GEORGE’S GRENADA, 14 OCT 2024 – As part of its mandate to strengthen its support to Caribbean Small Island Developing States (SIDS), the Partnership Initiative for Sustainable Land Management (PISLM) continues its work, towards implementing the establishment agreement, which involves the approval of the Headquarters Agreement that would see Grenada become the Headquarters for the Regional Inter-Governmental Organisation (IGO).
On Monday 7th October 2024, a delegation from the PISLM led by Chief of Staff Ms. Kiefer Jackson, along with Mr. Trevor Thompson, Project Manager for the Caribbean Small Islands Developing States (SIDS) multi-country soil management initiative for integrated Landscape Restoration and climate-resilient food systems (CSIDS – SOILCARE) project held productive discussions with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Mrs. Roxie McLeish-Hutchinson, Permanent Secretary of Grenada’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reaffirmed the government of Grenada’s backing and dedication to collaborating closely with the PISLM to guarantee the Headquarters Agreement’s successful execution. “We look forward to working with PISLM to further reduce land degradation and improve livelihoods; not only for us in Grenada, but also our Caribbean region,” she said, referring to PISLM’s initiatives in Grenada, which include creating digital soil maps for the nation, increasing the capacity for soil testing at Grenada’s Produce Chemist lab, and restoring hot and bright spots for land degradation in Grenada and Carriacou.
The PISLM team, utilised the opportunity to present the strategic benefits of establishing the headquarters in Grenada, that will serve as the central office to coordinate and implement regional projects, initiatives and enhancing policies and their development that will seek to increase efforts among small island developing states to achieve Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN).
Kiefer Jackson, Chief of Staff of PISLM stated, “As we wind down the implementation of SOILCARE phase 1 and continue to work in member states, with projects such as the Post-Maria Project in Dominica and the Integrated Landscape Management Project we look forward to further working to achieve Land Degradation Neutrality in the region. PISLM, remains committed to helping regional member states meet their obligations under the UNCCD and land and soil commitments under the Barbados Programme of Action (BPOA).”
Grenadian Trevor Thompson, who currently serves as the SOILCARE Project Manager, explains that “Having a regional IGO in Grenada will help to consolidate regional activities from one location and advance achieving the Convention objectivities. It will also bring added benefits to Grenada.” The Partnership Initiative for Sustainable Land Management (PISLM), signed a headquarters establishment agreement in Grenada in April 2024 at the High-Level Ministerial Forum. It aims to improve its mission and address land management challenges in Caribbean Small Island Developing States with continued talks and support from the Grenadian Government.
