Local News

Sustainable Land Management

The Ministry of Agriculture through the Sustainable Land Management (SLM) Project completed its 4th workshop aimed at strengthening awareness of land degradation, and augmenting capacities for wise use of land within the construction sector.

On Thursday October 7th, the  SLM Project conducted a workshop targeting  loan and valuation officers from eight local banks and credit union institutions across Grenada.  The session facilitated by Project Coordinator, Dianne Roberts; Senior Building Inspector in the Physical Planning Unit, Daniel Lalgie; and Focal Point for the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, Augustus Thomas was designed to strengthen participants knowledge of the contribution of the construction sector to land degradation, and develop participants capacity to function as advocates for sustainable land management within the sector. According to Project Manager Dianne Roberts, the training represented a significant milestone in national efforts aimed at encouraging wise use of land due to its focus on engaging and building partnerships with non-traditional, yet influential stakeholders. She stressed the need for all land users to adopt appropriate land use practices due to the critical importance of healthy lands in socio-economic growth and development and adaptation to climate change.  

Physical Planning Building Inspector, Daniel Lalgie highlighted illegal subdivision of land; land clearance and hillside development; mining, engineering and quarrying operations; and illegal dumping as major contributors to land degradation within the construction sector. He stressed the need for property owners and professionals within the construction sector to seek approval from the Physical Planning Unit prior to commencing any development project.  He mentioned that persons caught conducting illegal operations can be fined according to the Physical Planning and Development Control Act. 

All participants agreed that the workshop was significant in stimulating their awareness of the importance of sustainable land management, and noted the need for increased public education.

To date, the SLM Project has reached one hundred and twenty (120) leading contractors within the tri-island state with the message of sustainable land management. In addition, a public awareness and education strategy is presently been developed with the view to commence nation-wide implementation later this year.

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