12 October 2011: The Green Growth Investment Forum, organized by the Mission of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) in Brussels, Belgium, from 6-7 October 2011, resulted in agreement on further steps to promote green investment in the Eastern Caribbean Small Island Developing States (SIDS). The Forum was organized by the OECS and the European Union (EU)/ACP (African, Caribbean, Pacific) Centre for the Development of Enterprise (CDE) to bring together entrepreneurs, experts, policy makers and investors around the theme of green technologies for economic growth, adapted to the context of SIDS. Its aim was to create awareness among potential investors and policy makers in Europe of the specific development realities and challenges facing the small islands of the OECS, as well as the opportunities for targeted and adapted investments in the area of innovation and clean technologies among the nine OECS member States.

The Forum discussed, inter alia: renewable energy options such as geothermal, biofuels and biogas; energy efficiency; eco-innovation in wastewater management; sustainable transport prospects for Caribbean SIDS; eco-architecture; environmentally-friendly tourism; sustainable agriculture; green investment opportunities in information and communications technology (ICT) in the Eastern Caribbean; the promotion of eco-manufacturing; promoting green trade; developing centers of excellence in sustainable development research; carbon footprinting; and promoting legal frameworks for green investment and environmental management.

Government representatives participating in the Forum agreed that the OECS nations should follow up by building legal frameworks in the OECS region to facilitate joint energy policies. Also agreed for follow-up was an idea proposed by the Saint Lucia Manufacturers Association to have the OECS, working with the UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the CDE, to develop a “Green Award” for Caribbean enterprises. [OECS Press Release] [Forum presentations]