The Forest and Land Resources Division is the official body responsible for the direct management of Saint Lucia’s forest reserves, for oversight of the management of all forests on Saint Lucia and for the protection and management of Saint Lucia’s terrestrial wildlife. The department has redefined its strategy for Saint Lucia’s forests and the image of the Division to address its changing responsibilities to management and maintenance of the terrestrial ecosystems of Saint Lucia and the services they provide.

While the protection of Saint Lucia’s Forest Reserve and wildlife is always the core focus of the Forestry Division, the Division has broadened its focus in an effort to preserve all forests on Saint Lucia. Understanding the integral role that forests play in Climate change, the Forestry Division has, through recurrent and project work, encouraged the expansion of forests to enhance the stability of the soil, the protection of water sources and wildlife habitats, and to support adaptation and mitigation efforts.

The mandate of the Forestry Division is guided by two pieces of legislation, the Forest, Soil and Water Conservation Act (1946) (Amended 1983) and the Wildlife Protection Act (1980). These laws provide the Forestry Division with the authority to undertake it’s five major activities. These activities include Sustainable Forest Management, Sustainable Land Management, Wildlife Conservation, Ecotourism and Environmental Education. These activity areas are all supported by the Forest Management Information Unit (FMIS). The Division carries out these activities within its five administrative ranges, which are Northern, Dennery, Soufriere, Quillesse and Millet ranges.