Grenada’s innovative approach to combating land degradation has drawn international attention at the 23rd session of the Committee for the Review of the Implementation of the Convention (CRIC 23) of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), currently underway in Panama.
Joseph Noel, Grenada’s National Focal Point to the UNCCD, presented the nation’s comprehensive strategy addressing the dual challenges of developmental pressures and climate change impacts. “Pressures on land for agriculture, housing, infrastructure and tourism development continue to intensify alongside the devastating impacts of climate change and climate variability,” Noel stated during his address to the international assembly.
The island nation has implemented three strategic initiatives through its Ministry of Agriculture, Lands and Forestry with partner support. These include the Caricom 25 by 25+5 Initiative, Caribbean SOILCARE Phases I & II funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), and the Caribbean Soil Information System (CARSIS). These programs are executed through the Partnership Initiative for Sustainable Land Management (PISLM) in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
Despite challenges including limited data availability and technical capacity constraints common to small island developing states, Grenada remains committed to its reporting obligations through the Performance Review and Assessment of Information System (PRAIS). Noel specifically acknowledged the support from organizations like PISLM and Apacheta, which have provided access to SIDS-specific, high-resolution datasets crucial for effective land management.
Grenada continues to strengthen its national land governance systems while reinforcing international partnerships as it progresses toward its target of achieving Land Degradation Neutrality.