Environmental Audit CommitteeWritten evidence submitted by Gina Ebanks-Petrie, Director, Department of Environment, Cayman Islands
What particular aspects of environmental support/admin/funding from the UK Government is welcomed?
We particularly welcome the opportunity to access technical and scientific expertise in UK government environment departments and NGO’s on an “as needed” basis. It is therefore important that we are able to identify individuals within Defra, DECC, FCO, UK CITES Management and Scientific Authorities etc to whom we can directly address questions. This is not always easy. We tend to have fewer communications issues with JNCC, Kew, etc. Any funding is appreciated and welcomed.
What environmental support/admin/funding is not welcomed?
Generally we welcome any support and funding that is offered. However, there are times when a request for assistance or involvement in projects materialises when either the project is not relevant to priorities in the territory or the timing is not convenient due to a lack of available resources. This can sometimes be counterproductive.
Would the Governor taking a closer interest in environmental protection be appropriate?
While political will to tackle environmental issues remains low it would be useful for the Governor to maintain an oversight role from the perspective of good governance.
What more should the UK Government be doing to support environmental protection in the overseas territories?
With the responsibility for the environment being a matter that has been constitutionally delegated to an elected Minister, the UK’s role in this regard is arguably limited to the provision of funding and technical support and/or expertise. However, we also believe it would be helpful for HMG to require regular reporting from UKOT Ministers of Environment on key environmental issues, perhaps by making the environment a regular/standing agenda item on the annual Ministerial Council meetings. We also think it would be useful for HMG to encourage and assist UKOTs to develop relevant biodiversity and sustainable development indicators which can be reported against.
Does the 2012 White Paper, which sets out the UK Government’s strategy, meet your expectations?
Not really—for a strategy level document we found the paper lacking in specifics and detail.
To what extent is the UK Government discharging its international responsibilities concerning the environment and biodiversity?
We find this difficult to answer. If the question can be asked differently we will attempt a response.
Do UK government departments work effectively together on overseas territory issues?
There is room for improvement.
Would you welcome stronger support from any UK departments in particular?
At the moment we would welcome stronger support from DECC on issues relating to Climate Change.
The UK Government has consolidated its environmental protection funding for the overseas territories into the “Darwin Plus” Fund. Is this a positive development and is the Fund big enough to support the work that is needed?
Generally we welcome the launch of the Darwin Plus Fund in that its remit is wide enough to cover almost any issue that would be a priority in our territory. However, as we understand it, work in the UKOTS is now outside the remit of the regular Darwin Initiative funding which means that there is a real potential that the environmental agenda in the territories will be set by the funding needs of UK and/or international NGO’s and agencies, as opposed to being driven by realities and needs on the ground in the individual territories.
Do your environmental departments have enough staff and the technical expertise you need?
Generally speaking we are well resourced and there is a high retention of qualified, local personnel (currently there are 31 fulltime staff operating on the three islands, 90% of which are qualified Caymanians). However, we have recently lost funding for four research posts and three conservation (enforcement) officer posts so are feeling the impact of these losses on a daily basis. Our scientific and technical personnel also do not possess all of the skills and expertise that may need to be applied to particular problems so we very much rely on collaboration with UK and other academic institutions and government agencies.
What pieces of environmental protection legislation remain in draft form in the territory?
The Draft National Conservation Law, updated Marine Parks regulations, and regulations for the protection of Nassau grouper remain in draft form. Two national policies are also still in draft form—National Climate Change Policy and National Energy Policy. The Endangered Species Trade and Transport Law has been passed by the Legislative Assembly but has not yet been implemented. Also of note is the fact that the physical Development Plan for Grand Cayman is seriously out of date (the current plan is dated 1997), despite there being a legal requirement for it to be reviewed and revised every five years.
Is there a role for the UK Government to ensure that this legislation is enacted?
Perhaps through the reporting requirements mentioned earlier.
What estimates have the territory’s government made of the value of natural resources and ecosystem services to the economy of the territory?
None. However, the DoE is about to embark on a prioritisation exercise for economic assessment of ecosystem services through JNCC funding.
What scrutiny mechanisms are in place in your territory to hold the territory government to account for their environmental practices?
There is FOI legislation but without the National Conservation Law and a legal requirement to consult on the environmental impacts of decision, plans and policies (and no legislated process for EIAs) then the opportunities for scrutiny are very limited.
18 April 2013