OECS Ministers of Environment concluded their 10th Environment Policy Committee (EPC) meeting in Tortola, British Virgin Islands, with a strong call for more resources to advance the work that falls within the ambit of environmental management and sustainable development.

Ministers stressed that with the rapidly increasing challenges, governments must seriously consider mainstreaming environment in plans and policies  as well as providing the necessary financial backing for management initiatives.

Chief Minister of the British Virgin Islands (BVI) Hon. Dr. Orlando Smith noted the unique characteristics of the OECS Region in terms of smallness and under-development, stressing that environmental preservation must be a priority if Member States are to sustain their economies which are heavily dependent on tourism.“The preservation of pristine skies and seas, of unbleached coral reefs, and of unsoiled lands is not just a matter of public health or long-term conservation – it is a matter of immediate economic importance” the Chief Minister said. Urging the Ministers to take advantage of global expertise and resources, Dr. Smith suggested the development of a conservation model that protects the environment and at the same time, does not sacrifice growth, or the quality of life in the region. Ministers were reminded that climate change, deforestation, species extinction, and ecosystem collapse are all real environmental challenges that deserve the attention of all government sectors.

Outgoing Chairman of the EPC St Lucia’s Minister of Environment Hon. Ferguson John, reminded his colleague ministers that work on the environment is continuous, particularly in light of the new thrust of regional governments to press ahead with more service-oriented industries such as tourism. The minister remarked: “I urge you colleague ministers, to elevate the priority weighting of our natural environment and to seek the integration of environmental management into every facet of our economic and social development portfolios.”

New Chairperson of the OECS EPC, the BVI’s Minister of Natural Resources Hon. Eileene Parsons, agreed that sustaining the environment is very essential for the region’s livelihoods: “Sustainable development is the umbrella that bridges the divide between economic growth and environmental protection. Development should meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”

Dr Vasantha Chase, the OECS  Secretariat’s Director of Social and Sustainable Development, recommended  existing National Environmental Management Strategies (NEMS) as the lead instrument to mainstream the environment into development programmes, sector strategies, and policy dialogue.  Dr Chase called on Member States “to undertake a critical review of the structure and functioning of their environment departments” while emphasizing a focus on integrating the environment into the development agenda. Dr Chase suggested that Member States support the incorporation of the principle of sustainable development into legal statutes and seek to enhance the awareness and technical skills of the judiciary on sustainable development issues.

The 10th EPC meeting also looked at optimizing resources to advance the cause of environment in the context of the new OECS Economic Union Treaty.  The new Treaty seeks to tighten obligations to effective management of natural resources, with environment recognized as one of the main pillars of sustainable development. Ministers and their accompanying senior environmental officers were charged with the responsibility to engage in continuous strategic measures that can militate against further environmental degradation.