The document discusses two projects underway in St. Lucia's Department of Forestry. The first is an alien invasive species project working to control non-native plants and animals threatening biodiversity. It also aims to increase public awareness and establish policies to prevent future invasions. The second summarizes upgrades to the Millet Nature Trail and Enbas Saut forest trail, including new facilities and training for community members, with the goal of promoting sustainable tourism.

1. D E PA RT M E N T O F F O R E S T RY M A RC H / A P R I L 2 0 1 0
E N V I RO N M E N TA L E D U C A T I O N U N I T BU L L E T I N
What’s been going on ?
Alien Invasive Species Project in Full Swing !!
St. Lucia is one of five (5) caribbean islands participating in a 4 year project on conservation
of biological diversity of the caribbean. Collaborating organizations for the execution of this
project are UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme), GEF (Global Environment Fa-
cility), CABI (Centre for Agriculture and Biosciences International) and the Forestry Depart-
Lion fish (Pterois Volitans) ment. The overall coordinator of this project in St. Lucia is Dr. Ulrike Krauss.
Alien invasive species are organisms both flora and fauna , microscopic and macroscopic
which threaten our local endemic biodiversity. As the term implies these aliens invade our land
with the aim to conquer. They usually multiply super fast and compete with our native species
for territory, food etc. eventually taking over their habitat and rendering the native species ex-
tinct.
How do these alien invasives get here? Sad to say in many ways. The pet trade for instance is
Green iguana thought to be one of the culprits. Many people see these plants and animals and think “oh how
( Iguana iguana) cute” so they import it or sneak it in to sell not thinking of the consequences of their actions
and before you know it we have a crisis on our hands.
The giant African snail, an alien invasive, has caused untold economic damage with thousands
of dollars being spent annually just to control them. Eradication does not even seem a possibil-
ity. It is thought that they got here on a container carrying imported provisions. Greater vigi-
lance at ports of entry is definitely necessary to curb the entry of invasive alien species.
Cane toad (Bufo Marinus) The alien plants and animals seen on the left are already prevalent on some parts of our island
with the exception of the lion fish. The battle is on. As to who is winning, that is yet unde-
cided.
To give us a greater advantage against these invasives the cooperation of everyone is needed.
The following needs to be established:
♦ A national policy and strategy
♦ Public awareness and education
Ivy Gourd ♦ Prevention (prevention as they say is better than cure).
(Coccinia grandis) ♦ Monitoring and control
This is what this 4 year project aims to do. All stakeholders need to know and understand their
role. Furthermore they need to work collaboratively in executing their duties. Whether it be the
Forestry Department, Fisheries, National Trust, Heritage Tourism, the government and most
importantly the average citizen. We all stand to benefit if we work united. Questionnaires have
already been prepared to acquire information from the general public to develop the frame-
work for awareness activities.
African Tulip We hope that all the objectives set out in this project are accomplished and sustained in order
(Spathdea campanulata ) to win the battle against the invasives.
Phone: 468-5648/5
E-mail your suggestions/ ideas to:
eeunit@gmail.com Done by: Nicole La Force

2. D E PA RT M E N T O F F O R E S T RY M A RC H / A P R I L
2010
What’s been going on ?
The Millet PERB Project
The Millet PERB (Protecting the Eastern Caribbean Region’s Biodiversity ) Project financed by USAID (United States Agency
of International Development) and supervised by OECS (Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States) is soon to be completed.
The project’s main aim is to provide a sustainable, unique and viable nature tourism product, whilst enhancing and protecting
the natural and physical environment, without compromising the integrity of the natural and physical features of the Millet Na-
ture Trail.
A complete reconnaissance of the area has been done and the area is found to be rich in biodiversity and is home to the larg-
est damn in the eastern caribbean; the John Compton Dam. Worthy of our protection.
The Forestry Department and members of the Tete-Chemin community will co-manage the Millet Nature Trail thereby promot-
ing sustainable livelihoods for persons in and around the community. The trail will boast brand new signage, an interpretive
centre, office space, and a vending area where souvenirs, bouquets and other arts and craft items will be sold.
With this new upgrade it is hoped that more visitors both local and foreign will be attracted to the trail consequently increasing
its revenue and the economic benefit to community members all in the hope of one day achieving financial autonomy.
Some community members along with tour guides have already been selected to undergo a capacity building exercise where
they will be receiving training in areas such as small business management and customer relations. Conducting this workshop
is Mr. Martin G. Weekes who has over 20 years training experience, conducting numerous workshops and training seminars in
St Lucia and other islands of the Eastern Caribbean.
This training is to be done during the month of May 2010. The course outline will include things such as; cash management and
budgeting, effective communication and the art of negotiating for the small business person etc.
If all goes according to what is envisioned for this area, it will be a win win situation and who isn't happy about that !!
Phone: 468-5648/5
E-mail your suggestions/ ideas to: Done by: Nicole La Force
eeunit@gmail.com

3. D E PA RT M E N T O F F O R E S T RY M A RC H / A P R I L 2 0 1 0
E N V I RO N M E N TA L E D U C A T I O N U N I T BU L L E T I N
What’s been going on ?
Getting it right this time around @ the Enbas Saut Trail!
Office / Store room Gazebo Toilet
The Upgrade at the Enbas Saut forest trail has finally been done right. If you recall from the November –
December 2009 bulletin, an EC $50, 000 grant was given by the Ministry of Tourism for the upgrade of this trail. I
am happy to report that after firing the first contractor who botched the job, the second contractor did a fabulous
job delivering exactly what we wanted; nicely finished, natural looking amenities. Mr. Mitchel of the St. Lucia Heri-
tage Tourism, Mr. Remy, building officer and the forestry staff especially Ms. Sylvie Raymond are especially
pleased with the results.
With this new upgrade we hope that visitors will enjoy even more their nature experience and be happy with our
facilities. This too motivates and increases the pleasure of our tour guides in executing their duties. Included is a
beautiful gazebo for welcoming visitors and for providing rest and shelter from the elements. Now present are
modern his and her toilets and a store room. We are hoping that these facilities will not be vandalized and that
they will be well maintained.
A small thank you ceremony is planned where representatives of St. Lucia Heritage Tourism and forestry staff
with the possible presence of the PS of the Ministry of Agriculture and the minister for tourism Mr. Allen Chastnet
will be in attendance. Thanks to everyone involved for a job well done!
Phone: 468-5648/5
E-mail your suggestions/ ideas to: Done by: Nicole La Force
eeunit@gmail.com