National Land Policy.

Land is and will remain a primary asset for national development, performing multiple social, economic, ecological and cultural functions. In our vision, land, including both terrestrial and marine areas, will contribute to economic development in agriculture, fisheries, tourism, trade, manufacturing and other sectors. It will also provide the space for all Saint Lucians to live and shelter, it will contribute to food security for the nation and good nutrition for all its citizens. Additionally, it will play a full role in poverty reduction and elimination, and will be a factor of social cohesion and cultural identity. Ultimately, land will support biological diversity, environmental quality and natural biophysical processes, and it will be used in conformity with its capability and conservation requirements. In this vision, people will show respect for the land as a national resource and together with people and organisations will understand fully the value and importance of land and the extent to which they depend on it. All social actors will assume full responsibility in land management, thanks to a strong political will and a deep popular commitment to tackle all land management issues, however complex or sensitive they may be. Goal The National Land Policy is to guide the use, management, development and administration of land resources in Saint Lucia in order to optimise the contribution of land to sustainable development. Guiding principles The principles that guide Saint Lucia’s National Land Policy are as follows: Equity; Right to land ownership; all stakeholders must recognise that land ownership also comes with the responsibility to keep the land in adequate and productive condition; Leadership role in formulating and facilitating implementation by all actors; Accountability; Collaboration and participation; Enforcement; Efficiency; Capacity building; Coordination and integration; Protection of common property; Precaution; Provision of incentives; Diversity in land rights and management regimes are recognised.