DPNR Unveils Comprehensive Land and Water Use Plan To Guide Sustainable Development in USVI

After years of anticipation and extensive community engagement, the Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources has unveiled a draft Comprehensive Land and Water Use Plan (CLWUP) to guide the territory’s growth while safeguarding its natural resources.

The long-awaited plan, presented before the 35th Legislature Tuesday, establishes a framework for sustainable development, balancing the often competing priorities of conservation, infrastructure, and economic progress. “This comprehensive plan is a shared vision for the future of the Virgin Islands,” said Jean Pierre Oriol, commissioner of the DPNR, during his testimony. “It provides a clear path for making better decisions about land use, protecting our environment, and investing in infrastructure to ensure a more resilient and prosperous territory.”

The announcement sparked an optimistic yet critical tone among members of the Legislature, who described the plan as a long-overdue but necessary step toward addressing the territory’s development challenges. Senate President Novelle Francis Jr. emphasized the importance of accountability in implementing the plan.