Strategy for the Protection of the Environment and the Sustainable Development of Antigua and Barbuda 2017 – 2018.

The Strategy for the Protection of the Environment and the Sustainable Development is a national policy with a cross-sectoral approach. The timeframe of this Strategy is 2 years covering 2017 and 2018. This Strategy lays down the new duties and responsibilities of the Department of Environment for the effective management and protection of the environment, due to its transformation from the Division of Environment to the Department of Environment.
In order to ensure sustainable management and protection of the environment, legal and policy frameworks will be developed in all areas of environmental management. The Department of Environment shall be responsible for maintaining an up-to-date national environmental policy, including plans and strategies in the fields climate change, pollution, water quality, air quality, watersheds and wetlands, biodiversity and traditional knowledge, protected areas, beach and coastal protection. The national policy will be used to guide interventions in the management of natural resources, physical planning and development financial strategies for sustainable environmental management, as well as programming priorities for the Sustainable Island Resource Framework Fund. The process of conducting Environmental Impact Assessments will be coordinated for all applicable developments. The protection and management of wetlands and waterways will be strengthened to maintain their contribution to the economic, health and environmental welfare. A research center will be established in the Bendals Botanical Gardens site in Antigua and the use of plants for medicinal purposes will be promoted, in line with the Access and Benefits Sharing regime. Environmental Information Management and Advisory System will be developed to ensure sustainable environmental management with a preacutionary approach, by providing access to information for planning, economic and environmental decision-making, education and any other uses. Protected areas will be managed through public-private partnerships, with communities and non-governmental organizations. Pollution control will be strengthened pursuant to the polluter pays principle. Moreover, measures will be taken to reduce pollution in the energy and transportation sector. Public awareness will be raised on environmental matters by integrating environmental education into the school curriculum and carrying out media campaigns. Public health will be protected against water and air pollution and chemicals in food.
The resilience to disasters will be increased by enhancing disaster preparedness for effective response. The Sustainable Island Resource Framework will be developed for funding for climate change adaptation and mitigation. Efforts will be given to become accredited to the Green Climate Fund for direct access and also become a regional accredited entity to support those countries within the region that do not have a national accredited entity.
The monitoring and evaluation process and schedule will be managed by the Data Management Unit and the office of the Director.