Sustainable Island Resource Management Zoning Plan for Antigua and Barbuda (including Redonda).

The Sustainable Island Resource Management Zoning Plan (SIRMZP) for Antigua and Barbuda focuses on spatial planning issues to meet social, economic and environmental objectives. The main purpose of the SIRMZP is to establish a forward-thinking, strategic framework for national spatial development. It aims to tackle existing development challenges while creating opportunities for viable private and public sector initiatives that align with local cultural values and aspirations over the next two decades. The SIRMZP ensures the safeguarding of essential ecosystem functions and habitats, reduces environmental risks, and promotes the efficient use of natural resources for maximum sustainability. It encourages the creation of interconnected, mixed-use communities that provide diverse housing choices tailored to varying income levels and lifestyle preferences. It also ensures convenient access to local businesses, public amenities, and essential services. It creates hubs for economic growth and job opportunities, with a strong emphasis on tourism, professional services, agriculture, and industrial development. This policy presents proposals to enhance the structure and efficiency of the road network and public transportation system. It defines key regulations and administrative frameworks to ensure development aligns with national policies. Additionally, it establishes guidelines for creating detailed local plans that reflect national land use priorities and strategies.
The vision of the SIRMZP encompasses several key elements: (i) fostering a strong sense of community and enhancing overall quality of life; (ii) establishing a diverse and competitive economic landscape, incorporating sectors such as tourism, agriculture, fishing, manufacturing, and international business services; (iii) promoting sustainable development practices that ensure a balanced approach to social, economic, and environmental considerations; (iv) safeguarding ecologically sensitive areas to preserve natural ecosystems; (v) encouraging economic activities that leverage the nation's abundant environmental resources, particularly in agriculture and fishing; (vi) upholding and protecting the natural and built heritage of Antigua and Barbuda; (vii) developing well-integrated, mixed-use settlements and tourism zones equipped with efficient infrastructure, offering a variety of housing options within convenient proximity to commercial and community facilities; and (viii) adopting an inclusive, collaborative approach to development, engaging individual residents, community groups, and both private and public sector stakeholders. Five key planning goals that guide the development of the spatial plan: to maintain and enhance ecosystem integrity; to foster economic development and engage livelihoods; to improve accessibility; to enhance liveability; and to promote efficient and effective governance.
Section 8 lays down immediate and medium term interventions for the implementation of the SIRMZP. Short-term actions to be implemented within a 1.5 year timeframe include: institutional capacity building; development of the agriculture sector at the national and local levels; examination of alternative methods for state farms, fiscal policy and agricultural extension and subsidies; strengthened land use planning; limitation of special development areas considering biophysical structures; and preparation of social and economic development plans. Proposed medium term actions would implement the major items of the SIRMZP to bring long term benefits. Drainage plans will be prepared for each major watershed, and water, sewerage and drainage plans will be developed at the national level. Renewable energy resources will be promoted and energy guidelines will be developed. Conservation and education policies will be implemented in selected environmental protection areas. The tourism sector will be developed in an environmentally sustainable manner.