| Overview : The ecosystems of low lying, coastal economies such as those in the Caribbean are among the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. One of the most effective ways to preserve both marine and terrestrial biodiversity is to establish and effectively manage designated Protected Areas (Pas) to preserve their ecological value. The existing PA system in St. Kitts and Nevis is limited to three terrestrial PA units and there are no marine protected areas anywhere in the country. In addition, apart from one historic site, there is no active management of protected areas. The current project will establish/strengthen PA management operations at key sites; and strengthen institutional, policy, legal/regulatory, information, and financing frameworks at the PA system level. At the site level, the GEF investment will enable the legal establishment of five new PAs (two terrestrial and three marine) and the operationalization of these. To develop and monitor these zones, designated personnel must be trained and equipped to conduct routine visits to collect data, conduct analyses and carry out enforcement operations. However, staff members of the relevant agencies have not received any training, particularly in the area of marine protected areas (MPA), and there is a severe lack of equipment, including boats. The former will be addressed through a comprehensive training programme for appointed rangers, while the latter will require investment in surveillance equipment and two research vessels. The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis, through the UNDP, therefore intends to procure a research vessel to assist with the management of the proposed MPAs in St. Kitts and Nevis. |
