Caribbean countries advance toward sustainable productive capacities

The Caribbean is taking a strategic step toward a new economic model that is more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable. In February 2026, several countries in the region began working jointly on a program aimed at strengthening sustainable productive capacities as a foundation for promoting green economies in the Caribbean. The initiative, developed with the support of international organizations, seeks to transform traditional economic structures to adapt them to the challenges of climate change, global volatility, and the urgent need for sustainable development.

The program involves countries such as the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and Antigua and Barbuda, and focuses on improving the economic resilience of small island developing states through evidence-based public policies. A key action was the regional expert meeting on measuring productive capacities held in early February, where progress was made in developing the Satellite Productive Capacities Index, a tool designed to help formulate economic strategies adapted to the Caribbean’s structural realities.

This index will assess factors such as infrastructure, human capital, innovation, digitalization, and environmental sustainability — elements considered essential for modern economic growth. The core idea is that sustainable development should not be limited to environmental protection but must be integrated into the productive structure of countries to ensure long-term competitiveness and stability.

A necessary transition for vulnerable economies

Caribbean economies have historically depended on sectors such as tourism and natural resource extraction. However, these models present significant vulnerabilities to external crises, natural disasters, and global economic fluctuations. Therefore, the new program focuses on diversifying productive activity beyond traditional sectors to increase economic resilience and promote inclusive growth.

In this context, the initiative aligns with national development strategies and multilateral cooperation efforts aimed at strengthening institutions and knowledge exchange among small island developing states.

The logic behind this transition is clear: Caribbean countries are among the most vulnerable to climate change. Sustainability is no longer only an environmental issue but also an economic necessity. Advancing toward green economies means reducing structural risks, attracting investment, and generating new job opportunities in emerging sectors.

Sustainable productive capacities as a driver of change

Strengthening productive capacities has become the central axis of this transformation. National workshops addressed key topics such as public digital infrastructure, human capital development, productive transformation, and sustainable job creation.

Technical training was also provided to professionals from national statistical systems to improve the measurement and analysis of sustainability-related economic indicators.

Training in advanced data analysis software is particularly relevant, as it enables more accurate interpretation of the impact of economic and environmental policies. More than twenty specialists were trained to improve institutional decision-making capacity.

A regional vision of sustainable development

This new approach goes beyond traditional economic growth. The initiative recognizes that the Caribbean’s biodiversity, natural resources, and ecosystems are strategic assets for development.

The region holds nearly 40% of the planet’s biodiversity, positioning it as a key actor in the global transition toward sustainable economic models.

Recent reports indicate that environmental protection can generate employment in sectors such as agriculture, transport, tourism, and waste management.

The role of investment and international cooperation

The transition toward green economies also requires financing. Regional and multilateral organizations are increasing their support for sustainable initiatives, mobilizing resources for climate resilience and low-carbon growth.

International cooperation allows Caribbean countries to access green finance, technical assistance, and methodological tools that facilitate policy implementation.

Toward a new Caribbean economic model

Beyond immediate results, the program represents a paradigm shift in how the Caribbean conceives development. Sustainability becomes a structural pillar of the economy.

In countries such as the Dominican Republic, the green economy is beginning to consolidate as state policy.

This approach opens the door to innovative production models based on energy efficiency and responsible resource use.

If consolidated, the Caribbean could become a global reference for sustainable development adapted to island economies.