National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan of Saint Lucia.

The National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan is a national policy with a cross-sectoral approach. The aim of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan is to optimize the contribution of biological diversity to the sustainable economic, social and cultural development of St. Lucia. To this end, the objectives of this policy are to: (I) conserve the diversity of ecosystems, species and genetic resources; (II) promote the sustainable use of these resources; (III) encourage the equitable access and sharing of the benefits derived from the use of biodiversity; and (IV) facilitate the participation of all stakeholders in the management of biodiversity.
Biodiversity conservation will be achieved through the implementation of suitable policies and programmes in key sectors, such as agriculture, watershed and water resources management, fisheries, and tourism. To this end, biodiversity conservation and management will be integrated into the relevant policies. The threats affecting, and likely to affect, biological diversity will be studied and the conservation priorities will be identified to reduce the biodiversity loss. Moreover, a new policy framework will be developed for environmental management and sustainable development in the country, in order to conserve the biodiversity as well as to achieve environmental and economic sustainability, enhance the quality of the lives of all Saint Lucians, and preserve the nation's natural capital.
A comprehensive monitoring and research programme will be developed, focusing in particular on: populations of threatened, endemic and endangered species; area coverage and status of natural ecosystems; and the status and evolution of agro-ecosystems. Information relevant to the conservation and management of biodiversity will be collected and the development of new knowledge on biological diversity will be contributed at the local, regional and global levels. In order to ensure the conservation and management of natural ecosystems and wildlife, collaborative agreements will be developed with selected land owners to ensure the conservation of ecosystems and habitats under private ownership and with selected farmers to ensure the conservation of breeds and cultivars. Ex-situ conservation will be strengthened through the creation and management of gardens of trees as well as other medicinal, ornamental and other useful plants; creation of zoos and other facilities for breeding endangered fauna; in vitro conservation of plant germplasm; establishment of field gene banks; and maintenance of livestock stations for breeding and distribution of animal germplasm. Training, extension and capacity-building services will be provided to users of biological resources, particularly those who depend on such resources to sustain their livelihoods, in order to enhance their ability to access and use resources in a secure, equitable and sustainable manner. In addition, public awareness will be raised on the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.
A mechanism will be established under the auspices of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and the Department of Environment of the Ministry of Planning, Development, Environment and Housing to coordinate the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan.