards and Guidelines. [Cabinet of Ministers] ii. Coordinate the implementation of the measures proposed in the National Physical Development Plan 2002-2022. [Central Planning Division] iii. Approve the draft Climate Change Policy. [Cabinet of Ministers] iv Revise existing plans and programmes based on Strategy 2 [All Agencies] Strategy 4: Ensure that any action likely to cause significant negative impact on human health or the existing environment shall only be undertaken subject to a prior assessment of the effects of such action on human health or the environment and subject also to both the identification and implementation of measures to adequately prevent or mitigate potential negative impacts and the requisite authorization following from the assessment. Activities: i. Continue to enforce the requirement for Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) under Town and Country Planning Act, including the principle of public consultation. [Central Planning Division] ii. Build awareness among politicians and other senior decision makers on the need for EIAs and the benefits that could accrue from utilizing EIAs to guide economic development. [Central Planning Division] iii. Strengthen mechanisms and capacity to ensure that Development Approval conditions are monitored and enforced. [Central Planning Division] SVG NEMS 16Apr04 Page 11 of 50 Strategy 5: Adopt measures to restore environmentally degraded areas and to ensure the sustainable use of natural resources in a manner which recognizes the intricate linkages between ecological systems in small island states, and between these systems and human activity, and which reflect the principles of island systems management. Activities: i. Formulate criteria for and identification of environmentally degraded areas. [Forestry Dept., Fisheries Division, Environmental Services Unit, Physical Planning Unit] ii. Preparation of Plan to restore these areas, with assigned responsibilities, costs, and schedule. [Forestry Dept., Fisheries Division., Environmental Services Unit, Physical Planning Unit] iii. Continue and expand the programmes on Soil and Water Conservation, River Bank Assessments, Hydro-surveys, and reafforestation [Forestry Dept] iv. Identify critical degraded sites and issue Waste Orders for restoration as appropriate. [Physical Planning Unit] v. Encourage NGOs to participate in coastal and waterways cleanup. [Environmental Services Unit and NGOs] PRINCIPLE 3: Improve on Legal and Institutional Frameworks Strategy 6: Clarify and rationalize, as appropriate, the roles of national, regional and international environmental agencies, networks and institutions to maximize efficiency and accountability in managing the environment and natural resources, and to reduce duplication and maximize cost effectiveness. Activities: i Through a group consultation process (governmental and NGO), assess the existing assignment of environmental coordination/management functions (including capacity, outputs, institutional structure) and make appropriate recommendations; analyse whether environmental responsibilities are appropriately placed and entwined with economic development processes to ensure sustainability. [National Environmental Advisory Board] ii Define an efficient institutional structure with responsibilities and inter relationships; prepare a national Organisation Chart showing responsibilities, linkages, coordination clarify the national/coordinating functions of the Environmental Services Unit. [NEAB] SVG NEMS 16Apr04 Page 12 of 50 iii. In the short-term, develop clear terms of reference for the National Environmental Advisory Board (NEAB). [Environmental Services Unit and NEAB] iv. Reconstitute the NEAB and elevate their status through Cabinet decree to facilitate decisions on the implementation of environmental and related activities. [Cabinet of Ministers] Strategy 7: Where necessary, create or strengthen existing national agencies with responsibility for environmental management to achieve, and be accountable for, effective management of the environment and natural resources. Activities: i. Allocate/increase resources to enable Agencies to fully carry out their assigned responsibilities as defined by Strategy 6 [Cabinet of Ministers] ii. Increase the staffing of the Fisheries Division, including a full-time presence in Grenadines. [Fisheries Division] iii. Increase the staffing and travel vote for the Forestry Dept., including an active presence in the Grenadines. [Forestry Dept.] iv. Increase the staffing at the Environmental Services Unit to undertake aspects of environmental management not under the purview of other agencies. [Environmental Services Unit] v. Prepare a proposal for the establishment of an ‘Environmental Police Unit’ to enhance national capacity for enforcement of environmental laws. [Ministry of National Security, Ministry of Agriculture, and Ministry of Health and the Environment] Strategy 8: Support and enhance the capacity of non-governmental and community-based organisations for environmental management. Activities: i. Promote the availability of funding for environmental management from the GEF/Small Grants Programme, the OECS/ESDU, and other sources to local communities and NGOs. [Environmental Services Unit] ii. Operationalise the fishery centers and strengthen fishers cooperatives and organizations. [Fisheries Division] SVG NEMS 16Apr04 Page 13 of 50 iii. Consult with NGOs to determine their organizational and financial needs. [Environmental Services Unit] iv. Provide short-term in-house training for members of NGOs/CBOs in aspects of environmental/project management and encourage volunteerism in departmental projects among these trainees. [Environmental Services Unit, Forestry Dept., and Fisheries Division] Strategy 9: Develop, integrate, strengthen and enforce environmental legislation to effectively implement the Principles contained in the St George’s Declaration and reflect the precautionary approach to environmental management, including the adoption, wherever feasible, of specific standards necessary to ensure protection of human health, the environment and all natural resources consistent with the principles of sustainable development. Activities: i. Revise the Town and Country Planning Act and regulations, and approve the draft standards and guidelines. [Physical Planning Unit] ii. Amend the Fisheries Regulations to address sport fishing, licensing and registration. [Fisheries Division] iii. Approve the draft Regulations under the Forestry Resources Conservation Act and revise the Regulations under the Wildlife Protection Act. [Forestry Dept.] iv. Evaluate the effectiveness of implementation of the Litter Act 1991 and recommend measures for effective implementation. [Environmental Health Division] v. Review the effectiveness of enforcement of existing legislation and regulations, and make recommendations for improvement. [All Agencies] vi. Draft an Environmental Bill that provides for coordination/harmonisation of all environmental activities/legislation, stakeholder participation, and a framework for sustainable financing of environmental activities. [Ministry of Legal Affairs] Strategy 10: Create and strengthen existing legal and institutional frameworks that allow for the effective participation of the relevant public, private, non-governmental and community-based organizations in environmental management. Activities: i. Establish the Fisheries Advisory Council that provides for participation of key stakeholders under the Fisheries Act (1986). [Fisheries Division] SVG NEMS 16Apr04 Page 14 of 50 ii. Establish the Wildlife Conservation Advisory Committee as provided under the Wildlife Protection Act (1987) [Forestry Dept.] iii. Encourage the full participation key stakeholder groups on the steering committee of the Integrated Forest Management and Development Programme. [Forestry Dept.] iv. Fill vacant positions to increase the capacity of the legal department. [Ministry of Legal Affairs/Legal Dept.] Strategy 11: Establish and enforce legislation that permits any individual or party to initiate and pursue a legal action in a competent court where harm has been caused, or is reasonably anticipated to be caused; to the environment or human health, whether or not the individual or party initiating such legal action has personally suffered financial loss. Activities: i. Continue and expand on the awareness building and education of judiciary and law enforcement personnel. [Fisheries Division. and Forestry Dept.] ii Formulate a programme to encourage taking of legal action by private parties. [Legal Dept, and NEAB] PRINCIPLE 4: Ensure Meaningful Participation by Civil Society in Decision Making. Strategy 12: Establish, strengthen and promote structures and procedures for the broad participation by Civil Society in the design, implementation and evaluation of decision making processes and programmes. Activities: i. Continue to publish plans and proposals in local newspapers and the Gazette, and to hold district consultations. [Physical Planning Unit] ii. Continue consultations with stakeholders on projects that affect them or where cooperation is needed. [Fisheries Division and Forestry Dept.] iii. Encourage full participation of civil society representation on the National Economic and Social Development Council, and on the Tripartite Committee on the Economy. [Central Planning Division] SVG NEMS 16Apr04 Page 15 of 50 Strategy 13: Facilitate the right of everyone to seek, receive and disseminate clear and timely information on environmental matters, and on all development plans and activities in which they have an interest and which are likely to affect their lives. Activities: i. Continue the development of the departmental library for free access by all. [Fisheries Division and Forestry Dept., Public Library] ii. Continue and expand the communication of information on national programmes, policies and proposals to all sectors of society. [Communication and Information Training Unit-Agriculture; Agency for Public Information; CWSA and Central Planning Division, Public Library] iii. Evaluate the effectiveness of environmental awareness/education programmes and dissemination activities. [Ministry of Education and Environmental Services Unit] Strategy 14: Facilitate the transmission of comments on proposed activities to the competent authority before any formal decision on policy or development proposals is taken and to receive a timely response from the competent authority to comments appropriately made. Activities: i. Improve on the timeliness and format for response to information sent to all agencies and departments for review and comments. [Central Planning Division] ii. Expand on the coverage and frequency of extension services. [Fisheries Division; Forestry Dept.; and Agriculture] Strategy 15: Provide avenues for the expression of ideas, and the exchange of information and traditional knowledge on environmental management between States, organisations, communities and individuals, as well as facilitating their effective participation in the formulation, adoption and execution of decisions affecting their lives. Activities: i. Encourage the participation of staff from government agencies and NGO/CBO representatives in local, regional and international meetings and workshops and decision-making processes. [All Ministries] SVG NEMS 16Apr04 Page 16 of 50 PRINCIPLE 5: Ensure Meaningful Participation By The Private Sector Strategy 16: Collaborate to work with the private sector to establish best management practices that prevent negative environmental and human health impacts and to adequately mitigate negative impacts that may occur. Activities: i. Invite participation of the private sector in committees and Boards. [Ministers of Government] ii. Work with manufacturers and local community to manage waste. [Environmental Services Unit] Strategy 17: Establish or maintain, as appropriate, a forum through which natural resource management and environmental issues can be discussed between government and the private sector and which can advise government in the design, development and implementation of sustainable development activities. Activities: i. Host consultations with key interest groups among the private sector as appropriate. [All Ministries] ii. Invite participation of the private sector in committees and Boards. [Ministers of Government] PRINCIPLE 6: Use Economic Instruments for Sustainable Environmental Management Strategy 18: Pursue and promote sound environmental practices, in part through the establishment of innovative means of generating public and private financial resources by means of fiscal incentives and market based instruments, and the reallocation and efficient use of resources. Activities: i. Include the valuation of ecosystem goods and services in national accounting to guide the reallocation and efficient use of resources. [Central Planning Division and Environmental Services Unit] SVG NEMS 16Apr04 Page 17 of 50 ii. Identify cost savings that could accrue from integrated environmental and economic accounting. [Central Planning Division] Strategy 19: Provide economic incentives to encourage the adoption of sound environmental technologies and practices. Activities: i. Assess the effectiveness of existing economic incentives [Central Planning Division] ii. Evaluate the effectiveness of implementation of the Trade (Bottle Deposit Levy) Act 1991 and recommend measures for effective implementation. [Controller of Customs and Environmental Health Division] iii. Identify the range of potential fiscal incentives that could encourage the private sector to adopt sound environmental technologies and practices. [Central Planning Division and Environmental Services Unit and Private Sector] iv. Develop and approve at least one fiscal incentive for implementation. [Central Planning Division and Cabinet of Ministers] Strategy 20: Ensure that where pollution occurs the polluter shall be accountable and shall bear the expenses mandated by law and/or duly established authorities to return the environment to a generally acceptable state. Activities: i. Develop and promote new cost recovery measures for solid waste management. [Central Water and Sewage Authority] ii. Assess the ability of legislation and resources to ensure this takes place and enact appropriate environmental standards. [All Agencies] Strategy 21: Adopt measures, following an incident which causes pollution of natural resources or harm to human health, to recover as expeditiously as possible from the legal or natural person responsible for the incident, all expenses incurred in the controlling, managing or the mitigating of the said pollution. SVG NEMS 16Apr04 Page 18 of 50 Activities: i. Evaluate the effectiveness of implementation of Waste Orders and recommend measures for effective implementation and cost recovery. [Physical Planning Unit] ii. Evaluate the effectiveness of implementation of response measures to marine pollution and recommend improvements for effective implementation and cost recovery. [Ministry of National Security/Coast Guard Service] iii. Review of responses to hazards impacting on natural resources and human health to determine adequacy. [All Agencies] Strategy 22: Agree at the regional and international level, on the use of environmental policy instruments to address regional or global environmental problems, and safeguard sustainable development. Activities: i. Approve and adopt harmonized OECS Fisheries Regulations. [Fisheries Division] ii. Approve and adopt harmonized policies with regard to issues such as waste management, marine pollution, air pollution, climate change. [CWSA, National Security, Fisheries Division, Forestry Dept., Environmental Health Division] Strategy 23: Develop and apply methodologies for the economic assessment and accounting of natural resources and the environmental services they provide. Activities: i. Adopt an existing methodology for estimating national wealth and for integrated environmental and economic accounting to produce the National Accounts as a guide to government decision-making. [Central Planning Division] ii. Adopt methodologies for assessing value and services from natural resources, costs of mitigation [Forestry Dept., Fisheries Division, Agriculture Division.] SVG NEMS 16Apr04 Page 19 of 50 PRINCIPLE 7: Foster Broad-based Environmental Education, Training and Awareness Strategy 24: Facilitate access to adequate and accurate information relating to the environment. Activities: i. Develop and promote clear guidelines for accessing information from government and statutory agencies. [All Ministries] ii. Upgrade in-house facilities, to include use of information and communication technologies, to improve service to the public. [All Ministries] Strategy 25: Present environmental information in a manner that is clear and understandable to everyone, and without the imposition of any undue financial burden on either the person requesting the information or the government. Activities: i. Continue production of newsletters, booklets, signs, flyers, posters, jingles, brochures, school and community presentations, radio programmes, participation in fairs and summer programmes etc. [Forestry Dept.; Fisheries Division; Environmental Services Unit, and CWSA] ii. Continue daily advisory service (walk-in clientele or phone-in), summaries of planning guidelines, workshops on planning requirements and guidelines, “planning awareness week”, planned weekly column in daily newspaper, etc. [Physical Planning Unit] Strategy 26: Cooperate with each Ministry, as well as with accredited national, regional or international organisations, to promote environmental education, training, capacity building and awareness. Activities: i. Continue collaboration with local agencies, regional and international environmental and development institutions. [All Ministries] ii. Create a database of local expertise or persons trained in environmental management or related areas, to serve as a source of potential recruitment or technical assistance. [Ministry of Education] SVG NEMS 16Apr04 Page 20 of 50 PRINCIPLE 8: Address the Causes and Impacts of Climate Change Strategy 27: Establish appropriate and relevant integrated strategies, plans and policies to adapt and respond adequately and in timely fashion to the causes and impacts of climate change. Activities: i. Approve and adopt the draft Climate Change policy document prepared by the Environmental Services Unit. [Cabinet of Ministers] ii. Collaborate with other government agencies in the implementation of the Climate Change policy measures. [Environmental Services Unit] Strategy 28: Collaborate at the regional and international levels, in the implementation of obligations under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Activities: i. Participate in activities of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Adapting to Climate Change in the Caribbean Project and other relevant initiatives. [Environmental Services Unit] PRINCIPLE 9: Prevent And Manage the Causes and Impacts of Disaster Strategy 29: Establish at the community and national levels, appropriate and relevant integrated frameworks to prevent, prepare for, respond to, recover from, and mitigate the causes and impacts of natural phenomena on the environment and to prevent man-made disasters. Activities: i. Develop and promote the National Disaster Plan to communities throughout St Vincent and the Grenadines. [National Emergency Management Organisation] ii. Train local agencies at the district/village level to help coordinate local level activities in response to a disaster. [National Emergency Management Organisation] iii. Participate in the Comprehensive Disaster Management programme in the Caribbean. [National Emergency Management Organisation] SVG NEMS 16Apr04 Page 21 of 50 Strategy 30: Exchange information with other States or agencies, relating to the experiences and lessons to be learnt from the causes and impacts of natural and man made hazards and phenomena on its environment. Activities: i. Participate in activities of the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Response Agency and other disaster management activities; and share local disaster management information with other agencies in the Caribbean as appropriate. [National Emergency Management Organisation] PRINCIPLE 10: Prevent and Control Pollution and Manage Waste Strategy 31: Adopt and implement appropriate measures to adequately manage solid and liquid waste, including hazardous waste, and atmospheric pollutants. Activities: i. Implement the landfill monitoring programme. [CWSA] ii. Develop hazardous waste action plan. [CWSA] iii. Develop and promote a programme for composting. [CWSA] iv. Conduct waste characterization at major landfill sites and in the Grenadines, especially the characterization of wastes from yachts. [CWSA] v. Recruit and train additional personnel as Public Health Inspectors; clearly defining their roles, responsibilities and authority, and deploy in each district; with at least two Inspectors based in the Grenadines. [Environmental Health Division] Strategy 32: Develop and implement measures, including the identification, adoption and enforcement of effluent and emission standards and guidelines, to prevent, reduce and control pollution, and degradation of the environment from pollution. Activities: i. Recruit, train, empower and deploy Litter Wardens. [CWSA] ii. Improve on the system and facilities for garbage collection and disposal from yachts, especially in the Grenadines. [CWSA] SVG NEMS 16Apr04 Page 22 of 50 iii. Deploy Wardens to enforce litter and garbage laws in the Grenadines. [CWSA] Strategy 33: Develop and implement strategies to regularly monitor and report on pollution levels. Activities: i. Monitor and report on the storage, collection and disposal of solid wastes at district levels and circulate reports to all Ministries. [Environmental Health Division and CWSA] ii. Establish an Air and Water Quality Monitoring Unit within the Environmental Health Division. [Ministry of Health and the Environment] iii. Monitor and report on potable and recreational water within the 12 Environmental Health Districts and circulate reports to all Ministries. [Environmental Health Division] iv Establish a pesticide monitoring programme. [Ministry of Agriculture] PRINCIPLE 11: Ensure the Sustainable Use of Natural Resources Strategy 34: Manage terrestrial, marine and atmospheric resources, organisms and eco systems in an appropriate manner to obtain the optimum sustainable productivity, while maintaining the integrity of natural and ecological processes and inter-relationships between such systems and processes. Activities: i. Assess threats to sustainable use of natural resources; quantify rates of decline of resources; devise recommendations to counteract rates of decline. [Forestry Dept., and Fisheries Division] ii. Continue and expand programmes on reafforestation, tree seedling production, and forest maintenance. [Forestry Dept.] iii. Continue programmes on targeted species research, fisheries assessment, re introduction of Fish Aggregating Devices, management of high seas fishing fleet, reef survey, and turtle monitoring. [Fisheries Division] SVG NEMS 16Apr04 Page 23 of 50 Strategy 35: Design, promote and implement measures to prevent, mitigate and control degradation of aquatic, terrestrial and atmospheric environmental quality and processes conducive to desertification. Activities: i. Implement the measures contained in the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for St Vincent and the Grenadines. [Office of the Prime Minister, Fisheries Division, Forestry Dept., Agriculture Division, Central Planning Division, Environmental Services Unit] ii. Identify critical areas for erosion control, and develop and implement remediation projects with community participation. [Soil and Water Conservation Unit and Forestry Division] Strategy 36: Work together, in collaboration with Civil Society, to promote and facilitate improved national capability for the management of natural resources. Activities: i. Provide short-term in-house training for Civil Society Organisations to enhance their capacity to participate in the implementation of natural resources management projects. [Fisheries Division, Forestry Dept., Central Planning Division, and Environmental Services Unit] Strategy 37: Take all necessary measures within its legal and policy framework, including enactment of new legislation where appropriate, to ensure that conservation and management of natural resources are treated as an integral part of development planning at all stages and levels. Activities: i. Identify and implement a mechanism to incorporate environmental considerations, especially natural resources accounting into development planning. [Office of the Prime Minister and Central Planning Division] ii. Conduct environmental cost/benefit analysis of Public Sector Investment Projects to guide decision-making. [Office of the Prime Minister and Central Planning Division] SVG NEMS 16Apr04 Page 24 of 50 Strategy 38: Develop a schedule of development activities for which environmental impact assessment will be required as part of project definition and design, and the results of which will be considered in determining whether and how a project will proceed. Activities: i. Disseminate widely the requirements for and availability of guidelines on environmental impact assessments (EIAs). [Central Planning Division] ii. Ensure that Public Sector Investment Projects are subject to EIAs wherever feasible. [Cabinet of Ministers] PRINCIPLE 12: Protect Cultural and Natural Heritage Strategy 39: Institute appropriate measures, including legislation where necessary, to provide for the researching, documenting, protecting, conserving, rehabilitating and management of cultural, historic and natural monuments, buildings and symbols, as well as areas of outstanding scientific, cultural, spiritual, ecological, scenic or aesthetic significance. Activities: i. Build the capacity of the National Parks Authority to manage natural heritage sites / protected areas. [Ministry of Tourism and Culture] ii. Build the capacity of the National Archives, National Museum and the National Trust to manage historic/cultural/heritage resources. [Ministry of Tourism and Culture] iii. Declare and protect areas of cultural and natural heritage. [Ministry of Tourism and Culture] Strategy 40: Collaborate on mechanisms for the protection of cultural, historic and natural heritage. Activities: i. Participate in activities of the World Heritage Convention, the Museum Association of the Caribbean and other related activities for the management of cultural and historic resources. [Ministry of Tourism and Culture] SVG NEMS 16Apr04 Page 25 of 50 ii. Involve the public/NGOs in the management of cultural, historic and natural heritage. [Ministry of Tourism and Culture] PRINCIPLE 13: Protect and Conserve Biological Diversity Strategy 41: Pursue appropriate measures to manage biological resources and, where necessary, restore biological diversity, including species diversity, genetic diversity within species and ecosystem diversity. Activities: i. Implement the measures contained in the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) for St Vincent and the Grenadines. [Office of the Prime Minister, Fisheries Division, Forestry Dept., Agriculture Division, Central Planning Division, Environmental Services Unit] ii. Ensure that the workplans of all relevant Ministries contain elements of the NBSAP appropriate to their jurisdiction. [Cabinet of Ministers] ii. Establish the legal and institutional structure to control and license the prospecting for, or harvesting and export of cultural and ecological resources. [Ministry of Agriculture, Lands and Fisheries] Strategy 42: Take necessary precautionary measures to avoid or minimize, the intentional or accidental introduction or escape, into or from the environment, and the control of alien or living modified organisms that are likely to impact adversely on other organisms, the environment or on human health. Activities: i. Increase the staffing, training and budget of the Ministry of Agriculture to enhance plant inspection and phytosanitary control. [Ministry of Agriculture] ii. Continue monitoring and control programmes for the mango seed weevil, pink mealy bug, etc. [Ministry of Agriculture] iii. Develop and implement a national framework for Biosafety. [Ministry of Agriculture and Environmental Services Unit] SVG NEMS 16Apr04 Page 26 of 50 PRINCIPLE 14: Recognize Relationships between Trade and Environment Strategy 43: Cooperate towards the establishment and maintenance of regional and international economic systems that equitably meet the developmental and environmental needs of present and future generations. Activities: i. Participate in the activities of the World Trade Organisation and for the CARICOM Single Market and Economy, and negotiations for the FTAA; and publicize relevant information to the public. [Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Commerce and Trade] ii. Host national debates/discussions on the potential impacts (positive and negative), so as to gain further inputs into formulating a national position at trade negotiations or meetings. [Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Commerce and Trade] iii. Evaluate the implications of trade agreements on environmental health and livelihoods. [Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Commerce and Trade] Strategy 44: Adopt measures that prevent importation of products that have been banned or whose use has been otherwise curtailed in other countries because of the negative impact of those products on the environment or human health. Activities: i. Increase staffing and training to effectively research on, and enforce prohibitions of banned products. [Ministry of Agriculture] ii. Increase awareness activities to importers, farmers and others on products that are harmful to the environment and to human health, as well as on alternatives. [Ministry of Agriculture] PRINCIPLE 15: Promote Cooperation in Science and Technology Strategy 45: Promote directly or through competent regional or other international agencies, cooperation in the fields of science, technology and other research in support of sound and sustainable natural resource and environmental management, and the sustainable development of human resources. SVG NEMS 16Apr04 Page 27 of 50 Activities: i. Continue to participate in regional and international technical meetings as well as research and development projects related natural resources management. [Forestry Dept., Fisheries Division, and Environmental Services Unit] Strategy 46: Promote scientific and technical cooperation in the field of environmental conservation and the sustainable use of natural resources. Activities: i. Continue networking with professionals in regional and international agencies to improve local knowledge base and access to technical resources. [Forestry Dept., Fisheries Division, and Environmental Services Unit] Strategy 47: Assess and where appropriate, adopt suitable technologies, techniques and methodologies for achieving effective environmental management. Activities: i. Promote appropriate information and communications technology in all departments and provide adequate training for its use. [Ministry of Telecommunications, Science, Technology and Industry] PRINCIPLE 16: Manage and Conserve Energy Strategy 48: Promote and adopt the sustainable use, management and conservation of energy at the national level. Activities: i. Develop a programme for energy audits of government buildings and offices. [Ministry of Transport Works and Housing, VINLEC and Environmental Services Unit] ii. Develop proposals for energy conservation in these buildings/offices, including cost savings to the Government; and implement energy conservation measures in selected pilot buildings/offices. [Ministry of Transport Works and Housing, VINLEC and Environmental Services Unit] SVG NEMS 16Apr04 Page 28 of 50 iii. Develop a National Energy Policy, including an assessment of alternative energy sources. [Ministry of Transport Works and Housing, VINLEC and Environmental Services Unit] PRINCIPLE 17: Negotiate and Implement Multi-lateral Environmental Agreements Strategy 49: Endeavour to become and remain a party to multi-lateral environmental agreements relating to the Principles of the St George’s Declaration. Activities: i. Continue to participate in the activities (Conference of Parties, Subsidiary Bodies, and technical meetings) of the multilateral environmental agreements especially those related to climate change, biodiversity and land degradation. [Ministries of Agriculture, Health and the Environment] ii. Examine the implications of the MEAs on Trade, in terms of its impact on the economy and livelihoods. [Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Commerce and Trade; and Ministries of Agriculture, Health and the Environment] Strategy 50: Establish appropriate mechanisms to facilitate the exchange of information relating to the negotiation, implementation and compliance with multi-lateral environmental agreements. Activities: i. Collaborate with all agencies in discharging the Government’s obligations under these multilateral agreements, particularly reporting, initiating enabling activities, and building in-house capacity. [Ministries of Agriculture, Health and the Environment] SVG NEMS 16Apr04 Page 29 of 50 IMPLEMENTATION AND MONITORING Issues affecting implementation The National Environmental Advisory Board (NEAB) was appointed by Cabinet to assist in the coordination of multi-sector environmental activities and is comprised of representatives from 11 government departments/units and agencies. The NEAB has the overall responsibility of determining the appropriateness of the St Vincent and the Grenadines National Environmental Management Strategy and Action Plan (NEMS) and may be able to oversee its implementation. Additionally, the Environmental Services Unit (ESU) which has the informal mandate to coordinate environmental matters in the country, is comprised of one senior technical officer and one junior technical officer, with secretarial support. The ESU is therefore not set up, nor has the resources to implement broad-based environmental programmes. The following paragraphs summarise the major issues that have arisen and outline the approaches that could improve success during the development and implementation of the NEMS. Issue 1: Participation in the 11-member NEAB has been poor. It was not clear how effective this body could be in coordinating the implementation of the NEMS or in influencing greater political support for its implementation. Members of the NEAB do not get a stipend for their participation, as is consistent with other Boards. It is unclear how significant this has been as a factor influencing the level of commitment and functioning of the NEAB. Issue 2: There is no representative from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Commerce and Trade or from the Ministry of Tourism and Culture. Active cooperation with these Ministries is considered a priority for several aspects of the NEMS. Issue 3: Many senior public sector officers from whom the NEMS and NEAB need significant input are extremely busy and participate in a number of other multi-sectoral processes. Often, junior officers are sent to represent them at meetings and are not sufficiently briefed to participate/input adequately. Issue 4: There was no obvious indication that key Ministries had taken onboard the St George’s Declaration of Principles for Environmental Sustainability in the OECS (SGD) and utilized these as a guide to their operations. Some senior government officials had only a vague knowledge of the SGD and many had not responded to a high level request for information on the status of SGD implementation. Issue 5: Implementation of various aspects of the NEMS will be the responsibility of several ministries/departments and not the communities, therefore more SVG NEMS 16Apr04 Page 30 of 50 effort needs to be spent to gain the support of key departments within several targeted ministries. Issue 6: The Environmental Services Coordinator as focal point for all environmental issues and international/regional environmental agreements, is essentially a one person operation, with responsibilities to coordinate many things but with very little resources to accomplish the work required. Issue 7: Although the Environmental Services Unit, Ministry of Health and the Environment is seen as the lead agency for NEMS it was not clear how the Unit would be given sufficient clout to ensure responsiveness of the various ministries in discharging their obligations under the NEMS or the SGD. Issue 8: The environment is not a strong selling/voting issue in St Vincent and the Grenadines. Environmental concerns are often not considered in, or are seen as obstacles to national economic development by many senior decision makers. Despite what is stated in the MTESP, it is unclear if environmental action is really a priority driven by Cabinet decree. Issue 9: There are turf/envy issues between some Ministries and departments that may impede timely cooperation for the development and implementation of the NEMS. The inadequate technical or leadership or resource capacity of many departments also minimize effectiveness of operations. Issue 10: Environmental issues seem to have a low interest among many government departments (fisheries, forestry and ESU excluded), and all such issues are often seen as only within the purview of the Environmental Services Unit. If plans are put forward primarily from an environmental point of view they will likely be given a low priority, nationally. Issue 11: Many national and sectoral plans/programmes were developed over the past few years but most were not implemented as anticipated; especially since these plans were based on the departments own views on the priority needs. Issue 12: Many policies are poorly implemented and many actions cited in policies do get implemented, though not as a conscious effort to address a stated policy; possibly driven by other factors. Issue 13: Many departments seem not to have the physical capacity to adequately deal with what could be considered an excessive workload. This is made more difficult by adding other or immediate issues, often dictated by senior decision makers/politicians; consequently there is little time for implementing activities that had advanced planning. SVG NEMS 16Apr04 Page 31 of 50 Issue 14: The level of funding allocated annually from the national budget for environmental management (related to the NEMS), indicates the low priority of this sector, with much reliance on donor funding. `Implementation prerequisites Approach 1: The NEMS is a broad based strategy and action plan that attempts to integrate the environmental priorities of the Government, the majority of local communities and the private sector. It will address the linkages to issues such as planning and development, trade sustainability, goods and services from natural resources, and is formulated using a strong consultative and participatory approach. Approach 2: The NEMS is not intended as a separate plan, requiring separate resources at this stage, that selected departments will be required to implement. It must be promoted as a mechanism for the integration of existing and proposed environment/developmental activities for all relevant departments with clear benefits to individual Departments/Ministries. It can provide for a harmonized reporting framework in the context of the government’s obligation under the SGD and other international agreements. Approach 3: The NEMS needs a champion in the Cabinet. The NEMS also needs to be repackaged for presentation to key Ministers to encourage their appreciation and support for its implementation. Approach 4: The Prime Minister of SVG must encourage his ministers to understand their obligations under the SGD and to place significant priority on the implementation of the NEMS, especially to ensure the full and timely cooperation of senior staff. The ESU (or the Ministry of Health and the Environment) and the NEAB should also be given further recognition at the Cabinet level, of their lead role in coordinating the NEMS. Approach 5: Enlightened environmental management cannot be justified as separate from sustainable economic development. Therefore, for the success of the NEMS in the medium to long term, the ESU must be provided with the legal authority to oversee the implementation and periodic upgrading of the NEMS. SVG NEMS 16Apr04 Page 32 of 50 Approach 6: Environmental considerations must be included in the national accounts, so that its true value will guide the development of mechanisms for cost recovery or cost containment. Hence, new opportunities for financing environmental activities will emerge leading to less dependence on external funding. Approach 7: The ESU needs an increase in staffing (a minimum of 6), expanded facilities, and adequate financial resources. Approach 8: The implementation of the NEMS must be evaluated at the end of its first cycle, 2004-2006, to determine its effectiveness and to plan for the next cycle. A participatory, multi-sector approach should be used to ensure that the evaluation includes most, if not all of the stakeholder groups. Approach 9: All Ministries now have an annual operational plan that outlines the national objectives/activities for each department. There are usually, monthly meetings with heads of departments and Permanent Secretaries to report on progress. However, technical assistance to help integrate the NEMS into each Ministry’s/departmental work plans/programmes is a critical step that will help ensure implementation of the NEMS. Approach 10: Engage the private sector to contribute to the resources needed for implementation of selected components of the NEMS; and promote how the private sector also benefits from the implementation of the NEMS. Approach 11: Reconstitute the NEAB and provide a stipend for its members. The usefulness of an executive/management committee of the NEAB should be considered as a mechanism to expedite decision-making and follow-up on the NEMS. SVG NEMS 16Apr04 Page 33 of 50 Monitoring Monitoring of the progress of implementation of the NEMS should be done on a quarterly basis and be guided by the ESU and the NEAB. The purpose will be to help resolve any constraints identified during implementation and to promote coordination and information sharing among the various departments. The following table provides a selection of indicators that could be used in monitoring the progress of implementation. Strategy Number Indicator Remarks Annual reports from all Ministries on progress of key projects. National Physical Development Plan approved National Consultation held and report prepared 1 Report on Quality of Life achieved through national programmes Annual report on Integrated Forest Mgt & Dev. Prog. Annual report on Fisheries Dev. & Mgt Plan Annual report from Agriculture Division Progress report from the Poverty Alleviation Task Force 2 Annual Report on Implementation of Tourism Policy National Physical Development Plan approved Annual report from Central Planning Division Climate Change Policy approved 3 Existing plans and programmes revised Number of EIAs submitted 4 Number of awareness sessions targeted to politicians and senior decision makers Increase in trained staff to monitor and enforce Development Approvals Criteria developed for degraded areas 5 Restoration plans prepared SVG NEMS 16Apr04 Page 34 of 50 Annual report from Forestry Dept. Number of Waste Orders issued Number of NGOs participating in cleanups Consultations held & recommendations prepared Institutional structure and function defined NEAB TOR clarified & approved 6 NEAB reconstituted Increase in resources Increase in staff at Fisheries Division & full-time presence in the Grenadines Increase in staff at Forestry Dept & active presence in the Grenadines Increase in staff at ESU 7 Proposal on Environmental Police Unit prepared Number of community groups and NGOs applying for grants Number of Fishery Centres operating NGOs consultation held and needs assessment report prepared. 8 Number of training sessions held for NGOs/CBOs T&C Planning Act and Regulations revised and standards and guidelines approved Fisheries Regulations amended Regulations under Forestry Resources Conservation Act and under the Wildlife Protection Act revised Evaluation report on implementation of Litter Act prepared Report on enforcement effectiveness prepared 9 Environmental Management Bill drafted for review and comment Fisheries Advisory Committee operational 10 Wildlife Conservation Committee established SVG NEMS 16Apr04 Page 35 of 50 Number of stakeholder groups represented on IFM&D Prog. Steering Committee Vacant positions in Legal Dept filled Number of awareness/education activities for law enforcement and judiciary 11 Programme on legal action by private parties developed Number of notices published and district consultations held Number of consultations held with stakeholders 12 Number of civil society representatives on the NESDC and TCE Status report on library operation Number of information notices 13 Evaluation report on effectiveness of environmental education/awareness prepared Change in time taken to send out information 14 Number of areas covered and frequency of visits 15 Number of meetings/workshops attended Number of private sector representatives on committees and Boards 16 Number of manufacturers and community members engaged in waste management Number of consultations held with private sector 17 Number of private sector representatives on committees and Boards Valuation of ecosystem goods and services completed 18 Cost saving identified Report on effectiveness of economic incentives prepared Report on effectiveness of Trade (Bottle Deposit Levy) Act prepared 19 Fiscal incentives identified SVG NEMS 16Apr04 Page 36 of 50 Fiscal incentive developed and approved New cost recovery measures for solid waste management developed 20 Report on legislation, resource requirements and standards prepared Effectiveness of implementation of Waste Orders evaluated Effectiveness of implementation of response to marine pollution evaluated 21 Hazard responses report prepared Harmonized OECS Fisheries Regulations adopted 22 Harmonised environmental polices adopted National Accounts prepared using integrated environmental and economic accounting methods 23 Methodologies for assessing value and services of natural resources adopted Guidelines for accessing information from government and statutory agencies produced and publicized 24 In-house facilities upgraded Number of notices and publications produced 25 Number of Physical Planning advisories produced Number of meetings attended 26 Database of expertise created Climate Change Policy adopted 27 Number of climate change measures implemented 28 Number of climate change activities direct participation Number of communities in receipt of information on the NDP Number of local agencies trained 29 Number of CDM activities with direct participation 30 Number of CDERA and disaster management activities attended 31 Landfill monitoring operational SVG NEMS 16Apr04 Page 37 of 50 Hazardous waste action plan developed Composting programme developed Waste characterization completed New Public Health Inspectors recruited and trained. 32 Litter Wardens deployed Fewer complaints on garbage collection and disposal from yachts Number of charges for litter or improper garbage disposal Solid waste monitoring report prepared Water and Air Quality Monitoring Unit established Report on water quality prepared 33 Pesticide monitoring programme developed Assessment report on threats to natural resources prepared Increase in area planted with trees 34 Fisheries Division annual report Number of activities in the NBSAP implemented 35 Number of critical areas identified and remedied 36 Number of training sessions for CSOs Mechanism utilized to incorporate environmental considerations into development planning 37 Number of cost/benefit analyses conducted for PSIPs Number of notices on guidelines for EIAs distributed 38 Number of PSIPs subjected to EIAs National Parks Authority fully staffed Increase in the amount of resources provided 39 Cultural and Heritage sites declared Number of heritage events attended 40 Number of NGOs/community representatives assisting in management of sites. SVG NEMS 16Apr04 Page 38 of 50 Number of measures in the NBSAP implemented Number of workplans that contain elements of the NBSAP 41 Legal and institutional structure established Increase in number of staff and training events Number of reported incidents of infestation and responses 42 Biosafety framework completed Number of trade related activities attended Number of national discussions held on trade 43 Evaluation report on implications of trade on environment and livelihoods Increase in number of staff and training sessions 44 Number of awareness activities and sectors targeted 45 Number of meetings and projects with direct participation 46 Number of networks or professionals providing assistance/information 47 Number of departments trained upgraded with new technology Programme for energy audits developed Number of building/offices in which energy conservation measures implemented 48 National Energy Policy developed Number of international MEA activities attended 49 Evaluation report on impact of MEAs 50 Number of meetings attended to collaborate on obligations under MEAs SVG NEMS 16Apr04 Page 39 of 50 1-YEAR WORKPLAN AND ESTIMATED BUDGET – 2004 The cost of implementing the NEMS during the first year is estimated at EC$2,280,000. Most of the financing for activities selected below have already been passed in the St Vincent and the Grenadines House of Assembly and are summarized in the Budget Estimates. Most of the activities below are contained in the workplans of the various Ministries or build on the recommendations of several departments/divisions/agencies. Funding for participation in international meetings is provided by the Secretariats of the various multilateral environmental agreements. Other sources of funding are from approved or ongoing projects, funded by bilateral agreements, international donors and international development agencies such as the European Union, the United Nations, IADB and the GTZ. Funds from these sources are also outlined in the Budget Estimates. Ministry/Agency Activity Budget (EC$) Office of the Prime Minister/ Cabinet of Ministers 1. Approve the draft National Physical Development Plan 2002-2022 and ensure that the measures proposed in this Plan are implemented. 2. Approve the draft National Physical Development Plan 2002-2022 and the Planning Standards and Guidelines. 3. Approve the draft Climate Change Policy. 4. Reconstitute the NEAB and elevate their status through Cabinet decree to facilitate decisions on the implementation of environmental and related activities. 5. Approve and adopt the draft Climate Change policy document prepared by the Environmental Services Unit. 6. Approve the draft Regulations under the Forestry Resources Conservation Act. 7. Ensure that Public Sector Investment Projects are subject to EIAs wherever feasible. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 SVG NEMS 16Apr04 Page 40 of 50 8. Identify and implement a mechanism to incorporate environmental considerations, especially natural resources accounting into development planning. Sub-total 10,000 10,000 Ministry of Agriculture Lands and Fisheries Forestry Dept. 1. Continue and expand on the awareness building and education of judiciary and law enforcement personnel. 2. Continue consultations with stakeholders on projects that affect them or where cooperation is needed. 3. Continue the development of the departmental library for free access by all. 4. Expand on the coverage and frequency of extension services. 5. Continue production of newsletters, booklets, signs, flyers, posters, jingles, brochures, school/community presentations, radio programmes, participation in fairs and summer programmes etc. 6. Continue and expand programmes on reafforestation, tree seedling production, and forest maintenance. 7. Provide short-term in-house training for Civil Society Organisations to enhance their capacity to participate in the implementation of natural resources management projects. 8. Continue to participate in regional and international technical meetings as well as research and development projects related natural resources management. 9. Continue networking with professionals in regional and international agencies to improve local knowledge base and access to technical resources. 5,000 2,000 2,000 3,000 3,000 10,000 3,000 5,000 1,000 SVG NEMS 16Apr04 Page 41 of 50 10. Continue the implementation of the Integrated Forest Management and Development Programme. 11. Increase the staffing and travel vote for the Forestry Dept., including an active presence in the Grenadines. 12. Assist in the revision of the Regulations under the Wildlife Protection Act. 14. Establish the Wildlife Conservation Advisory Committee as provided under the Wildlife Protection Act (1987) 15. Encourage the full participation key stakeholder groups on the steering committee of the Integrated Forest Management and Development Programme. Sub-total 200,000 50,000 0 3,000 3,000 290,000 Ministry of Agriculture Lands and Fisheries Fisheries Div. 1. Continue the implementation of the Fisheries Development and Management Plan. 2. Increase the staffing of the Fisheries Division, including a full-time presence in Grenadines. 3. Operationalise the fishery centers and strengthen fishers cooperatives and organizations. 4. Followup on amendment of the Fisheries Regulations to address sport fishing, licensing and registration. 5. Establish the Fisheries Advisory Council that provides for participation of key stakeholders under the Fisheries Act. 6. Continue and expand on the awareness building and education of judiciary and law enforcement personnel. 200,000 50,000 150,000 0 3,000 3,000 SVG NEMS 16Apr04 Page 42 of 50 7. Continue consultations with stakeholders on projects that affect them or where cooperation is needed. 8. Continue the development of the departmental library for free access by all. 9. Expand on the coverage and frequency of extension services. 10. Continue production of newsletters, booklets, signs, flyers, posters, jingles, brochures, school/community presentations, radio programmes, participation in fairs and summer programmes etc. 11. Continue programmes on targeted species research, fisheries assessment, re-introduction of Fish Aggregating Devices, management of high seas fishing fleet, reef survey, and turtle monitoring. 12. Continue to participate in regional and international technical meetings as well as research and development projects related natural resources management. 13. Continue networking with professionals in regional and international agencies to improve local knowledge base and access to technical resources. Sub-total 1,000 1,000 3,000 5,000 20,000 10,000 1,000 451,000 Ministry of Agriculture Lands and Fisheries Agriculture Div. 1. Continue the implementation of programmes of Livestock Production, Pest control, Crop Production, Soil Loss and Land Degradation, Extension Development, and Farmers Development. 2. Continue and expand the communication of information on national programmes, policies and proposals to all sectors of society. 3. Expand on the coverage and frequency of extension services. 20,000 3,000 5,000 SVG NEMS 16Apr04 Page 43 of 50 4. Increase the staffing, training and budget of the Ministry of Agriculture to enhance plant inspection and phytosanitary control. 5. Continue monitoring and control programmes for the mango seed weevil, pink mealy bug, etc. 6. Assist in the development and implementation of a national framework for Biosafety. 7. Continue to participate in the activities (Conference of Parties, Subsidiary Bodies, and technical meetings) of the multilateral environmental agreements especially those related to climate change, biodiversity and land degradation. 8. Examine the implications of the Multilateral Environmental Agreements on Trade, in terms of its impact on the economy and livelihoods. 9. Collaborate with all agencies in discharging the Government’s obligations under these multilateral agreements, particularly reporting, initiating enabling activities, and building in-house capacity. Sub-total 50,000 10,000 10,000 5,000 10,000 1,000 114,000 Ministry of Finance Planning and Development Central Planning Div 1. Continue and expand the work of the Poverty Alleviation Task Force in partnership with NGOs and other stakeholders; helping communities to become self-sufficient, and the Children Against Poverty programme. 2. Coordinate the implementation of the measures proposed in the National Physical Development Plan 2002-2022. 3. Continue to enforce the requirement for Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) under Town and Country Planning Act, including the principle of public consultation. 50,000 5,000 10,000 SVG NEMS 16Apr04 Page 44 of 50 4. Revise the Town and Country Planning Act and regulations, and approve the draft standards and guidelines. 5. Continue to publish plans and proposals in local newspapers and the Gazette, and to hold district consultations. 6. Continue daily advisory service (walk-in clientele or phone-in), summaries of planning guidelines, workshops on planning requirements and guidelines, “planning awareness week”, planned weekly column in daily newspaper, etc. 7. Build awareness among politicians and other senior decision makers on the need for EIAs and the benefits that could accrue from utilizing EIAs to guide economic development. 8. Strengthen mechanisms and capacity to ensure that Development Approval conditions are monitored and enforced. 9. Encourage full participation of civil society representation on the National Economic and Social Development Council, and on the Tripartite Committee on the Economy. 10. Continue and expand the communication of information on national programmes, policies and proposals to all sectors of society. 11. Improve on the timeliness and format for response to information sent to all agencies and departments for review and comments. 12. Identify the range of potential fiscal incentives that could encourage the private sector to adopt sound environmental technologies and practices. 13. Provide short-term in-house training for Civil Society Organisations to enhance their 10,000 5,000 2,000 1,000 25,000 5,000 2,000 3,000 10,000 SVG NEMS 16Apr04 Page 45 of 50 capacity to participate in the implementation of natural resources management projects. 14. Identify and implement a mechanism to incorporate environmental considerations, especially natural resources accounting into development planning. 15. Disseminate widely the requirements for and availability of guidelines on environmental impact assessments (EIAs). Sub-total 5,000 10,000 2,000 145,000 Ministry of Finance Planning and Development Customs and Excise Dept. Evaluate the effectiveness of implementation of the Trade (Bottle Deposit Levy) Act 1991 and recommend measures for effective implementation. Sub-total 10,000 10,000 Ministry of Tourism and Culture 1. Initiate sensitation activities among key stakeholders for the implementation of the Tourism Policy. 2. Build the capacity of the National Parks Authority to manage natural heritage sites / protected areas. 3. Build the capacity of the National Archives, National Museum and the National Trust to manage historic/cultural/heritage resources. 4. Declare and protect areas of cultural and natural heritage. 5. Participate in activities of the World Heritage Convention, the Museum Association of the Caribbean and other related activities for the management of cultural and historic resources. Sub-total 5,000 150,000 50,000 0 10,000 225,000 Ministry of Health and the Environment 1. Through a group consultation process (governmental and NGO), assess the existing assignment of environmental SVG NEMS 16Apr04 Page 46 of 50 Environmental Services Unit/ National Environmental Advisory Board coordination/management functions (including capacity, outputs, institutional structure) and make appropriate recommendations; analyse whether environmental responsibilities are appropriately placed and entwined with economic development processes to ensure sustainability. 2. Define an efficient institutional structure with responsibilities and inter-relationships; Prepare a national Org Chart showing responsibilities, linkages, coordination clarify the national/coordinating functions of the Environmental Services Unit. 3. In the short-term, develop clear terms of reference for the National Environmental Advisory Board (NEAB). 4. Increase the staffing at the Environmental Services Unit to undertake aspects of environmental management not under the purview of other agencies. 5. Work with manufacturers and local community to manage waste. 6. Identify the range of potential fiscal incentives that could encourage the private sector to adopt sound environmental technologies and practices. 7. Continue production of newsletters, booklets, signs, flyers, posters, jingles, brochures, school/community presentations, radio programmes, participation in fairs and summer programmes etc. 8. Collaborate with other government agencies in the implementation of the Climate Change policy measures. 9. Participate in activities of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Adapting to Climate Change in the 10,000 10,000 0 150,000 1,000 10,000 3,000 0 SVG NEMS 16Apr04 Page 47 of 50 Caribbean Project and other relevant initiatives. 10. Provide short-term in-house training for Civil Society Organisations to enhance their capacity to participate in the implementation of natural resources management projects. 11. Develop and implement a national framework for Biosafety. 12. Continue to participate in regional and international technical meetings as well as research and development projects related natural resources management. 13. Continue networking with professionals in regional and international agencies to improve local knowledge base and access to technical resources. 14. Provide short-term in-house training for Civil Society Organisations to enhance their capacity to participate in the implementation of natural resources management projects. 15. Continue to participate in the activities (Conference of Parties, Subsidiary Bodies, and technical meetings) of the multilateral environmental agreements especially those related to climate change, biodiversity and land degradation. 16. Collaborate with all agencies in discharging the Government’s obligations under these multilateral agreements, particularly reporting, initiating enabling activities, and building in-house capacity. Sub-total 5,000 5,000 20,000 5,000 1,000 5,000 10,000 1,000 238,000 Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Commerce and Trade 1. Participate in the activities of the World Trade Organisation and for the CARICOM Single Market and Economy, and negotiations for the FTAA; and publicize relevant SVG NEMS 16Apr04 Page 48 of 50 information to the public. 2. Host national debates/discussions on the potential impacts (positive and negative), so as to gain further inputs into formulating a national position at trade negotiations or meetings. 3. Evaluate the implications of trade agreements on environmental health and livelihoods. 4. Examine the implications of the Multilateral Environmental Agreements on Trade, in terms of its impact on the economy and livelihoods. Sub-total 10,000 5,000 10,000 10,000 35,000 Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport Create a database of local expertise or persons trained in environmental management or related areas, to serve as a source of potential recruitment or technical assistance. Sub-total 2,000 2,000 Ministry of Telecommunication, Science, Technology and Industry Promote appropriate information and communications technology in all departments and provide adequate training for its use. Sub-total 10,000 10,000 Ministry of Legal Affairs Fill vacant positions to increase the capacity of the legal department. Sub-total 200,000 200,000 Central Water and Sewage Authority 1. Continue and expand the communication of information on national programmes, policies and proposals to all sectors of society. 2. Continue production of newsletters, booklets, signs, flyers, posters, jingles, brochures, school/community presentations, radio programmes, participation in fairs and summer programmes etc. 5,000 5,000 SVG NEMS 16Apr04 Page 49 of 50 3. Develop and promote new cost recovery measures for solid waste management. 4. Implement the landfill monitoring programme. 5. Develop hazardous waste action plan. 6. Develop and promote a programme for composting. 7. Conduct waste characterization at major landfill sites and in the Grenadines, especially the characterization of wastes from yachts. 8. Improve on the system and facilities for garbage collection and disposal from yachts, especially in the Grenadines. 9. Deploy Wardens to enforce litter and garbage laws in the Grenadines. Sub-total 10,000 20,000 10,000 10,000 20,000 50,000 60,000 190,000 National Emergency Management Organisation 1. Develop and promote the National Disaster Plan to communities throughout St Vincent and the Grenadines. 2. Train local agencies at the district/village level to help coordinate local level activities in response to a disaster. 3. Participate in activities of the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Response Agency and other disaster management activities; and share local disaster management information with other agencies in the Caribbean as appropriate. Sub-total 10,000 3,000 10,000 23,000 ALL MINISTRIES 1. Review the effectiveness of enforcement of existing legislation and regulations, and make recommendations for improvement. 100,000 SVG NEMS 16Apr04 Page 50 of 50 2. Encourage the participation of staff from government agencies and NGO/CBO representatives in local, regional and international meetings and workshops and decision-making processes. 3. Invite participation of the private sector in committees and Boards. 4. Host consultations with key interest groups among the private sector as appropriate. 5. Develop and promote clear guidelines for accessing information from government and statutory agencies. 6. Upgrade in-house facilities, to include use of information and communication technologies, to improve service to the public. 7. Continue collaboration with local agencies, regional and international environmental and development institutions. Sub-total 10,000 10,000 10,000 10,000 200,000 50,000 390,000 TOTAL EC$2,286,000