UNESCO NATCOM HOSTS STAKEHOLDERS WORKSHOP TO ASSESS THE IMPACT OF SINGLE-USE PLASTIC BAN ON THE ST. MARY’S BIOSPHERE RESERVE
Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis, September 12, 2025 (UNESCO National Commission) – The St. Kitts and Nevis National Commission for UNESCO, in partnership with the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Environment and Climate Action and Constituency Empowerment, hosted a critical workshop titled “Towards a Zero Plastic St. Mary’s Biosphere Reserve” on September 10, 2025, at Windsor University Conference Room, Cayon.
The workshop brought together stakeholders to dialogue on the impact and challenges of the 2025 Plastic Waste Reduction Bill and to chart a way forward in achieving its main objectives. H.E. Nerys Dockery, Secretary General of the St. Kitts and Nevis National Commission for UNESCO, emphasized the urgent need to address plastic pollution and highlighted the importance of the St. Mary’s Biosphere Reserve as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
“As we gather here today, we are not only representing our commitment to environmental conservation but also acknowledging the urgent need to address the global challenge of plastic pollution. The St. Mary’s Biosphere reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2011, is a testament to our nation’s dedication to preserving the natural beauty and biodiversity of our island”, Ambassador Dockery stated. “Over the course of the day we will engage in fruitful discussions, share knowledge, and explore innovative solutions to tackle plastic pollution. Our goal is to create a roadmap for a Zero Plastic Biosphere Reserve that is both ambitious and achievable. Let us work together to ensure the long-term sustainability of our biosphere reserve and the well-being of our communities”, she concluded.
Special Advisor on The Sustainable Island Stata Agenda (SISA) Mrs. Sharon Rattan represented the Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment, Climate Action and Constituency Empowerment, Dr. Joyelle Clarke.
“I delightfully greet you with a distinct sense of purpose and direction as we gather in this forum to share knowledge, and discuss critical initiatives for our Nation’s sustainability, adaptive capacity and resilience building. Today’s focus on the phased single-use plastic ban its challenges and solutions bring into sharp focus our environmental stewardship.”
Mrs. Telca Daniel Wallace, Coordinator of the National Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Committee, communicated the vision and mission of the St. Mary’s Biosphere Reserve (SMBR) and in what ways plastic pollution is impacting the Reserve.
Guest speaker Prof. Miguel Clüsener-Godt, Senior Research Associate at the UNESCO Chair on Biodiversity Safeguard for Sustainable Development, shared best practices from the Principe Island Biosphere Reserve’s initiative to become a plastic-free zone, emphasizing its inclusive, impact-oriented approach that was fully embraced by its 8,000 residents.
Presentations were also made by representatives from the Ministry of Environment, Taiwan Technical Mission, the St. Kitts and Nevis Customs Excise Department, the Ministry of Tourism, Nevis on their experiences and challenges in implementing the phased single-use plastic ban with a view to shaping strategies for a Zer Plastic Biosphere Reserve and beyond.
Residents, community activists and entrepreneurs from within the St. Mary’s Biosphere Reserve also weighed in on the conversation, sharing their experiences of the phased single-use plan to illustrate the human impact of the ban and identify areas for more inclusivity, incentivization and sensitization.
Participants engaged in fruitful discussions, shared knowledge, and explored innovative solutions to tackle plastic pollution. The workshop was highly interactive and engaging ended with developing recommendations for effective culture-building strategies to be put in place to inspire greater public buy-in, compliance and participation and promoting sustainable plastic management in St. Kitts and Nevis.
The St. Kitts and Nevis National Commission for UNESCO and the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Environment and Climate Action and Constituency Empowerment extends sincere thanks to all participants and uses this opportunity to reiterate their committed to working together to ensure the long-term sustainability of the St. Mary’s Biosphere Reserve and the well-being of local communities.
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