Government is getting $460 000 in technical support from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to strengthen Barbados’ ability to promote jobs in the green and blue economy.
On October 9, the IDB approved the Support To The Ministry of Labour, Social Security And Third Sector for The Promotion Of Green And Blue Jobs And Just Transition In Barbados project.
The IDB says the specific objectives are to improve production and dissemination of labour market information about green and blue jobs while also strengthening policies that promote green and blue jobs.
The project, which is at the implementation stage following approval of the $460 000 loan, has two components.
The first one, which has a $200 000 budget, focuses on improving production and dissemination of labour market information about green and blue jobs.
“Activities include: design a survey module identifying demand about occupational profile and skills for green and blue jobs; diagnostic on skills gaps on green and blue jobs; and design and implement a communication campaign to raise awareness about green and blue jobs.”
Component Two will cost $260 000 and entails strengthening policies that promote green and blue jobs and facilitate a just transition, meaning shifting to a green economy in a way that is fair and inclusive.
“Activities include assessment of labour markets, social protection, and social security policies to address climate change effects within a just transition framework, aligned with National Determined Contribution commitments and gender considerations; road map to modernise labour regulations; road map to strengthen social security compliance; and action plan for a renewable energy sector skills council; road map for a national just transition policy,” IDB information on the project stated.
The IDB recalled that in April last year, the Government hosted the forum entitled Just Transition And Job Creation In The Green And Blue Economy, Drivers, Status, Considerations And Pathways For A Just And Environmentally Resilient Future In Barbados.
Strategies
The event featured discussions on strategies for promoting decent work, social justice, and employment growth in the renewable energy and transportation sector, as well as the opportunities underlined under its blue economy agenda.
The event “highlighted the need to address technical and institutional capacity gaps to minimise risks and maximise the opportunities brought by the green and blue economy”. Following this, the IDB noted, the Ministry of Labour, Third Sector and Social Security requested support “to strengthen its capacity to promote green and blue jobs and support a just transition”.
Commenting on Barbados’ move to become a greener economy in the face of climate change, the IDB said that although the island contributes minimally to global greenhouse gas emissions, “it is highly vulnerable to the effects of climate change”.
“Its economy depends on sectors that rely on nature and functioning ecosystems like tourism, agriculture, and fisheries, which are increasingly threatened by rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and natural disasters,” it stated.
“Recognising these vulnerabilities, Barbados has actively engaged in climate change mitigation and adaptation measures at both national and regional levels.
“Embracing a resilient approach and transitioning to a low carbon economy have the potential to improve people’s lives by reducing the negative impacts of climate change and promoting biodiversity,” it added.
The IDB also said that while strengthening resilience creates valuable opportunities for job creation, particularly in areas such as marine ecosystem restoration and renewable energy production, “implementing these programmes requires overcoming both technical and policy-related challenges”. ( SC)
The post $460 000 IDB loan for technical support, job creation appeared first on nationnews.com.
