ROSEAU DOMINICA- June 8, 2024- On June 05, 2024, PISLM joined in the celebration of World Environment Day under the theme: ‘Land restoration, desertification, and drought resilience,’ Reflecting on the theme for this year’s observance PISLM Chief of Staff Kiefer Jackson, underscored the importance of restoring degraded land and building resilience to droughts and desertification. She said Dominica’s ambitious goal of becoming the world‘s first climate-resilient nation by 2030, “Ensures that the benefits of land restoration, combating desertification, and enhancing drought resilience are felt across all sectors of society.”
As Dominica continues its journey towards becoming a climate-resilient nation, the lessons learned, and the successes achieved provide a valuable blueprint for other countries facing similar challenges.
Noting that farm productivity can be improved because of good agricultural practices including sustainable land management practices, Minister Cozier Frederick, Minister for the Environment, Rural Modernization, Kalinago Upliftment and Constituency Empowerment in the Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica, commended the work done by the PISLM, other partners and his Government. According to him, the projects will sustain the lands in his country. “ There is the political will and while we are investing in roads and other areas, there is the part that we all must play to ensure that the land gifted to us by the Kalinago ancestors remains with us.”
While the scars of Hurricane Maria’s passage in 2017, are still visible in Dominica, the Partnership Initiative for Sustainable Land Management, is playing an important role and providing support towards the reforestation and inclusion of sustainable soil and land management practices, in the country’s restoration and rebuilding efforts.
PISLM has been supporting the efforts in land restoration in the Coulibistrie, Batali, and La Plaine watersheds through its involvement in two projects- the Sustainable Land Management Project and Strengthening the Resilience of Forests and Agriculture Lands in Dominica. As the projects approached completion, several accomplishments were noted as support was given to the Government of Dominica. These include the GEF Funded Sustainable Land Management project in Dominica, targeted efforts in land restoration by reforestation at the Coulibistrie, Batali, and La Plaine watersheds, the collection of data from five (5) parishes to develop 5 Land Use maps, which were handed over to the Ministry of Environment to bolster its decision-making capabilities.
Dominica’s journey towards climate resilience serves as a valuable blueprint for other nations facing similar environmental challenges, highlighting the importance of integrated and sustainable approaches to land and resource management.
