Caribbean economies are primarily single-sector economies, mostly dependent on, and vulnerable to, external economic forces. Economic strategies are typically focused on short-term deliverables, often articulated as medium term economic strategies. Regional inter-governmental agencies have stated for decades that economic development models used in the Caribbean are inappropriate for Caribbean realities, and that new models are required.
Development outcomes are also influenced by the health status of Caribbean populations. However, the fundamentals of good health (clean air, safe drinking water, food security, and secure shelter) are affected by environmental, social, and economic factors. The anticipated impacts associated with global climate change require renewed focus on adoption of appropriate development strategies, as well as strengthening the institutional and governance arrangements for management of the development process.
Areas of focus for the 2021-2031 program period are:
- National and sectoral development planning.
- Mainstreaming environmental management in the development process.
- Social and environmental determinants of health.
- Protected areas policy and planning.
- Appropriate technologies and investment strategies to support transformation of key economic sectors.
- Community economic development and economic justice.
- Governance arrangements that facilitate collective decision making at national and regional levels.
- Research and knowledge production relevant to investment and finance, insurance, impacts of development patterns and growth, increasing stability and resilience of ecosystems, building resilience in key economic sectors, and risk assessment and management.
