National Land Policy.

Land is and will remain a primary asset for national development, performing multiple social, economic, ecological and cultural functions. In our vision, land, including both terrestrial and marine areas, will contribute to economic development in agriculture, fisheries, tourism, trade, manufacturing and other sectors. It will also provide the space for all Saint Lucians to live and shelter, it will contribute to food security for the nation and good nutrition for all its citizens. Additionally, it will play a full role in poverty reduction and elimination, and will be a factor of social cohesion and cultural identity. Ultimately, land will support biological diversity, environmental quality and natural biophysical processes, and it will be used in conformity with its capability and conservation requirements. In this vision, people will show respect for the land as a national resource and together with people and organisations will understand fully the value and importance of land and the extent to which they depend on it. All social actors will assume full responsibility in land management, thanks to a strong political will and a deep popular commitment to tackle all land management issues, however complex or sensitive they may be. Goal The National Land Policy is to guide the use, management, development and administration of land resources in Saint Lucia in order to optimise the contribution of land to sustainable development. Guiding principles The principles that guide Saint Lucia’s National Land Policy are as follows: Equity; Right to land ownership; all stakeholders must recognise that land ownership also comes with the responsibility to keep the land in adequate and productive condition; Leadership role in formulating and facilitating implementation by all actors; Accountability; Collaboration and participation; Enforcement; Efficiency; Capacity building; Coordination and integration; Protection of common property; Precaution; Provision of incentives; Diversity in land rights and management regimes are recognised.The Government of Saint Lucia, working in collaboration with all its social partners, will: a. Protect and enhance the productive potential of agricultural lands, and, whenever possible, avoid undesirable changes in land uses in order to preserve future options. In particular, it will discourage further conversion of agricultural lands to other uses and forms of development. b. Enhance the security of land tenure in support of agricultural production. c. Improve agricultural practices, farming techniques and infrastructure to minimise land degradation and enhance soil productivity.The strategic objectives of the National Land Policy are to: Enhance the contribution of land to economic development, including poverty reduction, food security, and employment and revenue generation opportunities for all citizens. Facilitate the provision of adequate public services to all, notably in health, education, public utilities, recreation and transportation. Provide opportunities for all to access to adequate shelter. Minimise the risk of loss of life, degradation of land resources, etc. from the impacts of disasters. Establish and maintain patterns of land use and development that are responsible and sustainable, and that maintain options for future uses. Encourage the development and functioning of efficient land markets. Conserve the country’s biological diversity. Support the rehabilitation, restoration and management of degraded lands. Maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of land management institutions, systems and procedures. Provide a framework for the management, resolution or avoidance of conflicts related to land and its uses. Develop and promote a positive cultural relationship between people and the land.The Government of Saint Lucia, working in collaboration with all stakeholders will take the following actions: Conserve important ecosystems and wildlife habitats, sustain and enhance the productive potential of all natural habitats. b. Reduce, minimize and mitigate the impacts of developments on land and other natural resources. c. Minimise coastal and marine pollution derived from run-off and contamination from human settlements, agriculture, tourism, recreation and industry. d. Improve the quality of the environment in urban areas, and provide universal access to water and sanitation. e. Promote integrated water resources and watershed management, encourage water conservation and water storage, protect rivers, buffers and critical watershed areas, and establish riparian buffer zones. f. Promote integrated coastal zone management, more specifically with regards to regulating coastal developments, zoning, setbacks, and limits on infrastructural development, buffer zones and special areas. g. Preserve land use options and promote sustainable uses in all areas, especially those where land uses are diverse and intensive, including the coastal zone.