PR – The first Project Steering Committee (PSC) meeting for the Carriacou Integrated Landscape Management Project was held on Tuesday 16, December 2025, bringing together community members, government representatives, and partners.
The project, funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and implemented with support from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), has commenced restorative activities in Dumfries and Belle Vue South and is also improving the capacity of the Belair Nursery to improve its production.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Davon Baker, who was serving as Acting Chairman of the PSC in place of Mr. Leanwall Perotte, underscored the Committee’s mandate to provide technical and policy oversight; approve and monitor work plans and financial projections; review project reports; and facilitate inter-ministerial coordination to ensure the effective implementation of the project.
During the PSC meeting, key agenda items included an update on the ILM Project, with a particular focus on its major components: integrated water resources management (encompassing water conservation, irrigation, and water harvesting), public awareness, community engagement, and the establishment of a community nursery.
“This gathering is critical to ensuring that the project remains agile, enabling us to adjust and make decisions that are meaningful for the citizens here. Understanding their current circumstances, the support they require, and engaging in open dialogue makes decision-making both easier and more impactful,” remarked Dr. Ronen C. A. Francis, Executive Director of PISLM.
Chief Land Use Officer, in the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands and Forestry- Joseph Noel, reaffirmed his Ministry’s support for the project in Carriacou. During the PSC Meetings, Project Manager Bernard McIntosh also presented a progress report outlining achievements since inception and upcoming implementation milestones.
He explained, “To date, they have received two shade houses, two storage containers and support is being given to the Belair Nursery to improve their production capacity.”
Emphasizing the urgency and regional significance of the project, Dr. Christopher Cox- UNEP Task Manager for the project noted, “Carriacou’s extreme vulnerability- made painfully clear by Hurricane Beryl—underscores the urgency of investing in sustainable land management that strengthens resilience to climate shocks.”
The Partnership Initiative for Sustainable Land Management (PISLM), thanks to all partners and members of the Project Steering Committee, for their continued support towards the project, which is expected to improve the lives and livelihoods of the farmers and residents of Carriacou.
The meeting concluded with a review of action items and a reaffirmation of stakeholder commitment to collaboration, accountability, and adaptive management throughout the project lifecycle. Work continues this project, and the next meeting of the Project Steering Committee is scheduled for April 2026.
