OECS and EU Officially Hand Over Royal Basseterre Valley National Park Arboretum in St. Kitts and Nevis

OECS Media Release

It is often said that water is life. In the face of growing global climate challenges and increasing threats associated with climate change, safeguarding water resources has become more critical than ever. The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) has been advancing efforts to protect vital ecosystems and water resources through the Integrated Landscape Management (ILM) Project, a five-year initiative funded by the European Union.

On Wednesday, May 13, 2026, the OECS Commission, in collaboration with the European Union (EU) and the Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis, officially handed over the Royal Basseterre Valley National Park Arboretum during a ceremony held under the OECS ILM Project.

Implemented through European Union grant funding, the initiative focused on enhancing sustainable land management through the construction of perimeter fencing and the establishment and afforestation of an arboretum within the Royal Basseterre Valley National Park. The protected site is located within a critical aquifer area that supplies fresh water to approximately 40 percent of the population of St. Kitts. The project also seeks to enhance the ecological, recreational, educational, and cultural value of the area through the strategic planting of fruit and ornamental trees.

The ceremony brought together government officials, OECS representatives, an EU representative, students, community members, development partners, and environmental stakeholders to celebrate the completion of the project and reaffirm a shared commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable development.

Delivering remarks at the ceremony, Senator and Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment and Climate Action and Constituency Empowerment in St. Kitts and Nevis, the Honourable Joyelle Clarke emphasised the importance of the initiative to the Federation’s long-term sustainability goals, which takes a holistic approach to include the concepts of health and wellness, and the protection of the country’s water resources.

“This arboretum is a testament to the possibility that exists through partnership and our regional systems,” Minister Clarke stated. “We are able to benefit from an initiative that actively takes into consideration our local realities and caters to the unique needs of this protected space, all while strengthening our environmental resilience.”

Director of the Department of Environment, Derionne Edmeade, described the project as an important investment in environmental resilience and public wellbeing and symbolised the Federation’s shared commitment to environmental stewardship, biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, and sustainable development for present and future generations.

Speaking on behalf of the OECS Commission, Mrs Delamine Andrew-Williams stated: “The Royal Basseterre Valley National Park Arboretum stands as a practical example of this vision in action, where environmental stewardship, community benefit, and national development come together harmoniously.” She added, “The successful establishment of the arboretum, including its fencing and afforestation, is a testament to sustained collaboration and technical excellence.”

Mr Quentin Peignaux of the European Union also addressed the gathering and reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to biodiversity conservation, soil and water protection, and sustainable development throughout the Caribbean region.

“It is very important for the European Union to participate in initiatives such as the ILM Programme because water resources and soil conservation are inseparable and are both essential to protecting the natural resources that sustain our living environment,” Mr Peignaux stated.

He also highlighted the European Union’s ongoing support for biodiversity conservation, protected area management, blue carbon initiatives, and nature-based solutions across the OECS region.

The official handover ceremony concluded with the unveiling of a commemorative plaque, followed by a symbolic tree-planting exercise, recognising the national day tree planting activities, involving government officials, OECS representatives, students, the Environment Ministry staff, community members, and development partners, reinforcing the shared commitment to environmental protection and sustainable landscape management in Saint Kitts and Nevis.