OECS Environment Ministers will convene their tenth meeting in Tortola, British Virgin Islands on Friday (November 17th 2007). 

The Ministers, who make-up the OECS Environmental Policy Committee (EPC), are expected to focus on current pertinent issues related to environmental management and sustainable development.

An involved discussion on the emerging role of the Ministers in the context of the New OECS Economic Union Treaty is a major item on the agenda. Ambassador Charles Maynard of Dominica will lead discussions on this item, following which the Ministers will deliberate on specific areas in the environmental protocol such as disaster, energy and maritime issues.

Another highpoint of the meeting is expected to come with the first official presentation of two OECS instruments, the Benchmarking Tool (B-Tool) on Disaster Risk Management (supported by USAID) and the revised version of the St George’s Declaration (SGD) of Principles for Environmental Sustainability.

It is hoped that these presentations, will stimulate dialogue among the Ministers and lead them to the desired endorsement and support for in-county institutionalization. St. Lucia’s minister of Environment Fergusson John will chair the EPC meeting. 

In addition to the discussions Ministers will review a number of issues that fall within the ambit of the OECS Environment and Sustainable Development portfolio. These include environmental management and planning, biodiversity and planning, environment and capacity development, sustainable livelihoods and disaster management. In particular, Ministers will be asked to endorse the work of the OECS Environment and Sustainable Development Unit (ESDU) and to note or recommend priority areas for further inclusion into the work plan.

The Ministers will also dialogue with a number of regional and international agencies who will provide a summary of their mandate and an update on their contributions to the environmental management portfolio of the region.

The one-day meeting of Ministers will include senior environmental officials, relevant regional stakeholders and international donor agencies. Prior to that meeting the OECS Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) on Environmental issues will also gather in Tortola for two days of talks beginning on Wednesday and Thursday. The TAC normally comprises Chief Environment Officers and Permanent Secretaries from the Ministry of Environment.