The transition to a green economy in the Caribbean region took an important step forward in Kingston, Jamaica, as representatives from over 10 countries from across the region gathered for the second Caribbean Green Economy Conference (23-24 February), hosted by the Government of Jamaica and the United Nations Environment Programme, with the support of the European Union.

During the two-day conference, Ministers and high level representatives from civil society, academia and the private sector, explored the theme of implementing Small Island Developing States (SIDS) Accelerated Modalities of Action (SAMOA) in the Caribbean through a green economy.

Some of the issues that were discussed include the impact of fiscal and macroeconomic policies, investment opportunities, and new initiatives that Caribbean countries have undertaken to advance the transition to a green economy in the region. The conference also identified key priorities and capacity needs for implementing the SAMOA Pathway and achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through a green economytion.

The conference, organized under the auspices of a collaborative initiative of UNEP and the University of the West Indies, also explored the options and opportunities for establishing a green economy network as a live platform for sharing national experiences and further strengthening intra-Caribbean and intra-SIDS cooperation in the area. This network is expected to connect a vibrant community of policy makers, practitioners, and academics who are focused on achieving poverty reduction and sustainable development through green economy policies.

Caribbean countries have already made significant progress on the green economy. Jamaica, for instance, is expected to become one of the leading countries in terms of percentage of electricity generated from wind, while Barbados is a world leader in the area of solar water heating, in terms of number of installations per capita.

For more information: Chiara.moroni@unep.org

Related link: www.unep.org