The Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines through the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has embarked on a programme called the Integrated Forest Management and Development Programme. The Programme was developed to foster a new participatory approach to forest management in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, incorporating all stakeholders, from resource management agencies (governmental and non-governmental) to individual communities. With this approach the forest resources will be protected and rural livelihoods enhanced by reducing poverty. This initiative is justified by the extent of deforestation and its negative impacts on water supply and environmental quality, and by the urgent need to sustain and enhance the contribution of forest resources to social and economic development.