Labour of Love - Barbados Investment and Development Corporation

Sustainable Development Policy
mechanism (It should be noted that Government is committed
to re-establish the National Commission on Sustainable
Development) as well as the need for: an instituted monitoring
and evaluation mechanism on SCP at the national level. It is
critical that a system of indicators be institutionalized with the
requisite technical and human resources; a dedicated subregional
institutional mechanism to support the implementation
of the Caribbean Sub-regional Action Plan on SCP; dedicated
international facilities in the area of technological and financial
resources to support implementation of SCP. It was proposed
at the 5th regional SCP meeting that SCP be integrated in the
Global Environment Facility as a cross-cutting issue; economic
instruments and other enabling mechanisms such as cleaner
production centers to support private sector involvement in SCP;
targeted educational programmes on SCP; an integrated research
programme; heightened involvement of Small Island Developing
States in the SCP process and the need to widen the economic
space within the Caribbean.
Despite these hindrances, Barbados is reporting significant strides
in pursuit of sustainable development. The report notes that
the Environment Division will soon commence an assessment
of success of implementation of the Barbados Sustainable
Development Policy. Conservative estimations however indicate
that over an 80% implementation rate has been achieved.
It was in 2002, the Barbados Sustainable Development Policy
(BSDP) was finalized by the National Commission on Sustainable
Development (NCSD) and the Environment Division. It was
approved by Cabinet in 2003 and was laid in Parliament in
January 2004.The BSDP has as its overarching goal, ensuring the
optimization of the quality of life for every person by ensuring
that economic growth and development does not occur to the
detriment of our ecological capital. It outlines five core principles
of sustainable development for Barbados namely; Quality of Life;
Conservation of Resources (specifically mentioning the Polluter
Pays Principle); Economic Efficiency, Equity and Participation.
Within the BSDP, sustainable development is defined as
“development which optimises the quality of life of every person
without over-exploiting natural and environmental assets and
services, or jeopardizing social and economic development.”
The application and pursuit of the Green Economy in Barbados
is also rooted in the country’s pursuit of sustainable development.
Inherent in this, is thrust towards greater resource efficiency,
reduction of waste and the expansion of multiuse and reuse
where economically and environmentally viable.
The BSDP document is divided into two main parts. The
first section centers on the policy aims and objectives, in
addition to placing the principles of sustainable development
within a Barbadian context. The second part presents an
Action Plan. It articulates detailed policy recommendations
supporting sustainable development but which are focused on
specific sectors. These areas include: Fresh Water Resources;
Transportation; Agriculture; Terrestrial Biodiversity Including
Forestry Fisheries; Energy; Biotechnology; Research &
Development; The Built Environment; Land Resources;
Natural Resources; Education & Training; Waste Management;
Regional Cooperation; Concessions & Incentives; Human
Health, Well Being & Poverty; Gender; Population; Disaster
Management; Coastal & Marine Preservation; Consumption
Patterns; Implementation & Legislation; Indicators for Sustainable
Development and Sustainable Tourism Development.
The Environment Division of the Ministry of the Environment,
Water Resources and Drainage acts as the focal agency for
collecting, disseminating and reporting on issues pertaining
to sustainable development both locally and internationally.
Barbados Business Catalyst • April - June 2010
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