Barbados has a diversified, serviced-based economy, underpinned by the tourism and international business sectors. Quality of life has risen over the years, but recent global financial and economic crises, dependency on imported fossil fuels, and changes in international development and financial policies have placed pressure on the country’s economy, society and environment. Limited access to natural resources, coupled with vulnerability to climate change as a small island developing state, contributes to its need to build a resilient economy that integrates ecological, economic and social well-being.
The Government of Barbados has made strong commitments to sustainable development through social compacts with the private sector and trade unions, strategic frameworks, such as the National Sustainable Development Policy, the National Strategic Plan (2006-2025) (NSP) and 2007 Green Economy policy framework. The NSP provides a development framework with six strategic goals, including “Building a Green Economy: Strengthening the Physical Infrastructure and Preserving the Environment”.
Barbados then joined PAGE in 2016, to support the implementation of the NSP and other green economy objectives. After initial delays and a change in administration, PAGE officially re-engaged in late 2018 and key themes for PAGE work were confirmed in September 2019. These include green and blue jobs, youth engagement, environmental goods and services, greening/resource efficiency in industry, and strengthening individual and institutional capacity for Inclusive Green Economy (IGE) at the tertiary levels.