PISLM Unveils Phase 2 of SOILCARE Project to Strengthen Caribbean Land Management

The Partnership Initiative for Sustainable Land Management (PISLM) held an inception workshop on July 18, 2024, at the Brix Hotel in Trinidad and Tobago, marking the commencement of Phase 2 of the CSIDS SOILCARE Project. This new phase aims to extend the project’s impact across the Caribbean Small Island Developing States (CSIDS) by introducing sustainable land management practices and enhancing soil health.

Phase 2 builds upon the successes of Phase 1, which included national soil surveys and capacity building in six Caribbean countries. Executive Director Calvin James highlighted that the current phase will focus on mitigating land degradation and incorporating a comprehensive Drought Management Plan.  SOILCARE will, “Find measures to mitigate against the drivers that are degrading our land space,” James stated, and added that it is, “poised to expand throughout the entire Caribbean and include a Drought Management Plan.”

The workshop gathered key stakeholders to discuss the project’s expansion into six additional Caribbean countries. FAO Representative Neila Bobb Prescott praised Phase 1’s achievements, emphasising the project’s role in promoting environmental sustainability and resilience. To date, six countries have completed national soil surveys, and over 500 regional technical staff have been trained. The Caribbean Soil Support Group continues to engage in international forums to advance these efforts. The Council of Trade and Economic Development (COTED) Environment has also tasked the framework group with integrating sustainable land and soil management into climate change adaptation strategies.