Strengthening access and benefit-sharing (ABS) policies and institutional frameworks through demonstrable models in Saint Lucia To enhance the enabling environment to effectively implement the provisions of the Nagoya Protocol with a harmonized institutional and intersectoral approach as well as demonstrate replicable models for equitable and sustainable access and benefit sharing (ABS). Note: Disbursement data provided is cumulative and covers disbursement made by the project Agency. The Project will deliver social, economic and environmental benefits as a result of the envisioned technical assistance activities and the demonstration pilots envisioned. Over the last two decades, studies have highlighted the economic, social and cultural importance of biodiversity in general and non-timber forest products (NTFPs) in particular worldwide. Saint Lucia recognizes this importance with the Forestry Department noting NTFPs are utilized by many persons formally and informally as sources of income. Many of these value-traded NTFPs form the basis of local trade by individual entrepreneurs and small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs). Though these are primarily used for food, and thus would not garner ABS interest, the likelihood of some of these products becoming viable commercial interest for ABS agreements cannot be ruled out. Many SMEs sell two or more NTFPs often alongside agricultural products, in quantities which provide a significant income. Among the highest valued and commercialized NTFPs in Saint Lucia are vanilla beans (Vanilla planifolia) (which is highly sought after by hotels and other entities), mauby (Colubrina elliptica) (which is used to produce a local drink), latanyé palm (Coccothrinax barbadensis) (used for making wines and brooms, bayleaf or bwaden (Pimenta racemose) (used in the cosmetics and tea making sectors) cut flowers, and the gonmyé (Dacryodes excelsa) used to make canoes and to light fires. Though the extent of the annual household income that these products provide is not known (and to be better determined under the project), these species provide augmented income for many persons in rural communities, particularly women. Other plants are utilized for their medicinal value in the local industry as well. However, while the local industry continues to grow, the country’s wealth in medicinal plants and NFTPs remains at potential risk of exploitation from biopirates without protection afforded by ABS arrangements. Not only is this a threat to the country’s biodiversity, but it could lead to unfair patenting of plant extracts by foreign interests, yielding potentially lucrative economic benefits but with little or no return to the country and local communities. The project therefore will help preserve and streamline the existing economic benefits derived from these products by individuals, companies and the relevant local communities.     Today, the private sector and small cottage industries, are exploiting these biological and genetic resources on a small-scale and there is potential to scale up these businesses to possibly bring a greater sharing of profits with the local communities, where benefits have the potential to improve their livelihood. Through Component Three, the project proposes to review possibilities for genetic resources with potential ABS application to be promoted for enterprise development, assisted by award of incentive grants. This valorization dimension, which will involve national entrepreneurs whose principal business operations centre around the commercial exploitation of special forest products, non-timber forest products, and medicinal plants will potentially bring greater value to these individuals and small business with special attention paid to enhancing gender equity. By implementing an enabling legal, fiscal and operational framework, ABS policy measures triggered by the project will enable the transfer of benefits to Saint Lucia through higher investments and remittance of royalties to local communities through the creation of business, and capacity building opportunities, afforded through access to premium value for local genetic resources.