1

“BUILDING SUSTAINABILITY OF THE COASTAL

COMMUNITIES OF VIEUX-FORT, SAINT LUCIA AND THE POINT SABLE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AREA”

FROM: Saint Lucia National Trust TO: Organization of American States THROUGH: Bishnu Tulsie- Director DATE: October 23, 2016

SUBJECT: Final REPORT

2

OBJECTIVES To promote energy efficiency by establishing a demonstration site and hosting a

program of visits;

To improve the sustainability of solid waste management by starting a composting pilot project; and

To build resilience to natural disasters in the face of coastal erosion and climate

change by building local community understanding of coastal processes and implementing dune stabilization and beach protection measures.

3

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Saint Lucia National Trust (SLNT) is a non-profit, non-governmental membership organization established by an Act of Parliament. The role of the SLNT is to conserve the natural and cultural heritage of Saint Lucia. The SLNT is the key partner agency among several agencies that form the management team for the Point Sable Environmental Protection Area (PSEPA). The Trust is able to manage PSEPA through its southern office which is located in Vieux-Fort. The project titled “Building sustainability of the coastal communities of Vieux Fort, Saint Lucia and the Pointe Sable Environmental Protection Area,” seeks to improve the sustainability of Vieux Fort’s coastal communities, coastal resources (including Pointe Sable Environmental Protection Area, PSEPA) local livelihoods, human health and nationally-significant economic infrastructure. The project also seeks to reduce vulnerability to climate change in the south of Saint Lucia. This report will highlight through the use of photographs, videos and documentation the achievements of the project under all products as established within the project agreement. Product 1 – Energy efficient lighting system installed and operational at the Southern Office. 2kW photovoltaic panels installed at the Southern Office; Product 2 - Presentations about clean energy and energy efficiency for Vieux Fort Stakeholders; Product 3 - Community meetings about coastal zone processes, human impacts on the coastal, impacts of climate change and short term mitigation measures; Product 4 – Dune re-vegetation undertaken and beach protection measures installed; Product 5 - Pilot compost project implemented by homes and small businesses; Product 6 – Waste collection bins installed on Anse Du Sable and Moule-a-chique along with signage; Product 7 – Establishment of new public-private partnerships for recycling; Product 8 – Presentations and communications about best practices in solid waste management; Product 9 – Establishment of a rain water harvesting demonstration site at the Southern Office Product 10 – Presentations about water resource management Product 11 – Clearance of a Storm water drain from Hewanorra International Airport leading to Anse Du Sable/ Sandy Beach. Product 12 – Consultation meetings about user conflict, local transit and recreational use and zoning plan Product 13 - Recreational use zoning plan established including GIS map layers.

4

PRODUCT ONE (1) Energy efficient lighting system installed and operational at the Institution’s southern office. This will include internal LED lighting system; LED security lights for outdoor lighting and budget permitting, installation of solar- wind outdoor lighting for demonstration purposes. Technical specifications of systems installed will depend on affordability in relation to budget allocation.

The Energy Efficient lighting system has been installed and is operational at the Saint Lucia National Trust-Southern Office. The new lighting system replaced eight (8) screw incandescent bulbs, and six (6) tube lights. The tube lights were retrofitted and then installed. This was done at a cost of US$303.14. The second element of this component identified in Product 1 is the installation of a solar-wind outdoor lighting for demonstration purposes. The installation of a solar-wind outdoor system was foregone and replaced with the installation of a grid-tied photovoltaic system with permission from OAS. The average annual consumption of the office is 2164kWh hence a 2kW grid-tied system is sufficient for operation of the office. Ten (10) solar panels were installed on August 13th, along with associated connections to office electrical circuit. The system is up and running with online monitoring system in place including installation of the display board which will facilitate demonstration. Connection to national electricity grid is pending as the Government of Saint Lucia (GOSL) finalizes the framework which will govern the alternative energy sector. Link below will access to photographs of the installation process. https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B5PRMlalY7V1S3pkdDhlN1R5WUU

5

Sample display board to be installed for monitoring and demonstration

PRODUCT Two (2)

Presentations about clean energy and energy efficiency for Vieux Fort stakeholders. Two (2) presentations will be delivered by the officers attached to the Energy Unit of the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Energy, Science and Technology. Industry experts will also be invited to contribute to presentations. Expert Agencies involved in this initiative include: Ms. Benise Joseph - Energy Officer - Ministry of Sustainable Development, Energy, Science & Technology

Mr. Chris Wyatt - Civil Engineer – Design and Construction Solutions (Private Commercial)

Ms. Denell Florius – Manager - EcoCarib (Private Commercial)

Mrs. Paula Calderon -General Manager - Caribbean Awnings (Private Commercial)

Mr. Kerne Antoine: Electrical Engineer - John C. Francis Associates Ltd (JCFA) (Private Commercial)

Twenty two (22) representatives from various stakeholder agencies attended the presentations. They were engaged in topics on;

I. What is clean energy and energy efficiency? II. Building Design and Construction for High Energy Performing Buildings.

III. Practical Solutions for Building Renovations or Additions to Improve Energy Efficiency.

6

IV. Clean Energy Solutions for the Home and Transport. V. Energy Efficient Solutions for the home.

VI. Government Policies and Regulations as it relates to Clean Energy and Energy Efficiency.

Following this presentation the Trust saw the need to have a practical approach to energy efficiency. The institution is in the initial stages of implementing the pilot Energy Efficient component which would focus on replacing fluorescent or incandescent bulbs with LED bulbs in homes within the Vieux Fort community. The SLNT anticipates that as many as four (4) households will be able to benefit from this venture. Selection of those households are being done with the assistance of Ministry of Social Transformation, Local Government & Community Empowerment, Parish Council and the local town council of Vieux-Fort. The recipients must be willing to make available to the Trust copies of their electricity bills for the two-three months before the installation of the LED bulbs, and two-three months thereafter, so that patterns of electricity consumption could be properly monitored. The report generated will be for public awareness and promotion.

In the above pictures are Ms. Benise Joseph (left) and Mrs. Paula Calderon (right) presenting at the Clean Energy and Energy Efficiency Meeting

7

Ms. Kerne Antoine doing a practical demonstration with LED lights and Incandescent lights.

PRODUCT THREE (3) Community meetings about coastal zone processes, human impacts on the coastal, impacts of climate change and short-term mitigation measures. Three sessions are planned – one (1) internal briefing for relevant agencies to discuss current coastal degradation issues and mitigation within the protected area. In addition two (2) meetings (stakeholders and wider community) will also be convened to present climate change-related impacts and agree on mitigation measures for subsequent implementation.

Three (3) meetings were organized under this component to discuss coastal zone processes, human impacts on the coast, impacts of climate change and short term mitigation measures. The first which took place on March 10th 2015 at the Sustainable Development and Environment Division Conference Room of the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Energy, Science and Technology, was an internal briefing which involved presentations by Mr. Richard Huber Chief - Sustainable Communities, Hazard Risk, and Climate Change Section - Department of Sustainable Development Organization of American States, and Ms. Emma Doyle- Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute (GCFI). Others present at this meeting were three (3) representatives from Ministry of Sustainable Development, Energy, Science and Technology, four (4) representatives from Saint Lucia National Trust, and Mr. Adams Toussaint, Chief Forestry Officer. The second session engaged various stakeholders such as environmental students, the Marine Unit of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force, Officers from the Crowns Lands and Fisheries departments respectively, Eco South Tours etc. Approximately forty (40) persons were in attendance including Mr. Augustine Dominique Protected Areas

8

Manager who gave the opening remarks on behalf of the Permanent Secretary in Ministry of Sustainable Development, Energy, Science and Technology. Presenters included: Mr. Christopher Hylton - Senior Coastal Engineer/ Director of Construction Smith Warner International Ltd –“Vulnerability reduction for coastal infrastructure and Best Practices Mr. Cassian Henry - Zonal Supervisor, Saint Lucia Solid Waste Management Authority - “Recycling solutions-Composting” Mr. Michael Skeete - Water Resources Officer, Ministry of Sustainable Development, Energy, Science and Technology, “Water Quality-Casual Factors/Urban Impact” Ms. Emma Doyle - GCFI – “Intro to Coastal Sustainability” & “Assessing Actions for Managing Coastal Change Urban Sustainability” Mr. Richard Huber – OAS - “Urban Sustainability” Ms. Benise Joseph - Energy Officer - Ministry of Sustainable Development, Energy, Science Technology - Energy Efficiency - Practical Options for residents/commercial spaces On 12th March 2015, community members were invited to the Maria Island Interpretation Center to participate in presentations made by Ms. Emma Doyle who spoke on coastal rehabilitation solutions and sargassum seaweed phenomenon. Mr. Christopher Hylton presented a case study on mitigation measures and also vulnerability reduction for coastal infrastructure and best practices. This component came to a close on March 13th with a field visit of Point Sable Environmental Protection Area (PSEPA). The visit highlighted beach erosion and a road wash from flooding, deforestation and the effects of vehicular damage to beach vegetation. Following the field visit, participants were asked to begin initial conversations about the recreational use of the Sandy Beach area in order to address some of the issues highlighted during the previous days meetings and the field trip. The rational for the zoning was to provide a means through which negative impacts of some unsustainable beach use patterns and also potentially reduce conflict among users. From these discussions two zoning options were configured for consideration in a follow up consultation meeting which would lead to a final zoning draft plan for the area. Please refer to Appendices 1 and 2 for two zoning options generated.

9

Internal briefing for relevant agencies at the Sustainable Development & Environment Division Conference Room on 10th March 2015

Participants at the stakeholders meeting on 11th March 2015 which took place at the National Skills Development Center (NSDC)

Public community meeting at Maria Island Interpretation Center (MIIC.

10

Field Visit of Point Sable Environmental Protection Area (PSEP

PSEPA stakeholders discussing various recreational zoning options for the Anse Du Sable beach

PRODUCT FOUR (4)

Dune re-vegetation undertaken and beach protection measures installed. The targeted area is a section along the coastline within the protected area in Vieux Fort which suffered considerable damage from inundation following a weather trough in December 2013. There was loss of vegetation in addition to destruction of sand dunes. The precise size of the area to be rehabilitated will be determined when exact costing is done. This component of the project consisted of four main sub-components:

11

• Dune re-vegetation and nourishment: Fifty (50) yards of sand was extracted during the storm water drain clearance, and this was used to rehabilitate existing sand dunes on Anse Du Sable Beach. A tree planting exercise is pending under this component.

Sand extracted from the storm drains. This sand was used to commence the other project component- dune rehabilitation

• Sea-grape rehabilitation: The sea grape trees which line the Anse Sable beach area provide an extra layer of coastal protection. However, these trees are old and have been infested with black sooty mold and white fly insects. Based on advice from the Ministry Of Agriculture, an organic serum was developed to treat the infestation rather than a chemical based pesticide. Two cycles of treatment using the organic spray was effected under this project.

Spraying of sea grape-trees

• Establishment of nursery: A temporary nursery was constructed in order to

propagate plants which will be used for re-vegetation exercises on areas along the beach strip. Replanting exercises will be undertaken from time to time when plants become available.

12

New nursery at MIIC with seedlings already being propagated for use within the PSEPA

• Installation of physical barriers: The installation of physical barriers is intended to limit vehicular traffic at certain sites on the beach. Heavy vehicular traffic has caused severe beach compacting which is also contributing to increased surface run-off during heavy rains and damage to coastal vegetation. There is consensus to install barriers after discussions with various agencies and during various consultations. The barriers will act as a buffer which will allow more vulnerable sites to recover naturally and also provide protection to seedlings which be planted beyond these barriers. The installation of the barriers is pending as current funds under the project are insufficient to cover all costs. Final disbursement under the project will facilitate completion of this activity. Refer to Appendices 3 and 4 for sites where barriers are to be installed.

A meeting was convened at the Maria Island Interpretation Center on 14th May 2015. Agencies present were: National Conservation Authority (NCA) Crown Lands Vieux-Fort Constituency Council Ministry of Infrastructure Port Services & Transport (MIPST) Representatives: Ian McAllister- Field Supervisor NCA Harold Lashley-Crown Lands- l Winall Joshua- Mayor VF C.C-

13

Helena Rueben- Assistant Town Clerk VFCC Eddie Parsade- Engineer MIPST- Waitson Charlery-Technical Dept MIPST Meeting Points: • Storm water drain clearance briefing • Zoning of specific areas on the beach, making it inaccessible to vehicular traffic in

particular. The zoning will not limit recreation activities. The area of interest begins from southern boundary of the Cassius Elias’ property and reaching the red bench along the stretch of beach.

At that meeting, which was chaired by Mr. Craig Henry-SLNT, the Vieux-Fort Constituency Town Council guaranteed to contribute its human resource during the activity. In addition permission would be sought form Crown Lands to proceed with the project component. All stakeholder agencies present lamented that the entire stretch of beach needed to be addressed.

14

PRODUCT FIVE (5)

Pilot composting project implemented by homes and small businesses. This took the form of a two (2) day meeting. The sessions were planned with at least 40 participants from partner agencies, schools, restaurants and private citizens. The Saint Lucia Solid Waste Management Authority (SLSWMA) assisted in providing overall technical support. The lead presenter was Mr. Cassian Henry, Zonal Supervisor, SLSWMA gave an extensive overview of composting in general and composting practices in particular on 6th May 2015. The second day involved practical demonstrations where the participants were able to use their knowledge from the previous day. This was a very successful component. Three (3) compost sites were established within Vieux-Fort. The first site was created at the Saint Lucia National Trust Southern Office grounds, the other at the Vieux-Fort Primary School to be overseen by their environmental club, and the last one at the Reef Restaurant and Bar operating at Sandy Beach, within PSEPA. The compost generated will be used as fertilizer in the gardens of the establishments. These meetings also fulfilled the mandate of the Product 8 which was to hold presentations and communications about best practices in solid waste management for Vieux Fort stakeholders, with a focus of composting as a means of recycling green waste. The decision was made to combine the two components so as to avoid duplication of effort on the part of the main presenters and also to avoid stakeholder fatigue, having to attend too many meetings around similar themes. Mr. Cassian Henry not only facilitated the meetings but he also availed himself to provide support at all three established sites. On 13th, 19th, 21st, 22nd May and 4th, 10th, 11th, 16th June 2015, he was able to visit and provide further technical advice to those who would be taking responsibility for the compost site. SLNT was able to purchase and equip the Vieux-Fort Primary School with a rake, watering can and plastic cover to be used for their compost site. However, a major challenge for the school project has been continuity during long holidays. The compost site which had been established requires rehabilitation after neglect during the vacation period. However, both the school officials, SLSWMA and SLNT have committed to re-establishing the compost site.

15

The above pictures are of the pilot compost meeting on the 6th of May 2015 where participants were actively engaged in discussion on composting

16

Second pilot composting meeting 7th May 2015. The group participated in a practical demonstration outside the Maria Island Interpretation Center

17

A B

C D Pictures A, B, C and D are of the compost site established at the Reef restaurant & bar which operates within PSEPA

This is the second visit to Vieux-Fort primary where the compost site was demarcated and Mr. Cassian Henry was explaining to the students of the environmental club the process of composting and the steps to be taken before his next visit

18

June 10th 2015, Mr. Cassian Henry actively engaged the environmental club students in composting.

19

June 10th 2015, the top picture shows the students covering their compost. In the bottom picture Saint Lucia National Trust staff handed over a rake, watering can and plastic cover to the environmental club students for their compost site.

This is the small garden created at the Reef Restaurant & Bar. They have used the compost as fertilizer. After discussions with the local town council, the SLSWMA and the National Conservation Authority (NCA), the SLNT set to establish a more permanent compost

20

bed at its office grounds in order to promote recycling by the use of green waste generated by the agencies by first composting and then compiling the compost for later use. This project involved the construction of a well-protected compost bed through the assistance of the above mentioned agencies, SLNT staff and other volunteers. Ground preparations had been completed prior to the installation of wooden perimeter fencing for the bed. This included laying down of suitable top soil material over a dry foliage layer. Two benefits of this activity is that it will add to the educational component of the SLNT office as a sustainable living demonstration site which includes also the rain water harvesting system, LED lighting and solar panels for reduced energy consumption. Secondly, the network of support and involvement from partner agencies whose workers and members better understand the processes and benefits of the various elements of sustainable living and have acquired skills along the way.

Perimeter fencing being installed for compost site. Note that garbage bags which are filled with green waste. An arrangement has been made between the SLNT and Local town council to deposit the green waste at this site. Man power was also allocated for site maintenance.

PRODUCT SIX (6) Waste collection bins installed on Anse du Sable and signage on Moule á Chique headland and on Anse du Sable coastal zone, with promotion of collaboration for waste collection. The number of bins to be installed is dependent on final cost, though it is the desire to have at least four (4) bins installed and secured and arrangements made for regular waste collection.

Three (3) waste collection bins were installed within the Pointe Sable Environmental Protection Area (PSEPA). One was placed at Moule-A-Chique lookout point and the other at Anse-Du-Sable beach for use by the general public who frequent these areas. On this same day a clean-up was undertaken at Moule-A-Chique. The SLNT has been tracking the volume of waste being extracted at the Anse du Sable site from the month of April, until now. This data will be shared to the Saint Lucia Solid Waste Management Authority (SLSWMA) to include in their own database.

21

Bin and signage for cleaner environment within the PSEPA

PRODUCT SEVEN (7) Establishment of new public-private partnerships for recycling including meetings held with PSEPA, SLSWMA, Ministry of Environment, and local businesses, council and community representatives, with private sector recycling companies.

During the course of the implementation of this project some agencies have become very strong allies in the delivery of certain components particularly in relation to Products Five (5) -Composting and Six (6) - Installation of bins. The Vieux Town Council (VTC), the SLSWMA and the NCA have provided support through their endorsement and approval of project activities; providing man power and technical oversight in the execution of project deliverables as highlighted during the construction of the compost bed and compost training workshops. This was also the case of a pre-installation of clean-up activity and installation of garbage bins on the various points with the PSEPA. Both the VTC and SLSWMA have had the goal of recycling of green waste both in the practice and as well as promoting the practice in the public domain. One of the issues was when green waste generated when public spaces and road sides have been cleared, the waste would be treated as normal solid waste to be dumped at the landfill. Noting that there was best practice is the reuse of the green waste and the desire by these agencies to promote this best practice, an opportunity for joint action on a shared goal. The SLNT decided that it would allow and facilitate the establishment of a permanent compost site to which can be routed some of the green waste generated during regular clean-up activities conducted by the NCA and VTC and the SLSWMA would provide technical oversight of the management and care of the compost site.

22

Moreover, the discussions have broaden to how best to use the compost and also assisting schools and other local businesses on how to better reuse their green waste.

On the more national issue of recycling in Saint Lucia, the SLSMWA is at the final stages of preparing a review of its mandate, including the matter of recycling, both of green and other types of waste. The SLMWA has for some time recognised that the interest in solid waste recycling but that the lack of regulation this industry presented challenges in terms of monitoring and oversight and setting industry standards. It was the hope that this project could have supported this thrust but that after the discussions with SLSWMA, it was agreed that their current review would better determine how they would proceed and that the SLNT would have a better and more substantiated opportunity to assist. The SLSWMA has promised to share the conclusions of this review with the SLNT.

PRODUCT EIGHT (8) Presentations and communications about best practices in solid waste management for Vieux Fort stakeholders. Two (2) sessions are planned with at least 40 participants from partner agencies, schools, restaurants and private citizens.

This product was covered in meetings convened in Products 3 and 5. The discussions on best practice in solid waste management were in general terms as to what is acceptable for Saint Lucia. However, in more practical terms, the focus was on the recycling of green waste and composting. The SLSWMA is keen to promote composting to the Saint Lucian public due both to the huge volume of green waste generated and the many benefits associated with this practice.

PRODUCT NINE (9)

23

Rain Water Harvesting System

The rain water harvesting system was installed and is operational at the Saint Lucia National Trust Southern Office. The system includes a one (1) thousand gallon water tank which has been integrated into the current plumbing system of the SLNT southern office.

PRODUCT TEN (10)

Presentations on water resource management

One component of the project sought to promote the importance of effective water resource management. Water is not only an essential resource in itself, but also of prime importance as a transport agent (e.g. of soil and nutrients) and is crucial in maintaining the integrity of the natural environment. Further, it is well documented that access to portable water is linked to healthier populations; fresh food supplies and overall positive economic and social development. Improved water resources management practices are critical to ensuring the sustainability of this vital resource. Climate change impacts and poor waste management practices have and will continue

24

to pose challenges to water sector. For instance, Saint Lucia has experienced extended periods of drought over the last few years despite the intermittent occurrence of intense rainfall. At a recent information sharing community meeting under the Climate Change Impacts on Water resources and Human Livelihoods in the Coastal Zones of Small Island Developing States (CASCADE) Project, it was revealed that that poor distribution were exacerbating access issues across many communities. Concerns were also raised about contamination of underground water sources which are yet untapped water sources on the island. Although sustainable harvesting of rainwater can contribute markedly to resolving the scarcity of water during drier periods and supplement traditional water sources particularly when they are likely to become silted during heavy rainfall, the practice has not been successfully mainstreamed. In that regard, a meeting was held on 20th November 2015 during various presenters focused on water resource related themes. These included:

1. Mr. Craig Henry, SLNT- “Pollution Hotspots within the PSEPA” 2. Water Resource Management, Ministry of Sustainable Development Energy

Science & Technology-“Importance of our fresh water supply: Best practices to reduce contamination of our water resources”

3. Ermine Herman, Caribbean Public Health Agency - “Impacts of unsustainable practices on our fresh water supply”

4. Water & Sewage Company (WASCO) - “Water Quality”

The meeting provided PSEPA stakeholders with an opportunity to understand the importance of water resource management and various issues which plague the water sector in saint Lucia.

PRODUCT ELEVEN (11)

Storm Water Drain Clearance

The Saint Lucia National Trust (SLNT) completed the process of de-silting a major storm drain in Vieux Fort near Sandy Beach. The project was geared at reducing threats to the coastline line within the Pointe Sable Environmental Protection Area (PSEPA). The storm drain, which runs diagonally from the airport fence to the Sandy Beach shore

25

line, had been clogged for many years. The drain runs 28meters beneath the road. The two trenches where the backhoe operated measured 56 yards. Fifty (50) yards of sand was extracted on either end of the storm water drain, including what was removed by the manual labourers. This activity has restored functionality to this infrastructure which is one of many serving as excess water relief points in the area. Most of the extracted sand was used to replenish sand dunes which suffered damage as a result of the Christmas Eve trough in 2013.

All works were supervised by engineers from the Ministry of Infrastructure, Port Services and Transport. The Vieux Fort South Constituency Council, Saint Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority (SLAPSA) and the National Conservation Authority also provided institutional support for this activity which was completed on 29th May 2015.

During the implementation of this component of the project it was observed that the right drainage hole of the storm water drain was completely blocked, the sand was very compacted, and a tree had either grown or got lodged in it. This caused great difficulty for manual unclogging. Following this observation, a suggestion was made to install a steel trap to prevent recurrence of this issue in future. Although not part of the initial scope of works, there was sufficient funds to permit the installation of the steel trap. It will be maintained the National Conservation Authority (NCA), grounds crew.

26

Above are pictures of the inlet and outlet of the storm water drain before clearance, located in the vicinity of the airport and the sandy beach

Works in progress on storm water drain clearance

27

The inside of the storm water drain. The picture on the left shows one of the manual extraction of water sand from the drain. The picture on the right shows the drain after complete clearance.

This is the steel trap which was installed at the inlet of the storm water drain. This steel trap will be maintained by the National Conservation Authority (NCA).

PRODUCT TWELVE (12) Consultation meetings about user conflict, local transit and recreational use and zoning plan

On March 18th, 2016, a follow up consultation with PSEPA stakeholders was convened to review two recreational zoning options which had been proposed at a previous consultation meeting (refer to section description in Product 2). The aim was to review the two options which had been proposed in order to synthesize the best and most practical ideas into one recreational zoning plan which would be communicated to relevant authorities for consideration. Particpants were able to review the 2 maps with active group discussions on the elements of the maps which were practical, realistic and within more likely to be acceptable to

28

authorities. From these discussions, a final map was eventually generated. Refer to Appendix 5. Note that some of the components of zoning plan will be implemented prior to approval of the entire plan. That includes the installation of physical barriers, tree planting and dune restoration.

Meeting particpants review maps for in order to formulate a final draft recreational zoning plan for the Anse Du Sable beach.

PRODUCT THIRTEEN (13) Recreational use zoning plan established including GIS map layers developed

The recreational use and zoning plan has been drafted but requires more additional consultation and also requires approval from relevant agencies. The final draft map is to be more widely circulated in order to gain further consensus due to the ramifications which the map suggests. The SLNT will be leading this component beyond the life of

29

this project. The Lands and Surveys Department of Saint Lucia will be engaged to undertake the map layering of the zoning plan.

Outstanding Project Activities

The following is a list of activities which are at varying stages of completion but require funding under the final disbursement. Quotations have been attached.

1. Printing of educational material 2. Procurement of one interpretive sign for the SLNT demonstration site for rain

water harvesting, energy efficiency and green waste recycling (composting). 3. Installation of barriers. Site and design approval is complete.

Challenges and Lessons Learnt

1. Stakeholder Consultations – The SLNT had to make a strategic decision to curtail on the number of stakeholder meetings originally planned under this project (and other projects). This was because a trend was developing that the same group of stakeholders were being invited to participate in meetings under this and other (3) projects being implemented by the SLNT, and so stakeholder fatigue was a risk. This also placed a demand for human resources on staff of the SLNT and cooperating agencies. In the case of the latter, this would have implicated significant demands on their time. The SLNT therefore had to review work programmes under various projects to identify cross-cutting themes and activities. Though difficult, it proved useful as there were advantages related to saving on costs, time and human effort. For example, meetings on solid waste management and energy and water resource management were combined in a two day even rather than separately.

2. Human resource - Due to the technical nature of some of the activities, the availability (or lack thereof) of technical officers from cooperating agencies

30

influenced the implementation schedule. These caused some delays in implementation of certain activities.

3. Supplier delays – some suppliers contracted under the project experienced difficulties in procuring items required to fulfil their obligations. These issues were reported to the SLNT and therefore adjustments in time of delivery were made in order to facilitate completion of activities. This was the so in the cases of the LED replacement and the PV installation exercises

4. Cost projections- Some project activities were underfunded in the initial projections made at the time proposal submission. This real costs became more apparent when it came time for implementation. In order to overcome this, the scope of the activity was narrowed in line with available funds or cost saving were identified from other activities to provide funding support. This was the case for the sand dune rehabilitation; installation of bins and the solar PV installation.

5. Agency support- Generally agencies were very willing to support project initiatives. Agencies provide manpower, advice and facilitated fast tracking of certain approval processes owing to their commitment to the aims of the project. Through this project, very crucial ties were established among some key personnel from cooperating agencies. However, this support unfortunately can waiver if there is a change in administrative heads or personnel. It is also very important to gauge the capacity of institutions to deliver on commitments at certain times due to conflicting interests or arrangements.

6. The related issue is that based on the project disbursement schedules, some initiatives have been prioritized and partially implemented to match the funds available. Some components of the products remain to be completed outside the project cycle. Nonetheless the SLNT remains committed to implementing these using the remainder of project funds and also agency support.