One of the Units at the OECS Secretariat has a new name.The department, which is responsible for coordinating sub-regional programmes in Natural Resources Management, has been changed from the Natural Resources Management Unit NRMU to the Environment and Sustainable Development Unit ESDU. ( "esdoo" )

The Unit was renamed following a decision at the 36th meeting of the OECS Authority in keeping with that unit's revised mandate. The revised mandate is to assist member countries in matters pertaining to the sustainable management of natural resources to enhance the livelihoods and quality of life of people in the OECS.

The OECS Environment Policy Committee EPC has instructed ESDU to prepare summaries and briefing papers pertaining to the negotiation and implementation of Multilateral Environmental Agreements, as required by OECS member countries.

ESDU is also preparing a position paper on a model Environment Department including roles, functions and structure of the Department.