Caribbean efforts to protect fragile landscapes took a major step forward recently as Grenada signed an agreement to become the new headquarters of the Partnership Initiative for Sustainable Land Management (PISLM), a regional body supporting sustainable land and soil management across Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
The agreement, finalized during a high-level ministerial gala in St. George’s on June 17, marks a new phase for the intergovernmental organization, which coordinates projects aimed at curbing land degradation and strengthening food and water security in the face of climate change. The signing was attended by environment ministers and technical representatives from across the Caribbean, including The Bahamas’ Minister of the Environment and Natural Resources, the Honorable Vaughn P. Miller.
Minister Miller’s presence at the event signaled The Bahamas’ strong political will to advance sustainable land management and environmental resilience. His participation underscored the country’s leadership in regional environmental governance and its commitment to ensuring that Bahamian landscapes—our forests, wetlands, and farmlands—remain productive and protected for future generations.
“The Bahamas recognizes the urgency of addressing climate vulnerabilities, and our nation remains committed to advancing initiatives that protect our soil, mitigate drought, and confront the growing challenges posed by sand and dust storms,” said Minister Miller.
The Minister also reaffirmed The Bahamas’ support for Phase II of the Caribbean Small Island Developing States Soil Care Project (CSIDS-SOILCARE), a flagship initiative that places healthy soils at the center of food security, drought resilience, and biodiversity protection.
Soil health is not just a technical issue—it is a national concern. Healthy soils are the foundation of local agriculture, clean water, and climate resilience. For Bahamians, this means: more reliable local food production and reduced dependence on costly imports; improved water retention and drought resistance in the face of climate change; protection of native species and ecosystems that support tourism and livelihoods; and stronger defenses against land degradation and saltwater intrusion.
As Bahamians face rising grocery prices and increasing climate-related disruptions, the conservation of our soils becomes essential to securing livelihoods and ensuring long-term national sustainability.
To ensure the success of SOILCARE Phase II and related initiatives, The Bahamas will adopt a whole-of-government approach. Key national agencies—including the Department of Agriculture, the Bahamas Agricultural and Industrial Corporation (BAIC), the University of The Bahamas, and the Department of Forestry—will work in synergy to implement sustainable land management practices, conduct research, and build local capacity. This collaborative framework will help ensure that the benefits of these projects are fully realized across sectors and communities.
The newly signed agreement formalizes Grenada as PISLM’s operational base, a role previously held by Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana. Outgoing Executive Director Calvin James called the shift to Grenada “a new chapter” in positioning sustainable land management as a key pillar of climate adaptation for Caribbean nations.
For The Bahamas, participation in PISLM has long been a strategy to coordinate action with regional neighbors, harmonizing land management policies and building capacity to implement commitments under the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). Integrated land management and land degradation neutrality initiatives aim to keep Bahamian landscapes productive and resilient, ensuring that natural resources continue to support both communities and wildlife.
As PISLM moves forward under Grenada’s stewardship, new projects are already in the pipeline, including the Caribbean LDN Transformative Project in collaboration with the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture, along with regional initiatives targeting drought preparedness, improved soil management, and sand and dust storm mitigation.
Minister Miller’s attendance at this pivotal moment reflects The Bahamas’ dedication to strengthening regional partnerships and ensuring that environmental stewardship remains a national priority. His leadership reinforces the message that protecting our natural resources is not only a matter of policy—but a promise to the Bahamian people.
Source: Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources
More Photo Highlights Below:
The post Grenada Named Host Country for PISLM as Bahamas Reaffirms Commitment to Climate Resilience and Soil Health appeared first on ZNS BAHAMAS.
