Green

Economy Caribbean Natural Resources Institute

Technical Report
No.
404

Exploring opportunities for transformation to

inclusive, sustainable and resilient economies in the
Eastern Caribbean
Exploring opportunities for transformation to
inclusive, sustainable and resilient economies in
the Eastern Caribbean

Caribbean Natural Resources Institute (CANARI)

Technical Report No. 404
October 2018

Acknowledgements
This report was prepared as a product under the #GE4U: Transformation Towards an Inclusive Green
Economy in the Caribbean project, being implemented by CANARI as part of a global project by the Green
Economy Coalition (GEC) with support from the European Union (EU) (DCI-ENV/2016/372-847).
The report was prepared by McHale Andrew for CANARI and reviewed and edited by Nicole Leotaud
(CANARI). The study was conducted in partnership with the Environmental Sustainability Cluster of the
Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission.
The study benefitted from a conceptual framework developed by the GEC. Review and input were
received from representatives of OECS Member States and Associate Member territories, staff in the
OECS Commission and representatives of the OECS Council of Ministers on Environmental Sustainability
participating in a webinar held 11 June 2018. Input was also received from regional green economy (GE)
experts and practitioners including members of the Caribbean Green Economy Action Learning Group (GE
ALG). The study also benefitted from the wealth of available literature on related activities in the region and
internationally.
The final report was presented to the Fifth Meeting of the OECS Council of Ministers for Environmental
Sustainability held July 10-11, 2018 in Montserrat, with the recommendation that this be used as a foundation
for development of a strategic definition, agenda and plan for work for an Inclusive Green Economy in the
OECS sub-region.

This document has been produced with the financial assistance of the European Union (DCI-
ENV/2016/372-847). The contents of this document are the sole responsibility of CANARI and
can under no circumstances be regarded as reflecting the position of the European Union.

© CANARI All rights reserved; the contents of this report may be duplicated in whole or in part without the permission of
the publisher, provided the source is clearly cited.
Citation: : Andrew, M. 2018. Exploring opportunities for transformation to inclusive, sustainable and resilient in the Eastern
Caribbean. Technical Report No. 404. Port of Spain: CANARI.
The PDF version of this document is available for download from CANARI’s website: http://www.canari.org.
ISBN 1-890792-40-3
Table of Contents

Acknowledgements 1
Table of contents 2
Acronyms 4
Executive Summary 7
The Challenge 7
GE Definitional Issues 7
An OECS GE Philosophy 8
GE Champions 9
The Way Forward 9
1 Background 10
1.1 Mandate 10
1.2. Project summary 10
1.3. Geographic coverage 10
2 Overview 11
2.1 GE Definitions 11
2.2. Related Concepts 12
2.3. Regional Initiatives 13
2.4. The Way Forward for the OECS 14
2.5. OECS Sustainable Development Commitments 15
3 Assessment of GE related activities in the OECS 16
3.1. Overview 16
3.2. GE Overall – To what extent is the green economy recognised as
a core national/sub-regional priority? 16
3.3. Measurement and Governance – Is a GE strategy under consideration or
a GE National/Sub-regional Plan being considered, proposed or
implemented by Governments? 19
3.4. Sustainable Finance – What is the scope of supportive financial
systems, public investments and fiscal policies for GE implementation? 20
3.5. Green and Inclusive Sectors – have policies in support of greening
in priority GE sectors been proposed, developed and implemented? 21
3.6. Is Green Fair? – What is the level of understand of key public and
private national/sub-regional stakeholders of the importance of
an inclusive and fair GE transition? 22

2
Table of Contents (continued)

3.7. Economics for Nature –To what extent do key domestic/sub-regional

public and private sector stakeholders embrace the importance of
natural capital approaches for the GE transition and represent this in
their public positioning and some activities? 22
4 Proposed policy approaches, structure and inputs for GE
implementation in the OECS 23
4.1. Policy 23
4.1.1. A Climate Resilient OECS Approach 23
4.1.2. A ‘New Economy’ for the OECS 24
4.2. Partnerships for Success 24
4.3. financing 26
4.3.1. Investment 26
4.3.2. GE/ new economy/ climate financing 27
4.3.3. Green Growth 27
4.4. Capacity building 28
4.5. Cross Cutting Issues- Energy, Land, Water, Waste Management 28
4.5.1. Alternative Energy 28
4.5.2. Land 29
4.5.3. Water 29
4.5.4. Waste Management 30
4.6. Greening specific sectors 30
4.6.1. Tourism 30
4.6.2. Agriculture 31
4.7. Recommended Institutional Structure for GE Implementation in the OECS 31
5 Conclusion : Building blocks for GE implementation 34
6 Bibliography 36
Appendix 1: Green Economy Coalition (GEC) Scorecard 39
Appendix 2: Applicable blue economy sectors/ activities in the OECS 45
Appendix 3: #GE4U OECS GE Diagnostic Questionnaire 46
Purpose 46
Target Market 46
Vision 46
Main Output 46
Confidentiality 46
Questionnaire 46

3
Acronyms
BMCs Borrowing Member Countries
BVI British Virgin Islands
CANARI Caribbean Natural Resources Institute
CARICOM The Caribbean Community
CDB Caribbean Development Bank
CROP Caribbean Regional Oceanscape Project
CRS Climate Resilience Strategy
C-SERMS Caribbean Sustainable Energy Roadmap and Strategy
DFID Department for International Development
ECROP Eastern Caribbean Regional Ocean Policy
EU European Union
FDI Foreign Direct Investment
GCF Green Climate Fund
GDP Gross Domestic Product
GE ALG Green Economy Action Learning Group
GE Green Economy
GEC (Global) Green Economy Coalition
GGGI Global Green Growth Institute
GGKP Green Growth Knowledge Platform
IDB Inter-American Development Bank
IIED International Institute for Environment and Development
LEDS Low Emission Development Strategies
NE New economy
NSAP Non-State Actors Advisory Panel
OAS Organization of American States
OECD Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development
OECS Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States
PSIP Public Sector Investment Program
ROM Results Oriented Monitoring
SAMOA Small Island Developing States Accelerated Modalities of Action
SDD Sustainable Development Dimensions
SDGs Sustainable Development Goals
SGD St. Georges Declaration of Principles on Environmental Sustainability
SIDS Small Island Developing States
SMEs Small and Medium Enterprises
TOR Terms of Reference
UK United Kingdom
UN United Nations
UNDP United Nations Development Program
UN Environment United Nations Environment
UNEP United Nations Environment Program
UNFCCC United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
UNGA United Nations General Assembly
USA United States of America
UWI University of the West Indies
WWF World Wildlife Fund
Executive Summary

The Challenge Unfortunately, this coincides with rising expectations from

the people who are now more globally connected and
Development within the Caribbean region, particularly
exposed to lifestyles in more advanced economies. The
among the smaller, resource-poor member states
key challenge for the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean
and territories of the Eastern Caribbean is at the
States (OECS) Commission now is to help its members
crossroads. Economic performance since 2010 has been
mount a lucid strategy that would propel the sub-region
characterised by low and inconsistent growth, precarious
onto a more secure sustainable development path and
national debt profiles, unsustainable fiscal positions,
avert a further reversal in the development gains of
high unemployment, eroding economic competitiveness,
previous decades. All the OECS independent Member
declining national savings, falling inward investments,
States are signatories to the United Nations Framework
a widening poverty gap, disturbing levels of violent
Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and should,
crime, and unpredictable weather patterns disrupting
by dint of that commitment, be prepared to adopt the
economic activities. Additionally, the islands in the sub-
UNFCCC’s Low Emission Development Strategies, which
region share many challenges, including constricted
is a key component of a green economy (GE).
sizes and population, narrow production possibilities,
lack of economies of scale, acute vulnerability to external Encouragingly, the world has witnessed examples of
shocks including climate change, and underperforming relatively small countries such as Costa Rica, Malta,
economic and political governance structures. The Mauritius, Singapore and Rwanda that have successfully
resultant economic uncertainty has led to increasing marshalled their limited resources and reformed their
social upheaval, marked environmental degradation and administrative and economic governance structures in
greater marginalisation of the more vulnerable populace. creative and innovative ways that have redounded to
their economic advancement and major improvements
in their people’s welfare. If the Eastern Caribbean
sub-region is to realise its tremendous potential for
economic development and prosperity, the focus must
turn to strategic reforms and sustainable development
opportunities that promote the economic, infrastructural,
technological, social, governance and environmental
pillars that are critical to the growth of the OECS region.

GE Definitional Issues
There is a vast body of work from international and
regional institutions, development agencies, academia,
policy analysts and civil society groups on the GE,
including related issues of blue economy, green growth,
green investments, climate financing and climate resilient
development. The definitions of GE, although nuanced
across the various agencies and institutions, include
many common attributes. Essentially, the definitions of a
GE can be summarised as an economy that: (i) embraces
a ‘triple bottom line’ approach, which is characterised by
economic viability/ economic wellbeing, social inclusion/
Farms in Saint Lucia are vulnerable to heavy rainfall that washes equity and environmental sustainability; (ii) pursues a
away riverbanks. Credit: CANARI climate resilient, low carbon development; and (iii) is

5
Box 1 : Caribbean definition of GE

“In the context of the Caribbean, a Green Economy

is one that aims for long-term prosperity, rather
than solely for growth, through equitable distribu-
tion of economic benefits and effective manage-
ment of ecological resources. It is economically
viable and resilient to both external and internal
shocks; self-directed and not driven by external
agendas or funding opportunities, and self-reli-
ant by being based predominantly on domestic
production and investment. A Caribbean Green
Economy is pro-poor and generates decent jobs
Economic development must be environmentally sustainable and
and working conditions that offer opportunities provide opportunities for Caribbean people. Credit: Natalie Boodram
for self-advancement for local people.”
CANARI Policy Brief 13 Nevertheless, there are many ongoing sub-regional and
national initiatives, albeit not always holistic and well-
coordinated, that can be built upon in a more harmonised
managed within a framework of good economic and
and purposeful manner to fully transition OECS member
political governance (see Box 1).
countries into green economies.
Although the GE concept has received general
acceptance in the OECS sub region, the realities of the An OECS GE Philosophy
political economy of the region seem to have created
an aversion to its full embrace as a mainstreamed Adverse economic conditions and the recent devastation
development pathway due perhaps to the difficulty of by Hurricanes Irma and Maria in late 2017 may present
transitioning to a very different development paradigm as the ideal opportunity to craft a ‘new economy’ that is
well as a lingering perception of the GE concept as an climate resilient, socially inclusive, pro-poor, vibrant,
externally generated construct. sustainable, self-directed, innovative, results in overall
improved human wellbeing, reduces environmental risks
This GE diagnostic review, which is based on the global and enhances natural capital, attracts green/ responsible
Green Economy Coalition’s (GEC) five-themed framing investments, fosters economic growth and holistic
of green economy (se Appendix 1) was developed for development and in which production and consumption
‘baselining’ the state of the GE in partner countries, as activities are low carbon, resource efficient within a
defined within the narrow objectives of the European structure of good governance. The sub-region may
Union (EU) GE dialogues project (DCI-ENV/2016/372-847). therefore wish to adopt the ‘new economy’ moniker as its
As used in this study, the GE assessment framework own home-grown version of the green economy concept
tool, has found that the idea of transitioning to a green while ensuring that it remains true to the fundamental
or blue economy has not yet been mainstreamed into principles of GE.
economic policy formulation and policy action in the
OECS. This may be due to the lack of capacity to A new economy based on the tenets and definitions
manage the restructuring process as well as an inherent of a GE presents many opportunities for meaningful,
inertia to reform the current political economy. Existing people-centered, sustainable transformation of the small
administrative and political structures are biased towards economies of the OECS. Critical to a realisation of those
maintenance of the ‘brown economy’ particularly in opportunities is a winning mechanism for implementation
respect of economic and financial management, fiscal of the many essential reforms and strategic investments
policies and investment attraction. for stimulating climate resilient, sustainable economic
growth and development.

6
consistent with a GE pathway. It seems logical then for
the region’s development bank to take the lead along
with its OECS Borrowing Member Countries (BMCs) and
the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank in championing the
implementation of a new economy in the OECS, serving
as catalyst for change and marshalling the required
resources for the new economy’s success.

The Way Forward

While the required actions to transition to a new economy
are many, varied and daunting, it may be prudent, once
an appropriate and effective implementation structure is
in place, to begin by selecting specific economic sectors
for greening. This would nevertheless require policy
Small scale fisheries in St. Kitts and Nevis are important for food consistency across the entire economic and political
security and livelihoods. Credit: CANARI
system. Sustainable investment, including foreign direct
investment (FDI), public sector investment in capacity
GE Champions
building and targeted green domestic investment, are
CANARI has led the way thus far in promoting the green crucial to the transition and should be prioritised at the
economy concept in the region through its Caribbean outset. The other sectors for ‘greening’, based on the
Green Economy Action Learning Group (GE ALG), taxonomy from the UNEP (2011) seminal study, which is
targeted community-based and small and medium referenced below. could be agriculture, fisheries, energy,
enterprises (SMEs) interventions, interfaces within tourism, transport, construction, housing, infrastructure,
international forums such as the GEC, United Nations water supply, waste management and manufacturing.
Environment, and its pivotal public advocacy. However,
the time has come for a broader approach rooted in The process requires: renewed visioning or creative
a citizenry that is aware and committed as well as in thinking; rigorous evaluation of what has already been
institutions at the national and regional levels that are agreed to or done; analysis of the status and effectiveness
adequately resourced. CANARI has done a sterling job of policy/ programme implementation; application of
as the regional GE champion but is limited by a lack lessons learnt and research findings; ensuring common
of the required financial, technical and administrative understanding, sharing and embracing of ideas and
resources to influence a widespread, successful GE strategies including introduction of more creative and
transition. effective communication/ information sharing and
community engagement modalities; and documentation/
The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) through institutionalising of seminal successes. It must also
the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas and the OECS promote the best attributes of the sub-region and
Commission through the Revised Treaty of Basseterre support its sustainable development objectives, through
have established adequate foundations within these overall wealth creation, social equity and environmental
Treaties to pursue GE/new economy type activities. The sustainability. All this, however, must be embraced,
inclusion of the St. George’s Declaration of Principles of internalised, mainstreamed and led by the respective
Environmental Sustainability (SGD) as a Protocol to the OECS member governments and opposition parties,
Revised Treaty of Basseterre and the inclusion of natural individually and collective, if the GE transition is to
resource/environmental issues in several chapters of the become a reality.
Treaty is a good basis to underpin GE/new economy
activities.
Additionally, the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB),
as the primary development agency of the region,
has already proposed many critical reforms that are

7
1. Background

1.1 Mandate 1.2. Project Summary

The OECS Council of Ministers for Environmental CANARI was the contracting and implementing agency
Sustainability, at their Fourth meeting in April 2017, with responsibility for managing and coordinating
charged the OECS Commission with coordinating the #GE4U: Transformation Towards an Inclusive
an action plan for development of an inclusive green Green Economy in the Caribbean project. The OECS
economy in the sub-region. In pursuit of this mandate, the Commission was the beneficiary and co-implementing
OECS Commission partnered with the Caribbean Natural agency and, in that role, had the responsibility to provide
Resources Institute (CANARI) through CANARI’s #GE4U: informational, revisional, coordinating and technical
Transformation Towards an Inclusive Green Economy inputs into the work of this component.
in the Caribbean project, which is supported by the EU
The Terms of Reference (TOR) mandated that the
(DCI-ENV/2016/372-847)1.
consultant would conduct a desk study and interviews
Independent consultant McHale S C Andrew2 was selected to produce a diagnostic study analysing the status of
by CANARI to conduct this study. The primary objective the transition to a green economy in the OECS, potential
of the consultancy was to develop recommendations opportunities and institutional capacities needed. This
for sub-regional economic policy, which could influence would be presented to senior technical officers of OECS
sustainable development planning processes, economic Member and Associate Member States before being
strategies, plans and institutions that are critical to presented to the OECS Economic Affairs Council or the
the attainment of a sustainable, green and inclusive Council of Ministers for Environmental Sustainability.
economy in the OECS. The project’s main output was
a diagnostic study on potential opportunities, hurdles, 1.3. Geographic Coverage
catalysts and institutional capacities for transitioning to a
The study encompassed the Member States and
green economy in the OECS.
Associate Member territories of the OECS, namely
This study was developed to support the Council of Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, the British Virgin Islands,
Ministers for Environmental Sustainability and other the Commonwealth of Dominica, Grenada, Martinique,
government officials from the OECS Member States and Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and St.
Associate Member territories and the OECS Commission, Vincent and the Grenadines.
as well as designated public-sector functionaries, sub-
regional and regional entities, academia and civil society
representing a diversity of interests and viewpoints on
sustainable, inclusive development in the OECS.

1 http://www.canari.org/ge4u
2 McHale S C Andrew is a development economist and member of the Caribbean Green Economy Action Learning Group (GE ALG) who has participated in and
written on GE initiatives in the Caribbean.

8
2. Overview

2.1 GE Definitions need to be catalysed and supported by targeted public

expenditure, policy reforms and regulation changes. The
The documentation on GE/ blue economy/ green growth
development path should maintain, enhance and, where
is extensive and while a plethora of analyses, studies and
necessary, rebuild natural capital as a critical economic
reports deal with the issues at the international level, there
asset and as a source of public benefits, especially for
have been many reports, policy briefs, academic papers,
poor people whose livelihoods and security depend on
guidelines, action learning activities and presentations on
nature.” (UNEP 2011)
the subjects pertinent to the Caribbean and the OECS
sub-region. In the Caribbean context, GE and green Perhaps the most comprehensive and pertinent document
growth are often seen as intimately linked with blue on a Caribbean GE is the CDB commissioned report
economy issues, which sets it apart and dictates its own entitled, A new paradigm for Caribbean development:
self-directed interpretation. transitioning to a green economy (CDB 2014)3. Much
of what is required for an informed approach to GE
The GE literature falls into four broad categories, namely:
implementation, particularly related to policy proposals,
(1) international and regional policy/academic research
is captured in that seminal work and need not be
and agreements; (2) diagnostic studies and GE scoping
repeated here. Nevertheless, it is worth noting the
reports; (3) GE transitioning guidelines, presentations and
booklet’s categorisation of the GE concept into three
policy proposals; (4) country strategies, reports/ national
broad branches as follows:
plans. These studies are not only done by regional
and international organisations but universities, research (a) a transition towards an economic model based on the
institutions, national governments, corporations and civil sustainable generation of equitable social, envi-
society have added to the voluminous literature on the ronmental and economic benefits. This framing is
subject. Given the limited availability of resources for embraced by civil society and international agencies
conducting this diagnostic review, the focus necessarily active in the field of sustainable development, includ-
has been on those studies and reports that are of most ing the Green Economy Coalition and UNEP’s Green
relevance to the OECS and wider Caribbean region. Economy Initiative;

The United Nations Environment (UN Environment), (b) the potential of green sectors and industries as
previously the United Nations Environment Program engines of growth. This framing, now commonly
(UNEP), which is recognised as the leading international referred to as ‘green growth’, is championed by
institutional proponent of the GE concept, defines a GE many OECD countries, private sector interests and
as, “one that results in improved human well-being and international financial institutions. Proponents include
social equity, while significantly reducing environmental the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) and the
Green Growth Knowledge Platform (GGKP); and
risks and ecological scarcities. In its simplest expression,
a green economy can be thought of as one which is (c) climate change mitigation and resilience potential.
low carbon, resource-use efficient and socially This framing is generally termed ‘low carbon
inclusive. In a green economy, growth in income and development’ or ‘climate resilient development’
employment should be driven by public and private and is widespread in climate change policy circles.
investments that reduce carbon emissions and pollution, These represent two sides of a coin, as in response to
enhance energy and resource-use efficiency, prevent climate change, ‘low carbon’ implies climate change
the loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services and mitigation, while ‘climate resilient’ indicates climate
spread economic opportunities and economic benefits change adaptation.
to the marginalised and vulnerable. These investments

3 The May 2014 booklet was prepared by a CANARI team, which comprised Tighe Geoghegan, David Ince, Michael Witter, Cletus Springer, Felix Finisterre and
Nicole Leotaud. The CDB has since added to the literature by publishing a paper on financing the blue economy (CDB 2018).

9
sustainable utilisation of underexploited resources, to
achieve the above; and

3. Resilience: adaptation to climate change, diversifica-

tion, risk management, responsive institutions, creat-
ing competitive advantage from this, and attracting
investment.

Adding to the informative literature on GE is the UNEP

2011 publication, which is considered the keystone of GE
globally and details significant findings on the potential
of a GE for meaningful economic transformation,
enhancement of natural capital, efficient resource use
and poverty alleviation. It goes on to propose detailed
measures and policy approaches that could provide the
enabling conditions for successful GE implementation
and concludes with recommendations for GE transition
financing. Overall, the report, which was prepared as part
of UNEP’s contribution to the Rio+20 process, “makes
a compelling economic and social case for investing
two per cent of global Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
in ‘greening’ ten5 central sectors of the economy to
Caribbean culture is intimately tied to the natural environment.
Credit: CANARI cause a major development shift and unleash public
and private capital flows onto a low-carbon, resource-use
The GE concept is further illuminated by an International efficient path. Such a transition can catalyse economic
Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) global activity of at least a comparable size to business as
GE diagnostic study (Bass 2013) that posits three key usual, but with a reduced risk of the crises and shocks
objectives of a green economy as: increasingly inherent in the existing model.” (UNEP 2011)

1. Human wellbeing: decent jobs, health, livelihoods,

freedoms, culture and income. 2.2. Related Concepts
There is additionally a vast body of work on the blue
2. Climate and other ecological limits not exceeded:
economy, climate financing, business environment
reducing carbon levels and operating within the eight
reform and green growth (DCED 2017), sustainable
other planetary boundaries4
financial systems, natural capital accounting, green
3. Equity: inclusion of stakeholders in process, econom- investing, green infrastructure, alternative/renewable
ic activity, and benefit-sharing – especially those most energy, water and waste water management and
dependent on natural resources and most vulnerable general sustainable development. For instance, a most
to environmental risks. enlightening treatment of green FDI is outlined in a 2017
UN Environment publication, in association with the
The three means to achieve these objectives are specified
Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment and Green
as:
Invest (UN Environment 2017). That study assesses the
1. Economic growth: in sectors and localities with the possibilities for FDI as a major financier of sustainable
highest potential to support wellbeing; development; provides guidelines for minimising the
2. Sustainable natural resource management: improv- adverse effects of FDI flows, particularly into developing
ing natural resource productivity per person, plus countries; reviews the current state of green FDI; and

4 The eight other planetary boundaries are: climate change; stratospheric ozone layer; biodiversity; chemicals dispersion; ocean acidification; freshwater
consumption and global hydrological cycle; land system change; nitrogen and phosphorus inputs to biosphere and oceans; and atmospheric aerosol loading.
5 Agriculture, construction, energy, fisheries, infrastructure, manufacturing, sanitation services, tourism, transport, and water.

10
outlines a policy framework for future green FDI flows. required in human capital, including greening-related
Interestingly, it makes a nuanced distinction between knowledge, management, and technical skills to
“green FDI” and “sustainable investment” and posits the ensure a smooth transition to a more sustainable
view that green FDI should exclude projects that may development pathway.
compromise the other (non-GE) elements of sustainable
One of the major findings of this report is that a
development. It also calls for collaboration between home
green economy supports growth, income and jobs,
and host countries in regulating the behaviour of foreign
and that the so-called “trade-off” between economic
investors in a manner that would promote socially just
progress and environmental sustainability is a myth,
economic growth, transparency, responsible corporate
especially if one measures wealth inclusive of natural
practice, economic viability, conformity with the United
assets, and not just narrowly as produced output. The
Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
results of the report indicate that while in the short
and would ultimately redound to the benefit of developing
term economic growth under a “green” scenario
countries in their GE transition process.
may be less than under business as usual, in the
International institutions such as the GEC, GGGI, the longer term (2020 and beyond), moving towards
GGKP, the Commonwealth Secretariat, the Organisation a green economy would outperform business as
for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), usual by both traditional measures and more holistic
the IIED, the World Bank6 and UN Environment have lent measures.” (UNEP 2011)
their resources and expertise to the seemingly daunting
That work is supported by a later more succinct guidebook
albeit much desired process of transitioning to a more
to the GE by the United Nations Division for Sustainable
sustainable development path, as represented by an
Development (UNDESA) (Allen and Clouth 2012).
inclusive GE. Perhaps the most authoritative conclusion
on the importance of transitioning to a GE is contained in
UN Environment’s treatise on the subject. It asserts that,
2.3. Regional Initiatives
CANARI has taken the lead in generating information
“Moving towards a green economy has the potential
and knowledge on the GE in the Caribbean, particularly
to achieve sustainable development and poverty
through its action learning initiative, its own research and
eradication on a scale and at a speed not seen
many scoping missions and conferences on the subject.
before. This potential derives, essentially, from a
A CANARI-organised regional Caribbean dialogue in 2011
changed playing field: our world, and the risks
and 2012 asserted that the vision and key characteristics
we face, have materially changed, and require a
of a Caribbean GE or a new model for sustainable
fundamental rethinking of our approach to the
economic development is one that seeks “long-term
economy. As this report has argued, a reallocation
prosperity through equitable distribution of economic
of public and private investments – spurred through
benefits and effective management of ecological
appropriate policy reforms and enabling conditions
resources and is economically viable and resilient,
– is needed to build up or enhance natural capital
self-directed, self-reliant, and pro-poor. Important
such as forests, water, soil and fish stocks, which
foundations are a sense of shared Caribbean identity
are particularly important for the rural poor. These
and commitment to pan-Caribbean cooperation, human
“green” investments will also enhance new sectors
security, good governance, a strong information base
and technologies that will be the main sources of
for decision-making, and a well-educated and involved
economic development and growth of the future:
citizenry.” (CANARI 2012b)
renewable energy technologies, resource and energy
efficient buildings and equipment, low-carbon public For this study, and hopefully for the greening process in
transport systems, infrastructure for fuel efficient and the Caribbean and the OECS especially, this would be
clean energy vehicles, and waste management and the preferred working GE definition.
recycling facilities. Complementary investments are

6 The World Bank has described ‘greening’ as, “A world in which natural resources … are sustainably managed and conserved to improve livelihoods and ensure
food security… In such a world “growth strategies are focused on overall wealth rather than gross domestic product …” (World Bank Group Environmental
Strategy 2012-2022).

11
Economic development in the small islands of the OECS is reliant on healthy natural ecosystems like the forests of St. Vincent (Credit:
Fitzgerald Providence) and the coral reefs of the BVI (Credit: BVI National Trust).

Indeed, a GE is simply a novel, enlightened economic strength is that it is an open and loose enough concept
and social development pathway that is based on that it can achieve coherence and self-determination,
environmentally friendly values and strategies that while ensuring that a Caribbean regional approach links
support sustainable livelihood activities and socio- up with the global agenda on similar transitions around
economic development at community, countrywide and the world. Essentially, what it is called is not as important
regional levels. as the need to acknowledge that the region must
urgently embark on a new, sustainable, people-centred
The GE concept can thus be succinctly captured as
and resource-use efficient development path, which is
an economy that: (i) embraces a ‘triple bottom line’
marked by reliable, effective and transparent governance
approach, which is characterised by economic
structures. It is clear therefore that policies in support
viability/economic wellbeing, social inclusion/
of the GE and green investments must be customised
equity and environmental sustainability; (ii) pursues
at both national and local levels (Bass 2013). Given the
a climate resilient, low carbon development;
constricted sizes, populations and resource endowments
and (iii) is managed within a framework of good
of OECS countries, that customisation is even more
economic and political governance. The focus on
crucial to the success of GE strategies in the sub-region.
good governance is especially pertinent to the political
economy of environment and resource use as well as to Of special relevance, given the island nature of all OECS
the inherent and understandable bias of existing political countries and territories, is the concept of the ‘blue
structures towards maintenance of the status quo. economy’ which was developed by the Pacific Island
States and has a distinct focus on coastal and marine
2.4. The Way Forward for the OECS resources within a GE. Some OECS stakeholders have
proposed that in their context we should speak of an ‘aqua
There is an understandable reluctance by the region’s
economy’ recognising the relevance of both marine and
political directorate and its concerned citizenry to fully
terrestrial resources7. It has been stated that, “Caribbean
embrace yet another externally crafted development
countries have jurisdiction over significant ocean areas
model. However, one must caution that while the above
that, in many cases, far exceed the land area of the
outlined key elements of a GE can be applied generally
countries themselves. The Bahamas exclusive economic
to the concept, GE implementation initiatives can and
zone, for example, is estimated to be 242,970 square
should vary depending on the country’s specific resource
miles compared to its land area of 5,383 square miles,
endowments and developmental needs. Hopefully, GE’s
whereas St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ is estimated

7 Proposal by David Robin, OECS Commission, at a webinar of the GE ALG on the blue economy.

12
to be about 13,900 square miles, over 90 times its land aligned with the values espoused in the OECS SGD and
area. In the case of St. Kitts and Nevis, the ocean space the wider UN SDGs8. It is also very well-matched to the
is almost 7,900 square miles, with its land area being main GE principles.
only 100 square miles.” (Roberts 2015)
Additionally, all six independent member states of the
Although not yet fully embraced as such, the blue OECS have committed to and ratified the Agreement
economy is already in evidence in the Caribbean given reached at the 21st Conference of Parties of the UNFCCC
the region’s heavy reliance on tourism, which links in Paris, France in December 2015. That Agreement, for
naturally to marine based activities (cruises, shipping, the first time, binds all member nations to joint actions to
diving, swimming, fishing etc.). There are even more mitigate climate change and to adapt to its adverse effects.
opportunities for sustainable economic growth in a Just as well, is the sub-region’s commitment to the UN’s
structured blue economy strategy and those are detailed 2030 Agenda, which includes the SDGs and is a plan of
in Appendix 2. The CDB report on blue economy financing action for people, planet and prosperity that also seeks
(CDB 2018) also adds to the wealth of information on to strengthen universal peace and eradicate poverty in
embracing that aspect of GE. all its forms and dimensions. Similar commitments by
the sub-region that are opportunities that can underpin
2.5. OECS Sustainable Development the transition to GE include: the Higher Education
Commitments Sustainability Initiative, which is a global partnership to
support the role of higher education institutions in the
The OECS, at both the political and Commission levels,
implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable
has committed to the pursuit of new strategic approaches
Development and the SDGs; the previously mentioned
that would meet the myriad of developmental challenges
OECS SGD; the Caribbean Sustainable Energy Roadmap
that confront micro states, such as those in the sub-
and Strategy (C-SERMS); CARICOM’s Strategic Plan
region, while increasing prospects for economic growth,
which covers economic, social and environmental issues;
social upliftment and environmental sustainability. This
the CDB-financed Sustainable Energy for a Competitive
commitment acknowledges the need for development in
OECS project; the partnership between the United States
the region to adopt a “green economy” outlook as well
Agency for International Development and the OECS
as to capitalise on the opportunities that “green growth”
Commission on a climate change adaptation project;
can provide, whilst pursuing a low carbon model of
and sustainable strategic tourism master plans in OECS
development that maximises climate change mitigation
Member States supported by the Government of Mexico.
and resilience. This approach to development is closely

8 http://www.undp.org/content/undp/en/home/sustainable-development-goals.html

13
3. Assessment of GE related activities in the OECS

3.1 Overview 3.2. GE Overall – To What Extent is the

The TOR for this study include an assessment template Green Economy Recognised as a Core
or GE assessment framework, developed by the GEC, National/Sub-Regional Priority?
for assessing the state of GE activities and achievements In accordance with the standards of the above cited GE
(see Appendix 1). The questionnaire in Appendix 3 was assessment framework, the overall GE implementation
therefore designed to obtain the pertinent information for status in the sub-region can be classified as below
doing the assessment. While the expected questionnaire average. The transition to a GE is indeed acknowledged
responses were not as forthcoming9 as anticipated, as an issue by almost all OECS member governments
consultations with relevant personnel at the OECS and a handful of public and private stakeholders.
Commission and desk research as well as input of However, what obtains is a narrow GE strategy with
key stakeholders in two webinars provided sufficient almost no consideration of equity and inclusion albeit
information to allow a reasonable assessment of GE some environmental limits are being considered by
transition progress in the sub-region. governments for adoption as policy. There are still very
The assessment is focused on the following specific few legislative proposals for policies in national GE
scoring elements: priority sectors and the role of SMEs and informal actors
is generally not factored into the official approaches.
1) GE Overall - To what extent is the GE recognised as There is also a severely limited embrace of natural
a core national/sub-regional priority? capital valuation by public and private actors, which
2) Measurement and Governance – Is a GE strategy has, of course, resulted in continuing poor protection for
under consideration or a GE National/ Sub-regional ecosystem health and biophysical assets.
Plan being considered, proposed or implemented by The overall situation is nevertheless a work in progress
governments?
and therefore still hopeful. For instance, at the sub-
3) Sustainable Finance – What is the scope of financial regional level, the OECS SGD was developed through
systems, public investments and fiscal policies to sup- extensive consultation with key stakeholders and signed/
port GE implementation? ratified by all nine OECS members states and territories
in 2001. It was further revised in 2006 and lists twenty-
4) Green and Inclusive Sectors – Have policies in
one key principles that support the key tenets of GE
support of greening in priority GE sectors been pro-
transitioning including inclusion, legislative reforms and
posed, developed and implemented?
setting environmental limits. However, neither the SGD
5) Is Green Fair? – What is the level of understand of principles nor a GE development construct have yet been
key public and private national/ sub-regional stake- factored into national development policies.
holders on the importance of an inclusive and fair GE
The overall aim of the SGD is to, “… foster equitable
transition?
and sustainable improvement in the quality of life in
6) Economics for Nature – To what extent do key the OECS region”. The SGD goes to state, rather
domestic/ sub-regional public and private sector lucidly, that, “… Member States of the OECS share a
stakeholders embrace the importance of natural cap- vision of development that is based on the principles
ital approaches for the GE transition and represent of sustainability, stakeholder participation, equity and
this in their public positioning and some activities? justice; that protects and enhances livelihoods; that
reduces vulnerability to risks, stresses and shocks;
that brings people out of poverty; and that results in
improvement in the quality of life for all. Achieving such a
9 Questionnaire responses were received from officials and civil society representatives in only Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia and St.
Vincent and the Grenadines.

14
vision of sustainable development requires a concerted Antigua & Barbuda: “A national sustainable land use
effort on the part of all the governments of the Member framework was developed and approved by Cabinet in
States, in partnership with individuals, civil society, the 2012, outlining a sustainable spatial development strategy
private sector, and regional and international institutions, for the country. This project will develop and implement
to improve environmental management and protect the a local area sustainable urban areas plan to transition
region’s precious natural resource base.” Antigua and Barbuda’s urban areas into low-carbon,
resilient sustainable communities using sustainable
Certainly, attainment of most of those objectives would
procurement practices.” (GOAB 2017) Additionally,
be consonant with achievement of the UN SDGs and
Antigua and Barbuda in its Medium-Term Development
would set the OECS member states firmly along the GE
Strategy (2016-2020) (GOAB 2015) committed to initiate
implementation path. What is quite clear, however, is that
actions towards “… a harmonious, prosperous and
those commendable principles and detailed sustainable
modern Antigua and Barbuda founded on the principles
development commitments, albeit captured in several
of sustainability and inclusive growth; where equality of
national documents, plans and written strategies, have
opportunity, peace, and justice prevail for all citizens
not yet been fully integrated into implemented policy and
and residents.” It goes on to state that, “The overarching
action at the national level.
goal (of the Strategy) will be attained on the basis of
At the country level the situation can be summarised as the following four Sustainable Development Dimensions
follows: (SDDs):
Anguilla: CANARI conducted a GE scoping study in 1) Optimal Generation of National Wealth;
Anguilla (CANARI 2013), which concluded that: “(a)
2) Enhanced Social Cohesion;
There is an extensive body of knowledge available on
natural resource management in Anguilla. However, 3) Improved Health of the Natural Environment and
the data is strewn over multiple scientific studies, Sustained Historical and Cultural Assets; and
consultant reports, regional reports and approved and
4) Enhanced Citizen Security.” (GOAB 2015)
draft legislation, policies and plans. This makes it
extremely difficult to use this information effectively for British Virgin Islands (BVI): A similar GE scoping
decision-making. (b) The framework for natural resource study to Anguilla’s was undertaken by CANARI for the
management is made up of a range of policy documents BVI (CANARI 2012a). The overall conclusion of that
and laws and regulations that have been developed study was that, “The state of knowledge on biodiversity,
in the absence of an approved integrated approach to management issues, management approaches and
environmental management.” livelihood aspects seem to be fairly good among
islanders. Residents of the BVI have been involved in a
few research initiatives, such as the Island Resources
Foundation’s drafting of environmental profiles;
participatory planning initiatives, such as the recent
formulation of the Climate Change Policy; drafting
of the Environmental Management and Conservation
of Biodiversity Bill, 2006; and the dated National
Integrated Development Plan 1999-2003. Additionally,
the popularity of the Beef Island development and Cane
Garden Bay issues have contributed to a general sound
understanding of environmental issues and management
approaches. There is also a “Green Pledge Program”
started in 2011/2012 where organisations are invited
to pledge to green their operations. In the first year
more than 50 organisations, mostly the private sector,
Anguilla’s protected harbours are key to its economic development. signed up. For example, in the tourism sector yachts are
Credit: CANARI interested in using solar and reducing use of plastics. In

15
Most of the mangroves in the BVI were destroyed by 2017 Development of Grande Anse beach is one element of Grenada’s
hurricanes, leaving coastlines vulnerable. Credit: BVI National Trust Blue Growth Coastal Master Plan. Credit: CANARI

recovery efforts post-Irma, the BVI is considering how lessons for OECS member states and there is interest in
it can rebuild greener overall and not “just back to the collaboration with other states and territories in the OECS.
same old same.” The island is also working on a financial framework for
cooperation between the Government and the private
Dominica: The Government of the Commonwealth of
sector; this framework is needed to support greening of
Dominica in 2009 committed to a Low-Carbon Climate-
sectors and greening the economy in general.
Resilient Development Strategy, which was designed to
support the country’s transition to a green economy and Montserrat: Thus far, no specific documentation on GE
to mitigate its extreme vulnerability to natural disasters in Montserrat has been identified.
(Government of Dominica 2012). However, there wasn’t
St. Kitts & Nevis: Similarly, no applicable documentation
any other available documentation on GE in Dominica
on St. Kitts and Nevis was available although a 2012
other than brief online media reports including a pledge
online media report quotes the former Prime Minister
to transform Dominica into the region’s first green
to have stated at the Rio+20 conference in Brazil that,
economy. Interestingly, in the aftermath of the recent
“we all agree that the development of a low carbon
devastating effects of Hurricane Maria the Prime Minister
development pathway is essential for nations large and
made a similar pledge to transform Dominica into the
small, as we all strive to eradicate poverty, increase
world’s first climate resilient nation.
employment, enhance food security, manage freshwater
Grenada: Following a blue growth investment conference resources, and increase energy efficiency on behalf
in 2016, the Government of Grenada issued a Blue of our respective peoples… the transition to a green
Growth Coastal Master Plan (Government of Grenada economy will, however, produce its own challenges,
2016) that proposes to declare certain areas as marine and so appropriate allowances will also have to be
protected areas and earmarks several major tourism made to small nations that do decide to venture down
developments. The plan, however, has not involved this path. St. Kitts and Nevis, for example, would be
the expected wider public consultation, although it has particularly vulnerable to the associated shocks, and so
been further updated in 2018 with an annotated, detailed compensatory provisions would have to be put in place
implementation schematic (Ferguson 2017). prior to our imposing the associated social hurdles on our
population. A green economy is of critical importance to
Martinique: Initiatives in waste management/ recycling,
St. Kitts and Nevis, as it is to the CARICOM region, and
energy, biodiversity, and most critically vehicle emissions
so St. Kitts and Nevis stands ready to engage in the full
(based on EU standards) can provide models with

16
sustainable development agenda.”10 It has not thus far While the private sector is driving some GE initiatives, the
been ascertained whether the current Government is public sector needs to facilitate through, for instance, the
committed to a GE agenda. provision of effective fiscal incentives. A conducive policy
framework is critical to drive private sector initiatives if the
Saint Lucia: As far back as June 2011, Saint Lucia held
transition to GE is to gather significant momentum.
a national consultation under the theme, Walking the
path towards a Green Economy. Further, a GE UNEP
scoping study (UNEP 2016) was done for Saint Lucia 3.3. Measurement and Governance – Is
by three consultants (two local and one regional) with a GE Strategy Under Consideration or
a heavy focus on transitioning to renewable energy a Ge National/Sub-Regional Plan Being
sources. An “alternative energy road map” that projected Considered, Proposed or Implemented
the country’s energy needs over the next 30 years and By Governments?
identified that 35% of that need would come from various While the situation varies across countries, this aspect
renewable energy sources and projects was one of the is scored generally poor and average as best. GE
steps taken towards that venture. Additionally, Saint Lucia national plans, albeit not always so termed, are being
has both a draft National Development Plan and a draft considered by only a few OECS member Governments
Medium-Term Development Strategy that both commit to and not generally with any ostensible links to national
GE principles. However, none of those documents have implementation of the SDGs and accompanying indicator
been completed or formally adopted by the Government. frameworks. Although there is no evidence or outright
St. Vincent & the Grenadines: Other than a brief opposition or resistance, there are not too many public
statement11 by the Ambassador to the United States of and private national stakeholders across the broad
America (USA) and Organization of American States spectrum of countries that are actively supportive of
(OAS) at the 2012 Rio+20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, no GE national plans, SDG implementation, and beyond
documentation has yet been obtained from St. Vincent GDP priorities or a ‘well-being agenda’. There is also
& the Grenadines although there is a suggestion that a an absence of clear proposals for new governance
clear commitment to GE is contained in the country’s institutions to enable and manage a GE transition. There
latest national development plan. is additionally a belief in some quarters of an inherent
contradiction in the OECS promoting the “beyond GDP”
The foregoing literature review points to the overwhelming
classification (not middle income) for promoting its
availability of documentation on GE and related issues at
economic vulnerability in international donor/financial
the international and regional level. However, there seems
forums but not fully embracing GE. The GE concept
to be a relative dearth of specific OECS Members state/
inherently requires broadening economic metrics to
territory studies on the GE. This does not necessarily
show the true costs/benefits of greening.
signal a lack of commitment or interest but may be
a good indication of the volume of work still to be A review of available documents from OECS member
undertaken in the sub-region’s GE implementation quest. countries along with the few responses to the questionnaire
Of course, given the limited administrative and technical developed specifically for this study reveals some
capacity along with a paucity of financial resources, expressed commitment to sustainable development if not
much of the process would entail attracting the required a GE per se. Nevertheless, the existence of several GE
assistance to embark on this daunting but much-needed scoping studies and GE related activity in the sub-region
progression towards a GE. However, a key concern is offers some reassurance and hope for the GE transition
whether countries would obtain the kind of support to process in the sub-region.
allow them to embark on their own chosen pathways Although some existing comprehensive development
towards GE. As far as the role of Government in the sub- frameworks such as national development plans do
region, there seems to be a general sense of questioning recognise the need for sustainable development
Governments’ capacity, given current fiscal constraints. approaches, they are not widespread and all-embracing

10 https://zizonline.com/st-kitts-and-nevis-wants-rio20-to-focus-on-green-economy-poverty-eradication/
11 https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/content/documents/16706stvincent.pdf

17
enough to be considered focused GE transitioning seems to be disjointed and not commonly known. At
processes that would lead to the envisaged GE/ new the sub-regional level, the OECS Commission hosted
economy with successful outcomes. Further, where such a Green Growth Investment Forum September 20-21,
plans exist there is little evidence of references to equity, 2012 in Saint Lucia, which proffered some key proposals
non-carbon ecological limits, and/or natural resources. including the development of an OECS Green Economy
Strategy and Action Plan, the integration of GE into private
Still some GE scoping studies and other activities have
sector initiatives and the facilitation of green investments.
been conducted at the sub-regional and national levels,
While there appears to be no structured GE related
including the following:
activity since then, the Commission has been involved
• GE scoping studies in Anguilla (CANARI 2013), the in supporting various member states in their national
BVI (CANARI 2012a), and Saint Lucia (UNEP 2016). sustainable development activities where requested.
These identified some of the issues, challenges and Some countries (including Dominica, Saint Lucia and St.
main sectors for transitioning to a GE. Vincent & the Grenadines) provide fiscal concessions
• Blue Economy Master Plan and a Blue Economy for renewable energy technology and energy efficient
Investment Conference in Grenada (2016, Updated in fittings and production tools retrofitting but there is not
January 2018). a structured fiscal policy that supports the transition to a
GE in any of the countries.
• National Green Economy Committee consultation
and meetings in Saint Lucia (2011 and 2014-2016). One example of a private ‘green finance’ initiative in the
Eastern Caribbean is the Bank of Nova Scotia’s Green
• A Caribbean-wide (all CDB borrowing member coun- Energy Loan Programme that was offered for green
tries inclusive of its OECS members) study to explore
energy development or retrofitting in conjunction with tax
renewable energy as a pathway to a green economy
breaks from participating Governments. Unfortunately,
(CDB 2016).
some countries discontinued those tax breaks after a
• Regional dialogue and publications on GE led by the few years, causing the programme to flop. The initiative
Caribbean Green Economy Action Learning Group. targeted individuals and small businesses and offered an
unsecured, low interest loan up to US$5,500 (EC$15,000).
• CANARI support for SMEs promoting sustainable
use of natural resources (such as ecotourism, craft, In Dominica, the World Bank financed Disaster
sustainable agriculture). Vulnerability Reduction Project is an example of a social
impact investment that directs financial flows towards
• A regional EU project 2016-2019: Creating enabling
people and nature. The extent to which this programme
policy conditions for the transformation towards an
is implemented in other OECS jurisdictions is unclear
inclusive green economy in the Caribbean (DCI-
but in the aftermath of Hurricanes Irma and Maria, there
ENV/2016/372-847) being implemented by CANARI.
What this project has confirmed is relatively unco- appears to be a significant leap in the number of such
ordinated approaches at both the national and sub programmes that are being considered. Additionally, the
regional levels to implementation of agreed GE sup- OECS Commission in October 2017 signed a US $6.3
porting measures/policies, which will help frame real- million grant agreement for the Caribbean Regional
istic proposals for spurring the sub-region into action. Oceanscape Project (CROP), which is geared towards
supporting Eastern Caribbean countries preserve and
strengthen resilience of coastal and marine resources
3.4. Sustainable Finance – What is the
and implement regional policies to stimulate blue growth.
Scope of Supportive Financial Systems, CROP will also support the implementation of the OECS’
Public Investments and Fiscal Policies for Eastern Caribbean Regional Ocean Policy (ECROP),
GE Implementation? which is said to be, “a global best practice in regional
There are indeed elements of private and institutional co-operation for transitioning to a sustainable ocean
financing as well as public investment initiatives for economy (a blue economy).”12 In essence, CROP funding
greening the economies of the OECS but again this would be used for, inter alia, developing coastal and
12 OECS Commission Press Release October 23, 2017.

18
objective is to support innovative actions by Caribbean
civil society and coastal community-based SMEs for
the protection of marine and coastal biodiversity and
development of sustainable and resilient livelihoods. The
recipient countries are Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas,
Dominica, Grenada, Haiti, Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis,
Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and
Trinidad and Tobago. Such innovative financing flows
are key for the sustainability of the GE transition in the
OECS and provide an important foundation for funding
the process.
What remains an issue generally in the sub-region is the
patent absence of Ministries of Finance and Planning
and other important economic and financing institutions
in the GE transition dialogue. Indeed, even at the
Dominica’s natural hot springs are an attraction for locals and OECS decision-making level, most of the discussions
visitors alike and support local green enterprises. Credit: CANARI and consultations have been confined to environmental
authorities and institutions. This is a major concern, as
marine spatial plans and national ocean policies and the success of any GE transitioning process demands
strategies through active citizen engagement; ocean that fundamental decisions need to be made to favour
education in conjunction with the private sector; mapping sustainable use of natural capital in government budget
ocean assets and enhancing OECS ocean data coverage and fiscal decisions. Although economic and financial
and access through collaborative public-private platforms. agencies and Ministries have been tangentially involved
Most of the other green financing initiatives within the in regional and global discussions on international green
sub-region are externally generated and include: the growth and climate finance initiatives, these do not focus
Climate Adaptation Financing Facility (CAFF) offered on inclusive GE outcomes, on mainstreaming GE into
through domestic financial institutions by the World Bank; the national economic planning process or on the wider
the Green Climate Fund that, like the CAFF, prioritises GE enabling economic environment. This, of course, leaves
investments; and the Global Environment Facility (GEF). many aspects of the economic status quo unchanged.
Of course, while these financial mechanisms exist, there
remains a need for enhanced measures to be put in 3.5. Green and Inclusive Sectors – Have
place to allow smaller island developing states like those Policies in Support of Greening in Priority
in the OECS to access funding for immediate situations. GE Sectors Been Proposed, Developed
Similarly, specific actions are required to ensure that and Implemented?
that the main principles that guide microenterprise
Dialogue on GE has not always translated into specific
development as well as the key tenets of green growth,
action within priority sectors other than the general
green enterprises and sustainable development are
embrace of alternative energy initiatives in most countries
integrated into all lending policies and programs through
while consolidating the widespread dependence on fossil
microfinance and other financial institutions that serve
fuels-based energy generation. Most sector ‘greening’
those more vulnerable small countries such as those in
proposals reference renewable energy, green tourism
the sub-region.
and biological diversity use, particularly in agriculture and
There are also other regional and sub-regional financing manufacturing, but there is little evidence of a determined
initiatives such as the CANARI-led €1.9 million Powering policy(s) development in support of greening in priority
Innovations in Civil Society and Enterprises for sectors.
Sustainability in the Caribbean (PISCES) project, which
In Saint Lucia, for instance, a few renewable energy
is funded by the European Union (ENV/2016/380-530)
firms/ initiatives have sprung up. A firm, St Lucia Linen
and co-financed by other project partners. PISCES’ key

19
Services has begun to use waste oil to successfully fuel collecting environmental statistics, which is a start, but
its linen cleaning business. Women farmers in Saint Lucia there is not a widespread, concerted move towards
come together towards a more sustainable approach to valuing ecological assets or embracing the importance
farming techniques. of natural capital approaches for GE transition.
As indicated in the appendix to the study’s TOR, “…
3.6. Is Green Fair? – What is the Level of to date, the efforts towards green development in the
Understand of Key Public and Private Caribbean have been largely confined to national efforts
National/Sub-Regional Stakeholders of but have not significantly impacted economic growth.
the Importance of an Inclusive and Fair Given the continued global call to carve out a new
GE Transition? economic trajectory that provides new job opportunities
The need for a socially inclusive approach is certainly and creates a higher standard of living whilst providing
not an ostensible aspect of the nascent GE transitioning a solid natural resource base for future generations,
process in the sub-region. Neither the questionnaire strong consideration must be given to a greater attempt
responses received thus far nor desk research and to transform to inclusive and environmentally sustainable
consultations have revealed an acknowledgement of economic development in the OECS. Development of a
the importance of attempting an inclusive and fair GE Green Economy Strategy and Action Plan for the sub-
transition nor has been any determined efforts or public region will help to define key principles, objectives, policy
stances that promote greater equality and access to needs, pathways and capacity needs for transformation
green jobs. In accordance with the GE assessment that Member States can pursue with development
framework, this indicator of GE transitioning in the OECS partners based on their own unique contexts or
sub-region therefore receives a poor grade. collectively for the region.”
The #GE4U project is thus expected to support efforts
3.7. Economics for Nature –To What to advance the sub-region’s wider programme of
Extent do Key Domestic/Sub-Regional sustainable development and to facilitate its attainment
Public and Private Sector Stakeholders of, inter alia, the SDGs, the OECS SGD and the Small
Embrace the Importance of Natural Island Developing States Accelerated Modalities of
Capital Approaches for the GE Transition Action (SAMOA) Pathway. Indeed, pursuit of a GE is
and Represent this in their Public expected to support the much-required objectives of
Positioning and Some Activities? poverty reduction and job creation in the OECS.

The review has indicated that on average, less than

three major public and private national stakeholders in
each OECS member country formally recognise natural
capital approaches as pertinent to the GE transition and
publicly promote this approach. No known natural capital
policies valuing ecological systems and biodiversity
have been proposed and there appears to be limited
opportunities for civil society and stakeholder groups to
contribute towards the process. In that context, formal
GE implementation is unlikely to proceed, and even if it
does, it is likely to exclude key social groups and thus
would receive very limited support from government,
private sector and civil society groups. The score here is
therefore poor.
In terms of measurement, there is a solitary example of
the Central Statistics Office in Saint Lucia that has begun

20
4. Proposed policy approaches, structure and inputs
for GE implementation in the OECS

4.1. Policy of administration, financing, collaboration, coordination,

governance, technical/change management and
Notwithstanding the wide international embrace of the
leadership that must be tackled along with investment
GE concept and moniker, (or blue economy in the case
of effort and human resources. There are also justifiable
of small island developing countries) there is, as stated
concerns that there are no guarantees of success as
earlier, an understandable hesitancy in small developing
well as about the ability of small countries to compete
states such as those of the OECS to adopt what some
for and attract the available resources for making the GE
see as just another internationally imposed development
transformation. Nevertheless, at this point, business as
model or agenda. The GE literature is replete with
usual is almost certain to ensure further declines in the
convincing justifications for following the key principles of
sub-region’s economic and social conditions.
a green or blue economy regardless of the country’s size,
resource endowments or level of development. Indeed,
the scoping studies done thus far all point to the strong 4.1.1. A Climate Resilient OECS Approach
positive transformational potential of a GE transition in The 2017 intensely destructive Hurricanes Irma and
OECS countries. Maria, albeit most unfortunate and traumatic for
many OECS member states, territories and citizens,
Emerging from a regional dialogue facilitated in 2011,
may have provided an ideal opportunity to rebuild
CANARI has proffered a working definition for GE in the
affected economies and restructure existing ones on
region as, “one that aims for long-term prosperity, rather
a pivot of climate change resiliency. This obvious and
than solely for growth, through equitable distribution
straightforwardly relatable fulcrum of climate resilient
of economic benefits and effective management
approaches to agriculture, construction, infrastructure,
of ecological resources. It is economically viable
tourism, manufacturing, energy, housing, water supply,
and resilient to both external and internal shocks;
waste management and economic development could
self-directed and not driven by external agendas
provide the much-needed impetus. In the hurricanes’
or funding opportunities, and self-reliant by being aftermath, both the prime ministers of Antigua and
based predominantly on domestic production and Barbuda and Dominica publicly expressed their intention
investment. A Caribbean Green Economy is pro-poor to rebuild their affected islands through a new approach
and generates decent jobs and working conditions that is climate resilient and sustainable. Indeed, Prime
that offer opportunities for self-advancement for local Minister Skerritt pointedly implored the UN General
people.” (CANARI 2012b) Assembly to, “…Let these extraordinary events unleash
When juxtaposed against the previously cited economic, the innovation and creativity of global citizens to spark
social and institutional challenges in the OECS sub- a new paradigm of green economic development that
region it would be difficult to argue against the essence stabilises and reverses the consequences of human-
of that GE definition or its inherent objectives, whether induced global warming.13. He followed up this statement
the development approach is described as GE or not. with an even more focused declaration that... “Dominica’s
What is imperative must be a steadfast adherence to the plan now is to rebuild a ‘climate-resilient nation. What
proven sustainable approaches to development that are we’re doing is take an opportunity to build back better.
captured in all the definitions of GE/ blue economy. And we’re now putting the master plan in place. It entails
sustainable livelihoods. In respect to energy, moving
GE transitioning is not an easy undertaking and would more into renewables – geothermal, solar. And we’ll
be an even more difficult process in small, resource certainly be looking at the construction codes in the
poor countries like those of the OECS. There are issues state of Florida, for example.”14
13 https://ctrustglobal.com/dominica-prime-minister-speech-un-hurricane-maria/
14 http://wlrn.org/post/dominica-pm-islands-post-hurricane-war-zone-can-become-climate-resilient-model

21
41.2. A ‘New Economy’ for the OECS policy areas have been selected for special consideration
It is therefore recommended that, while all the relevant in the challenging albeit potentially transformative GE/
GE or blue economy elements are factored into the new economy policy development process.
OECS’ development plans, it may be prudent to ensure
that the core principles are clear and focus on a 4.2. Partnerships for Success
new economy that is pro-poor, climate resilient, socially A review of the seminal CDB commissioned/ CANARI
inclusive, economically vibrant and sustainable, self- drafted paper, A new paradigm for Caribbean
directed, innovative, results in overall improved human development: transitioning to a new Economy (CDB
wellbeing, reduces environmental risks and enhances 2014), reveals an impressive policy action agenda, albeit
natural capital, attracts, green/ responsible investments, renewable energy focused, that is as relevant to the OECS
fosters economic growth and holistic development and countries as it is to the wider Caribbean. Reproducing
in which production and consumption activities are this agenda here would not be advisable given the
low carbon, resource efficient. Of course, that new limitations of time and space. However, much of what it
economy would exhibit all the tenets of good governance contains will be touched upon below with a slant towards
including transparency, open and responsible information the objective realities of OECS countries. This should
sharing, inclusive approaches to policy formulation and hopefully, allow the CDB and CANARI to reference that
implementation, integrity, accountability, effectiveness work in their review of this study.
and independence.15 The Prime Minister of Antigua and
Barbuda intimated at the same UN General Assembly It has been claimed that, “…both the levers and the blocks
session that, “If these frequent and brutal storms are to to a green economy are concerned with technology,
be withstood, Caribbean islands and certain parts of the capital, markets, capacity, regulatory support and
United Sates, need to construct more resilient buildings political feasibility” (Bass 2013). A European Union
and infrastructure than now exists.”16 Results Oriented Monitoring Mission17 for the Caribbean
#GE4U project found that the project was relevant, had
The use of the term ‘new economy’ could be more effective systems in place for monitoring and evaluation
pertinent and palatable to both policy makers and the of progress and that the implementing agency, CANARI,
citizenry of the OECS but one must caution that it should was well placed to deliver key informational and strategic
not be used in any way that compromises the essence inputs as well as to support sustainability in general and
and key principles of a GE. The vast knowledge and GE initiatives (e.g. via the Caribbean Green Economy
literature on GE could nonetheless be used as a guide Knowledge Platform being developed and action
to assessing achievement as well as to formulate and learning processes being used). This is no surprise, as
evaluate policy. CANARI has undoubtedly been the lead agency for GE
In its contribution towards a sustainable economic policy development in the region. However, the preliminary
development effort in small countries, the Commonwealth report also noted that CANARI needs to strengthen
Secretariat has proposed five focus areas as the key its regional profile with key target audiences relevant
pillars of resilience building in small states, namely: macro- to GE (e.g. finance) and a CANARI-CDB partnership
economic stability; micro-economic market efficiency; could be very interesting as previously stated. This is
good governance; social development and cohesion and not a criticism of CANARI but an acknowledgement
sound environmental management. These provide the that key strategic partnerships are required across the
overall policy framework for any small state interested broad spectrum of regional and international institutions,
in transitioning towards a GE. However, having reviewed governments, non-governmental agencies, academic
the status of the sub region in progressing toward a new and research institutions, financial institutions, donor
inclusive, green and resilient economy, the following agencies, civil society groups and the private sector if the
mammoth task of greening the Caribbean economy is to

15 All these principles and objectives are entrenched in the various definitions of a green economy (UNEP, OECD, CANARI etc.) and even embraced by non-GE
proponents such as the Non-State Actors Advisory Panel in Grenada.
16 http://www.caribbeantimes.ag/national-statement-honourable-gaston-browne-prime-minister-antigua-barbuda-72nd-united-nations-general-assembly/
17 Preliminary Report of European Union Results Oriented Monitoring evaluator Anne Martin of the UK delivered via CANARI by email on October 5, 2017.

22
be realised. CANARI has limited financial resources but collaboration on GE/ new economy transitioning with the
is resourceful in spreading the message of sustainable OECS Commission, if not the Members themselves. As a
development and the GE to the local and regional strategic partner and appointed agency for championing
community of civil society organisations, academics, the the process, important responsibilities for communication,
media, small enterprises and vulnerable groups, fisher knowledge sharing, community and public engagement,
folk and farmers etc. It is a font of knowledge on GE advocacy, research and evaluation/ monitoring must be
issues and well connected to international institutions formally delegated to both CANARI and UWI along with
involved in sustainable development such as the IIED, the requisite financial and technical resources. Progress
the GEC, the GGKP, the UN Environment and the EU but is achieved by adding and not subtracting, by multiplying
does not have the financial and administrative capacity to and not by dividing, so it would be most advisable for
drive the regional GE transition on its own. the sub-region to utilise those resources that are already
adding value to the GE transitioning process rather than
The University of the West Indies (UWI) is also a font of
reinvent the wheel and fritter away valuable resources
knowledge with many committed faculty members serving
and achievements.
as members of CANARI’s GE ALG and researching
and contributing towards the policy agenda for a GE The OECS Commission itself would have to reorganise
transition in the wider region. UWI therefore must also its current structure to reflect the need for a dedicated
be a key partner in the process, providing the intellectual GE/ new economy focus. However, it cannot be
and research leadership and contributing to the policy stressed more that this would necessarily entail an
dialogue and implementation process. advocacy, coordinating and monitoring role and not
an implementing or executing one. Likewise, at the
Reshaping national and regional development policies
country levels, greater coordination and streamlining of
require substantial resources (technical, financial,
administrative systems, technical review mechanisms
informational, technological, administrative and
and governance arrangements is imperative. The focus
influential). No other regional institution possesses an
must shift from merely prescriptive policies to action
optimal mix of those resources other than the CDB.
for it is perhaps at the national policy level that the
Established in January 1970, the CDB’s stated purpose
greatest impact can be made. This must begin with an
is “… to contribute to the harmonious economic growth
acknowledgement by governments of the prudence of
and development of the member countries of the
developing a green/ new economy and society. This
Caribbean (hereinafter called the region) and to promote
broader vision of development must permeate all aspects
economic cooperation and integration among them,
of development programming and would hopefully be
having special and urgent regard to the less developed
embraced by the society at large.
members of the region.”18
Additionally, appropriate partnerships with investors,
In acknowledgement of that purpose the CDB’s Mission
donors and the international community could see the
Statement is that, “CDB intends to be the leading catalyst
development of a GE predicated on greening of key
for development resources into the Region, working
sectors such as agriculture, tourism, energy, recycling
in an efficient, responsive and collaborative manner
businesses, smart manufacturing, housing, infrastructure
with our Borrowing Member Countries (BMCs) and
and construction. The GE could be supported by a
other development partners, towards the systematic
targeted development of the cultural industries, a focus on
reduction of poverty in their countries through social and
responsible agriculture for food security, agro-processing
economic development.”19
and expansion of indigenous culinary businesses that
There is nonetheless still a major role for CANARI and can meet the demands of the expanded local population
UWI in continuing to lead the dialogue and action of citizens, residents and visitors.
learning on the new economy while ensuring that the
As a matter of policy, it may be opportune to reconsider
accepted GE principles are not compromised in the
the mix of ministries and revert to Ministries of Finance,
reform and implementation process. CANARI, however,
Planning and Development (Sustainable Development)
needs to be invested with the requisite resources through
as a possible means of ensuring that the GE/ new
an institutional partnership with the CDB and a formal
18 Article 1 of the Agreement establishing the Caribbean Development Bank.
19 http://www.caribank.org/about-cdb

23
recommended approach including: its 2012-2017 Climate
Resilience Strategy (CRS), which was scheduled for
review and updating in May 2017 prior to unveiling of the
2018-2023 CRS; a major review of Caribbean economic
policy and history in 2012; the revamp of the Basic Needs
Trust Fund and the wider poverty reduction strategy;
the previously cited 2015-2019 Strategic Plan and its
continuing strategic partnerships with other regional
institutions and Governments towards facilitating a new,
more sustainable approach to economic development in
the Caribbean.
The CDB’s Strategic Plan 2015-2019 (CDB 2014)
identifies six major target areas to support inclusive
and sustainable growth and development as well as
good governance. These are detailed as: upgrading
Traditional cassava bread is still made by the Kalinago people of social and economic infrastructure; building greater
Dominica. Credit: Natalie Boodram productive capacity in agriculture (human and land-
use); enhancing skills and human capital; providing
economy idea is mainstreamed and receives the highest much-needed funding for environmental sustainability,
consideration by the most important policy advisers, energy efficiency and climate adaptation; facilitating
formulators and decision-makers. It is essential to state private sector development through upgrading of skills
that it is ultimately the OECS countries themselves and greater access to financing; and supporting better
who would have to lead and champion the GE governance and accountability. It is expected these
transition process if it is to succeed. would all lend to sustainable poverty reduction, greater
economic resilience, improved economic management
4.3. Financing and competitiveness of its BMCs, which comprise all the
The CDB is undoubtedly the leading catalyst for OECS countries. The Strategic Plan acknowledges that,
development resources in the region and, in the case of …”the key development issues for CDB’s BMCs have
the OECS, channels resources from international donor/ remained those of low and variable economic growth;
lending agencies such as the Inter-American Development unsustainable debt and poor fiscal management; high
Bank (IDB)20 and the World Bank to the sub-region. It unemployment; vulnerability to the effects of climate
seems logical therefore for the CDB, in partnership with change and natural hazards; environmental degradation,
CANARI and OECS member governments, to be the crime and increasing threats to citizen security; and
champion and resource mobiliser for a successful GE rising poverty, all with distinctive gender imbalances;
transition in the sub-region if not the wider region. weaknesses in economic governance arrangements,
and the slow pace of regional economic integration.
The key challenge for the CDB, however, is to help its Indeed, the recent financial crisis and Great Recession
members mount a cogent development programme, have further slowed already sluggish growth rates, made
based on the agreed GE principles, that would propel economic conditions more difficult and inequitable, and
the region forward into a more secure future and a threatens to erode the social gains made in previous
sustainable development path. Otherwise, the risk of a decades.”
further reversal in the development gains of previous
decades through the effects of climate change and
4.3.1. Investment
continuation of the deleterious ‘brown economy’
becomes more tangible. Encouragingly, the CDB has An investment review mechanism at the regional or sub-
already embarked on several initiatives that lend to that regional level may be a useful tool to have at the outset

20 None of the OECS member States are members of the IDB but IDB resources for region-wide initiatives are channelled to the OECS through the CDB.

24
of the GE transition process and, if not housed at the carbon stocks – along with other REDD+ mechanisms
CDB, a concerted effort to obtain GE funding for such (UNEP 2011); green stimulus funding from the World
a proposal could be mounted. Green or sustainable Bank and the GCF; responsible private investors; long-
investment is highlighted here, as the sub-region’s term investment funds from “green portfolios” of pension
landscape is littered with examples of failed or damaging funds and insurance companies looking to minimise
foreign direct investment that failed to adhere to ‘triple environmental, social and governance risks; international
bottom line’ conditions. While one fully appreciates the and regional development banks such as World Bank,
importance of foreign investment to small, resource-poor IDB and CDB that have created green or sustainable
islands like those of the OECS, such investment must be development capacity building; sovereign wealth funds;
circumscribed by clear developmental guidelines that bilateral and multi-lateral development assistance
protect both social and ecological integrity. The countries programs for example by the EU, the UN, etc..
must be properly zoned and appropriate development
There are also complementary financing programmes
planning guidelines prescribed and strictly enforced for
such as the CDB and World Bank’s Disaster Risk
safeguarding the patrimony and sustainable livelihoods
Management initiatives that seek to minimise countries’
of OECS citizens and residents while allowing for
climate vulnerability while building resilience to natural
reasonable investments by responsible foreign investors.
disasters. The challenge is to work those initiatives
Public sector investment in areas that would stimulate into the mainstream development agenda of OECS
the greening of key economic sectors and in capacity member countries so that they are structured to allow
enhancements such as human capital, infrastructure complementarity of development financing arrangements
(both hard and soft), administrative and governance and sustainability of the overall development process.
mechanisms is crucial. It would therefore be useful to
However, the GE financing process must be well organised,
develop, first at the regional level, and in each country,
structured and kickstarted with public financing which
a completely revised public sector investment project
may be from: reallocation of non-performing expenditure;
(PSIP) strategy that focuses squarely on the green/
fiscal reforms that result in increases in net public revenue;
new economy transition. The temptation to adopt a
through debt forgiveness; or attraction of additional,
business as usual stance to public sector investment is
specialised donor funding. Public financing is crucial for
understandable given existing financial obligations and
a green/ new economic transformation and the process
political/ social imperatives but to continue to fritter away
cannot succeed without governments “putting skins in
scarce financial resources on transfer payments and
the game”. This would require government agencies to
unsustainable consumption is anathema to all that the
make the “greening” of government activities a priority
GE transition and sustainable development requires.
and limit spending on non-green initiatives.

4.3.2. GE/ new economy/ climate financing

4.3.3. Green Growth
There is also the matter of accessing climate or GE
The OECD describes green growth as “…fostering
financing. Many traditional international financial
economic growth and development while ensuring
institutions and newer ones such as the Green Climate
that natural assets continue to provide the resources
Fund (GCF) offer financial assistance to developing
and environmental services on which our wellbeing
countries and corporations, who meet the requisite
relies”. Green growth also involves investing in the
criteria, to implement GE or climate resilient solutions.
environment to drive economic growth and, as outlined
The GCF for instance claims to be driven by the impact
above, necessitates a change in the approach to both
of climate change on the planet and therefore strives to
public and private investing so that scarce public funds
help countries shift to low-emission and climate-resilient
are prudently employed in sustainable growth inducing
development. There are also specific financing facilities
activities that are supported by appropriate private
for selected aspects of greening, for example: work by
investment attracting policies. Indeed, governments have
the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and
a major role in ensuring that public investment and public
UN Environment in support of national efforts to reduce
finance stimulates impactful developmental, commercial
deforestation and forest degradation and enhance forest
and environmental performance (Bass 2013). This an

25
essential step in the GE/ new economy process and to ensure stakeholders get what they need, rather than
OECS governments will have a responsibility to insist on what they are given” (Bass 2013).
such growth generating measures in GE transitioning.
Intense public consultation and education on the
Assessment of the efficacy of public spending and private
importance of GE transition issues - including building
investment could therefore be done in that context.
economic and climate resilience, social inclusion and
There is the added necessity to facilitate those private governance - must be highlighted. Governments will
investors including local SMEs and vulnerable individuals have to be the drivers of this process, to lead by example
in their use of natural resources as potential sources of and demonstrate a high level of policy consistency
growth and jobs. This is particularly relevant to pro-poor to convince the populace that this is indeed a new,
strategies, as many poorer persons depend heavily on sustainable and better development pathway for all. Of
the use of natural resources to maintain their livelihoods. course, the current GE proponents at both the individual
This includes fisherfolk, farmers, craftspersons, artisans, and institutional levels, national and regional would have
foresters, persons involved in indigenous medicinal to support governments in that push.
ventures, beekeepers etc. There is just as well a need to
support ‘green and social enterprises’, whether large or 4.5. Cross Cutting Issues - Energy, Land,
small, once they deliver ‘triple-bottom line’ benefits to the Water, Waste Management
economy/ies in which they operate.
4.5.1. Alternative Energy
4.4. Capacity Building Several renewable energy investments have been
It would be prudent to develop an overall regional or implemented over the past few years in the OECS sub-
sub-regional strategy/ plan for the GE transformation region and many others are ongoing or planned. However,
process, which can provide the framework for individual there is still a disproportionate reliance on the traditional
national plans, strategies and standards to meet the fossil fuel base energy generation and distribution.
established GE compatibility criteria. Already, there is Admittedly, there are structural and investment issues
evidence of several national plans that speak expressly that must be addressed but perhaps no other sector
or impliedly to GE or climate resilient development offers a more immediate and seamless embrace of a
but there does not appear to be a coherence with GE green/ new economy than the energy sector.
concepts, green investing or sustainable production and
The provision of more targeted fiscal incentives for
consumption. Indeed, it appears that several current
spurring new investments in “green” technology and
and proposed investments projects in the OECS have
energy efficient production methods and tools that
been accepted by the respective governments without
support a more environmentally-friendly approach and
reference to their stated commitments to a GE. The stated
successful GE outcomes could be pursued. The earlier
justification for governmental embrace of those projects
cited CDB study proposes detailed approaches on this
is usually the jobs that they bring, which are not always
matter and would have to be consulted thoroughly.
sustainable jobs and, of course, possible harmful social
and environmental effects seem to be downplayed during Some OECS member countries, such as Dominica and
the investment proposal review stage. Antigua and Barbuda, have already indicated a desire
to be more than 50% alternative/renewable energy
Even within a framework of a sub-regional or regional
dependent in the next 5-10 years. Saint Lucia had
new economy strategy, there would still be the likelihood
committed to a 35% threshold by 2020. St. Kitts and Nevis
of fights for turf between the various implementing
is also refocused on developing its geothermal energy to
agencies and government ministries. Their focus would
industrial scale. There should therefore be no problem in
plausibly be on their subject area of responsibility,
the sub-region stepping up its efforts to be the leading
which could promote territorial and compartmentalised
alternative/ renewable energy region in the world.
approaches to green/ new economy implementation.
Similar biases would probable obtain at the country level. Indeed, there are many ‘green shoots’ in the sub-region
Notwithstanding the need for sub-regional coherence, that can be built upon, such as the OECS’ SGD and
“…a country-driven, country-tailored approach is needed related sustainable development initiatives including

26
patrimony and sustainable livelihoods of OECS nationals
while allowing for reasonable investments by responsible
foreign investors.
There is a well acknowledged need to significantly
upgrade the sub-region’s level of infrastructure to: (1)
optimise spatial planning and utilisation; (2) maximise the
countries’ natural beauty and mostly pristine environment
while facilitating the populace’s easy access to modern
roads, telecommunications, public utilities and basic
social and economic services; (3) minimise the rural/
urban divide; (4) lower the general cost of doing
business; (5) ensure all investments are circumscribed
by clear developmental guidelines that protect the natural
heritage as well as the respective countries’ social and
ecological integrity; and (6) facilitate a more orderly land
zoning and utilisation process.
Protected areas in Grenada protect the rich natural heritage.
Credit: CANARI The cause could also be helped by each person planting
at least one tree each year for the next five years. This
ECROP; the C-SERMS; CDB’s earlier cited Strategic Plan effort would also help inculcate an appreciation for the
and CANARI’s work with the GE ALG and SMEs. A full environment among the impressionable youth if “plant a
embrace of those initiatives and instruments could assist tree” programmes are established in all schools.
in pointing the way forward.
4.5.3. Water
4.5.2. Land The cliché that “water is life” has never been more apt
Nowhere is there greater evidence of the deleterious in this era of climate change and its attendant extreme
effects of unplanned developments on the environment weather patterns. The Caribbean is no exception to
of OECS countries than on the land, which includes the trend of decreasing water catchment levels and
both terrestrial and marine spaces. The land involves increasing shortages. An intense understanding of this
all a country’s natural attributes including its natural new reality must therefore be reflected in new policy
environment, physical beauty, and the patrimony of its approaches. The entire water capture, storage and
people, particularly the issue of land ownership. Land distribution process has to be restructured to reflect
use and land zoning policies must be brought into available and new green water systems including rain
sharper focus with spatial planning and indicative land water retention at both the domestic and industrial levels;
use plans adopted throughout the sub-region. reverse osmosis/desalination given the abundance and
There is something to be said for the need to attract high easy access to seawater; exploration of Ocean Thermal
levels of foreign investment to maintain and enhance Energy Conversion as both a renewable energy and new
existing standards of living. However, there must be water generation option; seek out existing artesian wells;
a balance between that need and the imperative of and improved surface water catchment, installation of
protecting the patrimony of OECS nationals. While one new and more efficient reservoirs and vastly enhanced
fully appreciates the importance of foreign investment distribution networks.
to small, relatively resource-poor island states, such Simple practices like installing rain water capture systems
investment must be circumscribed by clear developmental at public facilities such as fire stations, hospitals, sports
guidelines that protect the sub-region’s social and stadia and government buildings as well as conserving
ecological integrity. The countries must be properly water by re-using captured bath water to flush toilets
zoned and appropriate development planning guidelines and to water plants are other prudent ways to conserve
prescribed and strictly enforced for safeguarding the and sustain the supply of water. However, policy and

27
choosing the most fuel-efficient options available when
purchasing vehicles; (2) checking and re-inflating tires as
often as possible; (3) parking and walking as much as
possible when in the city rather than driving to each stop;
and (3) carpooling, particularly for long trips.
At the corporate level, there have been some instances of
adoption of some landmarks including roundabouts and
parks for cleaning and maintenance by businesses. This
should be widened to include adoption and maintenance
of specific streets, verges and communities. Although
personal and corporate responsibility is required to
sustain this drive, the initial impetus would have to come
from deliberate governmental policy, official precept and
facilitation.
One of the most pernicious issues in small countries like
those of the OECS is the poor disposal of old vehicles,
tyres and non-biodegradable wastes. This should be
a priority policy issue at both the domestic and sub-
regional levels. New waste disposal policies that separate
plastics, bottles, chemicals/ hazardous waste and metal
should be instituted and even policies on importation
of vehicles and incentives for scrap metal and new
waste management and recycling enterprises should be
promoted.
Of course, this would be ideally supported by: (1)
an effective legislative and enforcement framework for
Natural streams are key water sources in the OECS.
Credit: Natalie Boodram
garbage disposal and littering; (2) appropriate public
education and awareness programmes; (3) annual
legislation must support those initiatives to ensure that cleanest community competitions organised by the
they become mainstreamed into every day practice. Ministries responsible for the environment or for social
transformation and generously sponsored by the
corporate sector; and (4) an annual environmental award
4.5.4. Waste Management
for the OECS corporate sector.
Waste management is a veritable challenge in the
small territories of the OECS and requires a quantum
4.6. Greening Specific Sectors
leap in effort and strategies to reverse some of the
environmental degradation and aesthetic decline that
4.6.1. Tourism
has been witnessed over the years. This could start
simply by introducing practices and legislation to There are already many examples of tourism
separate household garbage into biodegradable and establishments that have utilised greening initiatives such
non-biodegradable receptacles. Plastics can then be as Green Globe or Earth Check certification to streamline
cleaned and recycled for use as water bottles, liquid soap their operations towards both increased ecological
containers, plant holders etc. responsibility and lower costs. There is the added
incentive of greater marketability to the higher echelons
Another option would be using bicycles and walking
of the market, as the higher spending, ethnocentric visitor
whenever feasible as well as personally taking
is often also environmentally conscious. Responsible
responsibility for reducing carbon emissions by: (1)
tourism is thus a “no brainer” for OECS countries who

28
Yachting is important to the OECS tourism industry. Small scale farming contributes to food security in Montserrat.
Credit: CANARI Credit: CANARI

do not have the capacity for mass market tourism but exported what it grows at steeply declining prices whilst
could present a much more plausible proposition to the importing food products at steadily increasing prices. This
more discerning, segment of the market. The demand for is, of course, not a sustainable approach to any business
green travel has also increased as indicated in KUONI’s but seems even more injudicious when one considers
(luxury long haul tour-operator) Travel Trends Report the growing clamour about the adverse health effects of
2012 and the ABTA Travel Report 2012. The reports many of those imports. The real issue with agriculture’s
provide evidence of consumers who demonstrate a viability in the OECS may not be one of production but
preference for green products whether in food, forestry rather about marketing and distribution mechanisms. It
or tourism. They demand rigorous environmental and is encouraging that the OECS Council of Ministers of
social standards in the product and in its production, Agriculture has already acknowledge the problem and is
particularly where certified green standards are the norm. committed to tackling the issue head on.21 Nevertheless,
The OECS tourism focus should therefore shift swiftly the opportunities for greening the sector are not only
to that reality and follow best practices in greening the realistic and manageable but could potentially yield huge
sector. It can build on an already developed base of the financial, economic, health and food security dividends.
OECS Green Tourism Programme enabling environment, Opportunities for agricultural investment include organic
which includes the OECS Common Tourism Policy, products, agro-tourism attractions, value added products
the Caribbean Sustainable Tourism Policy Framework, and health and wellness related products including
national policies and plans on energy, water, waste and nutraceuticals and indigenous pharmaceuticals.
tourism.
4.7. Recommended Institutional
4.6.2. Agriculture Structure for GE Implementation in
It is highly unlikely for the Caribbean region, and even The OECS
more so the OECS, to implement a GE without green The inherent structure of Caribbean countries, and
agriculture. The OECS continues to have an annual food especially those of the OECS micro-states, seriously
import bill of more than US$500 million while the terms of challenges their ability to implement sustainable
trade continue to move in favour of the major importer - the development initiatives like the green or blue economy.
USA. Indeed, over the past 60+ years the sub region has The relatively small size and resource constraints of

21 https://www.stlucianewsonline.com/oecs-to-tackle-high-food-import-bill/

29
those countries restricts their capacity to realise the engagement agency); OECS Commission (institutional
benefits of economies of scale and negotiating leverage, coordinator and monitoring/reporting agency); OECS
as larger countries do. Although the OECS countries Member States (implementing agencies); and the private
pool their resources in the areas of external relations, civil sector, academia, civil society organisations, the general
aviation, education development, attracting development public (key stakeholders) are crucial to the success of the
assistance and central banking, they still have certain GE/ new economy effort.
fixed costs of providing public services, “…including data
CANARI would have to take the lead in facilitating the
collection, policy formulation, regulatory activities and
engagement of the range of stakeholders on a regular
security. The provision of these public goods comes
basis, supported by the other agencies. This would
at a high cost per person, limiting the institutions and
require the development of a policy/implementation
skills available for policy response. These challenges
matrix of who does what, how and when. Its success
are inherent and any effective practical approaches to
would however depend on acceptance by the OECS
the development of the green or blue economy must
governments to delegate some of the community/
take these factors full on board and be relevant to the
stakeholder activities to CANARI and the other agencies,
Caribbean context.” (Roberts 2015)
as required, with a full understanding that it is indeed
As suggested earlier, the need for strategic partnerships a cemented partnership between designated GE/ new
between key regional institutions such as the CDB economy facilitators. Borrowing from the action agenda
(primary resource mobiliser and facilitator); CANARI (lead developed in the earlier cited CDB report (CDB 2014), the
advocate, researcher, knowledge sharing and community matrix could look like this:

Table 1: OECS GE Policy Implementation Matrix

Required Action Responsible Agency Methodology Indicator of Success

Develop information CANARI/ CDB Research/ analyses/ expert Funding/ technical

base for policy goals, review assistance secured for
targets, strategies informed and reliable
targeting/programming

Acceptance by OECS Commission Reporting/ programming/ GE/ blue economy

governments of a advocacy or new economy
GE/ blue economy or mainstreamed into
new economy OECS national and sub-regional
programme policy

GE to new economy CDB/ CANARI Advocacy/ report Term becomes

presentation/ media synonymous with the
sensitisation reform and greening of
OECS economies

New economy CDB/ UWI/ governments Provide/ obtain funding for Lucid, publicly accepted
strategy new economy strategy and its new economy strategy
development/ implementation. Introduction is formally adopted after
visioning of widespread GE education wide consultation
and promotion programmes.

Financing the CDB/ OECS Grants and soft loans funding/ New economy fund
transition Commission/ Member public financing/ targeted established and fully
Governments private investment attraction/ capitalised
donor funding

30
Table 1 (continued): OECS GE Policy Implementation Matrix

Required Action Responsible Agency Methodology Indicator of Success

Greening sectors CDB/ Member Sector by sector programming International

Governments/ Relevant in association with national certification/ discernible
Agencies/ Private Sector and regional specialists sector growth in GE
context

Administrative OECS Commission / Streamlining existing structure Marked improvement

restructuring Member Governments/ to align with new economy in public sector output/
Caribbean Centre transitioning and increased KPIs set, more than
for Development administrative efficiency 80% met and high ratio
Administration of implementation of
(CARICAD) programs

Water and waste Member Governments Review and update policies Cleaner and more
management policies and legislation to better aesthetically pleasing
and legislation conserve and sustainably physical environment
produce clean water while and efficient waste
enhancing waste management management and water
practices distribution systems

Regular community CANARI/ Member Institutionalised stakeholder GE/ blue economy or

engagement to Governments meetings, literature, media new economy is well
promote inclusion programmes, social media understood and more
inputs than 80% accepted by
public

Green growth CANARI/ CDB/ Member Public financing/ private and New green growth
initiatives governments public investment to stimulate criteria set and 85% met
economic, social and
environmental targets

Monitoring and CDB/ OECS Assessment of adherence to New methodologies for

evaluation Commission GE principles economic performance/
natural capital measuring
developed

31
5. Conclusion: Building blocks for GE implementation

Valuing natural ecosystems, like those found along Grenada’s costs, is central to economic transformation in the OECS. Credit: CANARI

1. The traditional approach of a one-dimensional focus ful action towards the goal of achieving a truly GE in
on development through a narrow profit or GDP only the sub-region.
‘bottom line’ has not worked for the OECS. This is
4. Albeit, action learning, research and the political direc-
the most salient lesson of the recent international
torate’s expressions of commitment to a GE approach
economic crisis. What we do not yet know is precise-
has not thus far resulted in mainstreaming of the GE
ly how to spur governments and key development
ideas and approaches, there are many ‘green shoots’
partners within the public and private sectors, civil
of initiatives and disjointed programmes that can
society and regional/ international institutions to
be better coordinated to achieve the required main-
steadfastly embrace that still relatively untested ‘triple
streaming of GE initiatives, policies and practices.
bottom line’ approach to greening the economies of
the sub-region and embarking on a truly sustainable, 5. The imperative for meaningful, sustainable growth
people-centred, climate resilient, low carbon, ecologi- and transformation requires a quantum leap in vision-
cally friendly development path. ing, administration and implementation modalities
in the sub-region for successful transition from the
2. While there is substantial interest and indications of
current ‘brown economy’ to the new GE.
commitment to greening the sub-region, or at the very
least to a sustainable development approach, there 6. There is an urgent imperative to do it efficiently and
is little evidence of real economic transformation or simply if one expects this new way to be widely and
mainstreaming of the GE concept. popularly embraced. There are action learning oppor-
tunities within enterprises, within countries and within
3. Conducting more detailed research through action
communities that can inspire others towards success.
learning and sharing of best practices could possibly
provide a sound basis for more effective and success- 7. A Caribbean response cannot be simply a reaction
to externally imposed concepts or models – the new

32
economy needs to be based on the region’s reality,
innate attributes, indigenous talents and specific
conditions. There is already consensus that a new
approach is needed to redress the creeping environ-
mental degradation, general economic and social
malaise in the OECS.

8. The GE agenda is still very much driven by external

agencies such as UN Environment and the World
Bank, but it appears that while OECS member coun-
tries may be willing to explore application of the key
GE principles they may not necessarily have access
to the required financial and technical support that
would give them the flexibility to choose their own Valuing natural ecosystems, like those found aloThe people of the
approaches. OECS, like these fishers in Dominica, must be at the centre of
economic transformation. Credit: CANARI
9. Green or sustainable production and consumption
should be the pathway to sustainable living and it governed, competitive, socially inclusive economy is
is opportune, given the destructive effects of recent to take shape.
hurricanes, that the sub-region follow a new, climate
14. The current challenging economic and social situ-
resilient development path, which could be termed
ation in the OECS could be another opportunity to
the ‘new economy’.
point fingers, whine incessantly and lay blame for
10. Too often brilliant ideas and sensible development mistakes past and current. Or it could be a veritable
approaches, even when formally accepted, falter on watershed – an occasion to usher in a new approach
the platform of implementation. It could reflect gen- to problem solving, a fresh commitment to building
eral inertia, systemic anti-change biases, or simply a a brighter future for the sub-region, its countries and
sense of being overwhelmed. territories, and the people who live there.
11. The current situation demands a rededication of
efforts, strategies and plans towards that new way
of economic development, whatever it is eventually
called. However, it cannot be argued that the main
tenets of a GE are all desirable objectives of the
sub-region.

12. Partnerships for effective implementation across the

broad spectrum of governments, domestic, regional
and international institutions, civil society and the
private sector are critical to success of the new way
given the need for policy coherence, pooling of
strengths/ resources and effective, sustainable devel-
opment supporting implementation modalities.

13. Once a programme of policies for the new econ-

omy is agreed, it requires nothing less than an
unconditional commitment to genuine sub-regional
and national development interests. Each institution,
stakeholder or government must pay on demand its
part of sacrifice if the figure of a strong, vibrant, cli-
mate resilient, pro-poor, green growth propelled, well

33
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36
Appendix 1: Green Economy Coalition (GEC) Scorecard
Specific elements of the transition to a green economy (GE) can be assessed and ‘scored’ as illustrated in the tables
below.
• Coloured items are indicators that change by gradations between each score level.
• Underlined italic items are generic terms that must be specified for each country/region based on their assessment
of local political economy. These can be based on GEC model priority sectors, stakeholders etc.

Green Economy Overall

Progress Description
Score

4 - Excellent The transition to a Green Economy is recognised as a core national priority by government and
more than 10 key public and private stakeholders. An inclusively formulated national GE
plan recognising significance of equity, inclusion and environmental limits has been developed,
adopted as government policy, and is seeing strong legislative implementation, especially
in national GE priority sectors. Policy impact is being strongly felt in GE priority sectors,
especially by SMEs & informal actors, through a supportive financial environment. Adoption
of natural capital valuation by public and private actors is leading to net gains in measured
ecosystem health and biophysical assets.

3 - Good The transition to a Green Economy is recognised a priority area by government and 10 key
public and private stakeholders. An inclusively formulated national GE plan considering
equity, inclusion and environmental limits has been proposed, and is likely to be adopted as
government policy. There have already been some legislative progress in implementing policies
in national GE priority sectors. Policy impact is beginning to be felt in GE priority sectors,
including improved funding for SMEs & informal actors. Limited adoption of natural capital
valuation by public and private actors is contributing to reduced degradation of measured
ecosystem health and biophysical assets.

2 - Average The transition to a Green Economy is acknowledged as an issue by government and 4-9 key
public and private stakeholders. A top-down national GE plan with some consideration of
equity, inclusion and environmental limits is being considered by government, and possibly
adopted as government policy. There are some legislative proposals for policies in national GE
priority sectors, but limited consideration of the role of SMEs & informal actors. Awareness
of natural capital valuation by public and private actors has led to proposals for adoption and
stronger protection for ecosystem health and biophysical assets.

1 - Poor The transition to a Green Economy is acknowledged as an issue by government and 1-3 key
public and private stakeholders. A narrow GE strategy with little consideration of equity,
inclusion and environmental limits may be considered by government for adoption as
policy. There are few legislative proposals for policies in national GE priority sectors, and
consideration of the role of SMEs & informal actors is absent. Limited awareness of natural
capital valuation by public and private actors has led to no progress toward stronger protection
for ecosystem health and biophysical assets.

0 - None The transition to a Green Economy is not acknowledged as an issue by government or any
key public and private stakeholders. No GE strategy is likely to be considered for adoption
as government policy. There are no legislative proposals for positive policies in national GE
priority sectors, and acknowledgment of the role of SMEs & informal actors in GE is absent.
No awareness of natural capital valuation by public and private actors contributes to ongoing
declines in ecosystem health and biophysical assets.

37
Appendix 1 (continued): Green Economy Coalition (GEC) Scorecard

Measurement and Governance

Progress Description
Score

4 - Excellent A GE national plan being implemented by government is strongly aligned with

national implementation of the SDGs and accompanying indicator framework.
This approach to GE sees wide mainstream support and more than 10 key public
and private national stakeholders are supportive of the GE national plan, SDG
implementation, and beyond GDP priorities. New governance institutions to enable
and manage a GE transition have been launched and are receiving strong political
backing. Large and active networks of civil society and SMEs are supportive of GE
plans and highly coordinated in supporting implementation.

3 - Good A GE national plan proposed by government is linked with national implementation

of the SDGs and accompanying indicator framework. This approach to GE sees
some mainstream support and 10 key public and private national stakeholders
are supportive of the GE national plan, SDG implementation, and beyond GDP priorities.
Proposals for new governance institutions to enable and manage a GE transition are
emerging and have political backing. New networks of civil society and SMEs are
supportive of GE plans and able to coordinate in supporting implementation.

2 - Average A GE national plan is being considered by government and has some links with
national implementation of the SDGs and accompanying indicator framework.
This approach to GE sees niche support and 4-9 key public and private national
stakeholders are supportive of the GE national plan, SDG implementation, and beyond
GDP priorities. Proposals for new governance institutions to enable and manage a
GE transition are being considered. Selected civil society groups and SMEs are
somewhat supportive of GE plans but have limited scope for coordination to support
implementation.

1 - Poor A limited GE strategy is being considered by government but has few links with
national SDG implementation. A stronger approach to GE sees little support and 1-3
key public and private national stakeholders are supportive of broader GE, SDG,
and beyond GDP priorities. Proposals for new governance institutions to enable and
manage a GE transition are absent. Most civil society groups and SMEs are indifferent
to GE plans and are unwilling to support implementation.

0 - None No GE strategy is being considered by government and there is little focus on

national SDG implementation. GE sees mainstream opposition and no key public
and private national stakeholders are supportive of broader GE, SDG, and beyond
GDP priorities. Proposals for new governance institutions to enable and manage a
GE transition are absent. The clear majority of civil society groups and SMEs are
indifferent or opposed to GE plans and may obstruct implementation.

38
Appendix 1 (continued): Green Economy Coalition (GEC) Scorecard

Sustainable Finance

Progress Score Description

4 - Excellent The need for new financial systems and fiscal policies to reduce systemic risk and
support GE is widely acknowledged. More than 10 key public and private national
stakeholders are strongly supportive of finance for inclusive GE and coordinated to
act in its support via funding and their public positioning. There is very strong and
increasing investment in priority GE sectors, and multiple robustly funded policies
are seeing successful implementation.

3 - Good The need for new financial systems and fiscal policies to reduce systemic risk and
support GE has mainstream acceptance. 10 key public and private national
stakeholders are supportive of finance for inclusive GE and coordinated to act
in its support via public positioning and some new funding. There is healthy and
increasing investment in priority GE sectors, and several funded policies are seeing
positive implementation.

2 - Average The need for new financial systems and fiscal policies to reduce systemic risk and
support GE some limited acceptance. 4-9 key public and private national
stakeholders are somewhat supportive of finance for inclusive GE and but not yet
coordinated to act in its support with more than public positioning. There is adequate
investment in priority GE sectors, and few policies with limited funds are seeing
implementation.

1 - Poor The need for new financial systems and fiscal policies to reduce systemic risk and
support GE has niche support only. 1-3 key public and private national stakeholders
are somewhat supportive of finance for inclusive GE and but not yet coordinated to
act in its support through public positioning or funding. There is under investment in
priority GE sectors, and very few policies seeing funded implementation.

0 - None The need for new financial systems and fiscal policies to reduce systemic risk and
support GE is resisted by the mainstream. No key public and private national
stakeholders are supportive of finance for inclusive GE or coordinated to act in its
support through public positioning or funding. There is significant under investment
in priority GE sectors, and no policies funded for implementation.

39
Appendix 1 (continued): Green Economy Coalition (GEC) Scorecard

Green and Inclusive Sectors

Progress Score Description

4 - Excellent Policies in support of greening in priority GE sectors have been developed and are
seeing accelerating implementation through new processes and sectoral plans. SMEs
(& informal economic actors) are increasing supported in the role of green innovators
and receiving strong financial backing for taking part in greening process. A large
network of SMEs is strongly engaged in GE dialogues and has had demonstrable
impact on emerging GE policies and practice.

3 - Good Policies in support of greening in priority GE sectors have been proposed and are
seeing some implementation through processes and sectoral plans. SMEs (& informal
economic actors) are recognised in the role of green innovators and receiving new
financial support to take part in greening process. A network of SMEs is engaged with
GE dialogues and has helped shape emerging GE policies and practice.

2 - Average Policies in support of greening in some priority GE sectors have been proposed and
may see implementation through processes and sectoral plans. SMEs (& informal
economic actors) are not well recognised in the role of green innovators and receiving
a little financial support to take part in greening process. A small network of SMEs is
somewhat engaged with GE dialogues and but has had limited impact on emerging
GE policies and practice.

1 - Poor Policies in support of greening in few priority GE sectors have been proposed and
are unlikely to see implementation through processes and sectoral plans. SMEs (&
informal economic actors) are not acknowledged in the role of green innovators and are
receiving no support to take part in greening process. An ad hoc involvement of SMEs
with GE dialogues has had limited impact on emerging GE policies and practice.

0 - None Policies in support of greening in priority GE sectors have not been proposed and
will not see implementation through processes or sectoral plans. SMEs (& informal
economic actors) are marginalised as green innovators and are absent from the
greening process. No involvement in GE dialogues by SMEs has given them no impact
on emerging GE policies and practice.

40
Appendix 1 (continued): Green Economy Coalition (GEC) Scorecard

Green Must be Fair

Progress Score Description

More than 10 Key public and private national stakeholders understand the
4 - Excellent
importance of an inclusive and fair GE transition, and strongly reflect this in their
activities and public positioning promoting greater equality and wide access to green
jobs. Civil society groups have been extensively involved in consultation on GE plans
and policy, with demonstrable impact through representing their stakeholders and
improving the inclusiveness of adopted policies. They are fully supportive of ongoing GE
implementation, and engaged through a large and highly active network including labour
groups, SMEs and academic researchers.

10 key public and private national stakeholders understand the importance of an inclusive
3 - Good
and fair GE transition, and reflect this in their activities and public positioning
promoting greater equality and access to green jobs. Civil society groups have had
good involvement in consultation on GE plans and policy, and had some impact in
representing their stakeholders and improving the inclusiveness of adopted policies.
They are supportive of ongoing GE implementation, and engaged through an active
network including labour groups, SMEs and academic researchers.

4-9 key public and private national stakeholders acknowledge the importance
2 - Average
of attempting an inclusive and fair GE transition, but only reflect this in their public
positioning rather than through activities supporting greater equality and access
to green jobs. Civil society groups have had limited involvement in consultation on
GE plans and policy, and had minimal impact representing their stakeholders and
promoting inclusive policy proposals. They are somewhat supportive of ongoing GE
implementation, and engaged through a loose network including a few labour groups,
SMEs and academic researchers.

1-3 key public and private national stakeholders acknowledge the importance of
1 - Poor
a attempting an inclusive and fair GE transition, and have limited public positioning
promoting greater equality and access to green jobs. Civil society groups have had
weak involvement in GE plans and policy due to a lack of consultation, and are unable
to adequately represent their stakeholders and promote inclusive policy proposals.
They are not very supportive of ongoing GE implementation due to poor process and
outcomes, and only engaged on an ad hoc basis which misses out on involvement of
labour groups, SMEs and academic researchers.

No key public and private national stakeholders acknowledge the importance of

0 - None
an inclusive and fair GE transition, and are unwilling to promote greater equality and
access to green jobs. Civil society groups have had no involvement in GE plans and
policy due to a lack of consultation, and are unable to represent their stakeholders
and promote any policy proposals. They are consequently resistant to ongoing GE
implementation due the potential for adverse outcomes and there is no engagement
of labour groups, SMEs and academic researchers.

41
Appendix 1 (continued): Green Economy Coalition (GEC) Scorecard

Economics for Nature

Progress Description
Score

4 - Excellent More than 10 key public and private national stakeholders recognise the
importance of natural capital approaches for the GE transition and represent this in
their activities and public positioning. Robust natural capital policies to value and
protect ecological systems and biodiversity have been developed with strong civil
society and stakeholder input. Inclusive implementation is progressing with the
support of government, private sector and civil society groups.

3 - Good 10 key public and private national stakeholders recognise the importance of
natural capital approaches for the GE transition and represent this in their public
positioning and some activities. Cautious natural capital policies valuing ecological
systems and biodiversity have been proposed with some civil society and stakeholder
input. Inclusive implementation is likely to progress with support of government and
several private sector and civil society groups.

2 - Average 4-9 key public and private national stakeholders acknowledge natural capital
approaches as relevant to the GE transition and represent this in their public
positioning. Natural capital policies valuing ecological systems and biodiversity have
been proposed but with little civil society and stakeholder input. Implementation will
possibly proceed, but will exclude some social groups, receive limited support from
government, private sector, civil society groups.

1 - Poor 1-3 key public and private national stakeholders acknowledge natural capital
approaches as somewhat relevant to the GE transition but do not represent this
in their public positioning. Natural capital policies valuing ecological systems and
biodiversity have not been proposed and see there is limited opportunity for civil
society and stakeholder groups to input. Implementation is unlikely to proceed, and is
likely to exclude many social groups and consequently receive very limited support
from government, private sector, civil society groups.

0 - None 0 key public and private national stakeholders recognise natural capital approaches
as relevant to a GE transition and are willing to represent them in their public
positioning. Natural capital policies valuing ecological systems and biodiversity will not
be proposed and see there is no opportunity for civil society and stakeholder groups
to input. Implementation is very unlikely as there is broad opposition from government,
private sector, civil society groups.

42
Appendix 2: Applicable blue economy sectors/ activities in the OECS

Food security – Adequate scales and levels of marine resource protection, management and enforcement will
provide long-term sustainable and renewable supplies of food.

Sustainable economic growth – The sustained supply of goods and services provides the basis for a range of
economic activities. Primary amongst these is marine tourism that can be a major contributor to GDP for islands and
coastal areas.

Energy security – Ocean currents and wave energy can be captured to provide a sustained source of energy; the
ocean supplies a place to site wind farms relieving pressures on land. In remote small island states solar energy can
reduce a near-total dependency on imports of diesel and other fuels.

Poverty reduction – Healthy marine ecosystems are associated with healthier local communities based on more
and better quality sustained supplies of food in the form of fish protein. This is coupled with the fact that healthier more
intact ecosystems generally harbour less pathogens of consequence to humans.

Climate change mitigation – Shallow coastal water ecosystems, such as mangroves, tidal marshes and even sea
grass meadows are now seen as a critical part of our approach to managing essential natural carbon sinks.

Disaster risk reduction and mitigation – Coastal habitats such as coral reefs, mangroves, sea grass meadows
and coastal wetlands provide significant protection from episodic events such as cyclones and hurricanes. Through
appropriate management the presence of such ecosystems also acts as day-to-day natural solutions to coastal erosion
and flooding from storms and increasing sea levels.” (Roberts 2016)

43
Appendix 3: #GE4U OECS GE Diagnostic Questionnaire

Purpose
The key purpose of this exercise is to glean the state of implementation of Green Economy (GE) initiatives in the
OECS sub-region with a view to developing recommendations for sub-regional economic policy, which will shape
future development planning processes, plans and institutions that are needed to deliver a sustainable and inclusive
economy in the OECS.

Target Market
The questionnaire is targeted at public officials, selected private sector and civil society stakeholders who represent
a diversity of interests and perspectives, and policy-makers who are directly or indirectly involved in GE or related
initiatives in the sub-region and who have a vested interest in GE implementation.

Vision
The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States in its pursuit of achieving sustainable development has been seeking
to identify new and strategic directions that address multiple developmental challenges and provide opportunities
for economic growth, social empowerment and environmental protection. This has led to the recognition that the
development in the region must embrace a green perspective and capitalize on the opportunities that this can
present. This approach to development is closely aligned with the values espoused in the St. George’s Declaration
of Principles for Environmental Sustainability in the OECS and the wider United Nations Sustainable Development
Goals.
This consultancy is thus a first step towards development of a strategic definition, agenda and action plan for
an inclusive green economy in the OECS, as mandated by the OECS Council of Ministers for Environmental
Sustainability at their 4th meeting in April 2017.

Main Output
The project’s major expected output is a diagnostic study and policy brief on potential opportunities, hurdles,
catalysts and institutional capacities needed for green economy transitions in the OECS.

Confidentiality
All responses will be kept strictly confidential. The aggregated results of answers would be used for assessing the
state of GE implementation in the OECS and no individual answers will be published.

44
Appendix 3 (continued): #GE4U OECS GE Diagnostic Questionnaire

Country:
Name and Position/ Institution:

Key Questions

Please feel free to include any concepts/ Yes/No Comments

actions/policies that may not be termed Answers
“green economy” but have similar
characteristics that fit into the GE
definition.

Are you aware of the Green Economy (GE) Yes

Concept?

Has the Concept been widely discussed or Yes

understood in your country?

Have you heard of any specific GE initiative or Yes

other similar actions/plans in your country?

Is your Government or any part of the public or Yes

private sector/civil society actively involved in any
green economy plan or project?

To what extent is or is not the green economy

concept reflected in your national development
plan(s)?

Why or why not?

Do you believe that GE should be embraced as a Yes

developmental approach in your country?

Are you aware of any National GE or related Yes

Committee/Group in your country?

Is the GE concept being used in mainstream No

political or media circles around economic
reform?

Do you know whether businesses in your Yes

country show awareness of the need for greener
economies?

45
Appendix 3 (continued): #GE4U OECS GE Diagnostic Questionnaire

Key Questions (continued)

Please feel free to include any concepts/ Yes/No Comments

actions/policies that may not be termed Answers
“green economy” but have similar
characteristics that fit into the GE
definition.

Is the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals No

(SDGs) framework being taken up by business /
government?

Are you aware of any national or regional No

measure of development that goes ‘beyond GDP’,
or any moves towards a ‘wellbeing agenda’ or
to do ‘triple bottom line’ (economic, social and
environmental) reporting?

Do you have any examples of social impact Yes

investment or sustainable investment that direct
financial flows towards people and nature?

Are you aware of any national fiscal reforms, Choose an item.

incentives, subsidies, etc. that are geared towards
sustainable financial sector development and
minimization of systemic risks?

Have you seen any evidence of ‘greening’ of Yes

high impact sectors e.g. food, energy, housing,
tourism, transport, cities, etc.?

Do you know of any national low carbon plans, Yes

or public procurement, public-private partnership,
or any other initiative designed to enhance
economic sustainability?

In your opinion, is the gap between rich and poor Choose an item.
getting bigger or smaller?

Is any national policy/action addressing that gap? Choose an item.

If there are any green investments in your country, Yes

are they being driven towards the poorest?

Are you aware of any measures or policies to link Choose an item.

social considerations (e.g. welfare, redistribution,
jobs/labour protection, etc.) into green or
sustainable development strategies?

46
Appendix 3 (continued): #GE4U OECS GE Diagnostic Questionnaire

Key Questions (continued)

Please feel free to include any concepts/ Yes/No Comments

actions/policies that may not be termed Answers
“green economy” but have similar
characteristics that fit into the GE
definition.

Are you satisfied with the level of governance in Choose an item.

your country?

Why or Why not?

Are you aware of any institutionalized participatory Choose an item.

approaches for national economic governance
(e.g. participatory national budgeting or planning
processes)?

Do you know of any attempt to value nature/ Yes

natural capital/different ecosystems in your
country?

Do you know of any initiative by either the public Yes

sector or businesses to pay for ecosystems
services in your country?

Would you say that there are opportunities for Yes

moving forward with a transition to a green
economy in your country?

Do you have any recommendations for how this Choose an item.

could happen?

If yes, please list your suggestions below:

Please add any additional comments here:

47
Caribbean Natural Resources Institute
The Caribbean Natural Resources Institute (CANARI)
is a regional technical non-profit organisation which
has been working in the islands of the Caribbean for
over 20 years. Our mission is to promote and facilitate
equitable participation and effective collaboration
in the management of natural resources critical to
development in the Caribbean islands, so that people
will have a better quality of life and natural resources
will be conserved, through action learning and
research, capacity building and fostering partnerships.

For more information please contact:

Caribbean Natural Resources Institute (CANARI)
105 Twelfth Street
Barataria, Trinidad, W.I.
Tel: +1 868 638-6062/674-1558 • Fax: +1 868 674-1788
Email: [email protected] • Website: www.canari.org

This report was prepared as a product under the #GE4U: Transformation Towards an Inclusive Green Economy
in the Caribbean project, being implemented by CANARI as part of a global project by the Green Economy Coalition
(GEC) with support from the European Union (EU) (DCI-ENV/2016/372-847).

This document has been produced with the financial assistance of the European Union (DCI-
ENV/2016/372-847). The contents of this document are the sole responsibility of CANARI and
can under no circumstances be regarded as reflecting the position of the European Union.

Citation: Andrew, M. 2018. Exploring opportunities for transformation to inclusive, sustainable and resilient in the Eastern Caribbean.
Technical Report No. 404. Port of Spain: CANARI.

ISBN 1-890792-40-3