Equity and Justice Programme
Championing equity and justice in meeting the environmental and livelihood needs of poor and vulnerable people.
Our efforts are focussed on integrating the value of natural resources and social benefits into economic decision-making. By advocating for fair policies and supporting local enterprises, we aim to create inclusive and sustainable development models that address the needs of vulnerable communities and promote environmental justice.
Explore our latest projects focused on Equity and Justice
Why it matters
Economic decision-making in the Caribbean often overlooks the value of natural resources, such as ecosystem goods and services. This disregard allows firms to reduce costs through practices like pollution and unsustainable extraction, externalising environmental costs. The resulting damage to ecosystems affects those most dependent on biodiversity and natural resources, including rural and coastal enterprises, local green enterprises, and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). These groups are not only vulnerable to environmental changes but also face challenges in gaining policy support due to their lower economic competitiveness.
Our approach
We are addressing the gap in policy support for equitable economic, social, and environmental outcomes in rural economies and the MSME sector. Our Equity and Justice Programme aims to incorporate the value of environmental costs and social benefits into economic decisions at all levels—regional, national, sectoral, local, and enterprise. By promoting fairness in economic policy and enterprise support, we strive to ensure that local nature-based MSMEs and rural economies are recognised and supported.
Our goal
To promote and support economic development models in the Caribbean that are inclusive, environmentally sustainable, and resilient, with local nature-based enterprises as a key pathway to achieving these objectives.
Key areas of focus
- Supporting local community nature-based MSMEs: Enhancing capacity through innovative tools.
- Creating an enabling institutional framework: Transforming policies, laws, regulations, and financing to support MSMEs.
- Supporting rural community-driven livelihoods: Scaling up viable options based on the sustainable use of ecosystem goods and services.
- Environmental valuation and natural capital accounting: Integrating the value of natural resources into economic decisions.
Promoting transformative economic development models: Fostering models that are environmentally sustainable, equitable, and resilient to climate change and other risks.
For more information on the Equity and Justice Programme contact Dylis McDonald at [email protected]
Top photo: Fisherman on beach
Credit: Natalie Boodram