By 2030, Dominica aims to integrate biodiversity and ecosystem services into land- and sea-use spatial planning through improved mapping, biodiversity-sensitive zoning and safeguards in planning decisions. The target promotes coordinated planning across terrestrial, freshwater, coastal and marine environments to reduce habitat loss and fragmentation, maintain ecological connectivity and sustain ecosystem services. It supports development that avoids or minimises adverse impacts on areas important for biodiversity, community livelihoods and climate resilience.

Dominica aims to strengthen the implementation of existing land-use and development policies and advance the updating and adoption of relevant spatial plans. Priority actions include consolidating biodiversity and ecosystem service information, addressing key data gaps and applying this evidence to zoning, development approvals and environmental impact assessments. Implementation will promote integrated coastal and watershed management, strengthen protected area planning and associated safeguards, and improve coordination, data sharing and monitoring. Participatory planning will support engagement across sectors and communities, including the Kalinago people, to inform decisions and reflect local knowledge, rights and priorities.

Access to financial resources: Implementation prioritises practical actions supported by national resources and relevant international financing, including improved spatial information, planning capacity and biodiversity safeguards.

Collective effort towards the targets: The target promotes shared responsibility and coordinated participation across government, civil society, the private sector and communities.

Consistency with international agreements or instruments: Integrated spatial planning supports coherence between biodiversity commitments and relevant climate, environmental and sustainable development objectives.

Cooperation and synergies: The target connects spatial planning with ecosystem management, sustainable development, climate resilience and disaster risk reduction, building on existing policies and initiatives.

Ecosystem approach: Planning considers the connections between terrestrial, freshwater, coastal and marine ecosystems and the services they provide.

National circumstances, priorities and capabilities: Implementation reflects Dominica’s small island context, vulnerability to natural hazards and available capacity, with emphasis on strengthening existing systems and addressing priority gaps.

Science and innovation: Biodiversity mapping, geographic information systems, ecosystem-service information and monitoring will inform planning and development decisions.

Whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach: Implementation promotes inclusive coordination and participation, recognising the knowledge, rights and roles of the Kalinago people and local communities.

National Target 1 contributes to GBF Target 1 through integrated land- and sea-use spatial planning, biodiversity and ecosystem service mapping, biodiversity-sensitive zoning and safeguards in planning decisions. These measures support the conservation of areas important for biodiversity and ecosystem services and contribute to reducing their loss. The current target wording does not explicitly specify coverage of all areas, the objective of bringing biodiversity loss close to zero, or provisions for participatory planning, effective management processes and respect for the rights of Indigenous Peoples and local communities. These are areas for further clarification as the target and its implementation arrangements are developed, rather than evidence of deliberate exclusion. This clarification can build on Dominica’s established practice of engaging the Kalinago people in national endeavours.

No formal non-state commitments specifically linked to Dominica’s National Target 1 have been identified

Additional technical and financial support is needed to translate the target into operational spatial planning. Priorities include an implementation framework with clear responsibilities, timelines and financing needs; improved biodiversity and ecosystem service data and shared spatial information systems; and stronger capacity for planning, environmental assessment, monitoring and enforcement. Support is also needed to advance relevant plans and procedures, improve coordination and data sharing, and sustain inclusive consultations, community participation and the application of biodiversity safeguards.