The Blue Economy represents a paradigm shift for the Caribbean. BEC 2019 gathers regional stakeholders to build that paradigm—creating a market that effectively leverages and sustains coastal resources.
Sessions focus on the following themes:
Blue Economy Briefing from the last 12 months, with a look at emerging programs and how the region has responded to action items from BEC 2018.
Marine Renewables are poised to provide energy security and resilience across the region. Panelists will look at technology, finance and regulation as pieces of that system, and how to balance opportunity with environmental policy.
Matching Financial Tools to Projects means creating the right partnership structures and understanding funding options. What opportunities exist, and what does private capital need to see in order to invest in the region?
Gender Equity and inclusion will be a critical measure of success for blue-growth strategies. How do we foster that equity? And what can we learn from women in the field?
Reflections and Regional Perspectives from policymakers offer critical insights and updates on work happening in the BE space.
Plus, expert panelists will Brainstorm the biggest issues facing Blue Economy development in the region, collaborating with delegates to find solutions.
Thought leaders set the stage with insight and analysis on the Blue Economy. What progress have we seen internationally and how can that translate to the region? What should we keep in mind as we build this new economic paradigm?
CARICOM Secretariat Programme Manager, Sustainable Development
Blue Economy Briefing: Updates Since 2018
A look back at the last 12 months to learn where the market stands and what has changed. How has the regional market evolved since last year’s Blue Economy Caribbean? How can we measure the impact of the Blue Economy?
Towards Greater Energy Security: Near-Term Viable Marine Renewables
Much of the region is heavily dependent on imported fossil fuels. Some argue that marine-based energy sources have the potential to shift us closer to 100% renewable as the technology develops and becomes more affordable. In this session, experts discuss the contribution that marine-based energy could make to overall energy supply and its potential for climate mitigation.
Identifying the critical technological, financial and regulatory obstacles to harnessing marine renewables in the Caribbean, and their potential solutions
Overview of the main sources of marine renewable energy and highlights of small island states that have made progress tapping into these sources
Balancing opportunities with environmental protection policies
Panel introduction from Sweyn Johnston, Director of Greenvoe
Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) Head (ag.), Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency UnitModerator
Creating the Right Ecosystem for Finance
There’s been a flurry of activity in the region as governments, multilaterals and private capital providers realize the scope and potential of the Blue Economy. We’ll explore available sources of funding, what financial tools fit which projects, and what a bankable project looks like.
National Level: private sector-led development, blue bonds, debt restructuring
UNDP | Development Initiatives | Global Ethical Finance Initiative Advisor | Fellow | AssociateModerator
Lunch
Gender Equity in the Blue Economy
With an emerging Blue Economy comes great potential for prosperity in the region. But development in the blue space must consider the impact on traditionally disenfranchised groups. This is why inclusivity is a critical measure of success for blue-growth strategies, especially as it relates to gender equity and access to opportunity. With this in mind, we’ve framed a discussion around gender in the Blue Economy—challenges, trends and what an inclusive Blue Economy looks like in the Caribbean.
Learning from women leaders in fisheries, marine transport, tourism
Challenges for women entrepreneurs and project providers seeking capital
Improving engagement and participation of women in the Blue Economy
Euromoney Magazine Social and Environmental Finance EditorModerator
Blue Economy Brainstorm
Interactive Workshop
An expert panel identifies 3 major issues facing the region’s Blue Economy development, and collaborates with delegates to workshop possible solutions and ideas.
