The Turks and Caicos Islands is privileged to have a system of Protected Areas which includes National Parks, Nature Reserves, Sanctuaries and Areas of Historical Interest. Grace Bay, the world’s number one beach lies within the Princess Alexandra Land and Sea National Park. The primary legislation governing these Protected Areas are the National Parks Ordinance, the National Parks Order, and the National Parks Regulations.
The amendments to the National Parks Ordinance, Regulations and Order commenced in 2006 when a report entitled “Review and Reassessment of the TCI Protected Area System” was presented to TCIG by Nautilus Consultants. In 2012, the National Parks Ordinance Review Committee was established; The Department of Environment and Maritime Affairs (now Department of Environment and Coastal Resources) commenced the public consultation process on 21st October 2015. This process included public meetings on North Caicos, South Caicos, Providenciales, and Grand Turk, and the proposed amendments were made available online and hard copies were available for reference in various locations. The period for public comments came to an end on 17thJanuary 2016.
The consultation report (see attached) outlines the amendments made to the ordinance, provides public comments, and case study reviews, the general public is invited to review the document at the Turks and Caicos Islands Government website.