A regional policy framework on the environment, which CARICOM Ministers responsible for the Environment have approved, was launched on Tuesday, 29 April, in Antigua and Barbuda.

The Caribbean Community Environmental and Natural Resources Policy Framework was launched at the opening ceremony of the 118th Special Meeting of the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) that will focus on Sustainable Development.

In recognition of the importance of natural resources to the Region’s development, the Policy Framework establishes the blueprint for cooperation within CARICOM, providing guidelines for planning the protection, conservation and sustainable use of the environment and natural resources within the Community and its Member States. The document creates a basis for effective environmental and natural resources governance in support of the objectives of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, and the effective functioning of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME).

Sir Molwyn Joseph, Minister of Health, Wellness, Environment and Civil Service Affairs of Antigua and Barbuda, will chair the Special COTED Meeting on 30 April. Advancing environmental and natural resources governance is one of the important matters that will be discussed during the business session of the Meeting. Sustainable ocean-based economic development will be a critical aspect of those discussions. Ministers will focus on strengthening the Community’s approach to biodiversity management and preparations for participation in the Meetings of the Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to be held later in the year.

Deliberations during the one-day Meeting will also centre on climate change, environmental governance and curbing plastic pollution.