Integrated Coastal Zone Management Policy for Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique.

The Integrated Coastal Zone Management Policy for Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique is a national policy with a cross-sectoral approach. The purpose of this Policy is to achieve efficient coastal zone management in order to sustain livelihoods, boost socio-economic development, increase resilience to environmental risks, and contribute to ecological sustainability.
The administrative framework for development, regulation and protection of the coastal zone will be strengthened to optimize historical, cultural, religious, health and well-being, aesthetic and socio-economic benefits for present and future generations. The quality and health of coastal processes and ecosystems will be preserved to sustain ecosystem services. The equitable and sustainable use and development of coastal resources will be ensured through environmental awareness-raising and promotion of the use of best practices. Biodiversity conservation will be ensured by facilitating optimal conditions for ecosystem restoration, rehabilitation and recovery, with a special emphasis on protected and endangered flora and fauna.
Public participation and stakeholder involvement will be encouraged in coastal zone management. A mechanism will be established for public advocacy and participation of civil society in decision making regarding coastal zone management. Local communities will be involved in monitoring coastal ecosystems.
Institutional capacity building will be enhanced to fulfil international and trans-boundary obligations related to the coastal zone. National actions will be taken in accordance with the multilateral environmental agreements ratified by Grenada that are relevant to coastal zone protection and management. All relevant national and sectoral policies, legislation and programmes will be harmonized to incorporate the goals and objectives of this Policy. A national coordination agency will be established for integrated coastal zone management taking into account both the terrestrial and marine responsibilities. A database will be developed on all ecosystems and natural processes, for the protection of species. The data map of the coastal areas will be updated regularly to capture the changes due to natural processes and human activities. Environmental standards will be established for the disposal of waste water and other discharges from buildings, industrial, domestic and other activities into the coastal zone in order to maintain coastal water quality. Furthermore, a system will be developed for routinely monitoring coastal water quality, including inputs of pollutants from both marine and land-based sources.
Climate change adaptation will be integrated into coastal zone management. Measures will be taken against the negative impacts of coastal hazards that will directly damage coastal ecosystems and weaken the resilience of the coastal zone. Coastal zone management and planning will be strengthened to reduce vulnerability and risk associated with coastal hazards and to prevent the discharge of pollutants into near-shore areas due to human activities. Marine and terrestrial ecosystems will be preserved against over-exploitation, degradation due to inappropriate and unsustainable use and from extreme events and other negative influences. Therefore, programmes will be established for monitoring coastal ecosystems, the impacts of extreme events and the effects of human activities. Strategies will be developed to identify and manage or eradicate invasive species. A Database will be established to inform and enhance planning, decision making and preparedness in order to minimize the impacts of all types of coastal hazards. Early warning systems will be developed and implemented for coastal hazards.
The monitoring and evaluation of this Integrated Coastal Zone Management Policy will be carried out every five years, including the assessment of compliance, implementation and performance.