TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO S STATUS ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT Environmental, Economic and Social Well-being for Today and Tomorrow NGO CONSULTATION Monday 14 th, November 2011.
Outline Aims / Objectives of this NGO consultation Outline of Rio +20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (SD) (2012) Purpose of the Draft SD Report on T&T Importance of Sustainable Development in Trinidad and Tobago Three (3) pillars of SD Breakdown of three pillars of SD Conclusion
Trinidad and Tobago's Draft Report on Sustainable Development A report was prepared by the Ministry of Planning and the Economy for the Rio +20 Conference on SD to be held in Rio, Brazil 2012. This report assesses the current status of sustainable development in Trinidad and Tobago. The challenges to achieving sustainability in Trinidad and Tobago were also identified.
Aims / Objectives of this NGO Consultation The Objectives of this consultation is to: 1. Present the key aspects of the draft SD document 2. Address any concerns, issues or gaps which can be identified within the draft SD report 3. Engage stakeholders in discussions to ascertain views and ideas in order to determine the best way forward in achieving SD in T&T
Purpose of the Draft SD Report on T&T Although this report of sustainable development in T&T was prepared specifically for the Rio +20 Conference (2012), there are other benefits to having done this analysis: 1. To chart the course of sustainable development in T&T up until present 2. To determine the current status of sustainable development in T&T 3. To determine the way forward towards SD in T&T
Rio +20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (4-6th June, 2012) There are two (2) themes which would be the focus of the conference: 1. The Green Economy - in the context of sustainable development and poverty eradication which focuses primarily on the intersection between the environment and the economy. 2. Institutional framework - for sustainable development recognizes the need to strengthen the institutional framework for sustainable development at all levels. In particular, the aim is integration of policymaking and implementation of the three pillars of sustainable development.
Three (3) Pillars of SD "Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. (Bruntland Report 1987) The United Nations World Summit Outcome Document (2005) describes sustainable development as an integrated approach among three (3) distinct element or pillars. These pillars are identified as: 1. Economic development; 2. Social development; and 3. Environmental protection.
Importance of Sustainable Development in Trinidad and Tobago To ensure economic growth is low carbon, resource efficient and socially inclusive SD is fundamental to T&T since: As a Small island Developing State (SIDS): our natural resources are limited and we are vulnerable to external environmental and economic shocks. Over the decades, our economic path to development has resulted in severe environmental degradation However the government recognises that all plans for national development must incorporate the concept of sustainability as it pertains to resource allocation and utilisation, in order to ensure equitable, long- term economic, social and environmental stability.
Two Key Concepts of SD There are two (2) underlying key concepts of SD: 1. The concept of needs, in particular, the essential needs of the world's poor, to which over-riding priority should be given; and 2. The idea of limitations imposed by the state of technology and social organization on the environment's ability to meet present and future needs.
Three (3) Pillars of SD Interconnectivity (Adapted from the UN World Summit on Sustainable Development, 2002)
BREAKDOWN OF THE THREE (3) PILLARS
PILLAR 1: A SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY from exhaustive to alternatives
Economic sustainability in T&T will depend on 1. The successful implementation of a viable diversification strategy moving towards a green economy 2. Investment in our human capital to transition from our dependency on natural resources through innovation and creativity 3. Creating an environment that attracts foreign investment into our economy 4. A buffer mechanism for maintaining economic stability is the Heritage and Stabilisation Fund.
Sustainable Economic development strives for: 1. Reducing absolute poverty while simultaneously 2. Ensuring equitable, sustained use of natural resources, 3. Using the resources in a judicious way so that present as well future needs are met and
PILLAR 2: SOCIAL SUSTANABILITY
SOCIALLY SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT Enabling people in their communities to strive for Sustainable Development Our vision of socially sustainable development entails creative environment which would engender greater equity and inclusiveness in the society through expanded opportunities for wealth generation and accumulation and participation in the national development process for each individual community and region of the country MTPF 2011.
SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY IN T&T Housing and Community Creation Education and Training The Health System Public Utilities and Infrastructure Regional and Community Development More equitable income distribution Long-term Employment & job sustainability Services and Programmes to reduce poverty
Building a more sustainable society Sustainable Society Settlements Mgt HR Development & capacitybuilding Sustainable energy & Transport systems Planning & Mgt in disasterprone areas Environmental Infrastructure Sustainable Land-use planning Sustainable construction Industry activities Shelter for all
Steps toward a sustainable society More equitable distribution of state resources Social intervention at the community level Development of a Social Compact Greater Access to Education Greater Access to Healthcare Gender Equality Employment Creation Labour Standards Poverty Eradication
PILLAR 3: THE ENVIRONMENT Green is the New Black
Environmental Concerns The Millennium Development Goals recognize that environmental sustainability is a critical component of global economic and social well-being. While environmental problems have intensified globally, and most environmental problems are global in nature, many ecosystems that are managed under national jurisdictions show the need for better national governance towards protection of these global commons.
The Environmental Sustainability Index, which assesses a country using GDP per capita (PPP), illustrates our need for more effective environmental efforts. Trinidad and Tobago has been ranked 139 of the 146 countries studied. (Environmental Sustainability Index 2005).
Under this pillar there are ten (10) thematic areas which are identified as sustainable development issues for T&T. These issues include: 1. Climate Change and Sea Level Rise 2. Natural and Anthropogenic (Man-made) Hazards 3. Management of Wastes 4. Coastal and Marine Resources 5. Freshwater Resources 6. Land Resources 7. Energy Resources 8. Tourism Resources 9. Biodiversity Resources 10. Transportation
Thematic Area Achievements Challenges Climate Change Natural and Anthropogenic Hazards Adoption of a National Climate Change Policy (2010). Draft Comprehensive Disaster Management Policy Framework National Risk Assessment and Capacity Building 2011-2013 National Shelter Management Policy Waste Management Draft Beverage Container Bill, 1999 (amended, 2011), Draft Waste Prevention and Recycling Policy, 2010 - Lack of legislation and enforcement for industries that are contributing to CO2 emissions. - Institutional and technical capacity Population continues to demonstrate a high level of complacency in mitigating risks and preparing for natural events Slow implementation of waste initiatives and a poor legal framework for legislative support.
Thematic Area Achievements Challenges Coastal and Marine Resources Trinidad and Tobago is currently reviewing the fisheries management policy and legislation. Tobago has signed Coastal and Marine Management and Education in the South Eastern Caribbean (CaMMESEC). Land based sources of pollution directly impact upon our water resources. The failure to properly regulate the release of pollutants generated from land activities is having a significant impact on sensitive marine ecosystems. Freshwater Resources Implementation of a Beetham Wastewater Reuse Project to provide a dedicated water supply to the Point Lisas Industrial Estate from non-traditional source waste water. There is the need to upgrade the legislative framework to give effect to integrated water resources management, necessary to guarantee water security
Thematic Area Achievements Challenges Land Resources Land Use Policy currently being revised. Land uses may compete with each other and there are often conflicts while trying to achieve broader objectives of resource utilization for productive uses. Lack of coordination between ministries responsible for land management Land policy is outdated (1984) and only focuses on state (agricultural) land distribution Unregulated quarries
Thematic Area Achievements Challenges Energy Resources Diversifying - alternative gas based industries would be established within the Energy sector. Proposing fiscal incentives to encourage the use of renewable energy into the National Budget. The Government is moving to establish a wind project for integration with the national electricity grid. Stronger regulation of industries that pollute the air and water sources contributing to environmental degradation.
Thematic Area Achievements Challenges Tourism The Eco-Tourism Policy has been crafted to address environmental concerns. Develop the management and monitoring tools required to ensure the sustainable development of the sector Continuously monitor the impacts on sensitive areas Biodiversity - Adoption of the Protected Areas Policy - EMA to conduct gap analysis of local biodiversity in T&T. The New National Wildlife Policy needs to be drafted and adopted; Financial and technical support; Lack of collaboration among the multitude of agencies
Thematic Area Achievements Challenges Transport Moving Towards Biofuels (bio-ethanol and bio-diesel) The Ministry of Energy and Energy Affairs has set up a task force to make recommendations for use of CNG and CNG gas mixes as a major vehicular fuel in Trinidad and Tobago Increased Public Transport Efficiency Lack of coordination amongst ministries.
CONCLUSION From: STABILITY NEEDS+LIMITATIONS To: SUSTAINABILITY
QUESTION AND COMMENTS COMMENTS