A delegation from the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Transformation, Forestry, Fisheries, Industry and Labour, alongside representatives from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Ridge to Reef Project, were in Union Island from May 6 to 8, 2025 to conduct assessments and training activities on forest fires prevention and response.

This initiative is part of the ongoing Ridge to Reef Project, funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and implemented by the UNDP, aimed at enhancing biodiversity conservation and reducing land degradation in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

Key activities during the visit included:

• Assessment of Chatham Bay Fire Site: The team visited the Chatham Bay area to evaluate the impact of a recent fire on the local ecosystem and to strategize on recovery and conservation efforts.
• Training for Union Island Environment Alliance (UIEA) Wardens: A specialized training session was conducted for the UIEA wardens, focusing on fire management techniques to enhance their capacity in preventing and responding to forest fires.
• Educational Outreach at Union Island Secondary School: An informative session was held at the Union Island Secondary School, serving as a central hub for students from the other schools on the island.

Samuel Harry from the Forestry Department delivered a presentation on the effects of forest fires, emphasizing the importance of forest conservation.

Makini Barrow, GEF-UNDP Ridge to Reef Project Coordinator, also addressed the students, highlighting the project's objectives and the role of youth in environmental stewardship.

The Ridge to Reef Project, initiated in 2019, is a collaborative effort between the Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and UNDP, with funding from GEF. The project aims to strengthen the national protected area system, implement sustainable land management practices, and promote integrated watershed management to conserve biodiversity and reduce land degradation.

SOURCE: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, Rural Transformation, Industry and Labour