A question is asked at a BVA meeting

PART III

As established in Part I and Part II of this article, the Project Management Unit of the Basseterre Valley Aquifer Project was established in 2008, and the appropriate geological surveys conducted in June 2009. March 2010 was the appropriate time to bring the findings of the surveys and the proposals on the way forward to the general public. At the meetings held locally, stakeholders and the general public in extension, noted that carry through of the IWCAM Project was very important. They stressed that on occasion environmentally appropriate proposals, in particular, have been revealed, yet, many have not followed through.

“Cabinet approved the seeking of funds for Phase II from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and other agencies for financial and technical support,” Mr. Ian Liburd, Basseterre Valley Aquifer Project Manager said. He further noted that initial discussions have already taken place with Rob Weary, Senior Policy Advisor for Latin America and the Caribbean pertaining to financial support from The Nature Conservancy which is expected to become available by January 01, 2011.

“The implementation steps for the legislation for the establishment of the park, protected area and park trust have already been researched,” Mr. Liburd continued. “I foresee everything going forward in the near future, particularly considering that the protection of the aquifer and establishment of the park are of major concern to the government.”

Liburd reiterated that the park plans derive from early consultations with stakeholders and it is such input that contributed to the proposals. The importance of the inclusion of the sister island of Nevis, particularly, in the conservation legislation was emphasized at the more recent meetings. The Project Manager stressed that because we live in a dynamic world certain aspects of the project, such as the legislation would continue to be fine-tuned.

“The conservation legislation is all inclusive of both islands of the Federation,” Liburd emphasized. “While the proposal at present refers specifically to St. Kitts when it comes to the laws, it also states that the area to be conserved includes all terrestrial and marine areas. This can include Nevis. Addressing the public’s concerns, there can also be certain additions made to the present considerations.”

In terms of the way forward, Project Manager Liburd noted that analyses continue in terms of the revenue generation of the proposed Park, in tandem with additional consultations with the Tourism Sector. He said that following such, alternative revenue generation would be presented. He also revealed that current activities include clearing the Aquifer sections around the Taiwanese Demonstration Farm along the Kim Collins Highway to allow a view of the partially renovated sugar mill; the field adjacent to Wellington Road which is a proposed business park; and east of the windmill in the area reserved for the proposed visitor centre.

The Basseterre Valley Aquifer Project Management Unit (PMU) has proposed the use of the equipment of the Agriculture Resource Management Project (ARMP). This would involve the use of a heavy-roaming harrow and bulldozer to remove the sugar cane in stages. Initial discussions were also held with the Department of Lands and Surveys for the appropriate survey plan and legal documenting of the area for the proposed Park.
The main implementation activities for Phase II of the project will include the development of draft legislation including the St. Kitts-Nevis Protected Area System and the St. Kitts-Nevis Protected Area Trust; additional analysis for a revenue generation strategy; a landscape plan for the National Park and detailed implementation planning to establish a conservation service as well as public education, a tourism “thank you” programme and the like. These activities will take place prior to the construction of the amphitheatre, visitor centre and the water feature of the National Park.

There are many tasks ahead, when it comes to the GEF-IWCAM Basseterre Valley Aquifer Project Phase II. In the midst of all this activity, the residents of St. Kitts and Nevis should never loose sight of the fact that the protection of the Basseterre Valley Aquifer is the ultimate goal. While there is revenue to be generated by the Park, it is the water that is the underlying motivator. This resource must be conserved in order for present and future generations to drink deep of its cool refreshing bounty.