The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States, in collaboration with the European Union and the Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis, officially handed over the Royal Basseterre Valley National Park Arboretum during a ceremony held in Mid-May under the OECS Integrated Landscape Management (ILM) Project.

According to an OECS press release, it is a five-year initiative, funded by the European Union (EU), focused on sustainable land management through the construction of perimeter fencing and the establishment of an arboretum within the national park, a critical aquifer area supplying fresh water to nearly 40 percent of the population of St. Kitts. An arboretum is a place where trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants are cultivated for scientific and educational purposes.

Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment, et. al., Hon. Joyelle Clarke described the project as “a testament to the possibility that exists through partnership and our regional systems.”

European Union representative Quentin Peignaux also reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to biodiversity conservation and water protection across the Caribbean region.

The ceremony concluded with a plaque unveiling and symbolic tree-planting exercise in attendance by government officials, students, community members and other stake holders.