Have Your Say: Public Consultation Opens on Geothermal Exploration

The draft Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) reports for Saint Lucia’s geothermal exploration drilling project are completed and the government is inviting the public to share their views by March 31. The geothermal initiative, officially called the Renewable Energy Sector Development Project (RESDP), aims to assess the viability of geothermal resources in Saint Lucia and foster a conducive environment for clean energy investments with the private sector. Exploration activities are taking place in Fond St Jacques, Belle Plaine, and Saltibus. The RESDP seeks to create a holistic and environmentally sustainable plan for the implementation of the exploration drilling activities. The ESIA reports highlight potential risks and impacts on local communities and the environment, with mitigation measures detailed in an accompanying Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP). The comprehensive reports include separate assessments for Fond St Jacques and Saltibus, and Belle Plaine, the latter due to its location within the Pitons Management Area (PMA) green buffer zone. Additionally, two ESMPs and an Abbreviated Resettlement Action Plan (ARAP) are part of the documentation. Public access to these documents has been facilitated through various channels, including the Government of Saint Lucia website, the RESDP website (www.sluresdp.com), social media platforms, and micro-centres such...