Environmentally Sustainable Development

The Environment - Our Past, Our Present, Our Future

Objective

The Secretariat’s objective is to promote and support economic and social development within Commonwealth countries, especially the small and least developed. In doing this our priority is to ensure that all development is environmentally sustainable (click here for definition) and that the benefits of growth are distributed equitably. We also help these countries prepare for and manage risks, such as natural disasters.

Relevance

We help address the impacts of climate change, growth in urbanisation and overcrowded slums, all of which are having a crippling effect on economic and social development within many Commonwealth countries. We aim to help these countries to sustainably utilise their natural resources without jeopardising current and future development to alleviate poverty for the overall benefit of their citizens.

Impact

Our work in this area impacts vulnerable economies and small states. We help develop their ability to deal with threats posed by environmental shocks such as climate change and increases in urbanisation

For example, in March 2008 in Guyana we brought together agricultural specialists and climate scientists for training on the impact of climate change on agriculture and food security in the region. The skills developed through the workshop will help to ensure that agriculture policy in the Caribbean can take account of future climate scenarios and prepare for shocks to agricultural production resulting from climate change A training manual was also published and plans are being explored to transfer the experience to other small state regions. Partners on this activity included: the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre; University of Guyana; the United Nations Development Programme; and the United Nations Environment Programme.