This is the first Strategic Project for OP6 and the first for Saint Lucia which focuses on a National Knowledge Fair. The goal is to: provide a forum for knowledge exchange and experience capitalization that would lead to increased buy-in and collaboration among public, private and individual stakeholders for a focus on a healthy environment, and an organic/toxic chemical-free and safer food and nutrition system in St Lucia, within the context of climate change. The multiple objectives are as follows: (i) To inform and educate the public about the strong nexus between healthy soils, healthy foods, and healthy lives by the end of the fair; (ii) To develop the capacity of WOAM and other grantees in effective communications & advocacy as change agents; (iii) To prepare a declaration that would influence national policies and decision making as it pertains to the environment and food and nutrition security; (iv) To provoke individual thought and reflection that would challenge existing assumptions about the environment, as well as food and nutrition security and also bring about behavioural change; (v) To create an environment conducive for networking, learning and relaxation which could contribute to the appreciation of Saint Lucia?s indigenous culture; (vi) To undertake a comparative study on the economics of organic production and traditional toxic chemical based agriculture; (vii) To convene a special session on IP for CSOs and selected Officers of the GOSL and the OECS which commences the process of establishing a national IP system for innovations; and (viii) To monitor and evaluate the entire process as a means of sharing lessons and preparing for future fairs.
This first KF will include participants from Government Departments, as well as selected private sector companies and multi-lateral agencies.