Barbados National Action Programme to Combat Desertification and Land Degradation, and to Mitigate Against the Effects of Desertification, Land Degradation and Drought.

The National Action Programme to Combat Desertification and Land Degradation, and to Mitigate Against the Effects of Desertification, Land Degradation and Drought is a national policy with a multi-sectoral approach. The policy lays down three thematic areas, namely: agriculture, settlement and resource use and conservation. This policy is a comprehensive Strategy and Action Plan, including action plans for each thematic area.
The aim of the agricultural action plan is to promote economic activity through agriculture, for the benefit the people and the development of the Scotland District. A comprehensive database will be established to compile information on soil type and location, volume of water resources and available technical resources. The programmes in the fields of education, access to water, access to roads and terracing, will be developed to meet the needs of farmers. Performance criteria will be created for land owners to reduce the burden of management on the Government. The capacity of the Soil Conservation Unit under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development will be enhanced. Measures will be taken to further augment water resources. The capacities of farmers will be increased through education with the help of farming organisations already active in the areas. High value/exotic agriculture will be developed where possible through farm cooperatives.
The impacts of settlements and associated activities within the Scotland District will be effectively managed to mitigate land degradation. The management of existing settlements, including lowland, highland and roads will be improved. Measures will be taken to combat degradation associated with settlements. Present and future settlements will be planned in a more rational manner. A comprehensive and integrated land use management plan will be developed for the Scotland District.
An integrated management system will be established to preserve and enhance existing flora and fauna, sustainably use mineral resources, and preserve and foster the socio-economic and cultural activity of the area, to the benefit of all Barbadians. The Scotland District Environmental Standards Certification Programme will be developed for all activities within the area, with a special emphasis on the need for Environmental Impact Assessment with a primary focus on the impact of activities on the availability, quality and distribution of water, and on drainage as well as on recommendations to minimise impacts that could result in land degradation. All stakeholders throughout the Scotland District will be urged to create corporate environmental strategies that support economic and developmental initiatives aligned with the principles of sustainable development. The funding and assistance in sourcing funds will be provided to assist in the fight to combat desertification, land degradation and drought. An early warning system will be established for extreme climatic events such as storms and drought. Climate change and biodiversity concerns will be integrated with desertification. Relevant legislation will be updated and revised to effectively support the NAP and related policies affecting land degradation and drought prevention and mitigation.