National Report to the Tenth Session of the United Nations Forum on Forests INTRODUCTORY NOTE

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1 Country: SAINT LUCIA Date of submission: 11 th September, 2012 National Report to the Tenth Session of the United Nations Forum on Forests INTRODUCTORY NOTE This streamlined reporting format is prepared in response to the request made in the Resolution on Forests for People, adopted at the ninth session of the Forum in February Accordingly, the Forum requested the UNFF Secretariat (UNFFS) to develop a streamlined reporting format, in consultation with other members of the Collaborative Partnership on Forests (CPF), to ensure simple voluntary national reporting for UNFF 10 focused on the implementation of the non-legally binding instrument on all types of forests, (hereinafter referred to as the forest instrument) 2 and a balanced reporting of all its four Global Objectives on Forests (GOFs). The streamlined reporting format is the result of consultations with the members of the CPF Task Force on Streamlining Forest-Related Reporting. In addition, UNFFS and FAO consulted extensively with government representatives and international experts on this reporting format and its content. These consultations were conducted through five regional capacity-building workshops 3 with the participation of UNFF and FRA national focal points. A total of 136 national and international experts from 78 countries and up to five international organizations participated in the workshops. The workshops also benefitted from the four on-going FAO pilot projects in Ghana, Liberia, Nicaragua and the Philippines on the implementation of the forest instrument. The reporting format is intended to complement ongoing reporting by other processes and focuses on identifying critical gaps in international and national reporting, and on issues that are not sufficiently covered by other reporting processes such as forest financing and forest contributions to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). This will help to better measure the progress achieved across the full scope of the forest instrument and its GOFs. The streamlined reporting format is prepared in a way that reduces the burden of multiple reporting exercises by countries. In this regard, the reporting format takes into account quantitative and 1 United Nations Forum on Forests, Report on the ninth session (1 May 2009 and 24 January to 4 February 2011_E/2011/42_E/CN.18/2011/20, Page 8) 2 United Nations Forum on Forests, Report on the seventh session (24 February 2006 and April 2007)_E/2007/42, E/CN.18/2007/8 3 The workshops held in Bangkok, Thailand (10-12 October 2011), Nairobi, Kenya (13-15 December 2011), Accra, Ghana (6-8 February 2012), Beirut, Lebanon (11-13 April 2012) and Santiago, Chile (18-20 April 2012) were jointly organized by UNFFS and FAO. 1

2 qualitative information already submitted by countries to the FAO Forest Resource Assessment (FRA) 2005 and

3 GUIDANCE FOR THE PREPARATION OF NATIONAL REPORTS This streamlined reporting format is made up of three parts: I. The forest instrument II. The four Global Objectives on Forests III. The contribution of forests to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals The forest instrument covers a broad spectrum of issues beyond forests. Its implementation requires close cooperation between different authorities. Consequently, the preparation of national reports may require a cooperative exercise among institutions and ministries such as ministries of environment, economic development, finance, agriculture, health and statistics, and in particular with national focal points for FRA, the NFP Facility, the ITTO C&I process and the Rio Processes, where applicable. For reporting, please note the following: The fields with FRA indicators are highlighted in grey. This data will be derived by UNFFS from the FRA database; If information for a specific question does not exist, please enter NA (not available) or NR (not relevant) but do not leave the fields blank - all the responses to the questions contained in this reporting format are important for the Forum to analyze the progress, to identify the gaps and needs in implementing the forest instrument, including data gaps, and in finding ways and means to address them; Some of the questions include descriptive parts. We encourage countries to fill in these parts and provide context and background information in addition to the requested figures and the yes and no answers. At the same time, the responses should be limited [maximum 250] to keep the analytical efforts within reasonable bounds; The national report should be submitted in English, French or Spanish. To facilitate exchange of experience, countries are also encouraged to submit, where relevant, a translation of their summary report in English. The national reports should be submitted to UNFFS by 30 September Submission of the reports ahead of this deadline is encouraged, as this will facilitate the preparation of analyses and syntheses to be made available to the UNFF10; Member States are kindly requested to submit the original signed copy of the national report with an official letter from their respective institution/ministry, via mail or to the address below. Electronic copies should be available in word processing software, and the scanned copy of the official letter, as well as any graphic elements, should be provided in separate files. 3

4 United Nations Forum on Forests United Nations Forum on Forests Secretariat Department of Economic and Social Affairs One UN Plaza DC1-Room 1256 New York, NY Tel: , Fax:

5 General information Head of forest agency Name: Michael Bobb Title: Chief Forestry Officer Address: Gabriel Charles Forestry Complex, Union Castries, Saint Lucia Phone: Fax: UNFF national focal point (please fill out if not same as above) Name: Title: Address: Adams Toussaint Assistant Chief Forestry Officer Gabriel Charles Forestry Complex, Union Castries Phone: Fax: Person to contact concerning the national report, if other than the UNFF national focal point (NOT APPLICABLE) Name: Title: Address: Phone: Fax: 5

6 Abbreviations in the questionnaire/template: B.Sc.: Bachelor of Science degree C & I: Criteria and indicators processes FAO: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations FLEGT: Forest law enforcement, governance and trade FRA: FAO s global Forest Resources Assessment GOF: Global Objectives on Forests ITTO: International Tropical Timber Organization MDGs: Millennium Development Goals M.Sc.: Masters of Science degree NA: t available NFP: National forest programme ODA: Official development assistance SIDS: Small Island Developing States SFM: Sustainable forest management UN: United Nations UNFF: United Nations Forum on Forests UNFFS: United Nations Forum on Forests Secretariat PART I: The n-legally Binding Instrument on All Types of Forests (forest instrument) 5 Thematic Clusters of the Forest Instrument The forest instrument has been grouped into five cross-cutting and eight thematic clusters for easy reference 6 : 1A: Strengthening political commitment for sustainable forest management 1B: Financing sustainable forest management 1C: Capacity building and technology transfer 1D: Stakeholder participation 1E: Enhanced international cooperation 2A: Forest law enforcement and governance 2B: International Trade in forest products 2C: Protection of forests 2D: Science and research 2E: Public awareness and education 2F: Private sector and industry E.CN.18/2009/2, pp 4-5 ( 6

7 2G: Indigenous and local communities 2H: Monitoring, assessment and reporting Data provided on thematic clusters of the forest instrument will also be used for assessing progress toward its Global Objectives on Forests (Qs 33-49). 1A: Strengthening political commitment to sustainable forest management 1. Existence of Forest policy statement with national scope; data will be derived by UNFFS from FRA database 7 (T14 Policy and legal framework) 2. Existence of national forest programme (nfp); data will be derived by UNFFS from FRA database (T14 Policy and legal framework) 3. Do you have inter-institutional mechanisms/processes for cross-sectoral cooperation to achieve sustainable forest management? If yes, which sectors are actively involved: Agriculture Climate Change Energy Tourism Water Other: NGOs & CBOs Please describe the inter-institutional mechanisms/processes for cross-sectoral cooperation (maximum 250 words). Inter-institutional and cross-sectoral cooperation is increasingly recognized as mechanisms that are both necessary and desirable as a strategy for successfully addressing the majority of the objectives and difficult challenges that many Government institutions, non-governmental and private agencies are confronted with. The processes for the collaboration and cooperation are both formal and informal at the institutional level and across sectors. The Forestry Department has established a framework to facilitate collaboration with a wide range of agencies and sectors in an effort to effectively manage the biophysical resources including the forests, soil and waters of Saint Lucia in accordance with the soil and water conservation ordinance of Saint Lucia. Some of the mechanisms national committees, taskforces, ad hoc meetings to provide advice, recommendations, brainstorming, and creating synergies for project planning, development and implementation, environmental impact assessments, national communication and accounting. Other mechanisms include the inter alia: National portfolio formulation Clearinghouse mechanisms Geonode to facilitate data sharing between Government Agencies Public sector strategic programme planning processes 7 7

8 4. Are your national forest programmes and relevant policies and strategies contributing to poverty eradication? If yes, please specify : Studies produced to date illustrate the potential of the forestry sector to contribute to poverty eradication, particularly in the context of loss of preferential trade arrangements in the banana industry and limited participation by the rural communities in the tourism sector. Efforts to diversify the agricultural sector and increasing the participation of the rural communities in the tourism sector has generated and increase in programmes, strategies and policies that includes aspects of the Forests Instruments and complementary to SFM. It must be stated that the lack of data related to trade, markets and the socio-economic impacts and the fact that it is largely an informal economic sector has created an information gap, which need to be eliminated through the establishment of a forestry sector monitoring system. However, there are some noteworthy income-generating tree and forest product enterprises that has been recognized and promoted by the forestry Department for their contribution to poverty eradication and sustainable utilization of forest resources, such as, ecotourism facilities, frankincense tapping and trading, latanye broom production, charcoal production and cottage timber industry. These enterprises are maintained by a variety of players which includes, government institutions, community based institutions, NGOs, private sector agencies, individuals and household family enterprises. In the case of the timber industry it is maintained by individual private chainsaw owners who stockpile or provide service to furniture makers and households on demand for timber conversion. These small forest based industries provide a wide variety of opportunities for rural employment and income generation in forests communities. National forest programs have been revised to include specific NO measures and resources for eradicating poverty. National poverty eradication plans and strategies or equivalent NO have been revised to incorporate sustainable forest management. Please describe specific actions or measures taken to eradicate poverty and their effects (maximum 250 words). 8

9 5. Has the forest instrument been translated into your country s official/local language(s)? Please list the language(s) into which the forest instrument has been translated. English 1B: Financing sustainable forest management: Assessment of this thematic cluster will be conducted on the basis of data provided under Global Objective on Forests 4 (Q ). 1C: Capacity building and technology transfer 6. Total number of persons employed in forestry (1,000 persons-years); data will be derived by UNFFS from the FRA database (T13 Employment). 7. Total number of staff working in public forest institutions; data will be derived by UNFFS from FRA database (T15 Institutional framework). Does your country have adequate capacity and technology to implement sustainable forest management? If no, please describe the main challenges, including institutional and technology priority needs and knowhow areas of particular concern (maximum 250 words). The following provides the main challenges identified by the Saint Lucia Forestry Department: 1. table absence of a national forest management plan since 2002; the absence of a strategic forestry sector plan; and the pending approval of the revised forest policy and legislations. 2. Lack of structures for improving governance 3. Strengthening institutional capacities including training forestry staff to deal with the looming exodus of experience forestry personnel due to the compulsory pensionable age and the lack of succession planning. 4. Constrained due to inadequate means of implementation, particularly financing; equipment and technology, information management, developing national accounting and valuation systems for forest goods and services; 5. Strengthening forest monitoring capabilities; and forest management information systems 6. Improving and diversifying economic benefits generated by forest goods and services for the poor and private forested land owners. 7. Lack of effective stakeholder participation for SFM 8. Is your country engaged in SFM-related technology transfer? If yes, is your country a donor or recipient of SFM technology? Donor country RECIPIENT UNITED KINGDOM/AUSTRALIA, EU, 9

10 Canada Recipient country SAINT LUCIA Describe the nature, source and target of technology transfer (maximum 250 words). National forest demarcation and biophysical inventory and the capacity building in a cadre of forestry officers in forest inventory. The Biophysical resource inventory also included the assessment of timber and non timber attributes, and the socioeconomic status of non-timber forests products in order to provide information for adaptive sustainable management by forests managers and forest dependent communities. The project also helps in providing updated forests monitoring and assessment equipment and expertise in geographic information systems (GIS) which is still relevant today. Experimental studies to develop best practice methodology for sustainable Management of non-timber forest products, frankincense and latanye palms leaves, for forest dependent communities and people. Ongoing efforts to improve harvesting stocks, improvement in quality standards, value added and access to markets. 9. Are there any incentives for promoting improved technologies for SFM? If yes, please check where applicable: Low-interest loans Tax breaks : debts for nature swaps Subsidies especially for private forest land owners Participation in SFM best practice certification programmes that improve access to markets Others; please specify (maximum 250): Some pest practice activities are listed as follows: Developments of quality standards for latanye brooms production. Research in the development of a sustainable management system for resin tappers, certification and license either as individuals or as a communal group to harvest trees using approved methods and best practices, market development, quality improvement, geographic indicator (GI) and value added for locally produced frankincense. Duty free concessions approval process include the participation of the Forestry Agency in Saint Lucia to determine whether the proposed enterprise has met the criteria for SFM best practices before approval in granted by the Ministry of Tourism. Lease agreement for ecotourism facilities to be established within the forest reserves in Saint Lucia must meet some important criteria for SFM before the approval of the lease agreement is granted 1D: Stakeholder participation 10. Does your country have programmes for involving stakeholders in SFM policy formulation, planning and 10

11 implementation? If yes, please indicate the levels: National Sub-national Local Describe the processes of public participation in SFM, indicating existing mechanisms and stakeholders involved (maximum 250 words). A great number of frameworks have been established for public participation in SFM. Some of these frameworks exist in the Wildfire Management Plan, National Disaster Management, Wildlife Management Policy and Plan, the National Action Plan and Strategic Action Plan for sustainable land management, the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, the national Forest demarcation and biophysical inventory project and Forest restoration and Rehabilitation Project. The inter alia mechanisms for public and stakeholder participation, which are as follows: Multi - sectoral approach to manage the challenges and minimize the risks related to wildfires. For example, Cabinet Conclusion 1151/2009 approved the Saint Lucia Wildfire Management Plan (WFMP). The main objective of the WFMP is to reduce the negative effects of wildfires on natural ecosystems and socioeconomic development and to foster the participation and integration of civil society, government and non-governmental organizations in Saint Lucia and within the Caribbean region in wildfire management in Saint Lucia. National communication programme on forests including the development and use of education tool kits; sensitization and consultations on new initiatives, project plans and outcomes; information dissemination on the status of forest resources and for improving attitude, knowledge and practices for SFM in general public, using mass media, public meetings, focus group meetings, lectures, exhibitions and school based programmes. Recognition of international year on forests and other environmentally related commemorative events, especially the International Year on Forests Public participation in monitoring and assessment of forest resources in the case of the parrot census, tree planting in the case of forests restoration and rehabilitation project. Facilitation and mentorship programmes in the management of cut flowers under forest canopy in the Government Forest Reserves. The establishment of national committees, project implementation and or steering committees comprising the Forestry Department, other environmental related government agencies, donor agencies and civil society groups. Stakeholder workshops and meetings 1E: Enhanced international cooperation 11. Is your country engaged in international cooperation in sustainable forest management? If yes, please specify the type of the cooperation: rth-south South-South 11

12 Triangular Others: Inter Governmental and Universities and research institutions within the Caribbean Please give examples, describing the main objectives and elements of the cooperation (maximum 250 words). Global Trees Campaign Grant: Implemented by Flora and Fauna project with the objective of laying the groundwork for the introduction of a sustainable management system to conserve Saint Lucia s globally important population of Protium attenuatum in situ while providing sustainable income to local people. The following is a summary of outputs of Forestry Department s projects funded under the European Union Special Framework for funding implemented between 2007 and To survey and demarcate the physical parameters of the public forest reserve and conduct a comprehensive biophysical inventory/assessment of forest resources ad ecosystem Report on review of forests policies and legislations Reports on Rapid Riverbank Assessment Methodology to generate the quantitative and qualitative assessments of the extent of damage to the watercourse and riverbank To finalize The National Action Plan for land degradation and drought which would then to be formalized and adopted by the Cabinet of Ministers as the official strategic document for SLM in St. Lucia; Develop a Strategic Business Plan for the forestry department AN AGREEMENT between the Government of Australia managed by the Caribbean Program, of AusAID, 255 London Circuit, Canberra City ACT 2601 of the one part and the Government of Saint Lucia the managed by the Minister of Finance, Economic Affairs and National Development and implemented by the Saint Lucia Forestry Department in which the project seeks to undertake activities that will lead to restoring, stabilizing and rehabilitating the forest reserve areas, private forests lands and important woodland areas Island-wide, in the aftermath of Hurricane Tomas. Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the Association for the Conservation of Threatened Parrots (ACTP), Saint Lucia and the Forestry Department establishing the terms of the collaboration which were outlined as to: Enhance the capacity of the Department to achieve its mission to conserve wildlife and particularly the Saint Lucia Parrot; and Provide equipment support for conducting the census of the St. Lucia Parrot in Establish an ex-situ loan breeding arrangement for the St. Lucia Parrot based on breeding loan arrangements between the Department and the ACTP Establish cooperation with the aim to realize the long term coexistence of humans and 12

13 parrots (and associated wildlife) on St. Lucia. 12. In which areas would your country like to see more international cooperation: Forests and climate change Forest biodiversity Valuation of ecosystem services provided by forests Socio-economic issues, including livelihoods Forest restoration and rehabilitation Others; please list: 1. Strengthening forest monitoring and enforcement capabilities; and forest management information systems 2. Demarcation of state forest boundaries 3. Development of forest sector strategic plan 4. Improving structures and participatory processes and good forest governance 5. Forests restorations in landslides and other critically degraded forested areas 6. Development of a framework for the compensation for environmental services 7. Carbon Sequestration, NTFPs and other Forests adaptive management inventories 2A: Forest law enforcement and governance 13. Existence of law (Act or Code) on forests with national scope; data will be derived by UNFFS from FRA database (T14 - Policy and legal framework). 14. Since the adoption of the forest instrument in 2007, have steps been taken to strengthen forest-related legislation, law enforcement and governance in support of sustainable forest management? 15. Is your country participating in international agreements/partnerships to address illicit international trafficking in forest products, including timber, wildlife and other forest biological resources? If yes, is your country a donor or recipient of capacity building to address forest-related illegal practices? Donor country EU Recipient country Saint Lucia Describe the recent significant steps taken to enhance forest law enforcement and governance in your country (maximum 250 words). Report on review of forests policies and legislations are considered as the most recent low enforcement and governance achievement. The report provided a qualified legal opinion on forest sector related legislative gaps or conflicts and made specific recommendations to resolve outstanding legislative issues and define regulatory instruments and draft legislation wherever they are required. The revised legislation and policy document is currently in the Attorney General s chambers for consideration and onward processing including enactment. 2B: International trade in forest products 16. Is your country involved in international forest products trade? If yes, please provide estimated market value (US$ 13

14 1000): Import Export Timber products 20,221 18,487 Fuelwood NA NA NA NA 17. Does your country trade in non-wood forest products? If yes. please list the most important and provide estimated market value: Import Export Frankincense NA NA 2. Latannye Brooms ,560 Describe the recent significant steps taken to enhance international trade in forest products in your country (maximum 250 words). There are limited significant steps in international trade in forest product to report on; however, some recent effort to increase in the trade of NTFPs include: Developments of quality standards for latanye brooms production; the establishment of a community based nursery to increase germplasm and production of palm trees for leaves to produce brooms; efforts to acquire additional lands to increase production levels of Latanye brooms; and to develop structures for processing and storage of latanye leaves and brooms. Research in the development of a sustainable management system for resin tappers, which also include: certification and license either as individuals or as a communal group to harvest trees using approved methods and best practices; market development, quality improvement; geographic indicator (GI) and value added for locally produced frankincense. The St. Lucia National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP), the activities undertaken under this area includes: the review of issues associated with biosafety and the potential impacts from the introduction of genetically modified organisms, the development and enactment of the Biosafety Act, participatory discussions of the Biosafety Protocol under the CBD and a study of the threats affecting and likely to affect, biological diversity and identification of conservation priorities. 2C: Protection of forests 18. Forest area (1000 hectares) conservation of biodiversity; data will be derived by UNFFS from FRA database (T 3 Forest designation and management). 19. Forest area (1000 hectares) within protective areas; data will be derived by UNFFS from FRA database (T 3 Forest designation and management). Describe any significant actions related to protection of forests since 2007 (maximum 250 words). Forest demarcation to identify forest reserves boundaries and biophysical resource inventories to 14

15 determine status of forests resources, structure and composition. The formation of the Forest Surveillance Unit, with the main task to collaboration with Royal Saint Lucia Police force to manage deforestation due to marijuana cultivation. Vesting and integrating of ha of critical forested crown land parcels Forest Restoration and Rehabilitation project which seeks to restore forested areas destroyed due to landslides in the aftermath of Hurricane Tomas The development and implementation of a wildfire policy and management plan 2D: Science and research 20. How much funding (US$ 1000) was designated for forest-related research? Please specify the sources of financing: Public sector Private industry Bilateral cooperation Multilateral cooperation Others; please describe (maximum 250 words). 22. Does your country have an institute(s) promoting the development and application of scientific and technological innovations for SFM? If yes, do they have extension programs for promoting the use of these scientific and technological innovations directed at forest owners, local and indigenous communities and other stakeholders? How many persons from the following groups were reached by these extension programs? Forest owners Local communities Private sector Indigenous communities 2E: Public awareness and education 23. Graduation of students in forest-related education: data will be derived by UNFFS from FRA database (T 16 - Education and research). Number of students in forest-related education graduated with M.Sc. degree or equivalent Number of students in forest-related education graduated with B.Sc. degree or equivalent Number of students in forest-related education graduated with a technician certificate/diploma Percentage of students in forest-related education that graduated with M.Sc. degree or equivalent who are women Percentage of students in forest-related education that graduated with B.Sc. degree or equivalent who are

16 women Percentage of students in forest-related education that graduated with a technician certificate/diploma who are women 24. Did your country organize specific events and activities in support of the International Year of Forests? If yes, please describe them (maximum 250 words). The Following Table Provide a List of Activities Undertaken in Saint Lucia in Commemoration of the International Year on Forests ACTIVITIES DATE LOCATION REMARKS Panel Discussion January 18th Government Information Service, Consit Creole Exhibition March 21st Ministry of Agri. Waterfront St. Lucia Forest and Hurricane Tomas Forest for People Exhibition photos to be taken on 4 trails Photo Competition May- June 2011 Trails Four Panel discussions May 10 The Agenda: A Radio Talk Show. on the Theme Forest For People Various Forests Related Topics Launching Tree Planting Campaign June 17 Island Wide World Desertification Day Bird Watching June 5, 2011 Des Cartiere Trail & Savans Bay National Trust & Schools in the South Bird Photo Exhibition May Blue Coral Rodney Bay Mall ( J Q ) Exploring other locations such as Rain Forest Sky Ride and Tissue Culture Lab Forest Hikes June, July, August 2011 Trails Des Cartiers, Millet and Union Panel Discussions May 31 st 2011 Agenda/Agric on National Trust 16

17 the move Tree Planting & Beautification exercises September 2011 Millennium Highway Other locations such as Gros Islet Highway and World Heritage Site Radio Programmes Weekly Praze FM Radio Gabriel Charles Memorial Week (First Chief Forests Officer for Saint Lucia) August 29 th to September 2 nd 2011 Island Wide Forestry open day, Address by the Minister, lectures, fieldtrips, tree planting, Mass Media activities (news paper articles, panel discussion, calling programmes, documentaries) 25. Has your country implemented actions to increase public awareness of the importance of and the benefits provided by forests and sustainable forest management? If yes, which of the following approaches have been utilized? Published materials, such as brochures, pamphlets, leaflets, posters, etc. Meetings with the general public to inform them of the benefits provided by forests to society Meetings with private and public sector stakeholders to inform them of the benefits of sustainable forest management Other; please describe (maximum 100 words). 1. Mass media sensitization 2F: Private sector and industry 26. Do stakeholder participation mechanisms in support of sustainable forest management exist that engage the private sector and industry? 27. Have you established or strengthened public-private partnerships to advance sustainable forest management? If yes, please describe (maximum 250 words). An assessment of private public partnership was conducted in The results show a reducing trend in public-private partnership for SFM. Consequently, Forestry Department commission a Strategic Business 17

18 Plan (SBP) in the same year with the following primary outputs: capacity constraints and recommendations for development and the inter alia Identification of areas for partnership between the Forestry Department and rural community organizations or business entities for sustainable rural livelihood initiatives; recommendations for the development of mechanisms to enhance private sector participation in forest resource management including where appropriate concessionaire management of the various forest trails; effective marketing plan for sale of key forestry products and services including Christmas trees and cut-flowers, Eco-tourism based nature trails, Agouti ranching, Timber utilization, in an effort to direct the successful growth of the department for the next three to five years. It must be admitted that there are some elements of the SBP that are being implemented; however, the department have recognized the need to make a special effort to mainstream the SBP in the department annual work plan. Describe these mechanisms and their functions. What specific role do the private sector and industry play in promoting and supporting the forest instrument and sustainable forest management? (maximum 250 words). 2G: Indigenous and local communities 28. Are tenure and user rights of local communities and indigenous peoples over publicly-owned forests recognized by law? Describe how they are recognized and practiced (maximum 250 words). 29. Are local communities and indigenous peoples benefiting from the goods and services produced by forests? 8 Describe how this is functioning (maximum 250 words). Co-management agreement 30. Are traditional forest-related knowledge and practices used in forest management, planning and implementation? Explain how they are used and by whom (maximum 250). Limited traditional knowledge is used in SFM, only three examples can be highlighted here. 8 Benefit-sharing policies for management of forest resources vary among countries. In national policy regimes that require permits from a national forest authority, benefits can include payments for protecting, regenerating and planting forests; payments for ecosystem services; harvesting of non-timber forest products, dry timber and dead trees; and selective harvesting of timber, among others. 18

19 The first example is the comparative study of traditional harvesting of frankincense using traditional method versus new and improved methods. The results of this study are used to make recommendations for best practices in the tapping of trees for frankincense resin. The other example is the intensity and schedule for harvesting of Latannye leaves for broom production which is now a well accepted cultural practice in the Forestry department. Finally, charcoal production using earth pits is now the accepted method, as against the failed charcoal kiln method which was promoted by the Forestry Department two decades ago. 31. Do stakeholder participation mechanisms in support of sustainable forest management exist for the engagement of the following? Indigenous peoples (where applicable) Local communities Describe these mechanisms and their functions. What specific role do indigenous peoples and/or local communities play in achieving sustainable forest management? (maximum 250 words). 32. Are training and extension programmes being implemented that are directed at local communities and indigenous peoples in order to develop resource management approaches that will reduce the pressure on forests? If yes, how many persons from the following communities were the beneficiaries? Indigenous Local Part II: The Global Objectives on Forests Global Objective 1: Reverse the loss of forest cover worldwide through sustainable forest management, including protection, restoration, afforestation and reforestation, and increase efforts to prevent forest degradation; 33. Extent of the country s forests and other wooded lands ( ha.); data will be derived by UNFFS from FRA database (T.1 - Extent of forest and other wooded land) 34. Extent of the country s forests under public/private ownership (1000 ha); data will be derived by UNFFS from FRA database (T.2 - Forest ownership and management rights). Extent of the country s forests under private ownership (1000 ha) Extent of privately-owned forests according to the following categories (1000 ha) Individual Business entities and institutions 19

20 Local, indigenous and tribal communities Describe any significant actions related to Global Objective on Forests 1 (maximum 250 words). There are three (3) significant actions that can be highlighted in relation to the Global Objective on Forests. The Forest Restoration and Rehabilitation Project can be described as one of the most significant achievement related to the Global Objective on Forests. The main objective of this ongoing initiative is to restore the integrity of forest ecosystems through silvicultural, agro-forestry and nature conservation prescriptions, so as to maintain the environmental functions of forest, and to sustain benefits and services for the provisions of mankind, and maintain the resilience of the forests in the aftermath of Hurricane Tomas. The impact of Hurricane Tomas on the forest resource base of Saint Lucia was described as very severe, according to the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean damage and Loss Assessment (UNECLAC/DaLA) report prepared following the Hurricane Tomas. The mass movement of soils that occurred during and after the hurricane passage caused the loss 605 hectares of natural forest (320 ha.), plantation forest (137 ha.) and private forests (148 ha.). The unstable soils provide a threat to the island s water sources, human health and safety and to the near shore marine environment, particularly the coral reefs. The second significant initiative was the National Forests Demarcation and Biophysical Resources Inventory Project which ended in This project produced some significant achievements including the surveying of the physical parameters of the public forest reserve, which also completed the process for the vesting and integration of ha of critical forested crown land parcels in the Forests Reserves Systems of Saint Lucia. A comprehensive biophysical inventory/assessment and management system of forests ecosystems and resources which produced, inter alia, a forest management information resources, obtained through ground survey, remote sensing, assessment and review of existing data that will serve as the basis for strategic sustainable planning and management of forests ecosystems and resources. Moreover, this initiative produced valuable capacity in the Forestry Agency which augers well for SFM. The third initiative is the formation of the Forests Surveillance and Protection Squad (FSPS) which was given the specific task of collaborating with the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force managing the illegal occupation of the forests reserves by marijuana cultivators. The marijuana cultivation was a major threat to SFM before the formation of the FSPS in The operations of the FSPS have produced significant gain in reversing the trend of deforestation due mainly to marijuana cultivation both in the Government Forests Reserves and on private forested lands. Global Objective 2: Enhance forest-based economic, social and environmental benefits, including by improving the livelihoods of forest dependent people, 35. Extent of forest designated and managed for production (1000 ha); data will be derived by UNFFS from FRA database (T.3 - Forest designation and management). Extent of forest designated and managed for protection (1000 ha) Extent of forest designated and managed for conservation (1000 ha) Extent of forest designated and managed for social services (1000 ha) 36. Total volume of industrial roundwood removal (1000 m 3 ); data will be derived by UNFFS from FRA database (T.11 - Forest

21 Wood removals and value of removals). Total value of industrial roundwood removal (US$1000) Total volume of fuelwood removal (1000 m 3 ) Total value of fuelwood removal (US$1000) Total value of non-wood forest products (NWFP) (US$1000) 37. Has your country established a mechanism(s) for payment of ecosystem services? If yes, what is the estimated value of the payment of ecosystem services (US$ 1,000)? value Please describe how the mechanism(s) function (maximum 250 words). There has been a great deal of dialog and some reports making recommendations for payment for ecosystem services, especially in relation to private forested lands owners. With the exception of an old instrument in the Forest, Soil and Water Conservation Act, there no recent mechanisms for the payment of ecosystem services. The Act stipulates measures for compensation to the land owner in the form of: 1. protection of the said forested land against all forest offence stipulated in the act; 2. and entitlement to remission of any tax for as long as the protected forest landowner complies with the rules set out in the Act. Some of the ecosystem services highlighted in the Act are as follows: 1. Protection against storm, winds, rolling stones, floods and landslides; 2. The prevention of soil erosion; 3. The maintenance of water supply, in springs, rivers and reservoirs 4. The protection of national infrastructures, such as roads, bridges etc Seemingly, this is an attempt at payment for ecosystem services. Moreover, an opportunities to develop, implement and improve mechanisms for payment of ecosystem services. It should be noted that there are no records indicating the utilization of this mechanism for used for tax remission or protection given to private landowners for ecosystem services listed in the above. Moreover, the frequency of documents in the Forestry Department making recommendations for payment or compensation for environmental services gives some good indication of the favorable environment for the development and improvement of these mechanisms. 38. What is the number of visitors to national parks and other protected areas in your country? 24,222 57, What is the area of urban parks in your country (1000 ha)? NA 40. What is the estimated number of visitors to urban parks in your NA country? Describe any significant actions related to Global Objective on Forests 2 (maximum 250 words). The new initiatives aimed at developing more appropriate forms of tourism with a strong pro-poor component, from which the Saint Lucia Heritage Tourism Programme was developed and implemented between 1998 to 2002, is still note worthy, due to the significant impact the project has on the current ecotourism subsector in enhancing the following: forest-based economy, diversify and decentralize the tourist product and benefits, resulting in integration of rural communities island-wide into the tourism industry, providing jobs, and a sense of participation in and ownership of the ecotourism subsector. 21

22 social and environmental benefits, contributing to the sustainable management of the island s natural and cultural resources and improved livelihoods in rural communities on the island. The Programme s Mission, was to establish heritage tourism as a viable and sustainable component of Saint Lucia s tourism product by facilitating a process of education, capacity building, product development, marketing, credit access and the promotion of environmental and cultural protection for the benefit of host communities and Saint Lucians. The heritage/ecotourism subsector utilized a wide variety of forest based resources and in recent times has seen an upsurge in forest based enterprises and facilities providing products and services such as forests tours, rainforest zip-lines and tram rides, bird watching, botanic gardens, waterfall tours and other nature based attractions. These ecotourism facilities and enterprises have generated significant employment (tour guides, which is very amenable to employment of women), other ancillary benefits and improved livelihood in forested communities in Saint Lucia. Global Objective 3: Increase significantly the area of protected forests worldwide and other areas of sustainably managed forests, as well as the proportion of forest products from sustainably managed forests; 41. Extent of forest designated and managed for sustainable forest management (1000 ha); data will be derived by UNFFS from FRA database (T.3 - Forest designation and management). Extent of forest with management plans (1000 ha) 42. Does your country have forests under internationally recognized certification schemes? If yes, please specify: There are two RAMSAR Sites of Internationally Important Wetlands. Both sites are dominated by mangrove forests which support SFM livelihood from charcoal production, fishing and ecotourism. The declaration of the Piton Management Area as a World Heritage Site. This protected area is dominated by deciduous dry forest which is home to a significant number of local and regional endemic species of flora and fauna; some of which are classified by the IUICN as critically endangered. 22 Certification Scheme Describe any significant actions related to Global Objective on Forests 3 (maximum 250 words). The development of the New System for Protected Area in Saint Lucia can be described as one of the most significant action that is related to Global Objective 3 on Forest; moreover it is a key for achieving Target 11 of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity The goal of the strategic plan is to established a comprehensive, ecologically representative, effectively managed and financially secured protected area networks is a critical strategy not only for biodiversity conservation, but for securing ecosystem goods and services, enabling climate change adaptation and mitigation, and helping countries achieve the Millennium Development Goals. The preparation of this new Protected Areas Systems Plan forms part of the OECS Protected Areas and Associated Livelihoods Project and created framework for the designation, protection and effective management of a comprehensive network of protected areas across Saint Lucia. These protected areas are Area

23 seen as an essential part of the process of securing a sustainable environmental, social and economic future for Saint Lucia. To date, Saint Lucia has over 35 percent of terrestrial and inland-water areas; especially areas of particular importance for forests, biodiversity and ecosystem services, that are conserved through effectively and equitably managed, ecologically representative and well-connected systems of protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures which are integrated into the wider landscape of the island. This achievement for Saint lucia surpasses Target 11: 17 per cent of terrestrial and inland-water protected areas by Global Objective 4: Reverse the decline in official development assistance for sustainable forest management and mobilize significantly increased, new and additional financial resources from all sources for the implementation of sustainable forest management; 43. Does your country have a government budget specific for forests? 44. What is the total amount of funding in forest management, administration, research and human resource development (US$ 1,000)? If the funding for forests is spread among other sectors, please specify the main contributors: Agriculture Energy Water Climate change Nature conservation Others; please specify: 46. Has the country been able to mobilize significantly increased financial resources for the implementation of SFM since 2007? If yes, please specify sources: (to some extent) Domestic public funding Domestic private sector funding 2007 (US$) 2011 (US$) $733, $973, (US$) 2011 (US$) External private sector funding ( ACTP) 2007 (US$) 2011 (US$) $73, $276, If there has been no increase, please describe the main challenges in mobilizing funds (maximum 250 words). There has been an increase in official development assistance (ODA) for sustainable forest management in recent time. The agreement between the Government of Australia and the Government of Saint Lucia relating to the accountable cash grant for assistance regarding the provision of forest restoration and rehabilitation project and the Special Framework for Assistance (SFA) provided by the European Union for the accomplishment of the outputs listed in Section 1E above, are two significant sources of funding that has 23

24 been mobilized for SFM in Saint Lucia. These two ODAs have been regarded as welcome and timely assistance for the achievement of some major SFM programmes on the island. However, there are some major challenges in mobilizing funds for SFM. One of the main challenges is the difficult process and conditions in the application for these funds. The impact of climate change is another major challenge that poses a significant threat to SFM for Eastern Caribbean SIDS, including Saint Lucia where the frequency and intensity of tropical storms are severely impacting on the island forest ecosystems. This new challenge calls for an increase in mobilization of funds to address issues relating to adaptation of forests to climate change; especially as it relates to building resilience in SFM to mitigate the impact of climate change. REDD plus is a source of funding that has great potential for SFM in Saint Lucia; however, the mechanisms for mobilizing these funds are also a challenge for the forest sector in Saint Lucia. 47. Does your country have a National Forests Fund? 48. Is your country a donor or recipient of ODA for forestry? 49. If yes, what has been the net ODA received/donated for forestry (US 1000)? Recipient Donor Recipient Please use this space to describe any significant actions related to Global Objective on Forests 4 (maximum 250 words). PART III: Achievement of the Millennium Development Goals Forests can make significant contributions to poverty reduction, improved health, education and gender equity. Sustainable forest management aims to enhance the contribution of forests to the achievement of the internationally agreed development goals, including the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). However, the evidence of this contribution and greater recognition of the value of sustainably managed forests are difficult to gather. Currently the only forest-related official MDG indictor that provides information on the proportion of land area covered by forest is Indicator 7.1 under Goal 7: Ensure environmental sustainability. This indicator, however, neither reflects the full range of benefits and services including socio-economic benefits of forests to society, nor the contributions of forests to the achievement of other MDGs. Establishing the direct and indirect links between forests and MDGs is pivotal to ensure that concrete efforts are being taken to reverse the loss of forest cover and to prevent forest degradation while maximizing the benefits of forests for achieving 24