St. Kitts and Nevis has again taken centre stage in global biodiversity discussions, showcasing the UNESCO-designated St. Mary’s Biosphere Reserve (SMBR) as a leading example of sustainable development and environmental stewardship. The reserve was highlighted in two key UNESCO webinars, providing a platform to share insights on tackling biodiversity challenges in small island developing states (SIDS).
Spotlight on Biodiversity Action
The first webinar, titled “Building on COP16: From Global Goals to Local Action”, took place on 15th November 2024. The session highlighted how the SMBR serves as a case study in translating international biodiversity commitments into tangible, localised conservation strategies. Drawing from the publication “Local Actions for the New Global Biodiversity Framework”, the webinar explored actionable methods for achieving global biodiversity targets in UNESCO-designated sites across Latin America and the Caribbean.
In the second webinar, held on 10th December 2024, SMBR National Coordinator Telca Wallace presented on the critical issue of “Sustainable Waste Reduction in SIDS.” She emphasised the environmental threats posed by single-use plastics, including their detrimental impact on ecosystems and tourism.
Advancing a Plastic-Free Vision
In alignment with its commitment to sustainability, the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis is set to phase out the importation, sale, and distribution of single-use plastics starting 31st December 2024. Early 2025 will see UNESCO collaborating with the government to implement a plastic-free framework within the SMBR, inspired by successful models like São Tomé and Príncipe.
Minister of Environment, Climate Action and Constituency Empowerment, Hon. Dr. Joyelle Clarke, hailed the initiative as a milestone:
“The ban on single-use plastics reflects our unwavering commitment to safeguarding our environment. The St. Mary’s Biosphere Reserve will play a pivotal role in realising our sustainable ambitions with UNESCO’s expertise guiding this transformative process.”
UNESCO experts are expected to visit the Federation in early 2025 to conduct stakeholder consultations and organise events aimed at turning the SMBR into a model plastic-free zone.
A Model for SIDS and Beyond
Wallace expressed her optimism for the initiative, noting its potential to build capacity among authorities tasked with implementing the national plastics ban.
“Using the SMBR as a test case allows us to learn and adapt strategies that can be applied nationwide. It’s an honour to lead these efforts,” she explained.
The significance of SMBR’s achievements was further underscored by UNESCO’s Director of Ecological and Earth Sciences, Antonio Abreu.
“The St. Mary’s Biosphere Reserve exemplifies the integration of nature conservation, cultural identity, and socio-economic development. It’s an inspiring model for other island territories within UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves,” he said.
Collaboration for a Sustainable Future
Ambassador David Doyle, the Federation’s Permanent Delegate to UNESCO, highlighted the importance of an interconnected approach in addressing biodiversity loss in SIDS. He noted that the SMBR initiative is creating opportunities for local businesses, farmers, and government agencies while tackling pressing environmental challenges.
Secretary-General of the National Commission for UNESCO, H. E. Nerys Dockery, also lauded the partnership noting, “This project demonstrates how UNESCO’s technical support can guide national strategies for sustainability. It’s a vital step toward realising our vision of a Sustainable Island State.”
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