(CARICOM Secretariat, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, Guyana) A Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Environmental Policy and Action Programme is being developed with the assistance of the Government of Japan.

With financing from the Japan-CARICOM Friendship and Cooperation Fund (JCFCF), a regional, integrated policy to ensure protection of the environment and the natural resources will be developed to address selected environmental themes and economic sectors, which have been prioritised by the Community.

The goal of the US$465,920 programme is to enhance environmental sustainability as a driver of investment, economic growth and a better quality of life in the Caribbean Community. Japan is providing US$275,920 of the funds with the Community providing the remainder as counterpart contribution.

The strengthening of inter-linkage between the environment and development is one of the principal challenges facing the Community, as the development of a common economic space under the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) matures. The proposed policy will foster a new approach to the environment, social and economic activities and the region’s development challenges, one that is effectively coordinated and strategic, resulting in transformed patterns of growth.

It is envisioned that at the end of the two-year programme, there will be agreement on the policy priorities and key themes to be addressed in the Draft Policy obtained through an open, transparent and inclusive consultative process. Further a Draft CARICOM Policy and Action Programme in relation to the environment and natural resources management would have been developed and the capacity and state of readiness of selected Member States for implementation of the Environmental Policy would be enhanced.

It is anticipated that the project will begin in the 2nd Quarter of 2013 and will be completed during the 4th quarter of 2014.