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The Government of Saint Lucia has demonstrated its commitment to maintaining the Outstanding Universal Value of the Pitons Management Area (PMA) by incorporating into law the Limits of Acceptable Change (LAC) Policy for the Pitons Management Area (PMA). In accordance with Chapter 5.12, Section 34 (2) of the Physical Planning and Development Act, the Minister responsible for Planning and Development issued Statutory Instrument Order No. 7 of 2024 declaring the Pitons Management Area an Environmental Protection Area (EPA).
The Piton Management Area (PMA) was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 2004 by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, the governing body of World Heritage.
Prior to the listing, on March 8, 2004, the Minister of Housing, Environment and Physical Development published a notification in the Gazette stating that, pursuant to Article 34 of Physical Planning and Development Law No. 29 of 2001, “the Pitons Management Area has been designated as an Environmental Protection Area to preserve its status as an outstanding global example of significant landforms and natural features, as well as an area of extraordinary natural beauty and aesthetic significance and value. The Pitons Management Area covers an area of approximately 25.40 square kilometres and includes the Pitons and Sulphur Springs…”
The Piton Mountains Management Area covers an area of approximately 25.40 square kilometers and includes the Piton Mountains, the Pitonmitan Mountains, the Sulphur Springs and the coastal areas, covering all of the following lands:
- North: Soufriere Estate and Diamonds
- South: The banks of the Yvronie River
- West: Soufriere Marine Management Area
- East: From Diamond, follow the main road south along the ridge to Etangs and the L’Ivrogne River, via the Etangs-Deville road, which joins the L’Ivrogne River at its confluence near the old WASCO intake.
By 2007, the World Heritage Committee (WHC) had serious concerns that several developments within the PMA put its status at risk. In light of this, the government commissioned the Haider Report, which set out management parameters for the area in order to secure its status.
The additional development exacerbated the threats facing the area, prompting the government to commission another study, the Limits of Acceptable Change (LAC) study, to meet the requirements of the World Heritage Committee. The LAC is designed to determine where, how and at what scale development can take place within the PMA. The LAC includes a detailed design guideline that sets out guidelines for what development should follow, including guidance on density, maximum buildable slopes, maximum building footprint, building height limits, roof and wall colours, guidance on materials that minimise visual impact, visibility assessments, and requirements for an Environmental Impact Statement. The LAC was approved by Cabinet Conclusion 527 in 2013.
World Heritage sites must submit an annual report to the World Heritage Committee on the state of conservation of the property. A recurring request of the Saint Lucia World Heritage Committee (2013-2023) is to:
“The State Party should be requested to ensure that the recommendations of the LAC study are incorporated into legally binding regulations under the St. Lucia Physical Planning Act and to report to the World Heritage Centre once the revised Act is passed.”
“Finally, the State Party is requested to submit to the World Heritage Centre, by 1 December 2024, an updated report on the state of conservation of the property and the implementation of the above measures, for examination by the 47th session of the World Heritage Committee.” WHC decision: 45 COM 7B.70
WHC/23/45.COM/7B.Add, p. 122
Therefore, Statutory Instrument No. 7 of 2024 is of great significance in maintaining the World Heritage status of the PMA and ultimately protecting the heritage of Saint Lucia.
The Government of Saint Lucia remains committed to maintaining the Outstanding Universal Value of the Pitons Management Area. The Government will continue to work with all stakeholders to ensure that it continues to comply with its obligations to the World Heritage Committee.
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