Volume 1

TRUST NEWS

Issue 7

JULY – SEPTEMBER 2012

WWViews on Biodiversity

3000 participants of the World Wide Views (WWViews) on Biodiversity meeting and many others around the globe are awaiting the outcome of the United Nations 11th Conference of the Parties (COP11) to the Convention on Biological Diversity. COP11 which was held in India from October 8-19, 2012 during the United Nations Decade on Biodiversity, served to support and promote implementation of the objectives of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity and the Aichi Biodiversity Targets (http://www.cbd.int/2011-2020/goals/). Prior to the meeting in India, 86 citizens/residents of Saint Lucia gathered on September 15, 2012 for WWViews on Biodiversity, where they joined thousands of people in 24 other countries in all day meetings aimed at learning, sharing their views and subsequently voting on biodiversity related issues. These views were then uploaded to a web tool on the day of the meeting (http://biodiversity.wwviews.org/the-results). The Results Report, which provides a thorough summary of the global views has been collated (http://biodiversity.wwviews.org/wpcontent/uploads/2012/10/WWViewsResultsReport_WEB _FINAL.pdf). The Saint Lucia National Trust (SLNT), the local organizers for WWViews, has passed on the results to Mr. Lyndon John, Assistant Chief Forest Officer in the Forestry Department. Mr. John is the lone delegate representing Saint Lucia at COP11. According to him, “This (WWViews) provides us with a baseline on public views on the importance placed on biodiversity and awareness of its values to Saint Lucian society. It also allows us to compare with other countries”. When asked,

how important is it to include the citizens’ views in the policy making process, Mr. John said, “Ultimately, biodiversity and its associated ecosystems and diverse species underpin and are responsible for our socioeconomic well being. The general citizenry should be firstly well informed on the valuable goods and services provided by biodiversity so that they can participate in the policy and decision making that impacts on those resources, e.g. tourism promotion of large scale hotel developments with sprawling golf courses; what will it cost the general citizenry in ecosystem goods and services?”

The youth were well represented at the forum

Based on the evaluation, majority of participants believed that the WWViews results will be used in a meaningful way for political decision making on biodiversity and that global dialogue processes like WWViews should be arranged in the future on different and/or similar issues. Laurene Abboud, one of the 16-24 year old participants said, “I feel like my mind is more opened to things about biodiversity. This was a great opportunity for a person my age to take part in WWViews. We (the participants) come from a lot of different backgrounds and we had a lot of different views, it was great”. We rely on biodiversity for many of our daily goods and services such as medicines, food, paper and wood products, tourism and recreation among others. However, biodiversity loss is taking place at a rapid rate as a result of natural and human causes. As such, the SLNT hopes that the citizens’ views were taken into account at COP11 and that greater urgency will be exercised and more fruitful actions will be taken to ensure that many of our unique and delicate resources are conserved for the benefit of both the present and future generations. Karetta Crooks Charles SLNT Communications & Advocacy Officer

Preserving our Cultural and Built Heritage Members of the Walcott Heritage Project Committee held its inaugural meeting at Government House on Thursday, September 27, 2012. The meeting, chaired by the Governor General, Her Excellency, Dame Pearlette Louisy, was used to set the stage for advancing this project of national significance. The meeting was convened by the Saint Lucia National Trust (SLNT) since the childhood family home of Derek and Roderick Walcott was vested in the Trust by Government in 2005. The SLNT was requested by Government to develop the property into a museum in honour of the Walcott brothers. Since that time, the Trust requested its Architectural Heritage Committee to pursue this initiative on its behalf. A proposal was developed and submitted to Government, but over the years since the vesting of the property, financing has not been provided to move the project forward. The Council of the Trust considered this matter and decided to include the further definition of this project in its 2012/13 work programme. According to SLNT’s Director, Bishnu Tulsie, “Apart from Government’s original intention to create a museum in honour of the Walcott brothers, subsequent discussions emphasized the opportunities for embracing and promoting the wider contributions of the Walcott family to the educational, literary and artistic landscape of the region and the world”.

In this issue: 1. WWViews on Biodiversity 2. Preserving our Cultural and Built Heritage 3. Protecting our Biodiversity from Invasives

Additionally, meetings with several groups and individuals, including Her Excellency Dame Pearlette Louisy and the Honourable Derek Walcott recommended the creation of an appropriately constituted Committee, to be appointed by the Trust and chaired by Her Excellency to be responsible for scoping, defining and developing the proposed Walcott Heritage Project. The members of the committee include Calixte George Jr., Mark Hennecart, John Robert Lee, Katherine Atkinson, Goodwin Richardson, Margot Thomas, Carleen Jules, Augustin Poyotte, Cyril Saltibus, the SLNT Conservation Manager and the SLNT Director. Some of the matters dealt with at the Committee’s inaugural meeting included the review and approval of the Committee’s Terms of Reference; procedural matters and management of the Committee’s work; and a general discussion on the concept, goal and desired impact of the Walcott Heritage Project. The committee also started planning a meeting with the Grass Street Community to seek their input into the project as well as a facilitated session to further define the scope of the project. Karetta Crooks Charles SLNT Communications & Advocacy Officer

4. The Latille Waterfall Experience 5. Upcoming Activities 6. Let’s do it St. Lucia 7. Staff Happenings 8. Montreal Protocol and Ozone Day 2012 9. YEF 2012 10. The People Speak

“The importance of historical, cultural and natural heritage to

Saint Lucia’s identity cannot be sufficiently underscored. Our heritage contributes to our national identity through a sense of place and belonging. It also creates a physical link to the events that have shaped our society. It has economic value in its ability to contribute to heritage tourism and to provide a social cohesion through successful community based and community led initiatives.” ~ SLNT Strategic Plan ~

Protecting our Biodiversity from Invasives!

The Lionfish, Wild Ginger and African Giant Snail are but few of the many different types of Invasive Alien Species (IAS) which are posing a serious threat to the unique and fragile biodiversity found in the Caribbean. Additionally, IAS has a considerably adverse effect on the economy, the environment and human health. It is with this in mind that 18 participants from various agencies in Saint Lucia, the Dominican Republic, Bahamas, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago met for a weeklong Regional Training on Social Marketing: As a tool for Managing IAS in the Caribbean. The intense yet highly practical and stimulating training gave participants an inside perspective of the Social Marketing concept and how it can be used effectively to change people’s perception about IAS and influence positive behaviours. Participants actually executed a mini-campaign which entailed drafting and administering a questionnaire to the visitors at the Cruise Inn Hotel and Marina (the venue for the training), and subsequently developing three presentations aimed at creating awareness regarding IAS. Additionally, each country developed a draft work plan for a social marketing campaign which will attempt to effect societal change on IAS related issues in their respective countries. In the case of Saint Lucia, the three representatives from the Forestry Department, the Fisheries Department and the Saint Lucia National Trust developed a work plan on eradicating IAS from off shore islands (beginning with Maria Islands) and engendering a greater appreciation for our endemic species found there, such as the Saint Lucia Whip Tail Lizard and Saint Lucia Racer Snake, among others. The training was facilitated by Mrs. Feria Narcisse – Gaston, Forest Officer attached to the Environmental Education Unit in the Forestry Department. Mrs. Narcisse – Gaston planned and executed a successful campaign in 2009 which was aimed at

protecting the Saint Lucia Iguana “Iyanola” which was under serious threat from humans as well as invasive species. She said “The ultimate objective of the training was to influence action. This action will be taken when the target audience believes that the benefits they receive will be greater than the costs they incur. IAS programs developed to influence action will be more effective if they are based on an understanding of the target audience's own perception of the proposed exchange. Marketing efforts must incorporate all the 4 Ps, that is Product, Price, Place and Promotion. Recommended behaviors always have competition which must be understood and addressed, therefore, program efforts must be monitored and social marketers must be prepared to rapidly alter strategies and tactics.” The training was held in Trinidad from September 1721 and was coordinated by CABI Caribbean and Latin America under the UNEP/GEF Project, Mitigating the Threats of Invasives Alien Species in the Insular Caribbean. Karetta Crooks Charles SLNT Communications & Advocacy Officer

Serenity and Adventure -The Latille Waterfall Experience

As soon as we left the parking area we were enveloped in a lush garden. After a brief introduction to the property and the planned improvements, we were off on a leisurely walk down well maintained trails. We were led near a small pond housing delicate lilies where we fed the tilapia being farmed. Our guide then took us into the forest where he pointed out different flora and introduced us to an incredible number of Bay leaf varieties. Our first stop was a deep pool where the water wheel once stood. Here the adventurous could leap from rope swing or jump from the ledge. It took a bit of rock climbing to get back out of the water again, but the water was cool and refreshing. Then it was back up the trail and over to the falls themselves. The trail opened up to a serene pool. Light filtered in through the trees over

the beautiful falls. Stairs had been cut into the rocks under the fall to aid the climb under the refreshing spray of water.

Happy Birthday to the Saint Lucia National Trust! 37 years and counting of conserving our natural and built heritage!

The sounds of the tinkling of the water, the wind in the trees, the chirping of birds, the laughter of bathers and the gentle thud of the hydraulic pump powered by the falls complimented the serene beauty of the landscape. The property uses a number of environmentally friendly energy sources including solar and water power. We ended our visit with lunch in the gardens and rest in the comfortable hammocks before heading back to the city again, our escape over. Afua Sanders Kim US Peace Corps Volunteer RISE (St. Lucia) Inc.

Upcoming Activities  Laplas Nwèl - December 13, 2012, Pigeon Island National Landmark  Membership Meeting and Activity -To be announced  Tree Planting Initiative Continued -To be announced

Thought for the Quarter Only when the last tree has died and the last river been poisoned and the last fish been caught will we realise we cannot eat money. ~ Cree Indian Proverb ~

Between the months of March to September 2012, volunteer groups and organizations from different countries initiated a global action called Let’s Do It World Cleanup 2012, with the aim of cleaning up illegal garbage in 100 countries and raising people's awareness worldwide. This action was introduced to the Caribbean through the largest youth organization, the Caribbean Youth Environment Network, which spans across 13 territories. The chapter in St. Lucia launched this campaign early in April 2012, working hand in hand with corporate St. Lucia, schools and community groups island wide to ensure the message got out through radio, exhibitions, school workshops and Facebook. The date was set for 29th July, 2012.

The seven teams were: 1. Lions Club Vieux Fort and Vieux Fort Primary School environmental club – cleaned Sandy beach 2. Lucian Aid – cleaned Praslin beach 3. Monchy Youth Empowered – cleaned Mongiraud 4. East Castries Youth Sports and Cultural Council – cleaned Marchand and Bagatelle 5. Grande Riviere Community Sports club – cleaned Grande Riviere River 6. Leos Club Castries – cleaned Cul De Sac 7. ProjectCan and ICAN – cleaned Canaries and Soufriere

During this campaign CYEN- St. Lucia developed the “Earth Dude” mascot which was designed by Acid Kreationz to be the face of the campaign. A dynamic television commercial was produced to bring to the public’s attention that illegal disposal of garbage is threatening the beauty of our island and that they had the power to put an end to this. This event was made possible through sponsorships in cash and kind from partners such as LUCELEC, CFL – Super J, St. Lucia Distillers, WASCO Inc, SLSWMA, Mediazone Productions, Saint Lucia National Trust, RAMCO plastics and Du Boulay’s Bottling Ltd. among others. We would like to thank the Public and sponsors for supporting all our activities and look forward to greater collaborations on the ground from St. Lucia. By early July 2012 the chapter had 7 teams at various points round the island ready to do battle for a cleaner St. Lucia.

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Materials such as garbage bags, gloves, water and the ecofriendly green shopping bags from Super J were distributed.

A total in excess of 200 bags of garbage was collected in these areas with items varying from plastic bags (which was over 50% of the items collected), clothing articles, large equipment, furniture, steel, fishing nets and lines, to bicycles and motor vehicle parts among others. The event was a success as many of these organizations continued to conduct cleanups in their respective areas and to promote environmental education to their members and communities. Nadia Joseph CYEN (Saint Lucia) President

OUR MISSION The SLNT champions Fair Helen’s patrimony!

Let’s welcome….

NEW EMPLOYEES

Mr. Davis Poleon Programme Officer, South

Mr. Andrew Lewis Messenger/Driver

RESIGNATIONS Mr. Ganther St Omer; Customer Service and Security Representative Mrs. Augusta Duplessis- Alfred; Membership Officer Ms. Latoya Myers; Tours and Activities Co- ordinator

….and…..it’s a boy!!

Conservation Manager, Shirlene Simmons, recently gave birth to a healthy and beautiful baby boy. From all accounts both mom and baby Justin are doing fine. Congratulations, Shirlene!

The Saint Lucia National Trust welcomes all new employees and wishes those who have moved on all the best in their future endeavors.

Staff Birthday Corner August Stanley Hilaire - 28th

We wish you and your family health, love and happiness throughout the years.

September Dorcia Wilfred – 25th

Age is strictly a case of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter." Happy Birthday!!

Staff members at work for WWViews on Biodiversity. Job well done guys!

Project Manager and MC, Karetta

At the registration table: Eleanor, Murlina and Astrid

Collecting question sheets from participants, Dawnelle

Served as a group facilitator, Denia

Saint Lucia’s 25th Anniversary of the Montreal Protocol and Ozone Day 2012 Celebrations Winners of the Ozone Day Poetry Contest with UNEP representative

Attendees at the Ceremony

In December 1994, the General Assembly of the United Nations designated September 16th as the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer (Ozone Day) and since then, countries around the globe have been encouraged to use this day to celebrate by engaging in national and global activities that promote the protection of the Ozone Layer. The international theme for this year’s celebrations, “Protecting our atmosphere for generations to come”, is intended to highlight the remarkable collaborations and environmental benefits attained by governments worldwide through the efforts of the Montreal Protocol. Additionally, the year 2012 marks the 25th Anniversary of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer which was concluded in September, 1987 and went into effect on January 1, 1989. As such, the Ozone Secretariat has been collaborating with a number of agencies to develop materials and activities to make this year’s extraordinary celebrations. Saint Lucia was one of two countries in the region to host a special ceremony in commemoration of the 25th Anniversary of the Montreal Protocol.

It was presented by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) delegate, Ms. Mirian Vega to Honourable Moses Jn Baptiste, Minister for Agriculture, Food Production, Fisheries and Rural Development. Among the observers were a number of students from schools from the north of the island, technicians and other key stakeholders who have been involved in the implementations of the Montreal Protocol programme in Saint Lucia. The ceremony also included an ozone day skit which was performed by a group of students from the Castries Comprehensive Secondary School. The speeches focused mainly on the achievements of the Montreal Protocol since its entry into force. It was noteworthy that the Montreal Protocol is the first and only treaty that has attained universal ratification. This accomplishment is symbolic of the worldwide commitment to ozone protection and by extension environmental protection. A noted success of the implementation of the Montreal Protocol is the phasing-out of some notorious ozone depleting substances such as chlorofluorocarbons, carbon tetrachloride, methyl chloroform and chlorobromomethane in accordance with its target by 2010. As a result of the reduction in these ozone depleting substances, global observations have revealed that the ozone layer has been healing. Additionally, this reduction has resulted in the avoidance of millions of cases of fatal and non-fatal skin cancer cases and eye cataracts. The Montreal Protocol has also contributed a great deal towards global efforts to combat climate change because most ozone depleting chemicals are also greenhouse gases. To date, the Montreal Protocol has averted the equivalence of 135 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide.

Students performing ozone day skit

This ceremony took place on Friday, 14th September 2012 at the Pigeon Island National Landmark. The highlight of the ceremony was the handing over of a country plaque in recognition of Saint Lucia’s contribution to the success of the Montreal Protocol.

As part of Saint Lucia’s Ozone Day 2012 celebrations, a poetry contest was held and the prizes were awarded at the ceremony. The prizes were given in two categories, ages 10 to 13 was won by Ms. Merkethur Mark and, ages 14 to 18 was won by Mr. Lindon Thomas and Ms. Anneka Thompson respectively. The prizes for the latter

age group were sponsored by Digicel and Jen Moun Magazine. The airing of the Montreal Protocol Public Service Announcements which was developed by the Ozone Secretariat was also sponsored and aired by Choice TV.

The ceremony of the 25th anniversary celebrations culminated with the release of twenty five ballons bearing the 25th anniversary of the Montreal Protocol logo and a motivating song entitled, “Heal the World” which was composed by Limkokwing University of Creative Technology.

The video recording of the entire ceremony was done by the Government Information Service and is broadcast on NTN occasionally.

Joanna Octave-Rosemond Ozone Assistant Sustainable Development and Environment Division

Youngsters Dive into the Green Economy Alliance. As customary, participants were brought on educational and exciting field trips to Latille Waterfall, a tree planting excursion at the Union Trail and a pig farm where the waste is converted to methane, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions and the amount of effluent that pollutes the river in Dennery. These outings certainly served to solidify what was taught during the class presentations.

Group presentation at closing ceremony

The Youth Environment Forum was held from July 23rd – July 27, 2012 simultaneously at the Castries Comprehensive Secondary School and the Vieux Fort Secondary School, Campus A. This year we returned to having three groups of participants at both Fora; Group 1 facilitated participants from 7 to 10 years, Group 2: 11- 13 and Group 3: 14 – 18. There were a total of 127 participants; 76 in the South and 51 in the North. The programme ran relatively smoothly and the actual week was successful in getting the theme “Green Economy: Does it include you?” across to the youngsters. Although the theme might have seemed complex at first, with the help of the skillful staff from the Sustainable Development and Environment Division (SDED), the numerous presentations from other entities and field trips which re-emphasized the theme, the participants soon got a better understanding of their role in ensuring that our renewable resources are used creatively and sustainably to provide requisite goods and services. Presentations by Bank of Saint Lucia, Power Engineering Services, Windward Islands Packaging Company Limited, Sandals Halcyon and Coconut Bay Beach Resort served to show how companies on the island are employing green practices in their operations. Other interactive presentations were made by the Fisheries Department, the Social and Sustainable Development Division in the OECS, the Sea Moss Producers from EcoSouth Tours Inc and Caribbean Student Environmental

The grand closing was held at the Pigeon Island National Landmark where both sets of participants from the north and south gathered. The youngsters delivered two presentations which highlighted what the “Green Economy” meant to them. Additionally, the participants displayed their artwork which was mostly made from recycled materials, particularly plastic bottles. Due to the kind generosity of our sponsors we are able to reward fantastic prizes to several participants from the various groups for their creativity and keen interest in the programme. Six lucky participants from each age group from the north and south also won grocery hampers from Consolidated Foods Limited (CFL). Participants, attending sponsors and volunteers were presented with certificates of participation and appreciation. The youngsters enjoyed tasty eats and drinks compliments of our benevolent sponsors; Saint Lucia Electricity Services Limited, Bank of Saint Lucia, Digicel Saint Lucia, Consolidated Foods Limited (CFL), Royal Bank of Canada, Windward Islands Packaging Company Limited (WINERA), Domino’s Pizza and Subway Saint Lucia. Karetta Crooks Charles SLNT Communications & Advocacy Officer

OUR VISION The natural and historical patrimony of Saint Lucia is conserved for present and future generations.

Participants’ Speak After WWViews on Biodiversity “When I applied for me to come here, I wasn’t too sure what biodiversity was and how it affected us in Saint Lucia but I must say after today and after viewing the videos and discussing with the participants who were in my group I have a better understanding and more appreciation of what biodiversity really is and how it affects us and how it can continue to affect us here in in Saint Lucia” ~Ronelle Biscombe~

“From the discussions we realized that policy plays a very important role but the enforcement of the policy has been lacking.” ~Burnet “Ras Wisely” Sealy~

“I never really considered biodiversity in and of itself and I came to realize the delicate balance that needs to be preserved. I was impressed that it took into consideration human needs, because so many times you hear of these environmental movements and there is no consideration for human needs, but it is an inescapable fact”. ~Modestus Louis~

“I feel like my mind is more open to things about biodiversity. This was a great opportunity for a person my age to take part in this. We (the participants) come from a lot of different background and we had a lot of different views, it was great.” ~Laurene Abhoud ~ (16 - 24 age group) “I think greater emphasis should be placed on the awareness of biodiversity in our communities and in Saint Lucia in general. We have work to do, when I leave here I am going to take that knowledge to my community and spread it out to the young children who really need it.” ~Diane Williams ~ (16 - 24 age group)

SPECIAL

THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS Saint Lucia Electricity Services Limited Windward Island Packaging Company Limited Royal Bank of Canada Helen Television System Bank of Saint Lucia Bank of Nova Scotia Coco Resorts

The BodyHoliday LeSport Consolidated Foods Limited DIGICEL St. Lucia Sunshine Bookstore Subway St. Lucia Domino Pizza Shawn’s

This a publication of the Saint Lucia National Trust, P.O. Box 595, Castries, Tel 4525005/ 4531495 Email; [email protected] Website: www.slunatrust.org