10/06/2026
The Department of Sustainable Development (DSD), in collaboration with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), recently hosted a validation session to review and assess the deliverables produced under the herpetology consultancy for the Saint Lucia Viper, commonly known as the Fer-de-Lance. The consultancy forms part of ongoing national efforts to improve public safety, strengthen snake encounter response systems, and support evidence-based management of the species.
Delivering the opening and welcome remarks, Acting Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Department of Sustainable Development Chris Satney emphasized the importance of the consultancy in strengthening Saint Lucia’s biodiversity management efforts and improving national understanding of the species.
Mr. Satney noted that the consultant, over the past several months, had undertaken significant work in collaboration with national agencies, stakeholders, and communities to strengthen understanding of the Saint Lucia Viper, improve safe handling and response mechanisms, and support evidence-based management of the species.
He further highlighted that while the Fer-de-Lance remains an ecologically important species in Saint Lucia, limited scientific data, growing concerns about snake encounters, public misconceptions, and the need for improved, safe response mechanisms have historically posed challenges for both public safety and species management. The consultancy therefore sought to address these gaps through scientific assessment, stakeholder engagement, and capacity-building activities.
Activities conducted under the consultancy included community and agency training sessions focused on snake awareness, safe handling practices, and appropriate response procedures during snake encounters. These initiatives sought to strengthen public safety, improve community preparedness, and enhance coordination among relevant agencies and stakeholders.
The validation session reviewed four key deliverables developed under the consultancy:
• Safe Handling Protocols;
• Distribution Assessment Curriculum and Training Report;
• Scientific Report on the Biology, Ecology and Distribution of the Saint Lucia Viper; and
• Recommendations toward the development of a species management plan.
During the validation session, agencies and stakeholders reviewed the final draft deliverables, provided comments where necessary, and determined whether the outputs adequately reflect national priorities, stakeholder input, and the consultancy objectives.
The feedback will be used to finalize the consultancy outputs and support future actions related to species management, public awareness, safe-handling response systems, and biodiversity conservation initiatives in Saint Lucia.
