Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 2000.

The Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan is a national policy with a cross-sectoral approach. This Action Plan sets forth strategies for implementation over a 5-year period. The goals of this Action Plan are (I) to conserve and sustainably use native biodiversity and (II) to ensure a fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilisation of genetic and ecosystem resources.
In order to ensure sustainable agriculture, genetic resources will be protected, maintained and promoted. Key ecosystems will be protected from negative human induced impacts by establishing controls to minimize or prevent degradation. Moreover, information on key ecosystems will be provided for incorporation into national accounts and decisions on national development projects. A national land use policy that incorporates biodiversity conservation and sustainable use will be developed. Ecological survey of major ecosystems for conservation and legal status will be conducted. In addition, impact assessments will be carried out on these sites and preferred management options will be identified for these ecosystems. Protected areas will be designated for protection of major ecosystems. International, regional and local assistance will be sought for determining the valuation of ecosystems of national importance. In order to provide broad-based support for conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity, public awareness will be raised on biodiversity issues through public discussions, media programmes, and public service announcements and public participation will be strengthened to secure commitment for conservation of ecosystems, species and genome. A mechanism for incorporating biodiversity issues into the schools’ curriculum will be developed. In order to protect habitats and species, the priority habitats and biological resources will be determined for utilization.
Community participation will be encouraged in decision-making processes. Sustainable use plans and programmes will be developed for inland and coastal fishery, mangroves, forest resources, and wildlife species through community consultations and technical expertise. The livelihood of local communities will be secured by developing and encouraging sustainable use of biological resources. The capacity of local institutions and target communities will be built to sustainably manage selected biological resources through partnership arrangements.
A system will be established to monitor the use of biological resources. Germplasm research and development and biological pest control for agriculture will be carried out by the national and locally based regional institutions. Biological pest control will be actively promoted through an education and awareness programme for farmers. A national germplasm programme will be developed to include awareness, certification and standards for seed exchange. Linkages will be strengthened with the FAO and its Global System on Plant Genetic Resources, the Caribbean Seed and Germplasm Resources Information Network, and other relevant agencies and networks. The capacity of key institutions will be enhanced to collect, identify, characterize, store and document plant genetic resources. Financing mechanisms will be developed to promote the sustainable use of biological resources. In accordance with the polluter pays principle, pollution charges and environmental levies will be determined for polluters. User fees will be imposed for resource utilization such as recreation areas, national parks. Existing legislation will be strengthened for improved protection of biodiversity. Environmental laws and penalties will be strengthened for violation.
The Grenada Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan will be implemented with a collaborative effort among the key stakeholders, such as State agencies, the private sector, non-governmental organisations and community groups who depend on biological resources for their livelihood. The Sustainable Development Council or the Biodiversity Steering Committee shall convene quarterly meetings to review progress and develop strategies to overcome any obstacles which may impede successful implementation. Towards the end of the five year implementation period, a review of the Strategy and Action Plan will be undertaken and a new plan for further activities will be proposed. This review process should be participatory, involving all key stakeholders.