ST. GEORGE’S GRENADA, April 16, 2024: The Partnership Initiative for Sustainable Land
Management (PISLM), will be operating under a new governance framework, following the
signing of an agreement by sponsor countries through their respective Ministers responsible for
the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification.
The official signing was done at the Royalton Resorts Grenada, during the PISLM’s Gala and
Award Ceremony on April 11, 2024. The 1st Ministerial Council on April 12, 2024,
complemented this event. The Ministerial Council saw Ministers from the three (3) sponsor
countries, Minister Frederick Cozier of the Commonwealth of Dominica, Minister Adrian
Thomas of Grenada, and Minister Alfred Prospere of St. Lucía officially signing the agreement
establishing the PISLM as an Inter-Governmental Organization (IGO).
During the Council Meeting, Minister Cozier demitted chairmanship, and Hon. Alfred Prospere,
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Rural Development in the Government of
Saint Lucia, assumed the Chairmanship of the first Ministerial Council. The incoming Chair
described the signing as a step in the right direction.
“This is a step in the right direction to give more latitude and focus on the work of the PISLM,
which will help us to manage our lands sustainably, to ensure that we get the full benefit.”
The PISLM, which will be headquartered in Grenada, will provide support to Caribbean Small
Island Developing States (CSIDs) to develop and implement the proper framework, necessary
tools, and capacity support to strengthen land use planning, and counter challenges such as land
degradation, soil erosion, and drought that impact food security and livelihoods.
The Ministerial Council guided the PISLM Executive Committee and the PISLM Secretariat, as
Ministers discussed how to promote sustainable land and sustainable soil management practices,
integrate climate change adaptation strategies, identify areas of action and prioritize moving
forward, and explore the possibility of further collaboration amongst Country Parties and with
other international and regional institutions.
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For more information, contact the Partnership Initiative for Sustainable Land Management at info@pislmsids.org or soilcarepagnd@pislmsids.org.
