CASTRIES, St. Lucia – The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission Tuesday congratulated St. Lucia on the formal endorsement of the country’s Coastal and Marine Spatial Plan, saying that it underscores the country’s “continued leadership and commitment to sustainable ocean governance and the advancement of its Blue Economy aspirations”.
An overhead view of a part of CastriesDeveloped under the Caribbean Regional Oceanscape Project (CROP),with support from the World Bank, the Coastal and Marine Spatial Plan provides an integrated, forward-looking framework to guide the sustainable use, management, and development of St. Lucia’s coastal and marine resources.
The OECS Commission said that at the heart of the plan lies a coastal master plan, which sets out a suite of priority interventions and investment opportunities, designed to strengthen economic resilience and foster inclusive growth.
It said that these priorities, shaped through extensive stakeholder engagement and community participation, reflect the real and emerging opportunities within St. Lucia’s coastal and marine environments.
The key areas highlighted in the accompanying marketing plan include five potential investment packages, namely village tourism, solar farm enhancement, resilient fisheries facilities, business accommodation and wind energy development
“Together, these initiatives support St. Lucia’s transition toward a robust, climate-resilient Blue Economy, unlocking sustainable economic pathways while preserving the nation’s natural coastal assets.”
The OECS Commission said that the Plan also features a Marine Spatial Plan that sets out a framework for managing nearshore and offshore areas.
“This tool strengthens decision-making by reducing conflicts among competing uses, aligning land-sea interactions, and mitigating risks associated with coastal and marine investment,” it said, adding that the tool offers clarity and certainty for public and private stakeholders, which are essential for the foundation of sustainable ocean development.
“The OECS Commission applauds St. Lucia for this strategic step forward and reaffirms its commitment to supporting member states in the development and implementation of integrated ocean governance frameworks.
“St. Lucia’s Coastal and Marine Spatial Plan stands as a model for regional collaboration, environmental stewardship, and Blue Economy transformation,” the OECS Commission added.
