CANARI welcomes entry into force of the Escazú Agreement in Trinidad and Tobago and calls for urgent, concrete action

Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, May 6, 2026 – The Caribbean Natural Resources Institute (CANARI) welcomes the entry into force of the Regional Agreement on Access to Information, Public Participation and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters in Latin America and the Caribbean (the Escazú Agreement) in Trinidad and Tobago on April 27, 2026, marking a pivotal step toward strengthening environmental democracy in the country and protecting the human right to a safe and healthy environment.

CANARI acknowledges the Government’s stated position, articulated by the Minister of Planning, Economic Affairs and Development, Dr. the Honourable Kennedy Swaratsingh, that accession represents “… a clear and deliberate commitment to strengthening environmental governance, promoting transparency and ensuring that all citizens have a meaningful voice in environmental decision-making;” and emphasises that this commitment must now be matched by decisive, measurable action.

Read the full press release here.