Legislative Review

Existing legislation for conservation and protected area management pre-dates the volcanic activity that devastated so much of Montserrat’s natural environment. It does not consider a wide variety of recent scientific data that pertain to local species and habitats of special concern. It does not address potential threats from expansion of human activity in the north from resettlement. Existing legislation does not always include “best practices” recommended and/or required by global frameworks under which Montserrat is obligated.

The CHP has received funding from the Overseas Territories Environment Programme (OTEP) to finance legislative review and revision activities. A Legal Consultant has been hired to review gaps in existing legislation and draft new environmental legislation. A Consultation Specialist has been hired to facilitate the process of engaging stakeholders in discussions to ensure that the new legislation addresses the interests and needs of land owners, natural resource users, environmental managers, and policy-makers

Since the process began in June 2006, there have been numerous consultations held with stakeholders to solicit feedback about what the new legislation should include. These consultations have included public meetings, workshops, focus groups, interviews, questionnaire surveys, and radio call-in programmes. The first draft of the legislation was presented in March 2007 and is currently under review and revision to incorporate the feedback gathered via the consultation process. It is hoped that the final draft will be presented to Executive Council by the summer of 2007.