UNDP workshop identifies deficiencies in SVG marine protection legislation

Out of a workshop conducted by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in St Vincent and the Grenadines, deficiencies in legislation that covers marine protection and preservation were identified as a primary areas of concern by stakeholders.

On December 13 and 15, UNDP officials met with individuals, non-governmental organizations and representatives from government ministries for the Blue Economy Visioning Workshop. The first was held on Union Island and the second on mainland St Vincent to explore how the country can fully capitalize on its Blue Economy.

Workshop facilitator and Project Coordinator with UNDP Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, Patlian Johnson, explained to SEARCHLIGHT the challenges noted by workshop participants.

“One of the key challenges was the governance structure and framework, the updating of legislation and policy, guidance and enforcement of policies. They said that the legislation needs to be updated, even if it is on the books, it is not necessarily enforced as it relates to the protection of the environment.”

“In terms of the environment, they had specific issues as it relates to garbage disposal and collection also the removal of sand from the beaches, to make sure that this is monitored …”

Johnson noted the need for more education campaigns, particularly at the grassroots level, on the Blue Economy as well as opportunities available within the industry.

Johnson said the Blue Economy Scoping Study (BESS), which has been conducted in Dominica, Monsterrat and Barbados, can provide a better understanding of the challenges and potential opportunities for stakeholders.

“One of the things that we usually do is a Blue Economy scoping study which … is going in, doing a comprehensive assessment of the Blue Economy on the ground, looking at different parameters and then based on that, coming up with key action items.”

Johnson said the UNDP will work with stakeholders to focus on action plans that can easily be implemented over the next 12 months.

“We want to keep it simple and actionable. Sometimes we develop these very sophisticated plans and then nothing happens to them. St Vincent and the Grenadines is not starting from scratch, they already have a National Ocean Policy… based on the feedback we have gotten from the workshop we have identified some actions that can be taken within the short term.”

Johnson said workshop participants pointed to the need for specific training to develop their skills.

She added, existing UNDP programs will be identified to see where the needs of communities can be met.

Head of Experimentation, UNDP Accelerator Lab, Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, Dr Shamar Ward also conducted the workshops.