ST. GEORGE’S, GRENADA, NOV 26, 2025- Executive Director of the Partnership Initiative on Sustainable Land Management (PISLM), Dr. Ronen Francis, along with Consultant Euan James, completed a five-day consultation in Saint Lucia last week, from November 17 to 21, aimed at advancing cooperation under the Iyanola Project and deepening national and regional partnerships for sustainable land and soil management.
The engagements in St. Lucia included meeting with Mr. Michael Bobb, Project Manager for the Saint Lucia Iyanola Project, and Deputy Permanent Secretary Mr. Chris Satney of the Department of Sustainable Development, discussing strategies for successfully closing out the project and ensuring alignment with national policy priorities.
“We welcome this support and are particularly encouraged by the policy-related outcomes expected from the project,” Mr. Staney said.
Dr. Francis explained, “Our engagement in the Iyanola Project reflects a renewed commitment to the land and people of St. Lucia, marking a pivotal new chapter in our partnership.”
“PISLM stands firmly with St. Lucia as we turn past challenges into a blueprint for sustainable progress… The revitalization of this initiative represents our shared mission to build a lasting, transformative legacy for the region and generations to come,” he added.
PISLM Project Manager Mr. Euan James emphasized the importance of a unified vision and strengthened collaboration:
“Our success hinges on the strength of our partnership in building a legacy of sustainable soil and land management… This meeting forged a unified vision to achieve Land Degradation Neutrality through sustainable land management in St. Lucia and the region.”
The PISLM delegation reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to bringing the project to completion, emphasizing that the final phase will prioritize strategy, policy relevance, and long-term impact.
The PISLM team also conducted a field visit to the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College (SALCC) farm intervention sites, accompanied by Dr. Catherine McCann (Projects Director) and Mr. St. George James (Farm Manager) and Hon. Alfred Prospere, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security, and Rural Development.
The team toured ongoing project interventions, including:
- Greenhouse rehabilitation
- Pond desilting
- Intercropping demonstration plots
- Land preparation for planting activities
- Small ruminant paddock development
Discussions focused on project progress, strengthening collaboration, and potential expansion areas—including the establishment of a propagation centre and rehabilitation of two 30,000-gallon water tanks to support climate-resilient agriculture.
