TCI Energy Conservation Policy and Implementation Strategy

This Green Paper is intended to serve as a platform to facilitate ongoing consultations with stakeholders in the public and private sectors and civil society on the implications of climate change for the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The Report describes the progress and status of implementation of the Environment Charter.

In December 2003, the Executive Council of the Turks and Caicos Islands adopted this strategy to guide future actions. The present document extracts the substantive output of that exercise, the Strategy for Action to implement
the Environment Charter of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

On 26 Sept 2001, the UKOTs and HMG signed Environmental Charters which include statements of principles
and undertakings by both parties in respect of integrating environmental conservation into all sectors of policy
planning and implementation. TCIG’s first commitment under the Charter was to formulate a detailed strategy
for action to implement the Charter.

This handy pocket guide is part of the Department’s on-going effort to educate users of Protected Areas (specifically Columbus Landfall Marine National Park). It will provide information about the rules and regulations governing use of the Columbus Landfall Marine National Park for anyone who is visiting, working or living on the Islands. Readers will have the knowledge needed at their finger tips to prevent the likelihood of being fined or imprisoned simply because “they did not know”.

This National Fisheries Policy was prepared by the Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands, in keeping with its mandate and guided by the principles of the Environmental Charter, "to use our natural resources wisely, being fair to present and future generations".

The Fisheries Management Plan adequately highlights the issues affecting the sustainability of the fishing industry, focusing primarily on the main exploited fisheries resources including lobster, conch, finfish, and turtles. These issues primarily are overfishing, poaching, use of illegal gear and ….Together with the fishermen and plant operators the main management strategies to curtail these harmful actions. The DECR has always struggled with public awareness and enforcement reduction in effort and an increase in protected areas. The organization and presentation of the FMP makes it a valuable resource and a useful tool for all staff, as well as decision-makers in Government. The World fisheries is on a declined due to fishing pressure. This situation is evident from the latest figures of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The depletion of stocks have given rise to a number of regional and international management efforts, including the UN Law of the Sea, the FAO Code of Conduct, UN Convention on Straddling Fish Stocks and several plans of action. Most recently the Caribbean Regional Fishery Mechanism has developed a Common Fisheries Policy.

The Department of Environment & Coastal Resources consists of the Protected Areas - Environmental Management Division and the Fisheries Division. Together, these two entities are charged with the mandate of preserving and improving the quality of the environment of the Turks and Caicos Islands. It seeks to achieve this directive by assuring that human activity takes place without compromising the integrity and the well-being of human beings and ecosystems. The DECR sees to it that natural resources are used sensibly with the intent of achieving sustainable development. The DECR's priorities outlined in the corporate plan were developed in the context of the government's development and fiscal plans. The corporate plan covers two year period from 2009-10, consistent with TCIG financial year cycle.

Environmental awareness represents and effective and novel strategy which provides individuals with an understanding of how they relate to the natural world. Awareness through education helps individuals and societies to resolve fundamental issues relating to the current and future use of resources, and strongly promotes the need for personal initiatives and social responsibility to achieve sustainability. It empowers people to participate in the process of sustainability through effective negotiation and decision-making. The important role of public involvement in environmental management cannot be overlooked. Instead it should be enhanced and nurtured. The importance of environmental awareness and involvement in promoting wise environmental practices has been recognised by the Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCIG). This belief is embodied in the Environment Charter signed by the then UK Minister for the Overseas Territories and by then-Chief Minister, Derek Taylor, on 26 September 2001. This Charter sets out mutual commitments to be fulfilled by both the UK Government and the TCIG.

Land use in TCI, as elsewhere, is managed according to a strategic framework where different areas are designated for different uses – areas that are designated for essential infrastructure, commercial development, housing, tourism infrastructure, amenity areas, and physical protection. The PAS specifically designates areas for the management of the natural features and assets that they contain.

Policy Guidelines for the Protection of Humpback Whales and Other Cetaceans

The DECR is currently revamping and updating the Management Plan for the Princess Alexandria National Park.

Zoning is needed to protect sensitive habitats, to separate incompatible uses and to ensure the safety of users. There is limited zoning in the Columbus Landfall NP and there is a complete absence of zones in the other protected areas. Eight user zones are recommended as an immediate management tool, including conservation, swim, boat access, non-motorized and motorized aquatic sports, fishing, anchoring and industrial zones.

The DECR is currently revamping and updating the Management Plan for the Princess Alexandria National Park.