The Partnership Initiative for Sustainable Land Management (PISLM), will be operating under a new governance framework, following the signing of an agreement by sponsor countries through their respective Ministers responsible for the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification.
The official signing was done at the Royalton Resorts Grenada, during the PISLM’s Gala and Award Ceremony on April 11, 2024. The 1st Ministerial Council on April 12, 2024, complemented this event. The Ministerial Council saw Ministers from the three (3) sponsor countries, Minister Frederick Cozier of the Commonwealth of Dominica, Minister Adrian Thomas of Grenada, and Minister Alfred Prospere of St.Lucia officially signing the agreement establishing the PISLM as an Inter-Governmental Organisation (IGO).
During the Council Meeting Minister Cozier demitted Chairmanship and Hon. Alfred Prospere, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Rural Development in the Government of Saint Lucia, assumed the Chairmanship of the first Ministerial Council. The incoming Chair described the signing as a step in the right direction.
“This is a step in the right direction to give more latitude and focus on the work of the PISLM, which will help us to manage our lands sustainably, to ensure that we get the full benefit.”
The PISLM which will be headquartered in Grenada will provide support to Caribbean Small Island Developing States (CSIDs) to develop and implement the proper framework, necessary tools, and capacity support to strengthen land use planning, and counter challenges such as land degradation, soil erosion, drought, that impacts food security and livelihoods.
The Ministerial Council guided the PISLM Executive Committee and the PISLM Secretariat, as Ministers discussed how to promote sustainable land and sustainable soil management practices, integrate climate change adaptation strategies, identify areas of action and priorities moving
forward, and explore the possibility of further collaboration amongst Country Parties and with other international and regional institutions.
