Caricom presses for more environmentally resilient region

Yarde made the comment on Monday at the National Consultation on the Caribbean Community Environmental and Natural Resources Policy Framework, held at the Hilton Trinidad and Conference Centre, Port-of- Spain.

“Broad-based consultation, involving key government sectors, the private sector and civil society are imperative as the policy will impact both economies and societies,” Yarde said.

“The framework will work towards strengthening this region’s response towards environmental issues especially those of sustainable development and our natural resources.” She said it is part of the Caricom strategic plan 2015 – 2019 initiative which aims to develop economic, social, environmental and technological resilience among the Caribbean Community.

“The development of the policy framework and the associated first action plan comes at a critical time as the region seeks to implement the UN 2030 agenda for sustainable development. It will provide a regional blueprint to address, in particular, certain aspects of the UN’s agenda.” She urged all participants to make full use of the opportunity to engage in frank and meaningful discussions on issues that will impact the quality of life of the region’s citizens and their future.

Yarde said the varied perspectives of the public sector and private sector will aid in the success of the framework.

She praised the region’s involvement in the Paris Agreement negotiations as well as participation in the Convention on Biological Diversity.

Yarde said the region is also involved in a preparatory process to develop a new instrument under the Law of the Sea, on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ).

She said the region has come a long way since 2008 when the ministers of environment first called for the policy framework to be developed.

Marie Hinds, deputy permanent secretary in the Ministry of Planning and Development extended congratulations to Caricom for its strong advocacy in the promotion of a regional approach to the sustainable management of the environmental and natural resources of the Community and its member states.

Hinds said the conservation of TT’s natural resources, which includes clean water, food, fresh air, shelter, and livelihoods are critical to the country’s future development.

“Trinidad and Tobago’s natural resource base has allowed for our rapid industrialisation and growing demand for goods and services over the years. Simultaneously, however, the nation also suffers from the attendant environmental problems associated with the production of commodities.” She continued, “As such, this Government is committed to making every effort to ensure that Trinidad and Tobago finds the right balance between economic development and environmental protection.” She said the Government recognises the critical role the country’s “rich” natural resources play in the socio-economic development of the nation.