Sharing regional green economy experiences and identifying policy implementation support mechanisms for advancing the Caribbean sustainable development agenda

The pursuit of a Sustainability Agenda in the Caribbean Sub-Region was brought into focus with the inclusion in Agenda 21 of Chapter 27 (G) on the “Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States” and further elaborated in the Programme of Action for the Sustainable Development of SIDS (commonly referred to as the Barbados Programme of Action (BPOA)) adopted by the First United Nations Conference on SIDS and subsequently by the UNGA in 1994. Since then the BPOA has served as the blueprint for the sustainable development of SIDS. Within this context, Caribbean SIDS have reaffirmed their commitment to address the many sustainable development challenges that they face through progressive policy interventions in the management of their natural resource base.

In recent times, Caribbean economies have been subjected to triple crises in food, fuel and finance. In 2008, these crises were compounded by world economic and financial turmoil. The Caribbean Outlook predicts that in addition to the region’s trading partners facing their own economic slow-downs, the Caribbean is likely to experience a reduction in tourism receipts, remittances, a foreign direct investment and private capital investment. This has been further compounded by what the UN Secretary General regards as the defining challenge of our age, the phenomenon of Climate Change.

In response to these challenges Governments are reaffirming their commitment to a sustainable development pathway. Caribbean policy makers are seeking ways and means of structuring more effective interventions to facilitate the implementation of their strategies and programmes. Poverty reduction, sound education and health systems, cultural and natural heritage asset protection and building climate resilient infrastructure remain as key priorities for the Caribbean region; while enhancing productivity and trade competitiveness. Strategies in this regard, include the adoption of green economic and low carbon development policies. Though not peculiar to Caribbean SIDS, these options are being considered by governments cognizant of the open nature of their small island economies and the need to find options which enhance opportunities while minimizing risks.

Against this background, in March 2011, the Government of Barbados, the University of the West Indies-Cave Hill Campus (UWI) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) formed a partnership to undertake the Barbados Green Economy Scoping Study. The study is now completed, and in keeping with the Government of Barbados’ announcement at the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED), held in Georgetown, Guyana in September 2011, the Caribbean Green Economy Forum will be held on March 28 and 29, 2012 at The Almond Beach Resort, St. Peter, Barbados.

The objectives of the Forum are:

• Share findings of the UNEP Green Economy Report;
  
• Share findings of the Barbados Green Economy Scoping Study;
  
• Examine Caribbean experiences in pursuing Green Economic Policies;
  
• Identify policy implementation support mechanisms for effective GE Policies; and
  
• Provide a consultation forum for a Caribbean SIDS Green Economy Initiative.

|Almond Beach Resort, Heywoods, St Peter, Barbados | March 28 and 29, 2012|

For information contact Jerry Blenman, Calidad Financial Services
Telephone: (246) 420-2018 | (246) 262-1414 | Email: calidad@caribsurf.com