BACKGROUND The economy in St. Kitts and Nevis (SKN) has undergone a radical transformation during the last fifteen years, which has changed the islands’ land use patterns and pressures on its ecosystems. Sugarcane long dominated the landscape, particularly on the island of St. Kitts, but as a result of unfavourable trading terms the industry was closed in July 2005. In an effort to diversify the economy, land use zoning has been modified to allow for non- agricultural uses of former sugarcane lands, such as construction of homes, tourism facilities, schools, commercial & industrial sites, etc. More broadly, SKN has transitioned rapidly towards a more service-oriented economy. This rapid growth comes with sustainable development challenges, as it relates to land us