National Environmental Action Plan (NEAP)
Territory of the Virgin Islands
Prepared by
Conservation and Fisheries Department
Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour
Government of the Virgin Islands
With Technical Assistance From
Orion Consultancy Services Ltd
Samuels Richardson and Company Ltd
May 2004
1
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 – Background……………………………………………….………………..Page 5
Acknowledgement…………………………………………………..…………………...5
Introduction to NEAP………………….…………………………………………………5
NEAP Methodology…………………….………………………….…………....……….6
NEAP Objective…………………………………………………….………....…………7
NEAP Process Outcomes………………………….……………….…………………..8
Composition of NEAP………………….………..…………………….……..………….9
Lessons Learned……………………….…..………………………….……..………….9
Chapter 2
Vision………………………………………………….………..……………………….10
Mission……………………………………………….………….…………..……..…...10
Goals………………………………………………….…………………..…………..…10
The Virgin Islands Context………………………….……………..…………….….…11
Demographic Profile of the Virgin Islands……….…………..….…….. ………..….20
The Environment, Economy and Society………….……………...…..….………….24
Virgin Islands Country Data……………………….………………………….……….25
Geography………………………………….…………….…..……….…..…….25
Population…………………………………………………….......………….....26
Social Statistics……………………………….………….…..…………………27
Gross Domestic Product…………………….………..…….…….…….……..28
Central Government Finances……………….…….…………...……..….…..30
Financial Services Sector…………………….…….……….……….….……..32
Financial Statistics…………………………….…….………………………….33
Consumer Prices……………………………….…….….…….…….…..……..34
Tourism………………………………………….………………….…….……..35
Balance of Trade…………………………………..….…..……………………36
Merchandise Trade Statistics………………….…….….….….…………...…37
Natural Resources Infrastructure……………….…….….….….…..…..…....38
National Integrated Development Strategy……………..………...……..……....….40
Chapter 3 – Methodology and Analysis………………………………………………….….50
Methodology………………………………………………….……………………..….50
Documents…………………………………………………………….…………….…50
NEAP and Other Resource Personnel…………………………..……….………....50
Virgin Islands Community…………………………………….…….…….…………..51
Research Questions………………………………………..……….…………..….…51
Analysis and Interpretation of Research Data……………….………..….……...…51
NIDS 2004……………………………………………………………………………...52
Focus Group Results. ………………………………………………..………….……76
2
Survey Results……………………………….…………….…….………………….…88
Sample……………………………………………………………….…...…….88
Mode of Survey Administration………………………………….…..…..…...88
Age of Respondents…………………………………………………..…..…..89
Employment Status of Respondents………………………………..….……89
Gender……………………………………………………………..……….…..90
Number of Years in the Virgin Islands…………………………………….…91
Survey Results Data Table……………………………………………..….….92
Survey Open-ended Comments……………………………………………...94
Chapter 4 – Issues, Strategies and Actions…………………………………….……..……99
Government Administrative Structure and Rationalization……………………….100
Education, Awareness and Participation……………………………………………102
Legal System, Legislation and Enforcement……………………………………….106
Terrestrial and Marine Resources Development……………….………………….109
Water and Waste Management………………………………….…………………..115
Human Settlements, Pollution and Health……………………….………….……...121
Resource Use Practices…………………………………………….………………..129
.
Chapter 5 – Legal Framework for Environmental Management…………………..……..137
Existing Legal Framework
NEAP Recommendations for Legislative Change
Priority Actions
Chapter 6 – Institutional Framework for Environmental Management…………….……138
Management Authority………………………………………………………….…….139
Legislation……………………………………………………………………………..139
Natural Resources Management……………………………………………………139
Water and Waste……………………………………………………………..………139
Energy…………………………………………………………………………….……140
Environmental Health and Human Settlements…………………………….……..140
Environmental Education…………………………………………………………….140
Biodiversity and Tourism…………………………………………………….….……141
Chapter 7 – Implementation, Monitoring and Review…………………………………….142
Implementation………………………………………………………………………..142
Prioritizing and Sequencing of Actions………………………………….………….142
Administration, Coordination and Review………………………………………….143
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour……………………………………143
Environmental Protection Board………………………………………………….…144
3
Technical Committee…………………………………………………………………144
Priority Actions………………………………………………………………………..146
Avenues for Action……………………………………………………………………148
Appendices…………………………………………………………………………………….149
Members of NEAP Secretariat and Sub-committee
Focus Group Protocol and Questions
Survey Questionnaire
List of Legislation Related to the Environment
Maps
Photographs
Key:
AG Chambers
BVICCHA
CBO’s
CFD
CMO
DDM
DPU
EHD
GIS
GVI
HLSCC
HRD
MCW
MEC
MHW
MNRL
MoF
MSD
NGO’s
NPT
OG
PWD
TCP
UWI
WSD
Attorney General Chambers
BVI Chamber of Commerce & Hotel Association
Community Based Organizations
Conservations & Fisheries Department
Chief Minister’s Office
Department of Disaster Management
Development Planning Unit
Environmental Health Department
Government Information Services
Government of the Virgin Islands
H. Lavity Stoutt Community College
Human Resources Department
Ministry of Communication & Works
Ministry of Education & Culture
Ministry of Health & Welfare
Ministry of Natural Resources & Labour
Ministry of Finance
Marine Services Department
Non-Government Organizations
National Parks Trust
Office of the Governor
Public Works Department
Town & Country Planning
University of the West Indies
Water & Sewerage Department
Short Term
Medium Term
Long Term
0 - 1year
0 - 3 years
0 – 5 years
4
Chapter 1
Background
Acknowledgement
The National Environmental Action Plan (NEAP) development project was a very comprehensive
exercise that involved the combined effort of a number of agencies and individuals. Thanks and
appreciation goes out to all those who may have in some way contributed to the development of
the NEAP. Some agencies in particular, must be singled out:
• The Conservation and Fisheries Department for its significant role in coordinating the
exercise and ensuring that the process was carried out professionally and with due regard
for charting a path for sustainable development
• The Town and Country Planning Department for technical support in advising on proposed
land and marine use proposals and sharing valuable geographic and other pertinent
information
• The Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour as the ministry under which the exercise
was conducted and for its technical and administrative support
• The Office of the Chief Minister as the coordinating ministry for the government and for its
support in setting the priorities and publicizing the effort for the development of the NEAP
• The NEAP Secretariat and its dedicated staff for guiding the daily effort and ensuring the
process remained on target and on task
• The Sub-committee for its valuable contribution to airing the issues and recommending
actions in a collective effort to assure the success of the plan
• The Office of the Governor for spearheading the efforts to secure the needed funding for
the exercise through the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and the Department
for International Development (DFID)
• The Government of the Virgin Islands and its executive and legislative branches for
ensuring that the NEAP become enshrined in law and used as a manual for the
sustainable development of the Territory
• The legal advisors for reviewing all relevant and existing laws pertaining to the
environment and recommending the enactment of new legislation to support the
implementation of the NEAP
Introduction to NEAP
The Virgin Islands has a rich natural resources base, favourable climate, budding marine
systems, natural beauty, commanding history, and a culture, which has traditionally promoted
living in harmony with its environment. Over the years, serious effort has been made to establish
protected areas through the National Parks Trust and numerous Ordinances and Acts including
the Fisheries Act, 2002 have been enacted to assist in the maintenance and management of the
environment. The Virgin Islands participate regularly in global environmental forums and
5
conducts management, monitoring and education services through the Conservation and
Fisheries Department.
However, rapid population growth, urbanization, increasing habitat and settlement demands,
infrastructural development, industrialization, and other forms of economic activity have steadily
threatened the natural resource base, and this in turn, is posing a real and imminent threat to the
environment and the Territory’s quest for sustainable development. This degrading situation has
been address in the National Integrated Development Strategy, the 2003 Speech from the
Throne, and the legislative agenda of the Government of the Virgin Islands.
In recognition of the important role which sound environmental management plays in the course
of the Virgin Islands development, and to honour the Virgin Islands’ commitment to numerous
national, regional and international protocols, treaties, and conventions to which it is party, the
government with assistance from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Department for
International Development embarked on the preparation of a national plan, the National
Environmental Action Plan (NEAP) as part and parcel of the National Physical Development Plan
(NPDP), and the National Integrated Development Strategy (NIDS) to ensure integration of
environmental concerns into the national integrated development process.
The NEAP Methodology
The National Environmental Action Plan was facilitated by the Conservation and Fisheries
Department (CFD), under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour. Technical assistance
and general oversight was given by the Office of the Chief Minister. The Office of the Governor
disbursed the funds for the project as acquired through the CFO and DFID. A NEAP Secretariat
was established, as a subset of the National Physical Development Plan Environmental SubCommittee, for the duration of the process and was assisted by a Project Coordinator
(Consultant), and a Legal Advisor (Consultant). All of the CFD staff was involved in various
capacities throughout the process.
A tri-partied participatory approach, involving all sectors and levels of the Virgin Islands
community, was used and included the following components.
• Review and study of relevant documents
• Four local sub-committee workshops, one to brainstorm and share information, one to
identify critical issues, one to develop strategies and recommendations, and one to review
the NEAP document
• An eleven item survey questionnaire administered to a stratified random sample of the
Virgin Islands population
• A Secretariat offering guidance, management and research support for the project
• A cross-sectoral/ cross-agency sub-committee of policy makers, economic development
managers, watchdog organizations, service organizations, academic institutions,
government agencies, businesses, and NGOs to advise on the sustainable development
of the Territory while being mindful of the need to protect the environment
• Ten focus groups including public and private sector representatives, non-government
organizations, community based organizations, senior citizens and youth
6
•
•
•
Public meetings and media presentations providing input re: water and sewage
management; biodiversity; terrestrial and marine resource development; human
settlements, pollution and health; tourism, environmental education; economic and social
issues; infrastructure and energy; policy, legal and institutional issues; industry and
manufacturing; international treaties, conventions and agreements; and, public
participation
A task force to advise on the process procedures, format of document and to assist with
compilation and editing
Review and approval by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour, the Office of the
Chief Minister, the Executive Council, the Legislative Council, and the Office of the
Governor
The NEAP Objectives
The National Environmental Action Plan provides the framework within which the Territory of the
Virgin Islands’ environment can be managed in a responsible and sustainable manner.
Embedded in this framework is the recognition of the cross-agency nature of the environmental
challenges facing the Virgin Islands. It also identifies the relationship, which exists between the
environment and key sectors within the overall economic development framework of the
Territory. It also emphasizes the need for active and lasting community involvement and
participation in environmental protection and natural resource management. The objectives of
NEAP are as follows:
• Identify, prioritize and quantify (where possible) environmental problems
• Provide a state-of-knowledge overview of the environmental conditions in the Territory
• Propose solutions to immediate environmental problems in the form of programmes and
projects, studies, issues and actions, strategies and activities, institutional and legislative
reform, funding requirements and human resources capacity building needs
• Establish a clear indication of government’s priority areas with respect to the environment
so as to guide and give proper orientation to donor intervention in this field
• Establish a framework for environmental information management and dissemination
• Provide a framework for continuous development and environmental policy dialogue within
the Territory and with donor partners
• Establish a framework which provides coherent directions for the process of environmental
management, monitoring, action planning in the future
• Identify HR needs and resources for the effective review and efficient implementation and
management of the Plan
NEAP Process Outcomes
Although the primary outcome of the exercise is the development of a national action plan for the
protection and management of the environment, the process of developing the plan is valuable
and meaningful in itself. The preparation of such a document provides:
• A mechanism for developing organizational capacities and other agencies required for
sustainable development
7
•
•
•
•
•
A framework for information management to ensure that the national action plan and
environmental management decisions, which come form it, are based on information that
is timely and accurate
A framework for processes of mediation, negotiation, planning, research development,
and consensus building
A forum and context for debate on general sustainable development issues and the
articulation of a collective vision for the future
A means of focusing these processes on a common set of priority issues and key actions
to be taken
The drafting of environmental legislation and other legislative measures to support the
recommendations embedded in the action plan.
Composition of NEAP
The National Environmental Action Plan consists of the following:
•
•
The main report consisting of the overall state of the environment, major environmental
problems and recommended solutions, the legislation review, the infrastructure for
environmental management, and implementation, monitoring and review strategies
The policy and legal strategy framework for implementing recommended strategies to
address major environmental issues and challenges. This framework provides a holistic
perspective and a meaningful basis for all kinds of national policy development to ensure
sustainable development.
Other documents compiled prior to and during the consultative process of NEAP include:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Reports of the environmental sub-committee of the National Integrated Development Plan
(NIDS)
Reports of regional and international workshops to which the Virgin Islands is party
including the St. Georges Declaration, Small Islands Development Strategies, United
Kingdom Overseas Territories Partnership among other protocols, treaties and
conventions
Reports of focus group meetings to obtain input at public and private levels, and from
special interest groups and community based organizations
Reports of technical working groups within the Conservation and Fisheries Department on
matters related to industry and tourism, water and climate change, infrastructure and
energy, land and marine resources, human settlements and health, biodiversity, fisheries,
agriculture, environmental education, hazardous materials, and sensitivity of coastal
environments and wildlife to spilled oil
Policy review documents relating to the environment including the Fisheries Act 2000
Recommendations geared to protect the environment against expanding threatening
forms of economic development
Reports from cross-sectoral groups relating to policy and legal issues.
Lessons Learned
8
Many valuable lessons have been learned in the development of the NEAP. These can be used
to guide future steps for sustainable development. Some of these lessons include the following:
• The participatory nature of the NEAP process has very positive impacts, and served many
purposes. It was a learning experience where methodologies to raise awareness were
tried and tested, and where information was collected, analyzed and utilized to gain
knowledge of environmental issues. It was also a building experience, where the
knowledge and experiences of individuals, organizations and departments were pooled to
build a more holistic picture of the Virgin Islands environment
• It was an exercise in cooperation and collaboration, where everyone’s participation was
invited and welcomed. It was also an exercise in understanding and tolerance, where
controversial issues were raised and differing viewpoints were presented and reconciled.
All these various activities during the process added to the collective knowledge, brought
people together and built support for the implementation of the NEAP
• The small size of the territory has made it relatively easy to coordinate activities. The
network set up during the development of the NEAP will continue to be used to coordinate
activities and to build support
• The use of a decentralized approach by involving NGOs, CBOs, the general population,
the sub-committee, the secretariat, the survey questionnaire, and the focus group
consultation process stimulated the interest of everyone to participate in the exercise
• The Virgin Islands has a rich environmental indigenous knowledge system. Drawing form
it for the development of the NEAP and in policy formulation has been very meaningful
and useful
• An increase in awareness and participation has taken place. A growing number of people,
from different areas and places in the Virgin Islands have pledged to become more
involved in environmental activities and eagerly await the full implementation of the NEAP.
These individuals look forward to working on committees, writing environmental articles,
planning an Environmental Education Conference, developing policy, writing project
proposals, working with schools, organizing clean-up campaigns, and discussing
environmental issues with decision makers.
9
Chapter 2
Situational Analysis
This chapter gives an overview of the present environmental, economic and societal situation in
the Virgin Islands. It also identifies the work conducted to date regarding environmental
management and outlines the vision, mission and goals of the National Environmental Action
Plan.
Vision – Territory
A society that is globally competitive and socially cohesive; that is able to satisfy the basic
needs of its people; that upholds the principles of equity, human rights, and good
governance; that manages the natural resources of the territory in a sustained and
integrated way; that generates self-confidence among the people; and that maintains the
unique cultural identity of the territory.
Mission – Territory
Mobilize and deliver resources to ensure the health, productivity, prosperity,
cohesiveness, and resilience of the people in a responsible and integrated manner.
Vision
The National Environmental Action Plan envisions:
An environment that is well managed, protected, and preserved to maintain the unique
ecological features and natural beauty of the Virgin Islands; through a legal framework that
promotes the rational, efficient and sustainable utilization of these resources in harmony
with economic development, indigenous culture, and recreation.
Mission
The National Environmental Action plan seeks to:
Ensure that the environment, the fishery and the resource base on which they depend are
managed in a sustainable manner for the greatest possible benefit of the people of the
Virgin Islands.
Goals
NEAP will provide the environmental component of the Territory’s national master plan
and national integrated strategy for sustainable development. It will place the
environmental plans in a broad perspective, considering economic and social conditions.
It will also make the link between the environment and the Territory’s objectives for growth
and competitiveness. NEAP will take a wide-ranging approach to environmental
10
challenges and give a strategic direction to the Territory’s environmental policy over the
next five to ten years.
Specifically NEAP will:
• Ensure that all natural resources of the Territory are sustainably managed to
provide for a better quality of life for all
• Enhance understanding and awareness throughout the territory of the links
between the environment and the economy
• Integrate environmental considerations into social and economic development
policies, plans and programmes, and seek the cooperation of relevant agencies in
coordinating and carrying out the same
• Apply cleaner, more energy efficient and environmentally desirable technologies,
systems and methods
• Involve all sectors of the society and government in the protection, preservation and
management of the environment
• Implement measures (laws, units and departments, procedures, etc) to give effect
to the various environmental agreements to which the Territory is a party
• Strengthen information sharing and coordinate responses to disaster management
through the establishment of common policies and strategies for appropriate
preparatory and mitigatory measures
• Minimize the environmental impact of disasters and provide for resiliency of the
Virgin Islands environment.
The Virgin Islands Context
The Virgin Islands is a United Kingdom Overseas Territory located in the Caribbean Basin. It lies
due east of Puerto Rico and adjacent to the United States Virgin Islands. The Virgin Islands has
its own internal self-government and a UK appointed Governor who is responsible for security
and external affairs.
11
12
Over the years, the Territory has grown considerably especially in the areas of tourism and
financial services. Each year more than 500k tourist visit the Virgin Islands and more than 500k
international business companies are registered here. The economy is relatively strong and the
gross domestic product is among the highest in the Caribbean.
Because of its location, the Virgin Islands boasts very mild and pleasant weather through the
year and is internationally known for its rich biodiversity, beautiful beaches, azure blue sailing
and swimming waters and many other natural resources and national parks. The year round
temperature averages about 82-degree F and annual rainfall is about 52 inches.
13
14
15
16
17
18
The Territory’s population is one of the most diverse and cosmopolitan populations in the entire
Caribbean. People from all continents and walks of life abode here and the population
distribution is just about evenly balanced between indigenous people and those who have
immigrated here for a myriad of reasons including economic enhancement and career
opportunities.
19
Demographic Profile of the British Virgin Islands
Population
Populat ion Density (sq km)
Male Population
Female Population
Sex Ratio 1
Nationals
Expatriates
Nationality Ratio 2
Births
Crude Birth Rate
Total Fertility Rate 3
Teenage Deliveries
Teenage Deliveries as % of all Deliveries
Deaths
Crude Death Rate
Infant Deaths
Infant Mortality Rate
Under 5 Deaths
Under 5 Mortality Rate
Maternal Deaths
Maternal Mortality Rate
Life Expectancy at Birth 4 (Total)
Male
Female
Adult Literacy Rates 5
Male
Female
1991
16,710
108.51
8,604
8,106
106.14
8,371
8,338
100.40
303
18.13
1992
17,100
111.04
8,803
8,297
106.10
8,562
8,538
100.28
290
16.96
1993
17,495
113.60
9,006
8,489
106.09
8,741
8,753
99.86
318
18.18
1994
17,903
116.25
9,219
8,684
106.16
8,933
8,970
99.59
298
16.65
1995
18,317
118.92
9,433
8,881
106.22
9,121
9,193
99.22
287
15.67
1996
18,737
121.67
9,656
9,081
106.33
9,314
9,423
98 .84
287
15.31
1997
19,107
124.07
9,848
9,259
106.36
9,454
9,653
97.94
351
18.37
1998
19,482
126.51
10,039
9,443
106.31
9,594
9,888
97.03
278
14.27
1999
19,864
129.00
10,234
9,630
106.27
9,734
10,130
96.09
315
15.86
2000
20,254
132.37
10,429
9,825
106.14
9911
10,343
96.0
329
16.24
2001
20,647
134.07
1.81
27
8.9
77
4.61
7
1.81
32
11.0
90
5.26
4
1.97
32
10.1
76
4.34
5
1.83
27
9.1
105
5.86
5
1.79
25
8.7
90
4.91
1
1.77
26
9.1
88
4.70
4
2.20
31
11.32
97
5.08
2
1.74
32
11.38
87
4.47
5
1.96
41
13.65
94
4.75
2
2.07
37
11.24
91
4.49
1
1.97
26
12.23
101
4.89
23.10
7
23.10
0
13.79
7
24.14
0
15.72
6
18.87
1
17.06
5
17.06
1
3.48
3
10.45
0
13 .94
6
20.91
0
5.7
2
5.7
0
17.99
5
17.99
0
9.52
3
15.87
0
3.08
0
0
0.00
74.5
74.0
75.3
98.2
97.8
98.7
0.00
74.8
74.0
75.7
98.2
97.8
98.7
31.45
77.2
76.7
78.1
98.2
97.8
98.7
34.13
72.7
71.5
74.9
98.2
97.8
98.2
0.00
74.6
71.6
78.2
98.2
97.8
98.2
0.00
74.8
73.7
76.6
98.2
97.8
98.2
0.00
74.2
72.5
76.5
98.2
97.8
98.2
0.00
75.5
72.4
79.3
98.2
97.8
98.7
0.00
73.6
70.2
78.6
98.2
97.8
98.2
0.00
77.9
75.3
80.1
98.2
97.8
98.2
0.00
0
0.00
98.2
97.8
98.2
98.2
97.8
98.2
98.2
97.8
98.2
119.0
123.0
114.8
121.1
125.6
116.5
118.6
124.9
112.2
109.5
114.3
104.5
113.8
116.4
111.1
113.0
113.8
112.1
113.1
114.4
111.8
72.00
67.12
76.93
3.56
3.84
3.38
384
4,295
1079.00
70.29
65.26
75.43
3.56
3.84
3.38
582
4,127
1126.67
72.61
67.45
77.91
3.56
3.84
3.38
628
4956
1148.33
74.88
70.33
79.57
3.56
3.84
3.38
769
5541
1222.00
82.83
82.11
83.56
3.56
3.84
3.38
859
5903
1295.67
3.56
3.84
3.38
851
4683
1347.67
3.56
3.84
3.38
744
5463
3.56
3.84
3.38
620
5179
3.56
3.84
3.38
935
6115
3.56
3.84
3.38
1375
----------8416
3.56
3.84
3.38
851
8385
3.56
3.84
3.38
1104
9312
10,627
10,020
106.05
10,023
10,624
94.35
318
15.40
2002
20,987
136.27
10,796
10,191
105.94
10,154
10,833
93.73
259
12.34
1.61
29
8.1
97
4.62
2003
21,333
138.51
10,970
10,362
105.86
10,286
11,047
93.11
269
12.61
1.50
28
10.40
104
4.88
Enrollment Rates: Primary 6 (Gross)
Male
Female
Enrollment Rates: Secondary 7 (Gross)
72.41
Total
64.92
Male
Female
79.92
3.56
Unemployment Rate 8 (Total)
Male
3.84
Female
3.38
Work Permits Approved (New)
650
Total
3,923
Average Monthly Income9
1053.00
20
1
Number of males per 100 females.
Number of nationals per 100 non-nationals.
1
Number of children a woman was expected to have during her child-bearing years for the specific year. Rate is understated due to the inability to capture births that occur outside of the BVIs to
BVIs women.
1
Number of years a person is expected to live at birth. The fluctuations in these numbers are not due to fluctuations in the quality of the health care system but rather to the small magnitude of the
numbers that are used in the calculations.
1
These rates are stable and long term and are not opt to change significantly from year to year.
1
The ages used in the calculation of these rates are not exclusive to this education level - i.e. there is an element of age overlap from level to level.
1
The ages used in the calculation of these rates are not exclusive to this education level - i.e. there is an element of age overlap from level to level.
1
This rate is not opt to change significantly from year to year unless there occurs a dramatic change in the economic conditions of the country.
1
Averages are based on Social Security Records.
1
21
THE BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS POPULATION PYRAMID
1980 & 1991
85 +
80 - 84
75 - 79
70 - 74
65 - 69
60 - 64
MALE
FEMALE
55 - 59
1991
1980
50 - 54
45 - 49
40 - 44
35 - 39
30 - 34
25 - 29
20 - 24
15 - 19
10 - 14
5-9
0-4
-1,000
-800
-600
-400
NUMBER
-200
0
0
200
400
600
NUMBER
800
1,000
22
The Virgin Islands consists of a relatively small subsistence sector comprising
agriculture and fishing and a relatively larger capital-intensive sector driven
primarily by tourism and financial services. This has no doubt caused friction and
serious concerns regarding a need to maintain a sustainable balance between
social-economic developments and the environment and efforts to sustainably
manage, preserve and protect “nature’s little secrets.”
Economic growth has been steady over the last several years and wealth
distribution among women and the indigenous population continues to increase.
Many people own property rights and human settlements continue to increase at
a steady pace. Infrastructural development continues to increase although apart
from the airport and bridge projects, there has not been any major private sector
investment over the last few years.
2003 Development Applications By Cadastral Section
Virgin Gorda
15%
Southern
Cays
2%
Anegada
1%
Beef Is.
2%
East Central
9%
East End
7%
Sea Cows Bay
8%
Long Look
8%
West Central
12%
Road Town
23%
Mt. Sage
7%
Jost Van Dyke
1%
West End
5%
23
The Environment, Economy and Society
There is no doubt that the rapid growth, development and expansion of the
Territory has had an effect on the Virgin Islands environment. Many Virgin
Islanders and visitors alike deeply appreciate the outstanding and unique natural
features and resources that the Territory has to offer. They enjoy its rich
biodiversity, beaches, mountains, springs and ghuts, national parks, waters,
fishery, teeming marine life, and the peace and tranquility that pervade the
islands. They also recognize the efforts put forward by the Conservation and
Fisheries Department and the National Parks Trust to preserve, protect and
manage these resources.
The thriving economy, however, has brought with it a number of undesirable
challenges and situations that if not immediately addressed could lead to the
rapid demise of the very features that many Virgin Islanders and residents love
and for which many visitors come to experience each year. Education and
healthcare need to be seriously addressed; infrastructural development including
transportation, energy and communication need to be liberalized and the digital
divide needs to be narrowed. Challenges facing tourism and financial services,
once addressed, could only lead to a better natural and business environment for
all.
The issue of human settlement, pollution and health is one of the most serious
facing the Territory. Much more waste is generated and produced than exists the
capacity to treat and properly dispose of it. Marine life including coral reefs,
mangroves and the fishery are in danger of extinction due to indiscriminate
dumping of sewerage, solid waste, solid erosion and illegal anchoring.
Unsupervised and unregulated land excavation and reclamation along with
inadequate drainage and soil/sediment control measures and little or no
forestation and reforestation continue to threaten the delicate environmental
balance of the Virgin Islands.
24
The following Tables show relevant country data as it pertains to the Territory of the Virgin Islands over the period 1991 – 2001.
Statistics about Geography, Po9pulatiion, Social Statistics, Gross Domestic Products, Central Government Finances, Financial
Services Sector, Financial Statistics, Consumer Prices, Tourism Statistics, Balance of Trade Statistics, Merchandise Trade Statistics,
and Natural Resources Infrastructure Statistics.
BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS - COUNTRY DATA
SHEETS
Last Update 27/11/03
GEOGRAPHY
TABLE 2.1
Total Area
Tortola
Anegada
Virgin Gorda
Jost Van Dyke
Other Islands
Sq. km.
154.00
54.00
39.00
21.00
9.00
31.00
Sq. Miles
59.00
21.00
15.00
8.00
3.40
11.60
Source (s): Development Planning Unit.
25
POPULATION STATISTICS
TABLE 2.2
1991
Mid-year Population
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
16,710
17,100
17,495
17,903
18,317
18,737
19,107
19,482
19,864
49.90
0.60
50.01
2.33
50.03
2.31
50.10
2.33
50.18
2.31
50.29
2.29
50.52
1.97
50.62
1.96
50.89
1.96
8,338
49.90
108.51
8,538
49.93
111.04
8,753
50.03
113.60
8,970
50.10
116.25
9,193
50.19
118.94
9,423
50.29
121.67
9,653
50.52
124.07
9,888
50.75
126.51
10,130
51.00
128.99
< 15
4,547
4,784
4,700
4,869
4,967
5,068
5,155
5,234
5,305
15 – 44
9,125
9,574
9,218
9,580
9,719
9,847
9,858
10,051
10,141
45 – 64
2,105
2,445
2,188
2,505
2,669
2,851
2,526
3,240
3,452
933
1,006
872
949
962
1,001
965
960
966
106.14
18.13
4.61
23.10
6.13
97.75
16.96
5.26
13.79
7.65
100.00
18.18
4.34
15.72
8.75
106.16
16.65
5.86
17.06
12.01
106.25
15.67
4.91
3.48
11.85
106.33
15.31
4.70
13.94
11.79
106.66
18.37
5.08
5.70
6.07
113.77
14.27
4.47
17.99
10.78
106.27
15.86
4.75
9.52
11.18
16.90
18.77
18.80
20.22
17.50
18.30
17.95
16.52
18.93
Of which immigrants ( %)
Annual Growth Rate (%)
Immigration
% of immigrants
Population Density
Age Group Composit
>65
Male/Female Ratio (per 100 female
Crude Birth Rate
Crude Death Rate
Infant Mortality Rate
Net Migration Rate
Marriage Rate
Source (s): Development Planning Unit.
26
SOCIAL STATISTICS
TABLE 2.3
1991
74.50
98.2
1992
74.80
98.2
1993
77.20
98.20
1994
72.70
98..2
1995
74.60
98.20
1996
74.80
98.20
1997
74.20
98.20
1998
75.50
98.20
1999
73.60
98.20
Primary school enrolment
2,443
2,534
2,546
2,446
2,596
2,748
2,812
2,757
2,830
Secondary School enrolment
1,134
1,162
1,178
1,203
1,289
1,498
1,478
1,267
1,513
481
765
788
850
893
1,334
1,419
1,506
1,447
18.73
19.56
10,396
19.82
10,869
21.23
11,089
20.95
11,254
20.34
11,996
21.44
12,189
21.00
12,774
29.97
0.05
2.81
74.41
0.05
2.79
77.60
0.07
3.10
77.01
0.05
2.88
75.84
0.10
3.41
75.54
0.11
3.59
75.96
0.16
3.61
74.79
0.19
3.97
74.85
0.24
2.11
67.68
Life Expectancy at Birth
Adult Literacy Rate (2) (% 15+)
Tertiary Institution enrolment
Labour Force
% in Public Sector
% in Agriculture
% in Industry
% in Other Services
Unemployment Rate (1)
9,995
10,255
3.56
Source(s) : Development Planning Unit.
(1)This rate is not opt to change significantly from year to year unless there occurs a dramatic change in the economic conditions.
(2)These rates are stable in long term and are not opt to change significantly from year to year.
27
GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT STATISTICS
TABLE 2.4
1991
GDP at Current Market Prices US$000
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
155,627
175,976
236,142
306,863
384,593
441,807
511,874
Agriculture, Hunting & Forestry
1,358
1,494
1,632
1,769
1,965
1,982
Fishing
3,758
4,197
4,599
5,019
5,312
5,935
1999
593,367
662,061
2,126
2,373
2,455
6,379
6,783
6,989
Activity Distribution
Mining and Quarrying
127
233
362
956
1,493
1,887
3,038
3,747
3,536
Manufacturing
1,781
4,808
7,835
10,863
13,438
15,264
22,275
25,076
23,668
Electricity, Gas and Water
4,133
5,064
5,994
6,925
7,569
8,638
10,437
10,796
11,143
Construction
4,724
10,049
15,373
20,697
30,895
27,047
32,126
44,489
48,796
Wholesale and Retail Trade
25,011
33,285
41,558
49,831
58,081
64,393
77,989
82,293
90,497
Hotel and Restaurant
25,791
27,831
29,868
41,905
52,283
65,543
79,782
94,463
98,008
Transport and Communications
10,360
18,701
27,042
35,382
45,085
52,552
57,514
67,604
79,261
Financial Intermediation
11,407
15,318
19,229
23,140
27,628
30,003
34,988
39,122
42,623
Real Estate, Renting & Business Activity
18,925
23,038
45,888
68,737
94,214
115,494
132,050
156,923
187,747
Government Services
17,052
19,245
21,437
23,630
26,626
27,255
29,415
33,054
34,690
Education
6,644
7,545
8,446
9,347
10,036
11,365
12,001
13,253
13,597
Health & Social Work
2,613
3,452
4,291
5,130
6,202
6,818
7,142
8,542
9,536
Other Community, Social & Personal Services
1,325
1,486
4,297
7,180
9,690
13,318
15,353
17,874
21,466
Import Duty
Less :FISIM
Sectoral distribution of current GDP (%)
11,394
12,777
14,160
15,543
17,090
18,631
19,134
20,566
23,037
9,224
-12,547
-15,869
-19,191
-23,014
-24,318
-29,875
-33,591
-34,988
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
Agriculture, Hunting & Forestry
0.87
0.85
0.69
0.58
0.51
0.45
0.42
1999
0.40
0.37
Fishing
2.41
2.38
1.95
1.64
1.38
1.34
1.25
1.14
1.06
Mining and Quarrying
0.08
0.13
0.15
0.31
0.39
0.43
0.59
0.63
0.53
Manufacturing
1.14
2.73
3.32
3.54
3.49
3.45
4.35
4.23
3.57
Electricity, Gas and Water
2.66
2.88
2.54
2.26
1.97
1.96
2.04
1.82
1.68
Construction
3.04
5.71
6.51
6.74
8.03
6.12
6.28
7.50
7.37
Wholesale and Retail Trade
16.07
18.91
17.60
16.24
15.10
14.57
15.24
13.87
13.67
Hotel and Restaurant
16.57
15.82
12.65
13.66
13.59
14.84
15.59
15.92
14.80
28
Transport and Communications
6.66
10.63
11.45
11.53
11.72
11.89
11.24
11.39
Financial Intermediation
7.33
8.70
8.14
7.54
7.18
6.79
6.84
6.59
11.97
6.44
Real Estate, Renting & Business Activity
12.16
13.09
19.43
22.40
24.50
26.14
25.80
26.45
28.36
Government Services
10.96
10.94
9.08
7.70
6.92
6.17
5.75
5.57
5.24
Education
4.27
4.29
3.58
3.05
2.61
2.57
2.34
2.23
2.05
Health & Social Work
1.68
1.96
1.82
1.67
1.61
1.54
1.40
1.44
1.44
Other Community, Social & Perso nal Services
0.85
0.84
1.82
2.34
2.52
3.01
3.00
3.01
3.24
Import Duty
7.32
7.26
6.00
5.07
4.44
4.22
3.74
3.47
3.48
5.93
Less : FISIM
(7.13)
100.00
GDP (at current market prices) US $ 000
155,627
Annual Rate of growth
GDP per Capita
5.44
9,313
(6.72)
100.00
(6.25)
100.00
(5.98)
100.00
(5.50)
100.00
(5.84)
100.00
(5.66)
100.00
(5.28)
100.00
100.00
175,976
236,142
306,863
384,593
441,807
511,874
593,367
662,061
13.08
34.19
29.95
25.33
14.88
15.86
15.92
11.58
10,291
13,498
17,140
20,997
23,579
26,790
30,457
33,330
29
CENTRAL GOVERNMENT FINANCES
TABLE 2.5
1991
51.2
1992
60.6
1993
70.5
1994
84.1
1995
98.3
1996
112.2
1997
128.3
1998
142.4
1999
156.8
25.6
13.30
10.10
2.20
27.8
14.80
10.90
2.10
30.8
11.8
16.5
2.5
34.9
13.5
18.3
3.1
39.2
15.0
21.1
3.1
44.1
16.1
24.5
3.5
44.5
16.7
24.0
3.8
50.7
17.7
28.7
4.3
54.1
20.1
29.6
4.4
Non Tax revenue
Financial Services Sector
14.50
18.50
24.3
31.6
39.2
46.2
56.9
66.0
72.1
Other Non Tax Receipts
11.10
14.30
15.4
17.6
19.9
21.9
26.9
25.7
30.6
45.9
49.7
59.2
67.8
76.3
84.1
85.7
106.4
127.1
14.30
23.70
0.60
7.30
16.90
24.00
0.40
8.40
18.0
28.2
1.3
11.7
21.3
30.2
1.8
14.5
21.8
35.5
2.1
16.9
24.1
38.9
1.4
19.7
24.3
41.3
1.1
19.0
40.0
45.8
1.2
19.4
55.7
50.3
1.3
19.8
5.3
10.9
11.3
16.3
22.0
28.1
42.6
36.0
29.7
Capital Expenditure
13.10
26.70
18.2
21.3
15.6
13.4
23.0
17.7
12.4
Overall Balance
-7.80
-15.80
-6.90
-5.00
6.40
14.70
19.60
18.30
17.30
41.7
41.7
40.7
40.7
38.4
38.4
43.6
43.6
41.9
41.9
39.8
39.8
37.8
37.8
35.2
35.2
39.4
39.4
Recurrent Revenue (MN)
Of which:
Tax Revenue
Import duties
Income and Property Tax
Passenger and Hotel Accommodation Tax
Recurrent Expenditure
Of which:
Goods and Services
Wages and Salaries
Interest Payments
Subsidies and Transfers
Current Balance
External Debt
Public Debt
30
Private Debt
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
Source(s): Development Planning Unit.
31
0.0
FINANCIAL SERVICES SECTOR STATISTICS
TABLE 2.6
1991
1992
IBC Registration
15,957
20,795
Of which local:
121
Dissolved Companies
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
28,618
32,823
32,523
41,618
50,104
43,622
54,059
129
128
175
196
178
164
179
221
567
848
941
1,219
1,738
1,812
2,552
2,586
2,736
Cumulative IBC Registration
52,789
72,736
Of which local:
121
250
IBC Licence Fees ($ MN.)
% of Current Revenue
13.5
26.4
100,413
17.7
29.2
132,017
162,802
202,608
250,160
291,196
342,519
378
553
749
927
1,091
1,270
1,491
19.4
27.5
26.2
31.2
32.8
33.4
39.4
35.1
47.2
36.8
60.1
42.2
73.0
46.6
Source(s): Development Planning Unit.
32
FINANCIAL STATISTICS
TABLE 2.7
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
Assets & Liabilities (US $000)
360,806
378,342
350,934
434,584
484,291
645,268
741,655
891,831
1,014,088
Demand Depositss (US$ 000's)
42,209
57,173
76,268
83,575
90,674
135,969
156,663
176,778
241,145
Saving Deposits (US$ 000's)
57,399
74,923
70,692
98,320
113,026
129,054
143,578
154,117
159,082
Time Deposits (US$ 000's)
248,483
228,257
179,216
222,141
247,361
331,236
425,586
550,554
568,071
TotaL Deposits (US$ 000's)
348,091
360,353
326,176
404,036
451,061
596,259
725,827
881,449
968,298
Loans and Advances (US $ 000)
182,167
209,417
218,062
251,028
281,810
314,048
347,401
394,383
464,389
4.63
3.03
2.96
1.52
1.52
1.59
1.59
1.59
6.25
6.00
6.67
8.75
8.30
8.50
8.50
8.50
London Interbank Rate
Prime Rate (NYP)
6.50
Source(s): Development Planning Unit.
33
CONSUMER PRICES
TABLE 2.8
Food Beverage & Tobacco
Housing
Furniture & Household Supplies
Clothing & Footwear
Transportation
Services
Miscellenous
All Index
Annual Inflation Rate:
1991
89.4
92.0
91.3
85.5
79.6
81.0
84.8
87.0
1992
91.1
93.4
95.9
90.8
82.7
85.0
87.4
89.8
1993
91.3
97.5
94.7
93.0
90.3
1994
95.9
96.2
96.8
97.9
95.6
1995
100.5
101.3
100.9
100.6
100.6
1996
103.5
118.3
101.7
100.7
103.0
1997
108.2
138.6
103.4
100.1
106.9
1998
111.5
132.0
115.3
108.8
122.0
1999
112.4
129.8
129.0
115.1
123.2
88.0
93.0
102.4
105.1
107.6
108.9
110.8
88.2
92.1
97.4
96.0
100.6
100.9
103.1
105.8
106.2
112.0
113.2
116.9
118.7
119.6
6.4
3.2
2.6
4.2
5.1
4.9
5.9
4.4
2.3
Source(s): Development Planning Unit.
34
TOURISM STATISTICS
TABLE 2.9
1991
1992
1993
1994
295,622
279,065
333,017
328,505
Air Arrivals
80,034
80,952
101,415
103,361
104,319
107,612
107,768
127,624
131,745
Boat Arrivals
120,993
110,562
118,357
142,838
138,967
144,820
153,036
159,524
171,597
Cruise Ship Passengers
94,595
87,551
113,245
82,306
122,054
159,600
104,864
105,142
180,714
147,030
116,944
Total Visitor Arrivals
Of which:
Total Overnight Visitors
of Which
1995
365,340
1996
1997
1998
412,032
365,668
392,290
1999
484,056
148,075
238,680
219,510
243,683
244,318
279,097
285,858
Hotel
36,266
42,773
71,782
79,521
68,536
72,624
77,045
57,860
63,180
Charter Boat
61,555
50,478
71,712
102,515
101,360
101,288
76,147
89,951
136,744
Rented Accommodation
13,937
4,277
3,814
3,471
2,091
2,282
2,442
1,705
3,125
Own/Friends Aaccommodation
35,272
19,416
767
53,173
47,523
67,489
88,684
129,581
82,809
8.80
8.80
7.0
6.50
7.30
7.60
8.30
8.40
9.60
1,165.00
1,213.00
1,182
1,191
1,206
1,204
1,213
1,220
1,227
59.30
56.60
56.5
45.0
56.4
58.3
58.3
61.4
64.5
109.75
105.22
185.12
215.01
211.00
227.60
220.40
253.90
278.95
Average Length of Stay (nights)
Hotel Room Capacity
Average Hotel Occupancy (%)
Total visitor expenditure ($ MN)
Source (s): Development Planning Unit.
35
BALANCE OF TRADE STATISTICS
($ MN)
TABLE 2.10
Exports of Goods
Imports of Goods
Balance of Visible Trace
Export of Services
Import of Services
Balance of Trade / Services
Overall Trade Balance
1991
13.00
105.01
-92.01
174.93
99.20
75.73
1992
15.19
107.15
-91.96
202.32
126.91
75.41
1993
18.03
122.91
-104.88
299.01
152.63
146.38
1994
17.75
128.35
-110.60
351.89
174.87
177.02
1995
19.20
130.83
-111.63
363.18
194.26
168.92
1996
20.65
158.37
-137.72
410.59
221.02
189.57
1997
22.40
166.38
-143.98
444.37
266.45
177.92
1998
23.10
164.71
-141.61
473.72
289.53
184.20
1999
25.42
197.97
-172.55
542.42
307.62
234.80
-16.28
-16.55
41.50
66.42
57.29
51.85
33.94
42.59
62.25
Source(s): Development Planning Unit.
36
MERCHANDISE TRADE STATISTICS
TABLE 2.11
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
0 Food and Live Animals
18,063
21,538
22,247
23,185
24,929
27,609
31,515
33,251
40,319
1 Beverages and Tobacco
6,721
6,858
7,498
6,619
7,361
9,067
8,797
9,482
9,492
2 Crude Materials
3,466
3,000
2,212
1,684
1,971
1,178
1,169
1,176
1,291
3 Mineral Fuels and Lubricants
5,986
8,894
13,643
19,975
13,382
12,977
9,847
10,145
14,568
4 Animal and Vegetable Oils
210
321
246
319
355
423
548
500
495
5 Chemicals
6,721
7,072
7,375
7,315
7,828
8,866
8,816
9,947
12,659
6 Manufactured Goods
19,008
19,288
18,191
17,629
23,589
23,007
31,715
26,574
31,785
7 Machinery and Transport Equipment
31,820
27,324
30,605
35,297
34,723
50,897
47,019
49,056
52,286
8 Miscellanous Manufactures
12,917
12,430
16,347
14,817
15,520
22,766
24,113
18,445
25,864
9 Miscellanous Transcture
105
429
4,548
1,504
1,168
1,581
2,840
6,134
9,207
Imports of Goods
105,017
13.00
107,154
15.19
122,912
18.03
128,344
17.75
130,826
19.20
158,371
20.65
166,379
22.40
164,710
23.10
197,966
25.42
0.0
6.2
15.9
62.8
0.0
6.6
16.9
60.9
0.0
6.9
17.9
58.9
0.0
7.2
18.0
63.4
0.0
7.3
18.2
63.5
0.1
7.8
19.1
63.8
0.0
8.4
19.2
63.6
0.1
8.5
21.3
63.5
0.1
8.7
22.5
62.1
Export of Goods
of which
Animals
Fresh Fish
Gravel and Sand
Rum
37
NATURAL RESOURCES INFRASTRUCTURE STATISTICS
TABLE 2.12
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
# of Jetties/ Docks
13
13
13
14
14
15
15
16
16
# of Marinas
18
18
18
19
19
19
19
19
19
# of Hotels
44
47
45
45
45
44
47
47
47
# of Guest houses, Houses, & Guest Apartments
63
75
86
93
95
115
125
124
125
# of Mangrove Areas
238
238
238
238
238
238
238
238
238
Total Mangrove Area (ha)
114
114
114
114
114
114
114
114
114
# of Coral Reef Sites
4,434
4,434
4,434
4,434
4,434
4,434
4,434
4,434
4,434
Total Coral Reef Area (ha)
7,569
7,569
7,569
7,569
7,569
7,569
7,569
7,569
7,569
# of Salt Pond Areas / # of Coastal Lagoons
Total Salt Pond Area / coastal Lagoon Area (ha)
51
51
51
51
51
51
51
51
51
# of Vehicles Licensed
of Which
6,511
6,917
8,023
7,640
7,033
7,790
9,119
9,312
9,680
Transport
573
568
659
615
587
609
605
621
647
Private Cars
4,843
5,241
6,219
5,790
5,330
5,878
5,434
4,123
4,303
Other Transport
1,095
1,108
1,145
1,235
1,116
1,303
3,080
4,568
4,730
534.00
534.00
534.00
534.00
534.00
534.00
534.00
534.00
38
534.00
Road Network (km)
Of which % Paved
# of Residential Units (Houses or Apartments)
156
120
5,332
168
126
5,398
176
133
5,496
177
133
5,704
177
133
5,967
177
134
6,165
177
134
6,299
184
139
6,359
201
156
6,468
Source(s):Development Planning Unit.
39
National Integrated Development Strategy (NIDS)
One key initiative that has set the pace for the NEAP is the development and
acceptance of the National Integrated Development Strategy (NIDS). NEAP is
an outgrowth of NIDS. Over the last eight to ten years, the Government of the
Virgin Islands has sought to take a comprehensive and in-depth approach to
planning and development by introducing a mechanism to master planning
known as the National Integrated Development Strategy (NIDS). The NIDS
approach was very involved and broad based and took into account the views
and opinions of the public and private sectors as well as visitors and external
consultants.
The National Integrated Development Strategy has been adopted by the
Government of the Virgin Islands as a framework to promote the sustainable
development of the Territory for the period 1999–2003. One of the eleven
identified development objectives of the plan is to ensure environmental
sustainability. This is to be archived through a broad policy thrust, which is to
enhance the overall development potential, by human resource development,
improved management of the environment, physical space, improvement, and
sound economic management.
The major elements of the broad policy goals for environmental sustainability as
outlined in the NIDS are:
• Strengthening the institutional capacity
• Rationalization and strengthening of the regulatory framework with an
emphasis on enforcement
• Improving the policy framework
• Improving public awareness and responsibility
• Promoting environmental health.
To achieve these goals NIDS proposed a strategy based upon two components:
1. The establishment of a restructured and strengthened environmental
management agency with:
• Responsibility for all matters relating to the environment
• Responsibility for the development of a National Environmental
Policy and a National Environmental Action Plan to address
specific strategic issues and to guide the implementation of the
policy measures.
2. The development of spacing or zoning plan, which will allow the
determination of the carrying capacity of different areas of the Territory.
Critical to the implementation of thee strategies are:
•
Adequate funding both internal and external
41
•
•
•
Finalization of the National Physical Development Plan to determine land
use in the Territory
Mandatory environmental impact analysis for major public and private
sector development projects
Consolidation and updating of legislation and regulations in accordance
with international conventions.
It is incumbent, therefore, that the Government of the Virgin Islands move with
urgency to develop a national policy that ensures sustainable development
based on the principles of the National Integrated Development Strategy. The
policy should recognize that an effective and efficient environmental
management strategy is an integral part of the overall development strategy of
the territory. In preparing the policy cognizance should be given to the present
institutional and legislative framework, inter-sectoral linkages and professional
groupings which have been and will continue to be involved in the identification
and implementation of measures designed to solve national environmental
problems.
The policy should aim to:
• Provide rational, practicable and coherent approaches to development
• Minimize contradiction and duplication in the institutional setup
• Enhance cooperation and effectiveness at all levels.
The policy should also include:
• Statement of policy goals
• Strategies for implementation in the sector areas as reflected in NIDS and
other existing development plans and related policies as follows: use of
the sea-bed, use of the sea and coastal waters, land use, tourism and
recreational use, waste management (solid waste, sewerage, hazardous
materials), air pollution, resource conservation (water quality, parks &
protected areas, coastal habitats, biodiversity conservation), information
and data management, technology and research development, education
and public awareness, Disaster response (oil spills and natural disasters).
• Public participation
• Institutional and intergovernmental arrangements [organizational structure,
capacity building (human resource and infrastructure development)]
• Legislative framework [domestic legislations/regulations / guidelines,
surveillance and enforcement]
• International treaties and obligations
• Monitoring, evaluation and review – preparation of a State of the
Environment report biannually.
An outline of work completed to date under the NIDS era is included for
reference and consideration.
42
INTEGRATED POLICIES & STRATEGIES ON ENVIRONMENT
NO
1.
GOALS &
OBJECTIVES
POLICIES
To guide the use of the natural resources of the
BVI for diverse and often conflicting sectoral
activities, so that the continued viability of all
aspects of use and ecosystems will be secured.
STRATEGIES
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
i.
j.
Encourage the use of ecological information in the planning and
development of resource oriented projects. Establish guidelines for
sustainable land-use and soil management, and the necessary
framework to implement them. Prepare management and protection
plans for watershed areas. Establish and provide technical/operational
standards for the planning and implementation of mining/quarrying,
dredging and reclamation activities. Develop a system for the
comprehensive management of dive sites and moorings. Improve the
capacity to respond to oil spills and disasters. Establish adequate
controls and enforcement procedures to prevent contamination and
depletion of water resources.
Institute remedial measures in areas where environmental hazards
have occurred.
Provide advice and technical assistance for the designation of areas
as reserves and parks for conservation purposes in line with the
National Parks Systems Plan. Assess existing and proposed uses of
coastal waters to determine their carrying capacity.
43
NO
GOALS &
OBJECTIVES
POLICIES
2.
To conduct prior Environmental Impact
Assessment of proposed activities that may
affect the environment or the use of a natural
resource.
3.
To encourage harmonious development that will
minimise impacts on the land and marine
environs.
4.
To establish routine environmental assessment,
adequate standards and appropriate
management programmes for vulnerable and
unique species and ecosystems while remaining
sensitive to the limited stock size of living and
non-living exploitable resources.
5.
To provide an environmentally protective
tourism infrastructure in accordance with the
rate of economic development.
STRATEGIES
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
a.
b.
c.
d.
a.
b.
c.
a.
Establish Environmental Impact Assessment as a requirement for major
development projects. Identify, map and assess the potentials and
constraints of soil resources and the present extent of soil degradation.
Establish baseline studies to ascertain water quality at various points in
the coastal zone, to include recreational beaches. Prepare water use
plans to assess the capability of water areas to sustain development
activities. Identify, map and monitor critical and sensitive habitats to
enable project designs to take appropriate steps to minimise damage to
and disturbance of breeding, nesting and feeding areas of all species of
fauna. Implement an inventory/economic evaluation of existing natural
resources and develop action plans for the recovery of stressed areas,
especially those with tourism potential. Survey critical shore-based
areas and develop management plans for them.
Maintain an acceptable balance of land use functions, initiate urban
renewal plans, and assess carrying capacity through measurement.
Improve supervision of development sites and increase awareness of
best practice. Develop programmes to ensure the rational application of
fertilisers and pesticides. Prepare development plans for the BVI’s
outlying Islands following assessment of carrying capacity.
Protect flora and fauna in danger of extinction as well as reserves of BVI
natural resources for scientific, recreational and cultural purposes.
Strengthen programmes for the identification and study of the natural
heritage in fauna and flora, and establish a national inventory of natural
resources. Monitor pesticide and agro-chemical levels in the
environment particularly ground water, bottom sediments and fauna.
Assess carrying capacities of Tourism sites.
44
NO
GOALS &
OBJECTIVES
POLICIES
6.
To preserve biological diversity and productivity
under the principle of sustainable yield in the
use of living natural resources and ecosystems
(especially within the aquatic areas related to
the fisheries sector).
7.
To maintain environmental sustainability in
mining and quarrying areas.
8.
To provide an environmentally protective waste
management infrastructure that uses standards
of waste management and provi des sanitary
facilities for the disposal of solid waste and
sewage in accordance with the rate of
economic development.
STRATEGIES
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
a.
b.
c.
d.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
Conduct an assessment of BVI’s fish stocks. Establish conservation
measures to protect targeted species from over-exploitation like open
and closed seasons, size specifications, catch landing sites, etc.
Establish conservation regulations for over-exploited reef fish stocks as
well as exotic fish species. Promote deep-sea fishing to reduce overfishing in near-shore areas. Demarcate new fisheries protected areas
and designate some existing dive sites as fisheries protected areas.
Research, develop, and disseminate new technologies in sustainable
agricultural methods.
Protect ground-water from pollution, and the arrest
deforestation/degradation of mining areas. Stipulate procedures for the
reclamation and restoration of land and topsoil, and monitor the
environmental recovery of such areas. Ensure the provision of adequate
measures to guarantee safety in and around quarries. Minimising the
emission of dust and particle matter into the surrounding environment.
Institute the issuance of Certificates of Occupancy to dwellings based on
proper provision and maintenance of sanitary facilities subject to annual
inspection. Monitor and control existing point and non-point sources of
pollution, sewage and desalination outfalls, and construct sewage
treatment facilities with proper outfalls for communities as needed.
Improve water use technology including safe disposal of wastewater.
Establish an early warning system for the identification of potential waste
disposal hazards particularly on recreational beaches. Establish
monitoring programmes including periodic surveillance of waste disposal
sites and wastewater treatment systems. Design ecologically sensitive
sewage disposal systems for the different communities. Encourage a
system of holding tanks in all yachts with a pump-out facility available in
each marina complex that would be linked to the central sewage
treatment plant.
45
NO
GOALS &
OBJECTIVES
POLICIES
STRATEGIES
9.
To provide more shade areas and landscaping.
a.
Develop expertise and resources in landscaping.
10.
To minimise the environmental impacts of
development.
a.
Improve supervision of building sites and increase awareness of best
practice.
11.
To restore and enhance the historic
environment for educational and recreational
purposes and future generations.
a.
Develop a comprehensive registry of sites.
12.
Ensure reclamation is more sustainable and
subject to better monitoring and controls.
a.
Review and upgrade current procedures for evaluating and monitoring
reclamation.
13.
Minimise disturbance to the environment
To remove this incentive to ad hoc reclamation
a.
a.
Review financial provisions of current leases.
Review basis on which fees are charged.
15.
To ensure residents have unimpeded access to
all public land.
a.
Ensure access is not restricted when land is developed.
16.
Minimise amount of new road cutting
To ensure adequate disposal of hazardous
wastes
a.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
Encourage/require use of shared access roads.
Improve management of landfills on sister islands. Improve collaboration
between Agriculture, Conservation and Fisheries and Health. Develop
Port Health Programme including a comprehensive National Port Health
Food Inspection Service. Develop a pollution control program Contract a
qualified agency/company to undertake periodical monitoring for
environmental pollution on behalf of the government. Enact legislation to
support pesticide control board. Conduct pesticide availability and use
survey.
To ensure adequate sanitary disposal of
sewerage in the Territory.
a.
b.
c.
d.
A mandatory connection where sewer networks is available. Imposition
of sewage tax in served areas as an incentive for connections. Provision
of municipal treatment plants in East End, Long Look, Sea Cows Bay
and Cane Garden Bay. Enact legislation to ensure the installation of
package sewerage, treatment plants in commercial establishments e.g.
hotels and marinas.
14.
17.
18.
46
NO
GOALS &
OBJECTIVES
POLICIES
STRATEGIES
19.
Improve the quality of the physical environment.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
i.
Develop a comprehensive national environmental management
strategy. Construct an incinerator on Virgin Gorda and examine the
feasibility of the barging the garbage from the other islands to the
facilities on Virgin Gorda and Tortola. Encourage primary treatment of
sewage at homes and all hotels, and encourage the linked to the
central sewage treatment facility; Urgently develop a central sewage
treatment facility with a proper out-fall; Encourage urgently a system of
holding tanks in all yachts with a pump-out facility available in all marina
complexes and link these to the central sewage treatment facility
Develop and implement an on-going system of water quality monitoring
with effective deterrents for breaches of the Ordinances. Develop a
management plan for mosquito and other water borne vectors in the
territory; Conduct an assessment of the current state of the mooring
fields with a view to expanding the fields where feasible. Develop a coordinated effort between RVIPF, NPT, C&F, PA and TCPD for the
policing and management of the territorial waters.
20.
Enhancement of the quality of the visitor
experience.
a.
21.
Protection of the environment
b.
c.
22.
Promotion of things environmental.
a.
Develop a system for the comprehensive management of dive sites and
moorings with sites being closed and reopened as necessary and
suitably prepared alternative sites being opened to accommodate
visitors.
Eliminate illegal sand mining from public and private beaches.
Elimination of illegal destruction of the mangroves and encourage a
system of replanting.
Develop events focused around the environment which are aimed at
the marine and terrestrial visitor as well as the local population.
47
NO
23.
GOALS &
OBJECTIVES
POLICIES
STRATEGIES
24.
Product Strategy for Road Town.
Product Strategy for Anegada.
a.
a.
b.
Clean the drains and have them covered.
Place emphasis in tourism development nature-based experiences.
Conduct a detailed bio-physical inventory and EIA for the entire island
and adjacent marine environment.
25.
Strategies for the Charter Industry.
a.
26
To establish adequate environmental standards
as well as the monitoring and evaluation of
changes in the environment.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
i.
j.
k.
l.
m.
n.
o
The carrying capacity of the territory for charter boats should be
assessed to ensure minimal effects on the environment and the
quality of the product.
Provision of advice and technical assistance for the designation of
areas as reserves and parks for conservation purposes in line with
the National Parks Systems Plan. Institution of the payment of user
fees at the various dive sites and snorkel trails. Development and
initiation of a phased programme of management measures for the
enhancement of the aesthetic appeal of the BVI. Establishment of an
Environmental Education and Resource Center in a protected area
for the purpose of educating the public/ tourists and school children
on BVI’s environment and culture. Establishment of adequate controls
and enforcement procedures to prevent contamination and depletion
of water resources. Establishment of base line studies to ascertain
water quality at various points in the coastal areas. Establishment of
an early warning system for the identification of potential waste
disposal hazards particularly on recreational beaches an waters.
Assessment of existing and proposed uses of coastal waters to
determine their carrying capacity. Control of point and non-point
sources of pollution. Improved water use technology including safe
disposal of waste water. Monitoring of sewage / desalination out falls.
Monitoring/ regulation of the chlorine content of swimming pools that
drain into the sea. Identification, mapping and monitoring of critical
and sensitive habitats to enable project designs to take appropriate
steps to minimize damage to and disturbance of breeding, nesting
and feeding areas of all species of fauna. Implementation of an
inventory/ economic evaluation of existing natural resources and
development of action plans for the recovery of stressed areas
particularly those with tourism potential. Monitoring of pesticide and
48
agro-chemical levels in the environment particularly water, bottom
sediments and fauna.
NO
27
GOALS &
OBJECTIVES
POLICIES
To maintain and improve the quality of the
unique environmental resource endowment of
the BVI and the physical characteristics of its
coastal areas. To establish routine
environmental assessment and monitoring
programmes to highlight vulnerable species and
ecosystems bearing in mind the limited stocks
of living and non-living exploitable resources.
STRATEGIES
a.
b.
c.
d.
Development of a National Conservation Strategy for the BVI.
Strengthening programmes for the identification and study of the
natural heritage in fauna and flora and for establishing a national
inventory of natural resources. Protecting flora and fauna in danger of
extinction as well as the reserves of natural resources for scientific,
recreational and cultural purposes. Management of Nesting Bird sites.
To sustain biological diversity and productivity.
To preserve biological diversity and the principle
of sustainable yield in the use of living natural
resources and ecosystems.
49
Chapter 3
Methodology and Analysis
Methodology
A tri-partied participatory approach, involving various sectors and levels of the Virgin Islands
community was employed in this study. A variety of data sources were consulted: documents,
NEAP and other personnel, and members of the Virgin Islands Community.
Documents
• Relevant CFD documents
Existing documents including protocols, treaties, conventions and other nationally and
regionally produced works were systematically reviewed.
NEAP and Other Resource Personnel
• A Secretariat
• A cross-sectoral/ cross-agency sub-committee of policy makers, economic development
managers, watchdog organizations, service organizations, academic institutions,
government agencies, businesses, and NGOs, and CBO’s
• Four local sub-committee workshops
• A task force
• A team of reviewers from key statutory bodies.
The Secretariat offered guidance, management and research support throughout the project.
The sub-committee and secretariat also provided valuable assistance in refining all research
instruments and research procedures. A cross-sectoral/ cross-agency sub-committee advised
on sustainable development of the territory while being mindful of the need to protect the
environment.
Four local sub-committee workshops were conducted to facilitate the various stages of this
project.
Stage 1
Brainstorm and share information
Stage 2
Identify critical issues
Stage 3
Develop strategies and recommendations; and
Stage 4
Review the NEAP document.
A task force comprising of high level public and private sector managers was created to advise
on the process procedures, format of document and to assist with compilation and editing. The
team of reviewers comprising individuals from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour,
NEAP 2004
50
the Office of the Chief Minister, and other Government agencies. This team was invaluable in
reviewing the document and providing feedback, and final approval.
Virgin Island Community
•
•
•
A sample of the British Virgin Islands population responded to an eleven item survey
questionnaire
Ten focus groups comprising of 60 - 70 persons representing cross sections of BVI
community were interviewed using the same protocol and questions
Various sectors of the BVI community provided input via public meetings and media
presentations.
The focus group questions and survey questionnaire were created specifically for this project.
Both the survey and focus group questions were pilot-tested and revised before administration.
All collected data were coded and analyzed. Copies of the survey questionnaire and focus
group protocol and questions are included the Appendices.
The public meetings and media presentations provided opportunities for input from the general
public on issues relating to: water and sewage management; biodiversity; terrestrial and
marine resource development, human settlements, pollution and health, tourism,
environmental education, economic and social issues, infrastructure and energy, policy, legal
and institutional issues, industry and manufacturing, international treaties, conventions and
agreements, and public participation.
Research Questions
The following research questions guided the data collection and analyses:
1.
2.
3.
What is the present “state of the environment” of the Virgin Islands?
What are the critical issues threatening the Virgin Islands environment?
What measures would be required for the sustainable protection and management
of the environment in light of serious and imminent physical, social and economic
threats facing the Virgin Islands environment?
Analysis and Interpretation of Research Data
The summary data appear as follows:
• Review of existing documents (NIDS Log Frame analysis)
• Focus group results (tables showing responses to nine questions)
• Survey questionnaire results (tables, graphs and charts showing frequencies,
comparisons of responses re: age, status, length of time in VI, etc)
NEAP 2004
51
NATIONAL INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT PLAN - 2004
SECTORAL REPORT ON THE ENVIRONMENT – EMERGING ISSUES
AREA
PRESENT SITUATION
IDENTIFIED ISSUES /
PROBLEMS /
CONSTRAINTS
PROPOSED POLICY
PROPOSED
MANAGEMENT
STRATEGIES
To institutionalize
environmental concerns
by refocusing the
attention from the coastal
and marine issues to the
wider area of
environmental
management and
sustainable development
as an integral part of the
development process.
Re-structure the present
ministerial set up to
create a Ministry of
Environment and Natural
Resources as a focal
point to coordinate all
issues on the
environment and oversee
the use of the resources.
RESPONSIBLE
AGENCY
I.
GOVERNANCE
GOVT
(a) Administrative
Structure
Responsibility for
environmental
functions is spread
across various
Ministries
No lead agency with
responsibility for
coordination.
Existing
agencies/departments
are dispersed and
disjointed and are not
able to influence
national environmental
policymaking.
Fragmented approach
to addressing issues
without inter-sectoral
co-ordination.
To establish a variable
national mechanism for
cooperation, coordination
and regular consultation
by the establishment of
effective institutions and
linkages as well as the
policy formulation and
implementation process.
Environmental
consideration not
effectively integrated
NEAP 2004
NGO
Establish an
Environmental
Board/Committee
responsible for
assignments,
coordination &
communication between
Departments under the
Ministry – charged with
strengthening linkages &
functioning between the
agencies
52
INTL
into the national
development process.
b) Legal System
Inadequacies in
legislative controls,
the planning process
and administrative
requirements for the
management of the
terrestrials sand
marine ecosystems.
Effective
implementation of
legislative has been
hampered by
difficulty in setting up
control and
enforcement
mechanism.
Penalties provided in
legislations do not act
as deterrents and
prosecution of
offenders has become
a futile process.
There is no
mandatory
environmental
assessment
legislation and
Lack of adequate
enforcement and
monitoring process.
Several outstanding
legislation have been
drafted over the years
but are yet to be passes
for example:
1. Coast
Conse rvation Bill
2. Land Use Planning
Bill
3. Draft Legislation
on Ground Water
Monitoring and
Control
4. Parks and
Protected Areas
Systems Plan
To consolidate,
strengthen, provide and
extend legislation for the
protection and
conservation of the
environment.
To provide for effective
implementation and
enforcement procedures.
Lack of will to carry
out the environmental
management programs
embodied in the
several existing pieces
of legislation.
Enhance linkages and
cooperation among all
government and
institutions in
environmental protection,
planning, monitoring and
enforcement.
Harmonizes existing
environmental
legislations and enact
outstanding proposed
legislations.
Provide
guidelines/regulations to
enhance enforcement of
environmental
legislations and develop
an effective
surveillance/enforcement
system.
Initiate swift court
procedures for
environmental violations
and use financial
mechanisms for
enforcing legislation
compliance.
Implement fisheries
management plans as
proposed in the Fisheries
Act of 1997
Minimal penalties are
enshrined in
NEAP 2004
53
legislation and
therefore no legal
requirement to carry
out environmental
impact assessments.
Insufficiency of
environmental
legislation as some of
the legislations lack
essential scientific
elements to make
them effective.
Environmental
legislation should
have guidelines/
criteria/standards to
help law interpreters
in their enforcement
e.g. effluent limitation
standards
enshrined in
legislations, which have
become obsolete due to
trends in development
in the BVI.
Review existing solid
waste regulations
Increase enforcement
capacity of agencies.
No legislation to
conserve/regulate the
exploitation of the
nonliving natural
resources as sandy
beaches.
Institute penalties for
prevention of operation
based on compliance to
laws, policies &
standards.
Existing legislations are
often not supported by
necessary regulations
and institutional
capacities to enable
enforcement.
Strengthen existing
legislation.
Make EIAs mandatory for
inclusion in development
applications*
Difficulty of setting up
control and
enforcement
mechanisms to apply
the legal provisions.
Inadequately trained
personnel.
NEAP 2004
54
(c) Institutional
Capacity /
Resource
Management
Environmental
concerns specific to
natural resource
management and
pollution control are
addresses at sectoral
level. This often
encourages
environmentally
unsound practices in
some sectors that
impact negatively on
others.
Participation in
decision-making is
most often limited to
advisory roles after
the fact.
Inadequate
regulations and
manpower has limited
the enforcement
capabilities of the
agencies.
Absence of a
comprehensive
environmental policy
and associated
management plans.
To restore, maintain and
enhance the ecosystems
and ecological processes
essential for the
functioning of the
biosphere.
Conflicts among
sectoral policies,
resource uses and
agency jurisdiction.
Inadequate technical
capacity.
Develop
coordinated/coherent
policies, which employ
market based incentives
for environmental/natural
resource management.
Strengthen institutional
capacities through
provision of trained
personnel.
Build capacity within the
Environment Ministry.
Institutional weakness
and fragmented of
management efforts.
Lack of clearly defined
policies.
Lack of qualified
manpower at the
technical level.
NEAP 2004
55
II.
FINANCE
SYSTEMS
(a) Budgetary
Provisions/
Revenue
Generation
Budgetary allocation
to the Ministry of
Natural Resources
and Labour within 7
years remained
constant at 5% of the
overall budget.
Conservation &
Fisheries Department
and National Parks
Trust combined
budgets average 1%
of the overall budget.
Direct and Indirect
contribution of the
environment to the
economy of the
Territory include
revenue from fishing
licenses/permits,
registration of boats,
mining permits,
royalties on beach
sand mining, deposits
for
dredging/reclamation
etc.
Lack of budgeted funds
by
the fragmentation
of already limited
financial and
human resources
amongst varying
government
departments.
the commitment of
limited financial
resources to the
management of
tourism sites.
Inadequate funding of
key environmental
agencies and their
programmes.
To increase budgetary
allocation to key
Environmental agencies.
To gain the commitments
of every citizen to bear
some of the cost of
sustainable development
with the thrust to
preserve the
environment.
Adequately finance the
environmental
administrative structure,
planning and information
systems from the national
budget.
Incorporate funding
requirements into
respective environmental
legislations particularly
those with international
obligations.
Exploit existing sources
of funding at regional and
international levels and
initiate new/additional
sources of funding for
environmental
programmes.
Initiate appropriate fiscal
measures to generate
revenue for funding
environmental
programmes.
Explore the generation of
funding for infrastructure
and pollution control
from user charges and
costs to industry.
Supplement the financing
of conservation areas
NEAP 2004
56
of conservation areas
partly from voluntary
donations and partly from
visitor fees.
Institute incentive
measures for
installation/provision of
pollution control devices
in development projects.
Develop
coordinated/coherent
policies, which employ
market based incentives
for environmental/natural
resource management.
Generate budgets for
respective agencies.
III.
RESOURCE USE
PRACTICES
To guide the use of the
natural resources of the
BVI for divers and often
conflicting sectoral
activities, so that the
continued viability of all
aspects of use and
ecosystems will be
secured.
NEAP 2004
Encourage the use of
ecological information in
the planning and
development of resource
oriented projects.
57
(a) Land Use
An increase of
population of 47%
over the last 10 years
has increased
pressure on the use
of land. The BVI
consists of 38,248
acres (15, 499ha) of
land. 31% of which is
Crown land and 61%is
privately owned. Most
of the acreage is
mountainous.
There is a
proliferation of
developments along
the shoreline and the
practice of clearing
the hillsides for
access to building
sites.
Use of pesticides in
agriculture
particularly in areas
susceptible to slope
wash, impacts
negatively on reefs
communities.
High rate of
deforestation and
encroachment of
population on
marginal hillside
lands for settlement
Increase pressure on
use of coastal areas for
land development e.g.
reclamation of coastal
zones.
To conduct prior
environmental impact
assessment of proposed
activities that may affect
the environment or the
use of natural resources.
Improper slope
management promotes
increased slope wash,
which has resulted in
increased siltation of
near shore reef
environments.
Uncontrolled land use
practices.
Deforestation and loss
of vegetation as a result
of land clearing for
development and
agriculture.
The disturbance /
removal of near shore
habitats such as
mangrove systems and
increased turbidity of
the sea has resulted in
the death of protective
coral reef.
NEAP 2004
Establish a sustainable
land use allocation policy
and the co-ordination of
land utilization to balance
the demand and reduce
conflicts between
stakeholders.
Establish guidelines for
land-use and soil
management, and the
necessary framework to
implement them
Maintain an acceptable
balance of land use
functions and initiation of
urban renewal plans and
measure through
assessment of carrying
capacity.
Identify, map and assess
the potentials and
constraints of soil
resources and the
present extent of soil
degradation.
Establish Environmental
Impact Assessment as a
requirement for major
development projects.
58
lands for settlement
Degradation of
important watershed
resources and loss of
biodiversity.
Prepare development
plans for outlying Islands
following assessment of
carrying capacity
Prepare a Soils Policy
and Land Use Policy
Develop programmes to
ensure the rational
application of fertilizers
and pesticides.
Preparation of
management plans for
watershed areas.
Institute the issuance of
Certificate of Occupancy
to dwellings based on
proper provision and
maintenance of sanitary
facilities subject to
annual inspection.
Establish and provide
technical
guidelines/operational
standards for the
planning and
implementation of
mining/quarrying,
dredging and reclamation
activities.
NEAP 2004
59
Monitor pesticide and
agro-chemical levels in
the environment
particularly ground water,
bottom sediments and
fauna.
Introduce a national road
system.
Have new & existing
quarries generate
restoration plans as part
of development
applications & continued
operation.
Supplement existing
legislation with new
specific to watershed
management.
Introduce legislation for
diesel pollution
(b) Use of Seabed
The seabed, territorial
waters and foreshore
form the largest
component of crown
estates. It is used for
tourism, recreational
and commercial
ventures associated
with marine activities.
Development
activities include
dredging,
Unauthorized and
uncontrolled
reclamation of the
ocean occurs,
especially along the
southern shoreline of
the Tortola.
To archive harmonious
development that will not
comprise the marine
environment.
Frequent flooding and
erosion of these coastal
areas.
To minimize the
environmental impacts of
development activities.
NEAP 2004
Survey critical shores
based areas and develop
management plans for
them.
Establish and provide
technical
guidelines/operational
standards for the
planning and
implementation of
mining/quarrying,
60
dredging,
reclamation, berths
and moorings.
Public rights to
access to / use of the
seabed surrounding
waters and foreshore
are assumed.
(c) Use of the Sea
and Coastal
Waters
Fisheries habitats and
spawning grounds
are impacted by land
development and
tourism activities.
mining/quarrying,
dredging and reclamation
activities.
Frequent occurrence of
conflicts in access to
and use of beaches on
outlying islands and
adjacent to private
estates.
Inadequate
management of
physical development
activities and water use.
Prepare water use plans
to assess the capability
of water areas to sustain
development activities.
To protect and enhance
fisheries areas and the
related marine
ecosystems
Conflict in allocation of
use of waters areas for
commercial / tourism
use and other activities
such as fishing and
transportation.
Promote deep-sea fishing
to reduce over fishing in
near shore areas.
Improve the capacity to
respond to oil spills and
disasters.
Resolve conflicts in use
with other activities.
Implement fisheries
management plans as
proposed in the Fisheries
Act of 1997.
Institute environmental
levies on cruise ship
industry for pollution
produced at port.
Introduce legislation for
NEAP 2004
61
diesel pollution.
Emergency response
plans for water, fuel &
other industrial plants.
(d) Tourism /
Recreational Use
Greater emphasis is
placed on tourism
development, which
is solely based on the
used of the natural
resources without
corresponding
investment in
facilities to mitigate
resulting impacts on
the environment.
Development of the
Tourism industry has
led to a greater
degradation of the
marine environment
particularly yachting
activities, marina and
hotel development.
Dive industry largely
unregulated.
Current issue of
concern include:
Over utilization or
resources beyond
their capacity.
Excessive
proliferation of
marinas and
mooring fields.
Loss of wetlands
areas to
development
activities.
Loss of habitats
and species
diversity.
To provide an
environmentally
protective waste
management
infrastructure in
accordance with the rate
of economic development
Develop a system for the
comprehensive
management of dive sites
and moorings.
Make mandatory the
sampling of water at
recreational beaches.
Assess carrying
capacities of Tourism
sites.
Regulation of the dive
industry.
Impacts of mini cruise
ships through the
practice of keeping
propellers on while
anchored in shallow
water. The resulting
churning of sand into
reefs increases the
sediment levels on the
reefs. Diminished
water clarity and
deforestation of
conditions necessary
for healthy coral
NEAP 2004
62
for healthy coral
growth.
Use of long chains
(300’ – 400’) to anchor
mini cruise ships
destroying coral
growth.
Impact on coral reefs
through overuse of
dive sites, harvesting
for jewelry, divers airtrapped under water by
corals, damage by
materials used in the
cleaning and servicing
of yachts such as antifouling paints and oils.
Heavy concentration of
marinas in mangrove
sites has contributed
to poor water quality
and loss of habitat for
juvenile fishes.
NEAP 2004
63
IV. WASTE
MANAGEMENT
(a) Solid Waste
Disposal
Ability to meet
growing demand for
services hampered by
inadequate cost
recovery which in
turn hamper capital
expansion and
provision of
maintenance
equipments
Population increases
of 47% over 10 years
and improved living
conditions and
lifestyles generate an
increasing quantity of
waste.
Lack of pricing policy
for sanitation services
[solid waste and
sewerage disposal].
Low public awareness
on methods of
reduction of waste
generation and
household methods of
source sorting of
wastes.
Threat of air pollution
posed by the effluents
emitted by the
Incinerator Plant.
To provide an
environmentally
protective waste
management
infrastructure in
accordance with the rate
of economic
development.
To establish standards
for the management of
wastes and to provide
adequate sanitary
facilities for the disposal
of solid waste and
sewage.
Require joint
management measures/
linkage between
Agencies.
Establish monitoring
programmes including
periodic surveillance of
waste disposal sites and
waste- water treatment
systems.
Establish an appropriate
tariff system for waste
disposal services
Tourism Development
{which includes
yachting, cruise ships
and service
industries} have
increased waste
generation which has
posed disposal
problems and
incidences of sea
dumping /along
coastlines and
habitats are frequent.
Proper selection and
adequate management of
Landfill sites.
Install air pollution
control device at the
incinerator.
Review existing solid
waste regulations.
Establish monetary
charges for use of waste
NEAP 2004
64
charges for use of waste
disposal facilities.
(b) Sewerage
Disposal
There is an inability of
sewage facilities to
meet increasing
demand by
population and
yachting industry.
Private disposal
systems such as
septic tanks are
inadequate in
construction and
maintenance.
Discharge of sewage at
sea [untreated sewage
disposed at Slaney
Point with resultant
flow of sewage along
coastline].
Accidental seepage of
sewage into canals and
drains Discharge of
sewage at sea
[untreated sewage
disposed at Slaney
Point with resultant
flow of sewage along
coastline]. -Accidental
seepage of sewage into
canals and drains
No guidelines on the
use of holding tanks by
yachts
Seepage from home
septic tanks -A build up
of offensive odors from
sewage collection in
urban and developed
areas
Construct sewerage
treatment facilities with a
proper outfall for
communities.
Require secondary
treatment of sewage at all
hotels.
Develop and design
ecologically sensitive
sewage disposal systems
for the different
communities.
Enact regulations on
proper construction of
septic tank systems and
drain fields to be
enforced by compulsory
inspection and
certification
Effluent discharge
regulations required for
marinas and mooring
fields
Establish a marine water
quality monitoring regime
NEAP 2004
65
Accidental emission of
sewage in the channels
and corals resulting
from pumping
deficiencies
Encourage of a system of
holding tanks in all
yachts with a pump- out
facility available in each
marina complex which
would be linked to the
central sewage treatment
plant
Execute environmental
education and public
awareness programme.
Zoning is needed.
Increase communication
between agencies like
W&SD and other
enforcement agencies.
Increase capacity and
support of relevant
enforcement agencies.
Increase visitors’
awareness of their need
to comply with existing
laws.
NEAP 2004
66
Introduce legislation.
V. RESOURCE
CONSERVA-TION
(a) Parks &
Protected Areas
Long-term measures
for conservation such
as the preservation of
wetlands are
perceived to inhibit
immediate economic
interests.
Infringement of
commercial / marine
activities into areas
already designated for
protection.
To establish adequate
environmental standards
as well as the monitoring
and evaluation of
changes in the
environment.
Provide advice and
technical assistance for
the designation of areas
as reserves and parks for
conservation purposes in
line with the National
Parks Systems Plan.
Develop and initiate of a
phased programme of
management measures
for the enhancement of
the aesthetic appeal of
the BVI.
Establish an
Environmental Education
and Resource Centre in a
protected area for the
purpose of educating the
public/ tourists and
school children on VI’s
environment and culture.
Institution of the payment
of user fees at the various
NEAP 2004
67
dive sites and snorkel
trails
(b) Water Quality
Marine water quality
data for some areas is
above acceptable
pollution levels.
Practice of raw
sewage dumping at
sea as a point source
of land based
pollution.
Unregulated
extraction of ground
water from private
wells by bottling
factories.
Discharge of brine
water into the sea by
the several
desalination plants.
Pollution of water by
agro-chemicals
particularly in areas
susceptible to slope
wash.
Establish adequate
controls and enforcement
procedures to prevent
contamination and
depletion of water
resources.
Reduction of the water
table and possibility of
salt-water intrusion into
the aquifer.
Establish base line
studies to ascertain water
quality at various points
in the coastal areas.
Observed destruction
of marine life by large
volume discharges
Governments’ failure to
adhere to its own
standards for water
quality hampers its
ability to enforce these
regulations.
NEAP 2004
Establish an early
warning system for the
identification of potential
waste disposal hazards
particularly on
recreational beaches and
waters.
Assess existing and
proposed uses of coastal
waters to determine their
carrying capacity.
68
Control point and nonpoint sources of
pollution.
Improve water use
technology including safe
disposal of wastewater.
Monitor sewage /
desalination out falls.
Monitoring/ regulation of
the chlorine content of
swimming pools that
drain into the sea.
(c) Coastal
Habitats
Destruction and
degradation of
shoreline habitats has
increased the
vulnerability of
coastal areas to
floods and erosion.
Excessive mining of
beaches to provide
aggregates for the
construction industry
resulting in destruction
of the beach through
erosion.
To maintain and improve
the quality of the unique
environmental resource
endowment of the BVI
and the physical
characteristics of its
coastal areas.
Modification of ponds
for developmental
purposes Creates an
imbalance in the
adjoining
ecosystems, which is
made obvious by the
direct influx of
polluted water into
the sea. Total acreage
of ponds in Tortola
reduced from 36.7Ha.
in 1993 to 23.34Ha. in
Un-authorized removal
of sand from beaches.
To establish routine
environmental
assessment and
monitoring programmes
to highlight vulnerable
species and ecosystems
bearing in mind the
limited stocks of living
and non-living exploitable
resources
Uncontrolled clearing of
mangrove sites for
development activities
Destruction and loss of
habitats due to land
reclamation and marina
development.
NEAP 2004
Identify, map and monitor
critical and sensitive
habitats to enable project
designs to take
appropriate steps to
minimize damage to and
disturbance of breeding,
nesting and feeding areas
of all species of fauna.
Implement an inventory/
economic evaluation of
existing natural
resources and
development of action
plans for the recovery of
stressed areas
particularly those with
tourism potential.
69
in 1993 to 23.34Ha. in
1996.
development.
Monitor of pesticide and
agrochemical levels in
the environment
particularly water, bottom
sediments and fauna.
Marine traffic especially
yachting poses
increased hazards to
coral reefs through
anchor damage
(d) Biodiversity
High rate of
deforestation and
reclamation/ dredging
of coastal ponds for
development
activities.
Uncontrolled access
to parks, protected
areas and coral reefs.
Loss of habitats,
breeding grounds and
reduction in biological
diversity of endemic
species
To sustain biological
diversity and productivity
Illegal export of exotic /
ornamental species of
fauna and flora
To preserve biological
diversity and the principle
of sustainable yield in the
use of living natural
resources and
ecosystems.
Poaching of eggs and
disturbance of nesting
bird colonies
NEAP 2004
Develop a National
Conservation Strategy for
the BVI.
Strengthen programmes
for the identification and
study of the natural
heritage in fauna and
flora and for establishing
a national inventory of
natural resources
Protect flora and fauna in
danger of extinction as
well as the reserves of
natural resources for
scientific, recreational
and cultural purposes.
Management of Nesting
Bird sites.
70
VI. HUMAN
RESOURCES
DEVELOPMENT
(a) Manpower /
Training
Present staff strength
in key departments is
inadequate. Absence
of trained
professional staff
Limited trained
manpower
To develop the human
resource capacity of key
environment agencies.
Develop a recruitment
strategy.
Develop and implement a
succession plan.
Development of a training
program that addresses
the needs of the sector
Re-structure the present
ministerial set up to
create a Ministry of
Environment and Natural
Resources as a focal
point to coordinate all
issues on the
environment and oversee
the use of the resources.
Establish an
Environmental
Board/Committee
responsible for
assignments,
coordination &
communication between
Departments under the
Ministry – charged with
strengthening linkages &
functioning between the
agencies
NEAP 2004
71
VII.
INFRACSTRUCTU
RE
DEVELOPMENT
(a) Physical
Structure /
Equipments
The Conservation and
Fisheries Dept.
presently occupies
one floor of a rented
building.
There is limited office
space and insufficient
storage space for
equipment
Library and laboratory
space are also
inadequate.
To maintain appropriate
facilities and necessary
equipment.
To develop effective
information storage
Construct a complex to
accommodate offices,
laboratory, library,
workshop and training
facilities and marine
research centre.
and management
capabilities
Manual / electronic
equipment, computers
and accessories are
inadequate to support
the data/ information
management needs.
NEAP 2004
72
VIII.
INFORMATON /
DATA
MANAGEMENT
IX. TECHNOLOGY
RESEARCH AND
DEVELOPMENT
Information available
mostly in
documentary form.
Computer network in
place but needs
further development.
Archiving, storage and
retrieval of information
mostly in development
stages.
Uncoordinated TRD in
the territory. Areas of
importance to
government are often
not considered by
researchers.
Lack of coordination
and control of research
programmes.
To publish and
disseminate relevant
environmental
information.
Establish of an
environmental
information and database
system.
Utilize Geographical
Information system (GIS)
for support.
To promote research and
development
programmes in
environmental
technology.
Encourage research in
the development of
environmentally sound
practices such as
recycling and waste
minimization.
Establish a marine
research centre.
NEAP 2004
73
X. EDUCATION
AND PUBLIC
AWARENESS
Environmental
education and public
awareness
programmes are
being carried out.
Programs are run in
secondary schools
during summer
vacations.
Unclear role of the
public in the national
development process
and their lack of
involvement in the
management and the
use of resources.
To incorporate
environmental awareness
materials in school
curriculum and to extend
supplemental programs
as curricular activities.
Lack of political will to
encourage community
action.
Information
dissemination is done
through newsletters,
technical reports and
brochures.
Inability to have
environmental
education introduced
into primary and
secondary school
curriculum.
To encourage individual
and community
participation in
environmental
improvement efforts.
To raise public
awareness and promote
understanding of
essential linkages
between environment and
development.
Encourage cooperative
projects between
international organization
and local agencies for
expanding subject
material for
environmental education.
Develop and implement a
public information
program to stimulate the
increased use of
biodegradable products
and recycling
Increase support for
NGO’s involved in
environmental protection
Disseminate information
to the public through
environmental
information education
and public awareness
programmes.
Include environmental
issues in school
curricula.
Have review/regulatory
NEAP 2004
74
agencies give guidance
to individuals & industry.
Publish guidelines &
standards re
development and
operational plans.
Highlight existing
legislations, and promote
awareness of proposed
and new legislations.
Promote greater
awareness of hazards
and mitigation measures
that general population
can/must employ.
NEAP 2004
75
Focus Group Results
Ten focus groups comprising individuals from the public sector, private sector, nongovernmental organizations, community-based organizations, religious organizations
and other service organizations were interviewed concerning their views on the
environment. Interviewees responded to nine questioned under similar conditions
and interviewing procedures and protocol. A copy of the questions and protocol is
attached in Appendix B.
Generally, respondents were very fond of the Virgin Islands and spoke with a deep
sense of pride in expressing themselves about their views on the more outstanding
natural resources of the Territory. They spoke specifically about the people, white
sand beaches, national parks such as Sage Mountain and the Baths, historical sites
(including conch shell mounds on Anegada), mangroves, sea grass, coral reefs,
seawater, boulders and mountains, caves and unique landforms, and numerous
species of flora and fauna many of which are unique to the Virgin Islands.
Respondents generally felt that while some efforts are being made to preserve and
protect the environment, much more needs to be done in terms of management and
education in order to sustain these resources. They commended the efforts of the
Conservation and Fisheries Department and the National Parks Trust but clearly
stated that much more needs to be done to stem environmental degradation and
deterioration.
Respondents voiced very strong concerns of what they saw as serious and imminent
threats to the Virgin Islands environment. Of extreme importance were the issues of
waste and waste disposal, population expansion, uncontrolled infrastructural
development and the apparent unawareness of the people to do their part in
minimizing these threats.
They generally believed that there should be a limit on the number of users for any
given resource within a specified period of time in the Virgin Islands; that laws
should be enforced and new legislative measures and structures put in place to
govern the preservation and management of the environment in an atmosphere of
planned development; that serious and immediate steps be taken to regulate and
control the negative impacts of economic development on the environment; and that
an urgent campaign on environmental education, awareness and participation be
immediately undertaken in an effort to save the Virgin Islands for generations to
come.
Interviewees also expressed their enthusiasm to contribute to the development of
the National Environmental Action Plan. They overwhelmingly insisted that the
NEAP must not become another research project that “sits on a shelf gathering dust”
NEAP 2004
76
but that it be accepted and implemented as an urgent priority of the Government of
the Virgin Islands.
Table 3.2 below, includes comments made by respondents during the focus group
interviews. The comments in the table represent a cross section of all the data and
the themes that emerged after our analysis. Where themes were typical of more
than 90% of all the comments, all negative comments or all positive comments were
recorded. Where three or more different types of comments are recorded, it is a
reflection of all of the themes that emerged from the data.
Table 3.2: Focus Group Responses
Questions
What would you identify as some of the
more outstanding natural resources of
the VI?
Comments
“The scenic beauty of all the collective
islands, topography and geography,
and diversity of flora & fauna species.
They are secluded, pristine, and quite
beautiful ecosystems.”
“The people of the VI – their unique
qualities of friendliness,
resourcefulness, heritage & culture.”
“Mountain peaks are powerfully poised
and add to our islands natural beauty.
The pouring (natural spring) at Great
Mountain that runs down into Huntum’s
Ghut. I hope we can preserve it by
catching the water in reservoirs. The
spring adds to our islands natural
beauty.”
How effectively are these resources
being preserved & protected?
“Efforts being made are commendable,
but much more is necessary.
Institutional strengthening and capacity
building are needed. Too many
separate bodies overseeing the
environment and not enough
collaboration. Perhaps there needs to
be an umbrella organization to
oversee/coordinate all other agency
participation in environmental
management.”
“Management & protection of
resources is also the responsibility of
the people. The public must
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understand the importance of
protection and their role in it.
Development has outpaced the
environment. Political will is lacking,
and must be present for
protection/preservation to be
experienced.”
“We are doing a poor job of managing
the resources. There seems to be no
development control. We recognize
that there are agencies that are
working to try to manage those
resources to some degree, and we
hope that this exercise is not another
wasted effort. The government must
be responsible for upholding its own
standards. Government is consistently
in violation of not providing and
adhering to recommendations and
principles stated in EIAs.”
What do you see as serious and
imminent threats to the Virgin Islands
environment?
“Garbage and sewage – both land and
sea based. We have inadequate
facilities to address today’s waste
management needs. In the future it will
be worse. We refer to ourselves as
Nature’s Little Secrets but we are dirty.
Our lack of control over our waste and
tourism market will wind up destroying
our environment.”
“The destruction of our beaches. We
advertise them but soon will not have
them. Our fisheries are endangered.
Our yachting industry will thereafter
decline. We are in a major crisis.”
“We and our youths are not concerned
about the environment. We need to
encourage and foster caring attitudes,
understanding, and interest in our
youth. I see the lack of interest in the
environment as a serious threat.
Education must be targeted to all,
especially our youth.”
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“An imminent threat is the loss of
habitats for living things. Pollution of all
types drives away living things. Also
the loss of the ability of our mountains
and hills to hold our forests and
vegetation.”
“Death of coral, plant and animal life.
Extensive road cutting, erosion, and
sedimentation are creating a vast real
threat to the marine environment.”
“Joint VI and USVI use of Sir Francis
Drakes Channel and waters between
the VI & USVI should be monitored
more closely. We are losing revenue
from illegal fishing activities that
generate secondary and tertiary
industries elsewhere, and the VI does
not benefit.”
Where do you get new information and
knowledge on the VI environment? Is
information freely available within the
public domain, does it stay within
Government, or among various interest
groups.
“That availability is mainly lodged at the
CFD. There are limitations to the
material availability and there is a cost.
It should be free.”
“No one body. Information
dissemination is fragmented. Certain
agencies try to make provision of
information in individualistic ways, but
there is no one place one can rely on
for new, timely, information.”
“In the entire Virgin Islands,
documentation of what is occurring is
not taking place. No written or visual
effort is being made to document Virgin
Islands occurrences. Apart from the
Development Planning Unit, it is
difficult to identify a single place to do
research on the Virgin Islands.”
“HLSSCC has a Virgin Islands Studies
Department that performs that function.
There is a need for such a body. Much
research is being done here, but the
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public library does not necessarily
receive all of it.”
“The information can be sought from
various venues. We try to keep a log in
the office of those sources regularly
updated. We get from CFD, DDM,
NPT, BVI PA, et al. Sometimes extra
and inordinate research effort is
needed depending on the topic.”
“Most information I get is through radio,
like Government programmes aired in
the morning that I find are very
informative. They give an indication of
places one can go to get information
needed. Radio helps me.”
What are some of the more pressing
environmental issues that need to be
addressed immediately?
“Can we please preserve our
mangrove areas, beaches and coral
reefs? We don’t need any more
yachting companies…they are
destroying our ecological systems,
despite the jobs they bring.”
“I think we need to look seriously at the
number of cruise ships that come into
our waters. In order to accommodate
them, we have to sacrifice a lot. We
are putting a strain on the marine
environment by accommodating all of
these ships at once. I think legislation
needs to be put in place to limit the
number of cruise ships visiting in a
given day and week.”
“Legislation and education must be put
in place to ensure everyone is on the
same page, so policy will remain
constant, unless there is a need for it to
change.”
“The marine environment needs to be
looked at seriously. It faces a number
of problems, including sea use issues,
marina overuse and development,
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reclamation, soil/sediment erosion, sea
grass/coral habitats destruction, over
fishing, etc. A balance must be struck
between the economy and the
environment.”
“Development is a major threat, plus
globalization. These are causing the
destruction of the VI environment and
the values people used to have on the
environment. Current attitudes have
become more callous, and evaluative
for dollar value that can be gained form
using the environment for profit here
and now.”
“Water and sewerage systems, marine
environment integrity and public
drinking water needs to be seriously
addressed. Sewage is entering the
marine environment at an uncontrolled
rate in primarily untreated of partially
treated manner.
“Waste management. Impacts of
exhaust from the incinerators and
quarry mines are potentially
devastating. Littering is a big issue that
adds up and has bad implications for
the beauty of the Virgin Islands, which
is our tourism product.”
“Traffic resulting in air and noise
pollution is troubling also. Numbers,
congestion and sizes of vehicles are
impacting the environment. There
needs to be a national traffic plan,
possible increase in import duties for
vehicles, and a supplementary public
transport system.”
Do you think there is adequate balance
between environmental protection and
economic development/infrastructural
development activities?
“Economic development is killing
environmental protection. Too much
emphasis across the board is on
economics and not enough on
protection and preservation.”
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“Much “lip” service is paid by politicians
and influential people, but there is little
or no political will for managing the
environment. We continue to see the
environment destroyed before our
eyes. Parks are supposed to be
protected; yet development is allowed
in parks. Protected areas are
established, but people are given
licenses to enter those parks to
conduct activities they wish to.
Economics outweigh the environment.”
“The forces driving the economy and
development are not the same ones
driving environmental preservation.
Legislation is trying to catch up to allow
for preservation. Many people are
more concerned about development
first, and the environment second or
third. We need to change our
perspectives.”
“No balance has been struck as yet.
Short-term profits supersede long-term
environmental health. Cost benefit
ratios, carrying capacity and scientific
research must be done to determine
where that balance must be struck.
Political influence must be avoided
when conducting research, and
establishing that balance.”
“The imbalance is due to the fluency of
the economics, but what we need to
realize is that the environment is what
allows the economic base to expand as
it has previously, and can continue to
allow for further economic expansion.
Better care of the environment will lead
to a better economy.”
“I’ve not seen any efforts being made
to preserve our historical sites in this
country. They’re either overgrown or
are in a state of disintegration. If the
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NPT is doing anything, there’s a lot
more to be done. The ruin in Kingston
has had nothing done to it. None of the
dungeons are being preserved; school
children have no clue that those things
even exist. Those are part of our
natural resources and they are not
being protected.”
“I don’t think we are out of balance, as
much as we are out of control. If we
can regain control, we may find we are
not as out of balance as we think.”
How do you feel about the
development of a National
Environmental Action Plan?
“It is very important to have the NEAP
guide the process of reaching the
vision for the VI future. Everyone must
know/understand what the plan is, its
purpose, how it is to be implemented,
and what their roles will be. It will be
important to solving the stated
problems, and overcoming the current
fragmented response system. It will
help decision makers make better
decisions for the people.”
“The plan is definitely a good thing to
do as long as it doesn’t turn into
another ‘white elephant plan.’”
“It is long overdue. It is a good
initiative if it can be implemented and
not stay at the paper policy stage. We
are at a strategic time in the VI
development where this plan can be of
great assistance.”
“It is ten years late. It is time. It must
be done seriously. It must be done
soon. It is important for this country to
have it to develop for the future
successfully. Economic development
without proper planning leads to a loss
of culture and identity. Our cultural
norms are being lost, and need to be
included in such a plan. The people
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must also be developed, and that is a
consideration that must influence such
a plan.”
“It must be something that we commit
to action. A national plan of action for
the environment will require a great
deal more collaboration. If everyone is
not on board, it cannot be effective.
This has been the downfall of previous
efforts.”
“I think it’s a good idea on the part of
government. I also don’t think it should
be a one-off effort. It should be a
continuous programme, with private
and public participation. Measures
should be in place to assess its
success or failings to make
adjustments as necessary to reach the
stated goals. Otherwise the process
will fail by default. I feel positive about
this programme.”
“It’s about time. It’s something that’s
long overdue, especially if the
government takes it seriously; I think it
will put us on the right path in moving
forward.”
“It is necessary. The problem is we’re
good at developing plans and doing
feasibility studies. We have plenty of
them catching ‘cobwebs.’ There is no
follow through and we need to
implement either those and or this
plan.”
“We need to put legislation in place to
ensure that these plans are
implemented, and that any deviation
from these plans receives penalties for
that deviation.”
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What do you like best about the Virgin
Islands environment?
“Air quality – particularly after living in a
big city with smog and air pollution.
The scenery and natural environment
promote that good air quality.”
“The peace and tranquility that one can
have at any given time. One can go to
a secluded beach and look at the
water, relax and enjoy the beauty.”
“One’s mind and spirit is opened up by
sitting on a beach, relaxing and
enjoying everything in one’s
surroundings. Sunsets. I think its
physical attributes are what attract me
most of all, I think it’s one of the most
beautiful places I’ve ever visited or
lived in.”
“Going home, relaxing on the porch,
drinking clean water, seeing the sea,
and breathing clean air. There are
places still untouched, that we know
were enjoyed by our forefathers and
have not yet been impacted by
commercialization?”
“The uniqueness of our islands that
include Tortola’s mountain terrain,
Virgin Gorda’s unique composition,
diversity of islands, the ability to see
the stars at night and formations.”
“Enjoys the safe haven, quietude, lack
of hustle and bustle, and general peace
of mind. Its quietness. It is almost like
a new frontier developing, a blossom
opening up. It is exciting to see.”
“Sheer natural beauty that you don’t
see in many other places. We are midrange as far as development and we
are on the precipice for holding onto to
some of that natural beauty.”
“You can’t really tell the beauty of the
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85
islands (especially the north shores)
from the landside. What really protect
these shores are the coral reefs. On
calm days, the reefs are visible and
incredibly beautiful.”
“What more can you say other than it is
paradise?”
“Living in other parts of the world has
given me a heightened appreciation for
the VI – one can visit the natural
environment and be restored in mind
and body in a way that is not possible
elsewhere. I can still see clear skies
and blue sea…it’s a blessing I
appreciate very well, having lived in
places like the USA where that is not
often seen.”
“The human element is definitely part
of and possibly the most important part
of the natural environment. I have
hope and still see the physical and
social environment at a stage where
corrections can be made so that they
can be improved.”
Are there any further comments that
you would like to make?
“We have few standards in the VI, e.g.,
air and water quality monitoring,
recycling, etc; these are becoming
more and more critical. Our standards
must be at least equivalent with
international standards, especially in
regard to globalization needs.”
“The issue of zoning needs to be
addressed. There are 100 residential
lots subdivided to the west of the
incinerator. Down there is a total mess
given the problems with the power
plant, and there is no zoning to protect
anyone form anything, least of all the
environment. If anything is to come out
of any Environmental Action Plan, it
must be zoning.”
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86
“Too much is too much. There should
be a legal limit on cars allowed per
household or family. Overpasses and
other changes to infrastructure are
other options we can explore. Recently
a country dealt with transport problems
by instituting a congestion charge and
parking restrictions within certain areas
if opting not to use provided public
transportation – it goes back to zoning.”
“I think it’s very important that this plan
goes through to completion and
implementation. Self-defeating
attitudes can kill plans like this very
easily – particularly in light of previous
disappointments experienced with
other plans. People’s faith needs to be
regained. We must also reawaken the
political conscience of the people and
our politicians of their obligation to do
the people’s will.”
“More needs to be done to engage the
youth and their appreciation of the
environment, beyond our annual
coastal cleanups. We need to get
them actively involved in visiting the
environment, our national parks and
our coral reefs so they can understand
our laws (like why we shouldn’t
spearfish). They need to see for
themselves why these things are so
important.”
“I’m for this NEAP, but for it to be
fruitful, it must begin with the children
and extend to current leaders. If they
are reached, attitudes will change and
there will be a natural environment for
them to continue to enjoy.”
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Survey Questionnaire Results
An 11-item questionnaire was created to assess the general perception of members
of the VI community on key environmental areas. The instrument utilized a Likert
scale to assess the extent to which respondents agreed or disagreed with 10 items.
The scale ranged from strongly agree, agree, disagree, strongly disagree, or cannot
decided or no opinion. One additional open-ended question provided an opportunity
for respondents to share any additional concerns they might have about
environmental issues. The instrument was administered by specially trained NEAP
personnel. Surveys were either administered via telephone, face to face with
assistance from NEAP personnel, or independently completed by respondents.
Sample
Altogether, 252 individuals were sampled. The following charts provide visual
representation of the demographic data:
Figure 3.3 Sample Composition Based on Mode of Administration
Mode of Survey Administration
Independent
Telephone
37.7%
41.7%
Face to Face
20.6%
Figure 3.3 shows that the majority of the surveys, 41.7%, were administered via
telephone interviews, 37.7% were completed independently by respondents, and
20.6% of the surveys were completed with the assistance of NEAP personnel. In the
later case, NEAP personnel interviewed respondents face to face and recorded their
responses. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was computed to see if there were any
significant differences in responses based on mode of administration. These
analyses show no significant differences in responses based on mode of
administration.
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Figure 3.4 Sample Composition Based on Age of Respondents
Age of Respondents
16-18 yrs
> 50 yrs
11.2%
18.3%
19-25 yrs
22.3%
36-50 yrs
28.7%
26-35 yrs
19.5%
Respondents varied greatly in terms of age. Individuals sampled were 16 years and
older. Figure 3.4 shows five major categorizations of respondents based on their age
ranges. The youngest individuals were in the range of 16-18 years and accounted
for 11.2% of the sample; 22.3% of the respondents were in the age range of 19-25;
19.5 % in the range of 26-35 years; 28.7% in the range of 36-50 years; and 18.3%
were over 50 years. Taken together, these data show that 53% of the respondents
were 16-35 years of age, and 47% were 36 years and over.
The variability in ages of respondents is a strong indicator of a fairly representative
cross section of the VI population. Analysis of variance results revealed no
significant difference in responses based on the five different age groupings. These
data indicate that the age of individuals did not impact significantly on the views they
had about the VI environment.
Figure 3.5 Sample Composition Based on Employment Status
Employment Status of Respondents
Public
28.7%
Other
40.6%
Private
19.3%
Self-employed
11.5%
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Figure 3.5 shows the sample composition based on employment. Respondents
indicated their employment status as self-employed 11.9%; employed in the private
sector 19.9%; employed in the public sector 19.7%; or other wise employed 40.6%.
Analysis of variance showed no significant differences in responses based on
employment status.
Figure 3.6: Sample Composition Based on Gender of Respondents
Gender
Male
40.6%
Female
59.4%
Figure 3.6 shows that the majority of respondents were female. Female respondents
accounted for 59.4% of individuals sampled and males accounted for a
corresponding 40.6%. Analysis of variance showed no significant differences in
responses based on gender.
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Figure 3.7:
Sample Composition Based on the Number of Years Living in the
British Virgin Islands
Number of Years in the Virgin Islands
100
Number of Respondents
80
60
84
67
40
34
25
20
19
19
40-50 yrs
> 50 yrs
0
1-10 yrs
11-20 yrs
21-30 yrs
31-40 yrs
Years in the Virgin Islands
Figure 3.7 shows the composition of the sample based on the number of years
individuals had lived in the Virgin Islands. Interestingly, 64 individuals indicated that
they have lived in the VI for between 1-10 years. This group is of particular interest
as it represents individuals who are not native to the Virgin Islands, but migrated
here from other countries. Most of the respondents have lived in the VI for 11-20
years. Only 34 individuals have lived in the VI for 21-30 years, 25 have lived in the
VI between 31-40 years, and 19 have lived in the VI for between 40-50 years. As
expected, the smallest number of respondents has lived in the VI for over 50 years.
These 18 individuals represent an interesting perspective on the VI environment as
they represent the population, which would have experienced the greatest changes
in the environment of the VI over the course of their lives.
Analysis of variance was conducted to see if there were significant differences in
perceptions of the Virgin Island environment based on the length of time individuals
have lived in the VI. This analysis showed no significant differences in responses
among the six groupings.
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Survey Results
Table 3.8: Results from NEAP Survey Questions
Statements
1. The public is regularly informed about
the need to protect and preserve the
environment.
2. I am familiar with the various types of
environmental legislation that currently
exists in the Virgin Islands.
3. Adequate systems are in place for the
disposal of solid and liquid waste
including waste from yachts and cruise
ships.
4. There should not be a limit on the
number of users for any given resource
within a specified period of time in the
Virgin Islands.
5. Water resources and distribution
systems are adequate and well managed.
6. Population expansion poses a serious
threat to the Virgin Islands environment.
7. The government of the Virgin Islands is
serious about the protection and
preservation of the environment.
8. Pollution from industry and vehicles is
NOT affecting the Virgin Islands climate.
9. Economic development activity
(including construction) is adversely
affecting the Virgin Islands environment.
10. Fuel and other energy sources are
clean and environmentally friendly.
Strongly
Agree
Agree
Disagree
Strongly
Disagree
Cannot
Decide
or no
Opinion
10%
50%
30%
5%
6%
17%
50%
18%
4%
11%
4%
19%
34%
26%
18%
10%
35%
25%
27%
3%
5%
18%
39%
27%
11%
24%
39%
23%
4%
6%
10%
41%
24%
8%
16%
4%
14%
37%
37%
8%
19%
37%
26%
9%
8%
5%
13%
38%
31%
13%
Respondents to the survey were asked to indicate their opinion regarding the
management of the environment according to a five-item scale on ten close-ended
questions. Responses were categorized as strongly agree, agree, disagree,
strongly disagree, and cannot decide or no opinion.
Table 3.8 indicates that 60% of the respondents believed that the public is generally
informed about the need to protect and preserve the environment, while 35%
disagreed and saw the level of environmental education and awareness as being far
from what is required.
Sixty seven percent of the respondents indicated their familiarization with the various
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types of environmental legislation that currently exists in the Virgin Islands. Only
22% said that they were not familiar with the legislation while 11% either could not
decide or had no opinion on the question.
Of note, is the 18% of respondents who either could not decide or had no opinion
respecting whether or not adequate systems are in place for the disposal of solid
and liquid waste including waste from yachts and cruise ships. However, a
significant 60% said that systems were inadequate while only 23% agreed that they
were adequate.
In comparing questions 4 and 7, it is noted that while 52% of the respondents stated
that there should not be a limit on the number of users for any given resource within
a specified period of time, 63% believed that population expansion and by extension,
overcrowding, poses a serious threat to the Virgin Islands environment. Forty five
percent believed that there should be a limit on the number of users for any given
resource within a specified period of time while 27% believed that population
expansion does not pose a serious threat to the environment.
An overwhelming 67% of respondents stated that water resources and distribution
systems are inadequate and not well managed. Only 23% thought that they were
adequate and 11% either could not decide or had no opinion on the question.
Responses concerning the seriousness of the Government of the Virgin Islands
regarding the protection and preservation of the environment were generally mixed.
Fifty one percent believed that the government was serious about the environment
while 32% believed that the government was not serious and a significant 16%
either could not decide or had no opinion on the question.
Of significant note, is the overwhelming majority of 74% of the respondents who said
that pollution from industry and vehicles is affecting the Virgin Islands climate. Only
18% disagreed with that statement while 8% either could not decide or had no
opinion. In the same token, an overwhelming 69% of respondents stated that fuel
and other energy sources are not clean and environmentally friendly. Only 18%
believed that they are clean and environmentally friendly and a significant 13%
either could not decide or had no opinion on the question.
On the question regarding the impact of economic development on the environment,
56% of respondents stated that economic development activity (including
construction) is adversely affecting the Virgin Islands environment. Thirty eight
percent of respondents did not believe that economic development activity was
having an effect on the Virgin Islands environment and 8% either could not decide or
had no opinion on the question.
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NEAP Questionnaire
Open Ended Comments
The following Table 3.9 shows comments from the survey questionnaire
respondents to the open-ended question. The comments have been grouped
according to themes and reflect the general opinion of respondents under these
themes. The comments are in response to the following question: “Is there anything
else you would like to say with respect to the Virgin Islands environment?”
Table 3.9
Theme
Sanitation
Comments
“Government allows bad waste
disposal to continue unchecked”
“Too much trash/garbage and waste on
the street, shoreline and in other places
in general. Island clean-up needed”
“We need to protect out natural
environment and keep the VI clean and
beautiful. Employ the jobless to clean
up.”
“More equipment and facilities needed
to deal with waste disposal”
“Restaurants need to better dispose of
waste”
“The environment is clean and ok”
“Poor drainage and sewage disposal”
“More garbage bins for public places”
“Tourist industry causes pollution”
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Education
“More awareness from people for care
of the environment”
“Educate the children, youth and adults
about the environment”
“More environmental education is
needed for citizens”
“Make existing laws more public”
“Difficult to police waters”
Enforcement / Legislation
“More enforcement of laws and
preventive measures needed to keep
the VI clean and protect areas”
“Stronger regulations and enforcement
of policies to protect beaches”
“NEAP should be closely implemented”
“Stick to the law and stop bending for
others”
Construction
“Destruction from bad road cutting and
run-off”
“Reclamation is being done incorrectly”
“Buildings are being built without
parking spaces”
“More attention to water runoffs and
blocked ghuts”
“There should be an overall
development plan”
“More measures are needed to prevent
erosion from construction”
“Land development is negatively
affecting the sea”
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Boating
“Boats need holding tanks and pumpout stations for waste”
“Impose limitations on cruise ships”
Attitudes
“Government let tourists do their
wrong”
“Residents & belongers not taking pride
in caring for the environment”
“Government bias – mangrove
destruction to build roads”
“Everyone to be more respectful”
“People consume excessively and with
little regard for the environment”
“Government is trying, keep up the
good work”
“The almighty buck is making a dollar
and killing the environment”
“CFD is doing a good job”
Involvement
“Let us do all we can to keep the island
beautiful”
“What is good for one is good for all”
“Protect the environment and
endangered areas and try harder to
maintain, conserve and preserve”
“Government appears unconcerned”
“More youth involvement is needed in
policy making”
“We need to plant more trees and do
that which is better for the
environment”
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Marine Life
“Abuse of marine life, degradation of
salt water, and destruction of
mangroves”
“Better management of marine
environment e.g. too many oil spills”
“Government should control and
preserve water, ponds, mangroves and
wetlands
“Tourists are destroying coral reefs”
“Marine environment in danger from
Road Harbor land fill”
“Monitor the beaches or else the
resources will run out.”
“There is good development”
Advancement
“Recycle cans, glass and metal”
“Too many hotels taking over”
“Limit the number of cars”
“VI getting overpopulated”
“Water resources not well managed
and users can not receive a water bill”
“Forums for public involvement”
Public Relations
“More radio promotions on beautifying
the VI”
“CFD serves/communicate with the
public”
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Conclusions
Following an analysis of previous work conducted, the survey questionnaire, and the
focus group questions it is quite clear that there are many serious environmental
issues facing the Virgin Islands, which, if not urgently addressed could lead to the
further degradation of the Territory’s resources with corresponding negative
economic impacts in the short term and compounded devastating effects in the long
term.
This is of course in light of the Territory’s emphasis on the tourism product and the
corresponding issues of human settlements, health, education, infrastructure and
pollution. However, all is not lost, yet. The Virgin Islands still has beautiful natural
resources but these resources are under serious, credible and imminent threats if
action is not immediately taken to stem the deterioration and degradation.
Deliberate efforts must be made to develop a “Virgin Islands by design” in harmony
with its natural resources and environment and in keeping with the cultural heritage
of its people.
The remaining chapters of this report will address ways and means whereby the
government and people of the Virgin Islands can work together in collaborative
harmony to ensure sustainable development congruent with the environment and
the natural resources.
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Chapter 4
Issues, Strategies, Actions, Responsibility, Budget, and Timeframe
The following research questions, which formed the basis for the study, have been
addressed at various stages of the document. Chapter 2 answered the question,
“What is the present “state of the environment” of the Virgin Islands?” Chapter 3
addressed the question, “What are the critical issues threatening the Virgin Islands
environment?” and now Chapter four answers “What measures would be required
for the sustainable protection and management of the environment in light of serious
and imminent physical, social and economic threats facing the Virgin Islands
environment?”
Analysis and interpretation of the data strongly suggest that there are a number of
serious and imminent threats to the Virgin Islands environment and natural
resources, which if not immediately addressed could lead to the rapid deterioration
of the Virgin Islands product and endanger the economy of the Territory. These
threats include but are not limited to the following general areas and issues:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Government Administrative Structure and Rationalization
Education, Awareness and Participation
Legal System/Legislation/Enforcement
Terrestrial and Marine Resources Development
Water and Waste Management
Human Settlements, Pollution and Health
Resource Use Practices
If these issues and concerns are not immediately addressed, the Territory would
potentially lose its most prized possessions, that of the environment and natural
resources. The opportunity is present and the timing is right for the Government and
peoples of the Virgin Islands to work closely together and ensure that no further
environmental degradation occurs that would threaten the uniqueness of the
Territory and endanger the quality of life of its people.
The following Table 4.1, outlines the critical issues identified from a review of
previous works conducted, focus group interviews, survey questionnaires, public
sector high level consultations, sub-committee reviews and other public media
interaction and comments. The strategies, actions, responsibilities, budgets and
timeframes have been collaboratively development by the entire NEAP team with
technical assistance from the consultant.
NEAP 2004
99
Issues, Strategies, Actions, Responsibility, Timeframe, and Budget
Table 4.1
Government Administrative Structure
& Rationalization
Issues
Strategies
Segmented
Recommend the
responsibility for
restructuring of
environmental
the Ministry of
management
Natural
activities is presently
Resources and
spread across more
Labour to form
than nine agencies
the Ministry of
existing under four
Natural
ministries conduct
Resources,
environmental
Environment and
management
Planning
activities
(MNREP)
(transfer TCP
Absence of a
and DPU to
specified lead agency MNREP and
with responsibility for
Labour to CMO).
coordination of
environmental matters Recommend the
establishment of
Fragmented and oftan
time ineffective
Environmental
approaches and
Protection Board
attempts to address
(EPB) and
environmental issues
accompanying
Technical
Apparent ineffective
Committee to
Actions
Conduct all
required
procedures
necessary for the
establishment of
the Ministry of
Natural Resources,
Environment and
Planning (MNREP).
Responsibility
CMO
OG
AG Chambers
MNRL, TCP,
DPU
Timeframe
Short Term
Medium Term
Establish the
Environmental
Protection Board
(EPB) responsible
for assignments,
coordination &
communication
between
Departments under
the Ministry and
across Ministries –
charged with
strengthening
linkages &
functioning
between the
MNRL, CMO,
EHD, AG
Chambers
Short Term
Medium Term
NEAP 2004
Budget
100
integration of
environmental
considerations in the
national physical
development process
Inadequate funding
for environmental
agencies and their
activities/programmes
Insufficient qualified
and trained
manpower at the
technical and
management levels
Insufficient archiving,
storage and retrieval
of relevant
information.
Inadequate office,
work, library,
laboratory, training
and storage space
Need for coordination
and control of
research activities
and programmes.
monitor and
advise on the
sustainable
management
and preservation
of the
environment.
agencies
Generate revised
budgets on the
premise of the
strategic thrust of
all agencies
conducting
environmental
activities.
MNRL, CMO,
MoF
Short Term
Medium Term
Establish relevant
policies, regulations
& standards and
improve capacity
for archiving,
storage and
retrieval of relevant
information.
MNRL, AG
Chambers
Short Term
Medium Term
Train and retrain
existing personnel
and hire new
personnel where
necessary to
enhance the
institutional
framework for
environmental
management and
provide required
infrastructure.
HRD, HLSCC,
MNRL, UWI,
Overseas
Medium Term
Long Term
NEAP 2004
101
Education, Awareness & Participation
Issues
Strategies
There are many
Recommend the
separate endeavors in development of
environmental
a National
education and
Environmental
communication and
Education and
independent ideas
Communication
about its meaning and Strategy that will
scope.
integrate
environmental
A common vision is
education and
needed as apart from conservation into
government, most of
the primary and
the environmental
secondary
education and
school
communication
curriculum
activities implemented through infusion
to date have come
into existing
from the NGO and
subjects.
private sector.
Recommend the
Activities to integrate
introduction of
environmental
environmental
education into the
education into all
formal school system
tertiary
have been
educational
independent initiatives institutions and
without an overall
the wider
plan.
community
through distinct
Actions
Develop a National
Environmental
Education &
Communication
Strategy in order to
obtain a common
vision and develop
a holistic,
coordinated
national plan for
environmental
education and
communication.
Responsibility
MNRL
CFD
NPT
MEC
HLSCC
BVICCHA
NGOs, CBOs
Timeframe
Short Term
Medium Term
Long Term
Provide training
and locate financial
resources for
NGOs who are
effectively carrying
out environmental
education.
MNRL MoF,
OG, HRD,
International
Agencies,
NGOs, CBOs
Short Term
Medium Term
Integrate
environmental
education into the
formal primary,
secondary and
tertiary curricula,
and train teachers
MEC, HLSCC,
MNRL
Short Term
Medium Term
NEAP 2004
Budget
102
Many NGOs, CBOs
and individuals are
promoting
environmental
education as part of
their development and
group activities, but
they often lack the
qualified personnel to
carry it out effectively,
and there has been
little, if any, evaluation
of existing
environmental
education strategies
and materials.
Apart from occasional
radio and television
programmes and
special activities, the
mass media is greatly
under-utilized in
promoting public
environmental
awareness.
There is a general
lack of sufficient
environmental
education materials,
especially
courses and
programmes.
and lecturers on
techniques and
methods of
curriculum infusion
and communication
regarding the
environment.
Broadcast
environmental
public information
programmes on a
regular basis and
use traditional and
cultural events as
opportunities for
environmental
education.
MNRL
GIS
CFD
NPT
MEC
HLSCC
Media Houses
Short Term
Medium Term
Long Term
Research and
compile materials
on appropriate
indigenous
knowledge
strategies for the
preservation of the
environment and
maintain a
database on all
audiovisual
materials produced.
CFD
NPT
GIS
HLSCC
TCP, Public
Library
Short Term
Medium Term
NEAP 2004
103
audio/visual, on
national
environmental issues.
Materials on
indigenous knowledge
of environmental
strategies are also
needed.
Apparent absence of
a clear vision
regarding
environmental
education and public
awareness respecting
the preservation of
natural resources
General lack of
awareness about the
value of conservation,
which leads to
insufficient human
and financial
resources being made
available for its
promotion
Absence of structured
environment curricular
in the formal school
system
Facilitate the
development and
implementation of
community-based
programmes that
promote national
awareness
respecting
conservation,
protection,
preservation and
sustainable
environmental
management.
BVICCHA
MNRL
CMO
CBOs
NGOs
Short Term
Medium Term
Long Term
Develop an
environmental
information
database on daily
environmental
conditions and
make this
information public
to the extent that it
does not
compromise the
national security of
the territory.
CFD, DDM
Civil Aviation,
WSD, NPT,
MSD
Short Term
Medium Term
Support the
establishment of
the Environmental
MNRL, CMO
CFD, MoF
NPT, AG
Short Term
Medium Term
NEAP 2004
104
Unclear role of the
wider community in
the national
development process
and apparent lack of
consciousness and
involvement in the comanagement of the
environment
Protection Board in
the Ministry of
Natural Resources
and Labour to
serve as an internal
auditing agency
and watchdog for
monitoring
environmental
matters and
implementing
treaties,
conventions and
protocols to which
the Territory is a
party.
Chambers
Adopt NEAP as the
framework for
integrating the
environmental
dimension into
national policies
and budgets for
development and
management.
MNRL
Executive
Council
Legislative
Council
Short Term
Publicize existing
environmental
legislation, and
promote awareness
of proposed and
MNRL
AG Chambers
GIS
Short Term
Medium Term
Long Term
NEAP 2004
105
new legislation
Legal System, Legislation &
Enforcement
Issues
Strategies
Evidence of
Recommend the
fragmented,
review of
conflicting and
existing and
outdated legislation,
required
regulation,
environmental
institutional capacity
legislation and
and structure
establishment of
the Virgin
Inadequacies in
Islands
legislative controls,
Environment Act
planning processes
as the legal
and administrative
framework for
requirements for the
conservation,
management of the
preservation and
Promote greater
awareness of
hazards and
mitigation
measures that
general population
can/must employ.
DDM, MSD,
TCP, CFD, GIS,
other agencies
Short Term
Medium Term
Long Term
Publish guidelines
& standards
respecting
development and
operational plans.
TCP
CFD
MNRL
Short Term
Medium Term
Long Term
Actions
Merge existing and
proposed new
legislation and
establish the Virgin
Islands
Environment Act
Responsibility
MNRL
AG Chambers
GVI
Timeframe
Short Term
Medium Term
Seek national and
international
resources to
implement the
stated strategies,
enhance the
scientific and
MNRL
MoF
CMO
OG
CFD
NPT
Short Term
Medium Term
NEAP 2004
Budget
106
environment
Lack of enforcement
of existing policies,
regulations and
procedures and the
legislative will to
support existing
legislation
Unclear lines of
authority and
empowerment
respecting
enforcement and
monitoring
Apparent absence of
system for
environmental
ticketing, occupancy
permits and officer
empowerment to
address
environmental
infractions coupled
with the minimal
penalties enshrined in
law
Lack of legislation to
address waste
sustainable
management of
the environment
Recommend the
establishment of
a Unit to oversee
the
implementation
and compliance
of regional and
international
treaties,
conventions and
agreements that
pertain to the
environment and
to which the
territory is a
party.
Recommend the
revision of laws
to grant selected
police powers to
environmental
and other
relevant law
enforcement
agencies to
enable such
agencies to
technical capacity
of the Territory, and
implement the
conventions,
treaties, and
agreements.
Assist the general
public, as well as
the policy and
decision-makers to
better understand
global
environmental
issues and its
implications for
natural resources
and environmental
management.
MNRL
CFD
NPT
NGOs
Short Term
Medium Term
Increase capacity
building for project
management and
national research
studies by
conducting related
environmental
inventories and
other studies and
preparing national
plans for mitigation
and adaptation.
MNRL
DPU
CFD
DDM, HLSCC
MoF, CMO,
National
Archives
Short Term
Medium Term
NEAP 2004
107
management around
households, public
and commercial
places and around
development and
construction sites
Absence of policy,
direction and a welldefined methodology
to meet the apparent
legislative
needs/challenges
Need for a legal
benchmark system for
tracking progress
Absence of
environmental code
and regulations
regarding
occupational safety
and health
Absence of
mechanisms for
integrated
environmental audits
Slow efforts at
implementing
better perform
their
responsibilities in
an effective and
efficient manner.
Increase
enforcement
capacity of relevant
agencies and
redefine the
effective role of
each agency.
AG Chambers
CMO
MNRL, Police,
MHW, CFD,
TCP
Short Term
Medium Term
Institute penalties
for prevention of
operations based
on compliance to
laws, policies &
standards.
AG Chambers
CFD, NPT
MNRL, Police
Customs
Short Term
Medium Term
Long Term
Revise and
strengthen existing
legislation and
provide for new and
improved legislative
measures.
AG Chambers
MNRL
Short Term
Medium Term
Make
environmental
impact
assessments
(EIAs) mandatory
for inclusion in
development
applications, as
necessary.
TCP
CFD
Short Term
Medium Term
NEAP 2004
108
provisions of
international
conventions and
treaties including the
UKOT Memorandum
of Cooperation, the
St. Georges
Declaration, the
United Nations Small
Islands Development
Strategy, the United
Nations Framework
Convention on
Climate Change, the
Biodiversity
Convention, the
Convention to
Combat
Desertification, the
Koyoto Protocol, and
others
Terrestrial and Marine Resources
Development
Issues
Strategies
Lack of a
Recommend a
comprehensive and
new multistrategic planning
sectoral
approach to
approach to
infrastructural
terrestrial and
development
marine resource
development in
Establish legislation
to ban the
importation of
hazardous
chemicals and
materials that pose
a significant threat
to the environment.
MNRL, AG
Chambers, GVI
Actions
Introduce a national
road system and
public
transportation
network.
Responsibility
TCP, PWD,
MCW
Timeframe
Short Term
Medium Term
Long Term
Require new &
TCP, CFD,
Short Term
NEAP 2004
Budget
109
Uncontrolled land use
practices including
improper slope
management and
land survey
subdivision
Excessive mining of
beaches to provide
aggregates for the
construction industry
resulting in
destruction of the
beach through
erosion
Land defacement due
to uncontrolled and
un-monitored
excavation, quarry
mining and dumping
that lead to reduction
in aesthetic value to
property and natural
resources
Deforestation and
loss of vegetation due
to land clearing for
development and
agriculture
an effort to fully
integrate
environmental
management
and economic
development
planning
Recommend the
development of
a strategy to
plan and
develop
terrestrial and
marine
resources in a
holistic,
integrated and
cross-sectoral
way; and, to
manage natural
resources with
shared
responsibility.
existing quarries to
generate
restoration plans as
part of
development and
re-development
applications &
continued
operation.
MNRL
Medium Term
Long Term
Introduce new
legislation specific
to watershed
management
MNRL, CFD, AG
Chambers
Agriculture Dept,
WSD
Short Term
Medium Term
Develop and adopt
a land resource
and environment
policy to achieve
the best possible
use of land through
optimal sustainable
management to
improve
environmental
conditions and
reduce
desertification and
land degradation.
TCP, DPU,
PWD, Survey
Dept, CFD,
MNRL, MCW
Short Term
Medium Term
Long Term
Prioritize and plan
major land uses
TCP, Agriculture
Dept, CFD,
Short Term
Medium Term
NEAP 2004
110
Declining biodiversity
and other negative
impacts due to filling
of ponds, absence of
drainage, blocking
and/or retraining of
ghuts, and removal of
mangrove systems
Uncontrolled
establishment of
marine near shore
graveyards and
unauthorized
shoreline reclamation
Uncontrolled use and
dumping of hazardous
materials in protected
and unprotected
areas
Degradation due to
misuse and overuse
including factors
related to
deforestation, human
settlements, soil
depletion/erosion,
loss of habitat,
declining biodiversity
and park degradation.
based on an agroecological zoning
approach, and in a
holistic, crosssectoral way.
MNRL, Survey
Dept
Integrate EIA and
monitoring into land
development, and
involve all
stakeholders in
land use and
environmental
management
TCP, MNRL
Short Term
Develop a national
population policy to
control population
explosion and
urbanization in
order to provide for
sustainable human
settlement.
DPU, TCP,
CFD, CMO,
MNRL, MCW,
Immigration
Dept, Labour
Dept
Short Term
Medium Term
Plan and establish
an efficient urban
mass transit system
with provisions for
roads, pedestrian
zones, green
areas, and traffic
congestions
MCW, TCP,
PWD, Survey
Dept
Short Term
Medium Term
NEAP 2004
111
Unsustainable land
use and land
management,
resulting in declining
agriculture production,
degradation and
contamination.
Loss of arable
agriculture land to
settlements, industry,
infrastructural
development and
other economic
development
activities.
Loss of fish stocks to
over fishing, coastal
zone marine pollution,
and the use of
hazardous chemicals
and paints.
Disposal of waste,
especially solid, liquid,
hazardous and toxic
waste, on land and
within coastal zones.
Insufficient
preparedness to deal
solutions.
Draft principles for
sustainable
agriculture,
construction and
infrastructural
development
including
excavating and
cultivating new land
without depleting
and/or polluting
water or land
resources.
MNRL, TCP,
PWD, CFD,
MCW,
Agriculture Dept
Short Term
Medium Term
Promote improved
agricultural
practices, e.g grass
strip maintenance,
contour ploughing,
drainage
measures, and
water conservation
irrigation systems.
MNRL,
Agriculture Dept,
TCP, PWD,
WSD
Short Term
Medium Term
Long Term
Revise construction
and infrastructural
development
standards to
include provisions
for earth
TCP, PWD,
MCW, MNRL,
CFD
Short Term
Medium Term
NEAP 2004
112
with land and water
based disasters due
to poor infrastructural
development,
resources, equipment
and insufficient clarity
about development
standards and
guidelines.
Inadequate,
fragmented and
scattered
environmental and
land legislation and
apparent
unwillingness to
enforce legislative
measures.
Absence of a reliable
land and sea use /
zoning information
system with
corresponding
guidelines for
development and
survey engineering.
alterations,
excavation
guidelines, and
erosion and
sediment control
measures.
Review, update,
and enforce
existing land use
legislation, and
formulate needed
new,
comprehensive
legislation.
TCP, CFD, AG
Chambers
Short Term
Medium Term
Long Term
Increase capacity
for integrated land
resource
management to
preserve species
and biodiversity of
ponds, coastal
waters, forests,
national parks and
other natural
resources.
CFD, NPT,
MNRL
Medium Term
Develop database
and disseminate
information on land,
settlement, and
TCP, CFD,
DPU, Survey
Dept
Short Term
NEAP 2004
113
ecosystems and
conduct a natural
resource
accounting
(valuation) audit.
Establish a soil and
forest conservation
control unit within
the Department of
Agriculture and
carryout soil and
water conservation
measures.
Agriculture Dept,
WSD
Medium Term
Classify and map
vegetation and
forest types,
including the status
of degradation,
using an
appropriate land
cover classification
system and
evaluate and
demarcate areas
suitable for the
various systems of
forest practice.
TCP, Survey
Dept, MNRL
Short Term
Medium Term
Strengthen
aforestation and
MNRL,
Agriculture Dept
Medium Term
NEAP 2004
114
reforestation
programmes by
increasing public
awareness and
participation.
Water and Waste Management
Issues
Strategies
Water availability is a
Recommend the
major constraint to
restructuring of
development in the
the Water and
Virgin Islands. As
Sewerage
populations increase,
Department and
and economic
the BVI
development occurs,
Electricity
better management is Corporation to
required in order to
create the Virgin
ensure constant
Islands Water
availability.
and Electricity
Corporation
Need for special
(VIWEC)
Educate the
general population
to recognize the
need for soil, forest
and water
conservation and to
accept the
responsibility of
managing their own
resources.
MNRL, CFD,
GIS, Agriculture
Dept, WSD
Short Term
Actions
Establish the Virgin
Islands Water and
Electricity
Corporation
(VIWEC) and
empower such
authority to be
responsible for all
aspects of water
and electricity
development
planning,
implementation and
Responsibility
MCW, AG
Chambers,
WSD, BVIEC,
GVI
Timeframe
Short Term
Medium Term
NEAP 2004
Budget
115
attention to be given
to desalinated water
control systems
especially in areas
where waste outflows
may be present.
Water management
and corresponding
water legislation is
outdated and needs
to be restructured and
updated.
Water sector
management is
fragmented with
several agencies,
scattered over various
ministries, having
different but
sometimes
overlapping
responsibilities.
Sewage production
from households,
businesses and
marine vessels far
exceeds the capacity
of the limited and
inadequate facilities to
Recommend that
Sewerage and
Solid Waste be
merged to create
the Virgin
Islands
Sewerage and
Waste
Management
Authority
(VISAWMA)
Recommend the
development of
a national water,
sewerage and
solid waste
policies and
master plans to
improve the
supply and
rational use of
water and the
collection,
treatment and
disposal of
sewerage and
solid waste. The
plans should
make provision
for water
demand
monitoring
programmes, coproduction
agreements,
production and
distribution of water
and electricity for
domestic and
industrial use
Establish the Virgin
Islands Sewerage
and Waste
Authority (VISAWA)
and empower such
entity to manage
the collection,
treatment and
disposal of sewage
and solid waste in
accordance with
internationally
accepted
standards.
MCW, AG
Chambers,
MHW, WSD,
SWD, GVI
Short Term
Medium Term
Establish a national
lab for the testing
and determination
of water quality
levels for all forms
of consumption and
use and for
WSD, CFD,
MNRL
Short Term
Medium Term
NEAP 2004
116
properly treat and
dispose of such
waste. This results in
instances of raw
sewage on streets,
beaches and ghuts
and thus a serious
health hazard to
human settlements
and the environment.
With regards to
domestic water
supplies, in the Road
Town area most of
the population is
provided with treated
water, and most have
access to either
water-borne
sewerage systems or
septic tanks. In the
outer areas, in spite of
substantial
investment, water
coverage levels
remain low largely
because of
inadequate production
and poor
maintenance of
existing water
management,
water
distribution,
water quality,
sewerage and
wastewater
management,
solid waste
disposal,
integrated
coastal zone
management
and water reuse.
determining
integrated coastal
zone water quality.
Develop a plan for
the reuse of tertiary
treated water for
possible industrial,
domestic and other
purposes.
WSD,
Agriculture Dept,
Medium Term
Long Term
Proceed with plans
for a national
tertiary sewerage
system to receive
and treat liquid
waste from
households,
businesses, and
marine vessels.
MCW, WSD,
MoF, EHD
Short Term
Medium Term
Long Term
Institute a
programme to
minimize and
monitor the number
of leaks throughout
the water
distribution
network.
MCW, WSD
Short Term
Medium Term
Provide for a
remote system of
MCW, WSD,
TCP
Medium Term
Long Term
NEAP 2004
117
systems.
Water production
facilities are not able
to meet the regular
demands for water
and an extra burden
is applied when cruise
ships and other
vessels refill at ports
from the already
inadequate reserves.
Pollution by way of
sedimentation,
dumping, agricultural
chemicals, and the
use of dangerous
industrial chemicals
and paints (especially
by the marine
industry) have
generally been a
cause of concern.
This has led to
degradation of coastal
water zones, which
could potentially lead
to serious health
hazards.
Inadequate cistern
capacity especially at
metre reading or
institute a flat rate
to ensure on-time
billing and timely
collection of fees
for the effective and
efficient operation
of the system.
Provide for longterm planning
based on the
analysis of future
water needs,
distribution
according to the
main water uses
(urban, industrial,
agro-industrial,
rural domestic,
energy generation,
and on waste water
treatment
requirements.
WSD, MCW,
Agriculture Dept
Short Term
Medium Term
Long Term
Review revenue
collection and
financial
management
procedures for the
provision of water
and sewerage
supplies, repair
MCW, WSD,
MoF
Short Term
Medium Term
NEAP 2004
118
capacity especially at
rental and commercial
buildings
Absence of a
comprehensive
recycling plan and
programme for waste
Lack of pricing policy
and sewerage
treatment and
disposal services for
liquid/sewage and
solid waste
Fragmented
regulation regarding
waste disposal
facilities outside the
limits of government
services
Low public awareness
on methods of
reduction of waste
generation and
household methods of
source sorting of
wastes
Apparent lack of
supplies, repair
water-gauging and
sewerage stations
and acquire new
equipment for
water and
sewerage
monitoring, and
develop
appropriate water
and sewerage
standards.
Integrate land and
water use plans
(e.g. irrigation) for
more sustainable
use of water
resources,
improved water
apportionment,
water conservation
and surface/rain
water.
TCP, CFD,
DPU, MCW,
Agriculture Dept
Short Term
Medium Term
Develop zoning
regulations for the
Territory as a
matter of priority.
TCP, MNRL,
CMO
Short Term
Increase
communication
CMO, All
agencies
Short Term
NEAP 2004
119
marine and other
industry regulation
regarding holding
tanks, pump out
stations, and disposal
of solid waste
Inadequate collection
mechanisms for
sanitation purposes
resulting in the
discharge and
seepage of raw
sewage in the sea
and isolated land
areas
Negative visual
impacts due to
indiscriminate
dumping and storage
Excessive amounts of
waste in contrast to
capacity of facilities to
treat and dispose of
waste.
between agencies
like W&SD, PWD,
TCP, CFD and
other enforcement
agencies.
Increase capacity
and support of
relevant
enforcement
agencies.
HRD, MNRL,
AG Chambers
Short Term
Medium Term
Deepen the
approach to the
Cane Garden Bay
Jetty and activate
the Cane Garden
Bay pump-out
station.
TCP, CMO,
MCW, PWD,
MSD, WSD
Short Term
Medium Term
Increase visitors’
awareness of their
need to comply
with existing laws.
TB, GIS,
BVICCHA
Short Term
Medium Term
Long Term
Introduce relevant
legislation
applicable to water
and sewerage.
MCW, AG
Chambers
Short Term
Medium Term
Require and ensure
that the Marine
MSD, CFD,
TCP, Marine
Short Term
Medium Term
NEAP 2004
120
Association and
marine industries
insist on the
installation and use
of pump-out
stations at each
marine facility and
or anchorage.
Develop an
programme for
effective waste
water management
and reuse.
Human Settlements, Pollution and
Health
Issues
Strategies
Pollution - air, land,
Recommend the
water, noise, oil spills, development
sewage and other
and enactment
waste, hazardous
of policies
chemicals and paints, respecting
dust, dumps and
human
effluent outflows.
settlement,
pollution and
Land degradation health to ensure
through removal of
that commercial,
topsoil and vegetation retail, domestic
in open quarry mines,
and industrial
building excavation,
activities do not
and infrastructural
compromise the
Actions
Establish standards
and benchmarks
for environmental
air quality, including
permissible levels
for industrial
effluents for
generation plants,
maritime vessels,
liquid waste
effluents, gaseous
and vehicle
emissions,
hazardous
NEAP 2004
Assoc, Marine
Industry
Long Term
WSD, MCW
Responsibility
MNRL, MCW,
MHW, CFD,
TCP
Timeframe
Short Term
Medium Term
Long Term
Budget
121
development.
Negative visual
impacts of landscape
alteration abandoned
equipment,
abandoned vehicles
and ships, quarry pits
and other
excavations, dirt
stockpiles and waste
dumps.
Human health and
safety - exposure to
air pollution by
employees and by the
general population
living in the vicinity of
the quarry mines,
incinerators, gas and
petroleum storage
facilities, and
generation stations,
etc.
Resource loss displacement of
human populations
and destruction of
biodiversity and other
quality of life of
the people of the
Virgin Islands
Recommend the
establishment of
a programme to
facilitate the
development of
affordable and
descent housing
Recommend the
establishment of
mechanisms and
benchmarks to
ensure that the
Virgin Islands
come within (and
perform
significantly
better) all
internationally
accepted limits
for commercial
and industrial
pollution,
environmental
health
expectations,
and human
settlement
chemicals and
paints usage, mine
and quarry
emissions and solid
waste disposal.
Prepare guidelines
for these standards
and enforce EIA,
emission controls
and auditing
regulations with
appropriate
unannounced
inspections.
MNRL, MCW,
MHW
Establish a
monitoring,
assessment and
mitigation
mechanism for the
named sectors and
develop and
strengthen
technical capacity
for monitoring.
DDM, CFD, NPT Short Term
Medium Term
Conduct non-formal
environmental
education
programmes to
encourage and
MNRL, MSD,
CFD, NPT, GIS
NEAP 2004
Short Term
Medium Term
Short Term
Medium Term
Long Term
122
natural resources.
Solid and liquid waste
disposal is a major
human settlement
problem, which
affects health in the
Virgin Islands. Many
industrial businesses
and domestic
households and
tourism related
businesses dispose of
domestic and
commercial refuse by
means of crude
dumping and the
municipal treatment
facilities are grossly
inadequate to handle
the quantity of waste
generated by the
inhabitants and
visitors to the
Territory.
The dumping and
runoff of both raw and
treated sewage into
the ocean poses a
real and eminent
threat to the fishery
regulations.
educate industry to
adopt
environmental
considerations in
their corporate
strategies and
management
decisions.
Introduce to
industry
appropriate
regulatory
economic
incentives and
instruments,
including pollution
charges, product
charges, differential
taxation, and other
economic
incentives for being
environmentally
responsible.
MoF, MNRL,
MCW, MHW
Medium Term
Long Term
Develop a strategy
for the
environmentally
sound
management of all
forms of solid waste
including municipal
SWD, DDM,
MCW
Short Term
Medium Term
NEAP 2004
123
and human population
who swim in waters
and from which a
highly significant
portion of potable
water is processed.
Overcrowding and
inadequate housing
provisions could
potentially affect the
health of people.
Unauthorized and
uncontrolled
reclamation of
shoreline
Vehicular and
industrial traffic and
emissions, and the
“free” use of
hazardous materials
Lack of strict
enforcement of policy
and legislation
respecting air & noise
pollution and
liquid/solid waste
pollution
Reduction of the
water table and
waste, industrial
waste, construction
and demolition
waste, health care
waste, hazardous
waste, and
radioactive waste.
Establish smoking
and non-smoking
section in
restaurants and all
other public
facilities and create
drug free zones
around all schools.
EHD, MHW,
TCP
Short Term
Medium Term
Enforce regulations
to control all forms
of noise pollution
especially in
residential areas.
Police, TCP
Short Term
Medium Term
Encourage the use
of cleaner and
more
environmentally
friendly sources of
energy, chemicals
and paints, and
herbicides and
pesticides.
MCW, MNRL,
MHW, EHD,
DDM,
Agriculture Dept
Short Term
Medium Term
Long Term
NEAP 2004
124
water table and
possibility of salt
water intrusion into
the aquifer
Excessive erosion,
siltation,
sedimentation and
use of agricultural
chemicals and
fertilizers leading to
poising/smothering of
marine life and
eutrophication of near
shore shallow waters
Threat of air pollution
from dust and
effluents emitted from
commercial and
industrial plants,
vehicles and marine
vessels and
indiscriminate
household burning
Build up of offensive
odors from sewage
collection in urban
and developed areas
Establish an energy
accounting unit and
conduct a
preliminary energy
survey by economic
sector for
identifying a
roadmap for
attaining national
goals and
educating the
public on the need
to conserve energy.
MCW, BVIEC,
DPU
Medium Term
Amend the BVI
Electricity
Corporation Act to
allow for private
investment and
make provision for
co-generation
opportunities and
the establishment
of independent
power providers.
MCW,
Legislative
Council
Medium Term
Promote sustained
exploration and
mineral resources
management in
order to ensure
continued
MNRL, MoF,
MCW, CMO
Long Term
NEAP 2004
125
development of the
quarry mining
industry and
exploration of any
other natural
resource.
Hold companies
accountable for the
rehabilitation of
land and water
resources affected
by mining and other
activities. This
should be routinely
carried out as an
integral part of
every quarry mining
operation.
MNRL, MCW
Short Term
Medium Term
Long Term
Review, update
and enforce
legislation relating
to human
settlements,
environmental
health,
infrastructure, and
waste disposal
especially with
regard to safe
water supply and
AG Chambers,
MNRL, MCW,
MHW, TCP,
DPU, WSD,
EHD
Short Term
Medium Term
NEAP 2004
126
sanitation, pollution
and solid waste
control, housing,
food safety,
hygiene and
security.
Mobilize human
and financial
resources to
support authorities
and individuals to
be responsible for
improved waste
management
including recycling,
landside disposal of
waste from yachts
and cruise ships,
and require holding
tanks for marine
vessels.
MoF, CMO,
MCW, MHW,
MEC, OG,
National and
International
Agencies
Short Term
Medium Term
Proceed with
liberalization of all
utility services in an
effort to provide
and maintain, at
affordable costs,
basic services for
water, housing,
roads, waste
MCW, CMO, AG
Chambers
Short Term
Medium Term
NEAP 2004
127
disposal,
telecommunications
and broadcasts,
and electricity
Update and
enhance GIS, CRIS
and other
information
systems on land,
ecosystems,
environmental
health, energy, etc.
TCP, CFD, ISU,
MoF, MNRL
Short Term
Institute
environmental
levies on cruise
ship industry for
pollution produced
at port.
MNRL,
Legislative
Council, AG
Chambers
Medium Term
Introduce
legislation for
hazardous waste
pollution.
DDM, AG
Chambers
Short Term
Ensure that
Emergency
response plans are
in place for water,
fuel, energy & other
industrial plants.
DDM, FRS,
MCW, MHW,
MNRL
Short Term
NEAP 2004
128
Resource Use Practices
Issues
Strategies
There is a general
Recommend the
lack of awareness
development of
about the value of
a national
conservation, which
biodiversity
leads to insufficient
policy and plan
human and financial
to restore and
resources being made maintain the
available for its
biological
promotion.
genetic
resources
Presently, nationals
are denied or
Develop
restricted in the use of mechanisms to
resources within
utilize bio and
conservation areas.
cultural diversity
Since there is
in sustainable
increasing demand for ways in order to
land, this is greatly
meet present
resented.
and future
needs; and to
Staff employed in
preserve the
conservation requires unique
additional training and ecosystems of
Establish a
mechanism to
ensure the
development of
affordable housing
for Virgin Islanders
MCW, TCP,
PWD, DPU
Actions
Develop a National
Biodiversity Plan in
an effort to restore
and maintain
biological genetic
resources
Responsibility
MNRL, CFD,
NPT, OG
Timeframe
Medium Term
Plan and
implement a
biodiversity
awareness
programme
including identifying
relevant indigenous
knowledge systems
and environments
of the Virgin
Islands.
MNRL, NPT,
CFD
Short Term
Medium Term
Plan and
implement natural
resources
management
MNRL, MEC,
NPT, CFD,
BVICCHA,
NGOs, CBOs
Short Term
Medium Term
Long Term
NEAP 2004
129
there is a shortage of
equipment and
facilities.
There is a strong
desire for more
government interest,
support and
resources in
developing parks and
nature reserves.
Consequently their
management suffers.
Outdated, conflicting,
and fragmented
legislation as it
pertains to
biodiversity
conservation
(including bioprospecting and biopiracy), much of
which needs revision
and updating.
There is uncontrolled
spread of alien
species along water
courses and other
habitats, resulting in
excessive water use
the Virgin islands
through an
expanding
network of
carefully
selected and
well-managed
reserves and
parks
Revise the
National Tourism
Development
Strategy in an
effort to
establish,
support and
promote a
sustainable,
efficient and
diversified tourist
industry in
harmony with
cultural traditions
and sound
environmental
management,
and based on
the broad scale
of integrated
cultural and
ecological
activities with
communities and
identify and pilot a
biosphere reserve.
Secure government
commitment and
financial resources
for the continued
management of
parks and reserves
and secure ongoing
training
opportunities for
staff of parks and
reserves.
MoF, MNRL,
OG, CMO
Short Term
Medium Term
Long Term
Review and update
relevant biodiversity
legislation.
AG Chambers,
MNRL
Short Term
Establish a national
alien control
programme and
eradicate invasive
species.
MNRL, CFD,
NPT
Medium Term
Collect, evaluate
and disseminate
traditional
knowledge
information relevant
NPT, MEC,
CFD, HLSCC,
GIS, Public
Library
Short Term
Medium Term
NEAP 2004
130
and exclusion of
indigenous species
through competition.
There is an apparent
exclusion of
indigenous and
traditional knowledge
and practices from
present management
activities.
Pollution through
industry, uncontrolled
land development,
agriculture, mining
(quarry and sand),
urban waste, etc. is
causing a decrease of
fish populations and
other species.
There is a general
lack of adequate
resource inventories
and baseline
information on which
to base appropriate
biodiversity and other
measures/standards.
The Virgin Islands is
attractions of the
Virgin Islands.
to natural resource
management.
Promote research,
especially in
genetic resource
conservation and
update and
maintain
biodiversity
inventories (e.g.
indigenous flora
and fauna,
indigenous fish)
and documentation.
CFD, HLSCC,
NPT, MNRL
Short Term
Medium Term
Secure funds to
restructure,
upgrade and
improve the
Conservation and
Fisheries
Department, the
National Parks
Trust and other
conservation
agencies and
private nature
reserves/parks.
MNRL, MoF,
OG, CMO
Short Term
Medium Term
Long Term
Review and further
establish a system
NPT, CFD, TCP,
MNRL
Short Term
NEAP 2004
131
presently lacking
adequate facilities,
equipment and
suitably trained staff
to collect, catalogue
and store
samples/specimens to
develop appropriate
genetic material for
cultivation and future
use.
There is a general
lack of levels of
protection and
recognition for
conservation
management
initiatives undertaken
by private concerns,
and current legislation
does not recognize
different levels of
protection.
Over utilization of
resources beyond
their carrying capacity
Absence of zoning
laws and information
systems and
for formal
recognition of
protection-worthy
areas
Carefully consider
tourism patterns
and tourists
demands and
develop and
implement a
national strategy to
increase efficiency
(five star services)
and profitability of
tourist facilities.
TB, DPU, CMO,
BVICCHA, MoF
Short Term
Medium Term
Promote tourism by
making full use of
the scenic,
environmental and
biological diversity
of the Virgin
Islands, and
safeguard and use
archaeological,
historical and
cultural heritage
sites.
TB, MNRL,
CFD, NPT,
CMO, MEC
Short Term
Medium Term
Appraise and
monitor beaches,
CFD, NPT, TB
Short Term
Medium, Term
NEAP 2004
132
corresponding
guidelines for
development
Frequent occurrence
of conflict in access to
and use of beaches
on outlying islands
and adjacent to
private estates
Inadequate
management of
physical development
activities and water
use
Conflict in allocation
of water areas for
tourism, commercial,
fishing, swimming and
transportation
purposes
Loss of habitat and
species diversity,
breeding grounds and
reduction in biological
diversity of endemic
species
Marine traffic
nature reserves,
national parks and
commercial
systems and areas
with respect to
carrying capacity.
Long Term
Review tourism
taxes to raise
revenue for
management of
natural and cultural
resources and have
tourists share in the
preservation of the
environment and
natural resources
of the Territory.
TB, MoF,
MNRL, CMO
Strategically
restructure the
Tourist Board, and
adopt a national
policy for
operations and
marketing in an
effort to attract a
sustainable mix of
visitors.
CMO, TB, MoF
Establish training
facilities and
TB, BVICCHA,
HLSCC
NEAP 2004
Short Term
Short Term
Medium Term
133
especially yachting
poses increased
hazards to coral reefs
through anchor
damage
Infringement of
commercial activities
into protected areas
Loss of wetland areas
to development
activity
Illegal export of exotic
ornamental species of
fauna and flora
Poaching of eggs and
disturbance of nesting
bird colonies
Marine and terrestrial
deforestation
Impact on coral reefs
through overuse of
dive sites, harvesting
for jewelry and
hazardous marine
chemicals
opportunities for
tour operators and
workers in the
tourism industry
and design and
implement
awareness
programmes for the
local population in
an effort to
preserve national
heritage.
CMO
Long Term
Revise border
crossing hours at
major ports of entry
and streamline
entry visa
requirements.
Require hotels and
other tourism
facilities to develop
environment
management plans,
to include
appropriate
disposal of waste,
sanitation, and
environmental
health issues.
CMO,
Immigration
Dept, Customs
Dept
Port Authority,
Civil Aviation
TB, MNRL,
CFD, DDM,
EHD, MHW,
CMO
Short Term
Provide and
MCW,
Short Term
NEAP 2004
Short Term
Medium Term
134
Pollution - especially
from waste
disposal/dumping by
yachts, tourists and
cruise ship emissions.
Congestion vehicular traffic on
major roads, over use
of limited facilities at
beaches, national
parks, commercial
areas, ports and
public places.
Potential
Cultural/Social
Degradation introduction of
undesirable habits
and practices such as
drug abuse,
promiscuity,
degradation of cultural
and historical places
and destabilization of
the people.
Unregulated Vending
– establishment of
tent cities at locations
throughout the
maintain essential
infrastructure
services including
water, electricity,
telecommunications
and broadcasts,
roads and
transportation
systems.
Legislative
Council
Medium Term
Long Term
Establish duty-free
zones including
shops, restaurants,
boardwalk, tender
dock, and public
sanitary facilities at
the cruise pier area
and other
designated sites to
allow for better
distribution of
cruise passengers
and increased
business
opportunities for
merchants
throughout the
entire week.
MoF, CMO, TB,
BVICCHA
Short Term
Medium Term
Long Term
Complete the
National Physical
Development Plan
CMO, TCP,
DPU, CFD,
MNRL, MoF,
Short Term
Medium Term
NEAP 2004
135
territory apparently
projecting an
undesirable image for
a significant portion of
the population.
and the Road Town
Development Plan
and encourage the
BVICCHA and
other service
organizations to
coordinate efforts
for the continued
cleanup,
beautification, and
restoration (where
necessary) of Road
Town including
more sidewalks and
paved areas, more
trees and green
areas, parks with
benches,
completion of
unfinished
buildings, and
installation of public
sanitary facilities.
NEAP 2004
MEC, MCW,
MHW,
BVICCHA
136
Chapter 5
Legal Framework for Environmental Management
Although there has been rapid growth and development throughout the Virgin
Islands over the recent past, and in spite of past and present endeavors regarding
laws and law reform, there has been very limited legislation proposed and
implemented to address issues related to conservation, preservation, and
management of the environment and natural resources. This chapter gives a review
of the existing, though fragmented legal framework, NEAP recommendations for
legislative changes, and the legal and legislative priority actions that must be
implemented to further ensure the sustainable management of the environment.
Existing Legal Framework
NEAP Recommendations for Legislative Changes
Priority Actions
137
Chapter 6
Institutional Framework for Environmental Management
Management Authority
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour through it functional agencies of the
Conservation and Fisheries Department and the National Parks Trust has been
tasked with the responsibility of managing the environment and the natural
resources of the Territory among other areas of responsibility. The Ministry is also
responsible for international environmental agreements.
As noted during the study, the administration of matters related to the environment
has also been spread to more than nine departments across five ministries. Some
of these agencies include but are not limited to the following: marine services
department, department of disaster management, customs and excise department,
police department, tourist board, water and sewerage department, solid waste
department, environmental health department, conservation and fisheries
department, national parks trust, and public works department.
As was indicated in chapter four, it is recommended that a separate environment
authority, namely, the Environmental Protection Board (EPB), be established under
a proposed Environmental Protection Act to coordinate and manage issues and
matters related to the environment and natural resources and link all government
agencies dealing with the environment. Specifically, this board would:
1. Promote the development of policies, legislation and enforcement
mechanisms needed for sound environmental management, including the
establishment of standards and guidelines related to pollution of the air, water
and land
2. Coordinate the activities of all bodies concerned with environmental matters
and serve as liaison for national and international organizations on
environmental matters
3. Monitor trends in the state of the environment. This includes monitoring the
environment, instituting measures for environmental protection and
improvement, and administering a system for environmental impact
assessment and auditing
4. Conduct and promote research on environmental matters, and promote
environmental training and education to increase public awareness and
participation.
To effectively implement the recommendation, the Ministry of Natural Resources and
Labour will need to review the functions of all relevant agencies including sectoral
138
agencies responsible for undertaking environmental management functions. This will
include reviewing environmental responsibilities of sectoral agencies, and where
necessary, promoting the development of agencies to address outstanding
environmental management requirements.
Legislation
Currently, all government agencies rely on the Attorney General’s Chambers to
provide legal advice, court representation and the drafting of legislative measures.
This means that timely responses may not be as forthcoming as desired, thus,
leading to the accumulation of outdated and at times obsolete legislation and
legislative measures. The Conservation and Fisheries Department’s ability to
develop appropriate environmental policy and legislation and take enforcement
action is undermined by the lack of legal environmental capacity within the Ministry
of Natural Resources and Labour.
The proposed Environmental Protection Board could have its legislation drafted so
that (a) it is not dependent on the state for legal services, (b) the Ministry of Natural
Resources and Labour employs an Environmental Law Specialist or (c) EPB recruits
and retains its own Environmental Law Specialist.
Natural Resources Management
The National Parks Trust has been tasked with the responsibility of managing and
preserving parks, archives and protected areas throughout the Territory. CFD and
NPT also have overall responsibility for environmental protection including national
parks and archives.
The Virgin Islands has no clear land use policy. The requirement for a national land
use policy that addresses land management, administration, and legislation issues is
essential. The Government of the Virgin Islands is committed to drafting a National
Physical Development Plan by October 2004. The Office of the Chief Minister
through the Town and Country Planning Department is the agency responsible for
drafting the policy in collaboration with key ministries and stakeholders.
Water and Waste
Water and Sewerage management is currently governed by the Water Act and
implemented by the Water and Sewerage Department. It is proposed that the Water
and Sewerage Department becomes a full statutory corporation with all right and
privileges thereto appertain. This would provide for effective water resource
management, water quality monitoring, environmental protection and enforcement.
A National Solid Waste Management Strategy also needs to be developed as an
urgent priority. The strategy should include the restructuring of an appropriate
institutional framework to implement the strategy.
139
Energy
Currently, energy is managed by the Ministry of Communications and Works. The
Virgin Islands Electricity Corporation was established to develop and coordinate
energy and energy related activities in the Territory. A review of the Electricity Act
and changes in the institutional set up of the parastatal BVI Electricity Corporation
are recommended. A key initiative would be the ending of the monopoly for national
power supply by opening up the market to Independent Power Producers (IPPs).
Every effort should be made to encourage the use of alternate sources of energy
and promote a culture of energy efficiency and waste minimization within the public
and private sector.
Environmental Health and Human Settlements
The responsibility for environmental health falls primarily on the Environmental
Health Unit while housing and human settlements are managed from the Ministry of
Communication and Works. Both areas need to be urgently addressed and requires
policies drafted and implemented to address population, housing, and urban
development. Individuals need to understand their role in keeping their property and
the Territory clean and the impacts of ignoring the same on the environment.
Pollution and water control standards also need to be established with appropriate
legislation, the development of environment quality standards, and coordination and
monitoring.
The CFD currently provides a water quality monitoring service. The appropriate
institutional framework should be put in place to develop capacity within the water
sector. The Environment Protection Board in association with civil aviation and
meteorological services should ensure that appropriate pollution control policies are
in place with accompanying legislation to enable regulation and enforcement.
Pollution of land involves industrial waste, construction waste, solid waste, liquid
waste and agricultural inputs (herbicides and pesticides). Industrial waste
management should be coordinated through the development and enforcement of
pollution control policies. In the agricultural and marine sectors, the agriculture
extension services and the marine services will have a key role in monitoring and
assessing the use of chemicals on land and water.
Environmental Education
The CFD and NPT have institutional responsibility for promoting and coordinating
environmental training and educational programmes in collaboration with relevant
bodies. This is with a view to creating national awareness in all sectors and
upgrading national capabilities and skills in these fields.
140
These agencies could further address their responsibility by facilitating the
development of a National Environmental Education Strategy in collaboration with
the Ministry of Education and Culture for the purpose of developing a national
framework for environmental education, awareness and participation. The strategy
should identify the appropriate institutional requirements to represent and coordinate
the activities of existing agencies, both public and private, in the Territory.
The National Curriculum Redesign Project of the Ministry of Education and Culture
should be responsible for integrating environmental issues into the primary and
secondary curriculum. The institutional capacity for tertiary environmental education
and research should be developed within the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College.
The college should vigorously embark on an expansion programme for
environmental studies and research.
The HLSCC could also develop its research capacity to supply general
environmental research services to government and private institutions. This could
be managed through a limited liability company owned by the College or through the
EPB. Drafted legislation should place responsibility with individual organizations for
environmental training of employees within all sectors but especially the industrial
and marine sectors.
Larger firms should be encouraged to develop environmental management plans,
which include environmental training requirements. Potential exists to build capacity
of existing training institutions to provide environmental management training to this
sector. Professional environmental management training could be provided through
the HLSCC and the health and safety aspect of environmental management plans
should be monitored and reviewed on a regular basis.
Biodiversity and Tourism
The National Parks Trust and the Conservation and Fisheries Department are
responsible, through the Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour, for the
establishment and administration of national parks, national museums, historical
monuments, archaeological sites and protection of places of scenic beauty. They
also deliver an environmental education programme. The role of the NPT and CFD
biodiversity conservation and the management of the Territory’s physical and
cultural heritage need to be strengthened.
141
Chapter 7
Implementation, Monitoring and Review
Implementation
The overriding objective of this section is to (a) ensure that the activities in the NEAP
are implemented according to priority and within specified timeframes by the
identified agencies and that (b) regular monitoring and review mechanisms are
established for the NEAP.
The NEAP has been developed with broad participation through the involvement of
numerous public, private, non-governmental and community based organizations.
Therefore, the main focus for implementing the plan should be to adopt a bottom-up
approach by involving a wide range of stakeholders from the outset and by building
capacity at the government and grass root levels as well as in local organizations
and institutions.
Once the strategy has been adopted nationally, a sensitization programme should to
be undertaken throughout the Territory. The purpose of this programme would be to
let the public know what the NEAP means to the different stakeholders and the
public at large, what role it will play in conservation and environmental management,
and what kind of timeframe can be expected for the implementation of various
activities under the plan. A focus group of public, private, NGOs, CBOs, and the
media should be established to carryout this task.
The NEAP will in some cases compliment existing policies of various agencies and
should be incorporated into the ongoing and planned conservation and environment
programmes.
Prioritizing and Sequencing of Activities
Over the last two to three decades, the Virgin Islands has enjoyed remarkable
economic growth. While the entire Territory has benefited from this growth, most of
the developmental activities have in one way or another negatively impacted on the
environment. This is reflected in the wide range of issues, strategies and activities
contained in the NEAP. It is evident that all of the strategies and activities will not
contribute to the same level and order of priority to the sustainable management of
the environment, nor are they equally urgent.
Furthermore, some of the strategies listed are already being pursued by other
sectoral agencies and strategies. Scarcity of financial and human resources would
also make it impossible to pursue all of the recommendations at the same time,
therefore, it is important to prioritize and sequence the various activities which are to
be implemented under this plan. Activities which are not being addressed presently
but have been identified as having the potential for preventing further environmental
142
degradation needs to be addressed first. The prioritized activity list is in Appendix D.
(To be prioritized by NEAP Secretariat and Sub-committee).
Administration, Coordination and Review
A key to the success of the NEAP will be the continuation and further establishment
of an administrative structure that will ensure its implementation and subsequent
monitoring and review. This should reflect progress made through completion of
activities and allow for the identification of new actions to be undertaken. A number
of government agencies have mandates to undertake programmes related to
sustainable environmental management. Hence, one of the greatest challenges
facing the successful implementation of the NEAP would be to foster better
communication between various government institutions to minimize overlapping of
programmes outlined in the NEAP.
It must be stressed that although the plan strongly recommends the establishment of
an Environmental Protection Board the issues, strategies and activities outlined in
the plan do not focus on a single area or agency relating to environmental
management. Therefore, the implementation of the NEAP will require full
participation of inter-sectoral agencies and other NGOs and CBOs in collaboration
with the EPB.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour will act as the central coordinator and
lead agency in implementing the National Environmental Action Plan. The Ministry
will be responsible for implementing the following activities:
•
Establish the Environmental Protection Board to serve as the central
coordination agency responsible for conservation and environmental
management
•
Coordinate the involvement of other agencies and organizations
•
Administer the formulation of a Technical Committee to assist the EPB for the
implementation of the strategy
•
Assist relevant ministries in detailed preparation of project proposals
•
Assist in obtaining national and international funding for activities outlined in
the plan
•
Oversee the promotion of the plan at national and international levels
•
Administer the monitoring and review process.
143
Apart from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour, the follow agencies with
environmental related mandates will also play key roles in implementing the plan:
• Ministry of Communication and Works
• Ministry of Finance and Economic Development
• Ministry of Education and Culture
• Ministry of Health and Welfare
• Office of the Chief Minister
• Office of the Governor
• Conservation and Fisheries Department
• National Parks Trust
• Marine Services Unit
• Port Authority
• Customs and Excise Department
• Police Department
• Agriculture Department
• Public Works Department
• Survey Department
• Town and Country Planning Department
• Water and Sewerage Department
• Disaster Management Department
• Health Department
• Solid Waste Department
• Tourist Board
• BVI Chamber of Commerce and Hotel Association
• NGOs and CBOs
The above lead agencies will take the responsibility of implementing various
programmes identified in the NEAP, which falls within their jurisdiction, ensuring that
they are incorporated in their work plans.
Environmental Protection Board (EPB)
As stated in Chapter 6 and to facilitate better coordination and cooperation between
different agencies involved in the implementation process, an environment
protection board and a technical committee will be utilized. The board/committee
will:
• Oversee the timely implementation of the NEAP on behalf of and in
collaboration with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour
• Adopt terms of references and work plans for various programmes proposed
under the NEAP
• Identify project partners
• Identify co-funding options
• Reflect progress made through completion of tasks
• Identify new actions to be undertaken
• Provide overall direction.
144
The EPB will be the main decision making body for the NEAP. It should comprise of
a cross section of senior officials from all the lead agencies identified as well as local
representatives of international funding organizations, eg. UNDP, UNESCO, DFID,
etc.
Technical Committee
The Technical Committee should be a multi-disciplinary committee of professional
from all major agencies involved in the implementation of the NEAP. The main
function of the Technical Committee will be to advise the EPB on technical aspects
of various programmes and activities outlined in the plan. The initial task of the
committee will be to undertake a review of ongoing programmes undertaken by
various agencies targeted towards conservation and sustainable environmental
management.
The Technical Committee will also play a key role in monitoring and reviewing the
progress of the NEAP. The review process will be the primary occasion to examine
the progress of various programmes and activities, identify the difficulties and initiate
remedial actions. After each review process, a meeting of the EPB will be held. A
full review report must be presented to the EPB.
Another important aspect, which has to be considered for successful implementation
is fostering international assistance for various programmes, identified and
formulated under the NEAP. The Virgin Islands does not have all the financial
resources or technical capacity/capability to implement all of the programmes
outlined in the plan, hence, the need to seek assistance from the international
community.
In consultation with other relevant agencies, the Ministry of Natural Resources and
Labour will identify the areas of the plan, which require international assistance and
with the aid of the Ministry of Finance and the Office of the Governor, tap the
international organizations for possible assistance.
145
Priority Actions
ACTIONS
PRIORITY
Restructure the Ministry of Natural
Resources and Labour and establish
the Ministry of Natural Resources,
Environment and Planning (MNREP)
(transfer TCP, Tourism, and possibly
DPU to MNREP and Labour to CMO)
Establish the Environmental
Protection Board (EPB) to serve as
the central coordination agency
responsible for conservation and
environmental management. EPB will
also serve as an independent
environmental standards and
monitoring authority
Create a National Physical
Development Plan with
accompanying zoning legislation and
other relevant development control
regulations
Restructure the Water and Sewerage
Department and the BVI Electricity
Corporation to create the Virgin
Islands Water and Electricity
Corporation (VIWEC) (merge
Sewerage with Solid Waste)
Conduct a review of existing and
required environmental legislation
and establish the Virgin Islands
Environment Act as the legal
framework for conservation,
preservation and sustainable
management of the environment
Strengthen working relationship
between all agencies with
responsibility for the environment
1
Merge Sewerage with Solid Waste
and create the Virgin Islands
Sewerage and Waste Management
Authority (VISAWMA) and develop a
national strategy for waste
management
1
TIME
FRAME
Short
and
Medium
Term
RESPONSIBILITY
MNRL, CMO, OG,
GVI
1
Short
and
Medium
Term
MNRL, GVI, OG
1
Short
and
Medium
Term
CMO, TCP, CFD,
DPU, SSD
2
Short
and
Medium
Term
MCW, CMO, GVI
1
Short
and
Medium
Term
MNRL, AG
Chambers, GVI
2
Short
and
Medium
Term
Short
and
Medium
Term
CMO, MNRL, All
Agencies
MHW, MNRL, GVI
146
Develop a National Environmental
Education and Communication
Strategy and promote public
awareness and participation
Develop and enact national policies
respecting health, human settlements
and pollution
2
Revise the National Tourism Strategy
1
Increase the capacity of NGOs and
CBOs to play a larger role in
environmental management (training)
Develop a National Biodiversity
Policy and Action Plan
3
Establish a programme to facilitate
the development of affordable and
planned human settlements
1
1
1
Short
and
Medium
Term
Short
and
Medium
Term
Medium
Term
Medium
and Long
Term
Medium
and Long
Term
Short
and
Medium
Term
CFD, GIS, CMO,
CFD, MNRL, MEC
MNRL, CMO, MCW,
MHW, GVI
CMO, TB, GVI
MNRL, CMO
MNRL, OG, MCW,
GVI
MCW, MoF, TCP,
DPU
147
Avenues for Action
•
Stimulation of participation and action of all actors from business to citizens,
non-governmental organizations and social partners, and community based
organizations through better and more accessible information on the
environment and joint work on the solution.
•
Integration of environmental concerns as environmental problems has to be
tackled where their source is and this is frequently in other policies.
•
Effective implementation and enforcement of environmental legislation is
necessary to set a common baseline for the Territory.
•
Use of a blend of instruments, as all types of instruments have to be
considered, the essential criterion for choice being that it has to offer the best
efficiency and effectiveness possible.
•
The further development and strategic use of the Geographic Information
System (GIS) and development of the Environmental Information System
(EIS) will greatly assist in the implementation, monitoring and review of the
NEAP
148
Appendices
Appendix A - Members of NEAP Secretariat and Subcommittee
Appendix B - Focus Group Protocol and Questions
Appendix C - Survey Questionnaire
Appendix D - List of Legislation Relating to the Environment
Appendix E - Maps
Appendix F - Photographs
149
Appendix A
ENVIRONMENT SECRETARIAT MEMBER LIST
Name & Position
Group/Agency
Dr. Haldane Davies, Facilitator
Director, Orion Consultancy Ltd.
Bertrand Lettsome, CCFO
CFD
Lynda Varlack, Chairman
CFD
Lauralee Mercer, Vice Chairman
TCPD
Avelinda Freeman, Public Relations Rep
TCPD
Jasmine Hodge-Bannis, Venue Administration
CFD
Angella Bennett, Deputy Secretary
CFD
Mark Hayward, GIS/Map Support
CFD
Neil Marshall, Budgetary/Research Support
CFD
Allington Creque – Physical/Docu Support
CFD Intern
Levette Walters, Secretary
CFD Intern
ENVIRONMENT SUB-COMMITTEE MEMBER LIST
Name
Group/Agency
Miles Pilch
Nanny Cay Marina
Keith Thomas
Nanny Cay Marina
Garnet Hanson
Delta Petroleum
Roy Dalrymple
Environmental Health Division
Stephanie Elder-Alexander
Survey Department
Norval Young
Survey Department
Chris Howell
Island Resource Foundation
Eustace Ferguson
Water & Sewerage
Patrick Mitchell
Water & Sewerage
Bernard Grant
Water & Sewerage
Joseph George
Fire & Rescue
Melvin Jeffers
Fire & Rescue
Cyford Morgan
Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbour
Gregory Smith
Shell Antilles
Kelvin M. Dawson
Land Registry
Calvin Baronville
Wickhams Cay Development Authority
Brent Brydon
Providence Engineering & Project Management
Ltd. /Island Erosion
Ann Halsted
Crewed Charter Yacht Society of BVI
Janet Oliver
Executive Director, Charter Yacht Society of BVI
Ixora-Rose Wong
ARK & Island Erosion
Anselm Myers
Solid Waste Department
Dean Doran
Native Son Inc
Bernadette Mckelly
Ministry of Natural Resources & Labour
Robert Power
Association of Reef Keepers
Lesley Heaney
Association of Reef Keepers
150
Appendix B
NEAP Protocol for Focus Group
Good morning/afternoon and welcome to our session today. Thank you for your
willingness to participate. My name is Haldane Davies (give brief introduction).
Assisting me is Lynda Varlack (give brief introduction). We are both working on the
development of a national environmental action plan on behalf of the Conservation
and Fisheries Department. We are attempting to gain information about what you
think about the Virgin Islands environment. We are inviting you to share your
perceptions and ideas.
There are no right or wrong answers but rather differing points of view. Please feel
free to share your point of view even if it differs from what others have said. We are
interested in your HONEST opinions.
I have asked Lynda to take notes and record the proceedings. I will moderate the
session. Our role here is simply to elicit information from you. Our participation in
this discussion will therefore be confined to record taking and moderating the
discussion.
Before we begin I invite you to have something to eat (optional). Once you are set
up, please feel free to eat while we talk.
Before we begin, here are the ground rules.
Rules
• This is strictly a research project. We will refer to you as respondent 1,
respondent 2, respondent 3 etc. to protect your identity.
•
We will be tape recording the session because we do not want to miss any of
your comments.
•
Please speak up--- only one person should talk at a time. If several are talking
at the same time, the tape will get garbled and we’ll miss your comments.
•
You may be assured of complete confidentiality. The tape and notes from this
interview will remain with us and will be destroyed once the data is
transcribed.
•
Keep in mind that we’re just as interested in negative comments as positive
comments, and at times the negative comments are most helpful.
151
•
Our session will last for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, so I encourage you to
really focus in so that we can get through all the questions.
Are there any questions?
Let’s begin. Let’s go around the room and identify ourselves. I am respondent 1, I
am respondent 2, etc.
Moderators identify themselves with the following:
“This is a test of the recording system, I am the moderator.”
“I am the recorder” (play back to see if it works)
Warm up question: Tell us a little about yourself: where you studied, how long you
have been concerned about the environment, what does your work entail, and a little
about the department/place where you work/study. (Give as much information as
you feel comfortable to give)
Interview Questions
1.
What would you identify as some of the more outstanding natural
resources of the Virgin Islands?
2.
How effectively are these resources managed, protected and preserved?
3.
What do you see as serious and imminent threats to the Virgin Islands
environment?
4.
Where do you get new information and knowledge on the Virgin Islands
environment?
5.
What are some of the more pressing environmental issues that need to be
addressed?
6.
Do you think that there is adequate balance between environment
protection and economic development activities such as tourism,
construction and other infrastructural development?
7.
How do you feel about the development of a national environmental action
plan?
8.
What do you like best about the Virgin Islands environment?
152
Appendix C
National Environmental Action Plan
Project Questionnaire
001
THE NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION PLAN PROJECT: A SURVEY OF
STAKEHOLDERS TO ASSESS SPECIFIC ASPECTS OF THE PROJECT
Good evening/morning sir/madam.
My name is ___________________ and I am with the Conservation and
Fisheries Department. We are conducting a short telephone survey asking
individuals about their views regarding the Virgin Islands environment. Am I
speaking with head of the home? The responses provided to the questions
will be confidential; you will NOT be identified with your responses. The
results of the survey will assist us in developing a National Environmental
Action Plan.
This interview will only take about 10 minutes of your time. Are you
willing to participate?
Good.
(The Interviewer will go through the demographics with the Interviewee)
Section I
General Information (Please check)
A.
Status:
___________
Public Sector [] Private Sector [] Self Employed [] Other []
B.
Age: (16-18) []
C.
Gender:
(18-25) []
Male []
(26-35) []
(36-50) []
(0ver 50) []
Female []
D.
Number of years in the Virgin Islands _______________________
Section II
Next, I will read 10 items each of which states an opinion. The purpose is to find out
whether you agree or disagree with each statement. Please answer as HONESTLY
as possible. Think carefully and tell me whether you
Strongly agree
Agree
Strongly disagree
Disagree, or
Cannot decide or have no opinion
about each of the following statements.
153
Are you ready?
(The Interviewer will circle the number that corresponds to the
Interviewee’s response)
Statements
1. The public is regularly informed
about the need to preserve the
natural resources of the Virgin
Islands.
2. I am NOT familiar with the various
types of environmental legislation that
currently exists in the Virgin Islands.
3. Adequate systems are in place
for the disposal of waste including
waste from yachts and cruise
ships.
4. There should NOT be a limit on the
number of users for any given
resource within a specified period of
time in the Virgin Islands.
5. Water resources are well
managed.
6. Population expansion is a threat to
the Virgin Islands environment.
7. The government of the Virgin
Islands is serious about the
protection of the environment.
8. Pollution is NOT affecting the
Virgin Islands environment.
9. Development activities are
adversely affecting the Virgin
Islands environment.
10. Industrial products (eg. fuels,
paints, detergents) used in the Virgin
Islands are good for the environment.
Strongly
Agree
Agree
Disagree
Strongly
Disagree
Cannot
Decide or
no Opinion
4
3
2
1
0
4
3
2
1
0
4
3
2
1
0
4
3
2
1
0
4
3
2
1
0
4
3
2
1
0
4
3
2
1
0
4
3
2
1
0
4
3
2
1
0
4
3
2
1
0
11. Is there anything else you would like to say with respect to the Virgin
Islands environment?
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
____________________
154
Thank you sir/madam for your kind assistance in responding to the questions asked.
Your responses will certainly assist the government of the Virgin Islands as it plans
for the sustainable management of the environment and natural resources of the
territory. Thank you. Good Bye.
155
Appendix D
156
Appendix E
157
Appendix F
158
159