Directorate of Disaster Risk Reduction, Sustainable Tourism, Caribbean Sea and the Environment

On September 18, 2023, a directive was issued by ACS Ministerial Agreement 15/23, to integrate Sustainable Tourism into the Directorate for Disaster Risk Reduction, Sustainable Tourism, Environment, and the Caribbean Sea (DDTCE), recognizing the synergistic qualities between these 4 areas.

This directive empowers the directorate to not only plan and respond to disasters but also to actively engage in risk prevention and mitigation efforts. Moreover, it enables the harnessing of the Greater Caribbean region's collective potential to champion sustainable tourism practices. Ultimately, these efforts are poised to enhance the quality of life for both current and future generations."

The DDTCE is also responsible for the management of The Caribbean Sea Commission (CSC). Established in 2006 under the Association of Caribbean States (ACS) through Ministerial Council Agreement 6/06, the CSC serves the vital purpose of advancing the sustainable development of the Caribbean Sea for present and future generations. By fostering cooperation and coordination among member states, the CSC aims to address the myriad challenges facing the Caribbean Sea's sustainability, including overfishing, pollution, habitat degradation, and emergent threats like the proliferation of sargassum seaweed and invasive species. Recognizing these complex issues as multinational in nature, the CSC endeavors to manage them effectively through collaborative efforts.

The Directorate is now responsible for the following Focal Areas:
 

The Greater Caribbean has always been exposed to disasters resulting from natural phenomena. Climate Change has increased the frequency and intensity of these natural phenomena, which has had a very significant impact on the economic and social well-being of the population.  This focal area has also evolved from early warning systems that mitigate the impact of disasters, to other more encompassing policy that require high level actions, as is the support for the development of a Multi-Dimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI), or the inception of a new global financial architecture that would be more responsive to the adaptation needs of the region to the changes caused by the Climate effects resulting from the emissions of green-house gases (GHGs)  The continued vulnerability of all countries and territories of the Greater Caribbean to the physical ravages and economically crippling consequences of natural phenomena is a theme of the utmost importance on the regional agenda.Sustainable Tourism

The Caribbean Sea is considered the ‘common patrimony of the peoples of the Caribbean and the ACS is mandated to pursue its preservation and conservation through advocacy for its global recognition as a special area in the context of sustainable development for future generations and by developing and implementing a work plan that ensures that the productive activities that it facilitates, including trade, transport and tourism are pursued in an environmentally sustainable manner.  This focal area has become one of the most relevant for the ACS, given the increasing challenges triggered by the impact of Climate Change as they relate to the increase in sea level and temperatures, changes in currents, rain patterns, winds, and in the intensity and frequency of tropical storms, hurricanes, and natural phenomena.

For decades, tourism has been one of the most important economic pillars for the region.  For the ACS, this focal area has a dual importance.  Economic, because of the activity it generates, but also for the social and environmental dimensions which encompass the new concept of sustainability.  Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the context of preserving and conserving the Caribbean Sea is the new paradigm for the Greater Caribbean Region.

Cutting edge Oceanographic Research is necessary for the Greater Caribbean to promote scientific knowledge, promote sustainable management practices, and support the conservation and resilience of the region's marine ecosystems. The Joint Oceanographic Research Center proposes to tackle key issues for the region such as sargassum.

The main objective of the proposed workshop is to bring together stakeholders from the Greater Caribbean region to share best practices, experiences and knowledge on sargassum management. The workshop aims to foster greater communication and coordination between regional bodies, Member States and international partners. The ultimate goal is to identify practical solutions and initiatives that mitigate the impacts of sargassum influxes and build a sustainable management system for the future.

Increase access to multi-hazard early warning systems across the Greater Caribbean through the installation of 18 Multi-Alert Diffusion Towers and the strengthening of community capacities to use these systems, in order to increase local disaster preparedness and response.

To design a comprehensive and integrated system for the planning and expansion of sustainable tourism as a primary driver of economic development within the Greater Caribbean

To establish a regional framework for multi-destination tourism in niche tourism sectors

To Stimulate services sector product development and quality enhancement to increase opportunities for growth and development

To establish a regional framework for multi-destination tourism in niche tourism sectors

To create a comprehensive investment promotion strategy that fosters socioeconomic development and accelerate green transformation through an investor-friendly environment that attracts and maintains consistent, responsible investment in the tourism industry of the Greater Caribbean

The Caribbean Sea Commission (CSC) of the Association of Caribbean States (ACS) initiated the Sandy Shorelines Project in 2017, officially titled the "Impact Assessment of Climate Change on the Sandy Shorelines of the Caribbean: Alternatives for its Control and Resilience." Sponsored by the Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), the project's primary aim is to monitor and safeguard the Caribbean coastlines in response to climate change challenges.

Participating countries, including Antigua & Barbuda, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Haiti, Jamaica, Panama, and Trinidad & Tobago, seek to establish a regional network for monitoring coastal erosion. This collaborative effort enables a better understanding of climate change impacts on coastlines, facilitating advocacy for international funding due to the region's heightened vulnerability to sea-level rise.

Sandy Shorelines project website: http://csc.acs-aec.org/