THE SAINT LUCIA NATIONAL TRUST - Environmental Funds Tool Kit

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Protecting Fair Helen’s PatrimonyMessage from theChairpersonCharting a new directionProtecting special places in Saint Lucialies at the core of the responsibilities ofthe Saint Lucia National Trust.In November 1998, the Trust launchedits Strategic Plan 1998 – 2007, thedecision to embark on which “reflecteda new desire within the organisation toexercise a greater degree of controlover the factors and forces affecting itswork”. 1Never before in its history, has the Trustfaced as immense a challenge indelivering on this mandate, as confrontsus now, at the dawn of the 21 st century.Around the globe, contending with thecompeting priorities of nationaldevelopment as opposed topreservation of sites, customs andwildlife is a never‐ending balancing act.This increasingly important yet difficultexercise identifies ambitiousemployment generating developmentprojects, inflames contrasting passions,spurs growing numbers of concernedcitizens to take responsibility for theirpatrimony, and influences conservationpolicies.In executing the Strategic Plan, the Trustfocused on advocacy, membershipinvolvement and site management withsome success.However as revenue inflows declined,the Trust faltered in its efforts, and from2001, has been engaged in reviving itsfortunes. During this period to the timeof writing, development pressures onsensitive areas have increased, andsome have been significantlycompromised or lost.1 Saint Lucia National Trust Strategic Plan 1998– 2007.The scales are tipping over todevelopment, placing many wonderfulsites and structures under severe threatof destruction. Sadly, more and morespecial places are being lost.In Saint Lucia, our wonderfully diverselandscapes are rich in historic andnatural places that are inseparable fromour national and cultural identities.vii
Protecting Fair Helen’s PatrimonyThese special places are of greatsignificance to our many peoples,because they help us to remember, tolearn, to belong, and to share ourstories with others.Our beautiful Pitons, white and blackbeaches, and other places of leisure andenjoyment.The Trust is increasingly being calledupon to show leadership, inrepresenting the interests of citizensand visitors alike, in averting the impactof over‐development onspecial places.As a result, our newstrategic planningprocess identifiesopportunities fromfocusingonconservation through:sand beaches, lush forests and otherwonderful sites, together with the plantand animal species that abound on theisland, provide inspiration for artisticcreativity. These fascinating naturalassets serve as a foundation for social,touristic, and economic development.They make new visitors, returningnationals and other travelers feelwelcome, and symbolize who we are asSaint Lucians.Over the last 20 years, as the shift fromagriculture to tourism has gatheredmomentum, many hotels have beenconstructed along coastal areas, alteringthe landscape forever.The populace continues to voice seriousconcerns regarding the loss of access to1. addressing theconcerns of thepeople regarding theperceived loss oftheir patrimony,2. strengthening the internal capacityof the Trust,3. more collaborative advocacy,4. enhanced and expandedenvironmental education,5. increased membership andstakeholder involvement and,6. improved development andmanagement of our sites, as well assupporting management ofprotected areas.What has emerged is clearer, morecompelling vision of a Saint Lucia whereour natural and historical patrimony isconserved. A strong sense of purpose,collaboration, and national pride drivesthe achievement of the vision.viii
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THE SAINT LUCIA NATIONAL TRUST - Environmental Funds Tool Kit

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