Disaster risk reduction in Saint Lucia: Situational analysis 2022

This study supports the implementation of the Country Work Programme for Saint Lucia, as well as the design and revisions of other critical national instruments including the National Adaptation Plan, Medium and Long-Term (National) Development Strategies, sectorial policies, strategies and plans, and other supporting national instruments for implementation of the 2030 Agenda.

To this end, the report consolidates risk information for Saint Lucia, establishing the country risk profile, analysing the hazard context, existing vulnerabilities, capacities and gaps to determine the priority areas for action and interventions in support of systemic risk governance. The findings have revealed that while hydrometeorolical hazards have been prevalent within the national risk landscape, Saint Lucia is also susceptible to earthquakes, volcano hazards, spills, civil unrest and landslides to name a few. Underlying and unregulated development practices further exacerbate the risk profile. Additionally, the threat of climate change and its cascading effects further signify the need for considered efforts that holistically address risk.

This document aims to support Caribbean Governments, notably National Disaster Management Organizations, national platforms for disaster risk reduction, and other regional and national institutions, in the design and implementation of national strategies for disaster risk reduction (Country Work Programmes). It also aims to provide an overview of disaster risk reduction at the country level in order to facilitate exchanges and discussions among different decision-makers and stakeholders aiming to build resilience. It also compiles existing resources to practitioners, academicians, development and humanitarian actors, and the donor’s community, that they can use for their own purposes.