Cooperation In Action by ACS-AEC

COOPERATION IN ACTION

Recalibrating Cooperation: A Key Driver for the Recovery of the Greater Caribbean

WHAT’S INSIDE: -UNLOCKING ACS COOPERATION POTENTIAL IN COVID RECOVERY -ACS INITIATIVES FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

ABOUT THE ACS The Association of Caribbean States is an organisation for consultation, cooperation and concerted action in the Greater Caribbean. The Organisation’s work is focused on: disaster risk reduction; sustainable tourism; trade, transport & external economic relations; and the protection of the Caribbean Sea.

MEMBER STATES

Antigua & Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Saint Kitts & Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent & the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.

ASSOCIATE MEMBERS

Aruba, British Virgin Islands, Curaçao, France (in respect of French Guiana and Saint Barthélemy), Guadeloupe, Kingdom of the Netherlands (in respect of Bonaire, Saba and Sint Eustatius), Martinique, Saint Martin, Sint Maarten, Turks and Caicos Islands (inactive).

FOUNDING OBSERVERS

Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Latin American Economic System (SELA), Central American Integration System (SICA), Secretariat for Central American Economic Integration (SIECA), United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (UNECLAC), Caribbean Tourism Organisation CTO).

OBSERVER COUNTRIES

Argentina, Belarus, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Ecuador, Egypt, Finland, India, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kingdom of the Netherlands, Korea, Morocco, Peru, Palestine, Russian Federation, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Uruguay, United Arab Emirates (UAE).

OBSERVER ORGANISATIONS

Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America-Peoples Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP), Central American Economic Integration Bank (CABEI), European Union (EU), International Organisation for Migration (IOM).

ABOUT THE FIFTH ACS INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION CONFERENCE RECALIBRATING COOPERATION: A KEY DRIVER FOR THE RECOVERY OF THE GREATER CARIBBEAN In this time of crippling global uncertainty, unprecedented human and economic loss and devastation as a direct consequence of the COVID 19 pandemic, the Greater Caribbean is at particular risk because of its numerous points of vulnerability. The ACS International Cooperation Conference, is a forum for countries in the Greater Caribbean to come together and discuss how to coordinate and combine efforts to ensure that our recovery and sustainable development are not delayed due to the pandemic, but rather cooperation and solidarity are bolstered because of this crisis. There is no better opportunity to come to the ACS, the “coordinator of coordinators”, the ideal cooperation partner to impact 35 countries and territories around the region, to cross language and cultural borders, political and economic barriers, and to focus on technical cooperation in key areas. This Conference has been organised with a focus and purpose to: foster cooperation in the region as a way of establishing the basis and mechanisms that can help to overcome the crisis and ensure a sustainable recovery. The key objectives are to: present a regional overview of the impact of COVID-19 on cooperation and the prospects for recovery; put forward strategies for cooperation and response; identify financial resources for a sustainable recovery and: to present ACS initiatives and projects for funding and technical cooperation. Combining and coordinating a pool of financial and human resources, ready to rebuild the life and livelihoods post-pandemic will be a major outcome of the conference. Motivating and encouraging potential partners and donors to support ACS development initiatives and formulate a coordinated roadmap for recovery with innovative approaches for funding to implement actions in the short, medium and long-term will definitely create a tangible impact on the work of the ACS and the lives of the more than 250 million inhabitants in the Greater Caribbean.

What is your assessment of the status of cooperation in the region?

World wide, cooperation has evolved in scope and scale, and the region does not escape that trend. Scope has narrowed to priority areas related to COVID recovery, health, food security, education, and all matters that can promote economic recovery. In scale, cooperation is also being oriented to those areas showing most vulnerability, and in our particular case, even before COVID, our region was already one exhibiting high levels of vulnerabilities, which have been exacerbated by COVID.

Where do you see it moving during your tenure?

The ACS is well-positioned to seek cooperation in the specific areas of its charter: economic development, trade, transport, sustainable tourism, disaster risk reduction, and the Caribbean Sea. All of these areas are suitable for cooperation as they all have a way to help countries recover from the impact of the pandemic, and also help them achieve the SDGs, as well as to adapt and mitigate the effects of Climate Change.

Rodolfo Sabonge Secretary General of the ACS

UNLOCKING ACS COOPERATION POTENTIAL IN COVID RECOVERY

SG SABONGE SPEAKS ABOUT THE UNIQUENESS OF COOPERATING WITH THE ACS AND HOW THE ASSOCIATION CAN CONTRIBUTE TO SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN SPITE OF THE PANDEMIC Secretary General Rodolfo Sabonge took office at the ACS Secretariat in November 2020, in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, he has been working assiduously at strengthening old alliances and establishing new cooperation partners inside and outside the region. An engineer by profession, SG Sabonge brings vast experience in international trade, transport, maritime and logistic development to the ACS table. He has been a General Manager of the Panama Railroad; Plant Engineer responsible for the Locks of the Panama Canal; and Executive Vice President Planning and Business Development of the Panama Canal.In this interview, SG Sabonge shares a bit of his vision for regional cooperation, how the ACS features and its ideal positioning for development partnerships.

Geographically, ACS’s membership includes countries in all the subregions of the Caribbean Sea, and any cooperation programme aiming at improving resilience, protecting the environment, and sustainability of the region could best be served by the ACS. Climate Change affects all, irrespective of regional or political affiliation, therefore, for cooperation to be effective in the Caribbean Sea it has to be provided to an organisation that can cut across sub-regional affiliations. Nevertheless, we understand that for any cooperation programme or project to be effective it has to be coordinated with any, and all sub-regional organisations, and again, the ACS is also best suited for this coordination as it includes in its Founding Observers, organisations such as CARICOM, SICA, ECLAC, and some of its Member States are also members of other regional organisations such as the OECS. In the case of Transport, it is similar. For transport and connectivity to be optimised in the region, it has to include all sub-regions and territories, Member States or Associates. Transport is an important function of economic growth as trade can only increase if logistically it is viable. That is why cooperation in the area of transport would be most effective if served through the ACS. The mere fact that ACS includes insular as well as continental Member States, is a clear advantage in terms of programmes aimed at improving transportation and connectivity. That is because maritime and air transport need to be interconnected regionally, but also internationally. The ACS is very well-positioned to achieve this because among its Member States, it includes countries which are also connected by water and land with the Pacific Ocean, thus allowing the region to have access to international markets like Asia, and Oceania.

How do you plan to get to that point?

First of all, we need to recognise the new realities and develop, together with Member States, a new triennal action plan that will include new projects and programs. We also will make every effort to better manage existing resources while strengthening the organisation to be able to tackle the new challenges. We are committed to improving and simplifying our processes and to reach out to observer organisations and countries to work together towards common goals.

Can the cooperation and trade work programmes provide support to ACS Membership as they tackle the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic?

This is a very important question. COVID-19, is like Climate Change, it affects all. Most countries in the region depend heavily on tourism, and this is one of the industries which has been severely affected. A significant part of this industry is made of MSMEs, and that is why the ACS has included both of these areas in the forefront to attract cooperation. Helping MSMEs and defining a new sustainable tourism strategy are key to recovery, but also as a means for the region to reboot the tourism industry in the post-COVID era with a clear vision to achieve SDGs.

What does the ACS have to offer potential cooperation partners that makes it distinct from other technical cooperation organisations in the region? The ACS’s strength is in its Member States, Associates, Observers, and coordination with other regional organisations. Technical cooperation can reach more countries and regions at the same time.

Advanced Customs Information Exchange System (ACIES)

ACS Institutional Strengthening T

STATUS: Pending Financing

To strengthen ACS capacity to implement projects and mobilise resources.

2021-2022 duration

objective

Needs analysis (completed), staff training, equipment and software purchase, modernisation and implementation of management and financial systems and processes within the Secretariat. OUTPUTS

IMPACT

Diagnostic study and shared interface. OUTPUTS

More efficient and effective project implementation, greater public impact of projects and programmes, and greater donor/ implementer communication.

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OUTCOMES

To promote economic integration and intra-regional trade in the Greater Caribbean and reduce obstacles to the international transit of goods. It includes simplifying and standardising customs structures and procedures, improving the efficiency of existing customs systems and facilitating the exchange of relevant trade information in real time.

Strengthened ACS Secretariat, improved project & programme management and improved communications systems. OUTCOMES

3 years duration

Harmonised mechanism to simplify and standardise regional customs structures and procedures, electronic standard document developed to optimise and integrate immigration, and customs and quarantine procedures in all the participating countries.

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Opportunities for the Caribbean to Capitalise on Regional Branding through Geographical Indications (GI)

Trade Capacity Building and Knowledge Enhancement for ACS Member States and Associate Members

STATUS: In preparation

To build capacity and promote technical skills, abilities and talents in trade negotiations through specialised seminars, e-sources and webinars. objective

OUTPUTS

E-courses, knowledge transfer, through training of trainers and national capacity-building seminars

2021-2023 duration

objective

Increased capacity to support export promotion or increase trade opportunities. IMPACT IMPACT

Improved understanding of international trading systems, increased knowledge of existing trade agreements, and improved analytical and negotiating skills

To further goals for export diversification and trade by capitalising on regional branding through the utilisation of Geographical Indications (GIs). Help Small and Medium-Size Enterprises (SMEs) in the quest for new markets; to increase national production and demand of goods from ACS Membership; to boost the Greater Caribbean economy.

3 years duration

OUTPUTS

Regional assessment to identify potential products with export potential and which can be considered for regional branding, regional consultation with producers & private sector, registration of GI regionally and internationally, presentation of new GI proposal to potential markets.

To develop products with export potential for Membership; to take advantage of opportunities for export interest through GI; to ignite growth in infant industries with export potential.

OUTCOMES OUTCOMES

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One Caribbean Culture Zone: a celebration of cultural capital

Promote development and competitiveness of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the Greater Caribbean

STATUS: Pending Financing

objective

OUTPUTS

OUTCOMES

To promote economic integration and development in the Greater Caribbean and to enhance inclusive economic growth, job generation, competitiveness and resilience. It includes MSME stimulation, entrepreneurship development, job generation, improvement of business environment, opportunities for women-owned business enterprises, public and private investment, access to financing services facilitation, internationalization and export possibilities; and integration into value chains. Establishment of a Small Business Development Centres (SBDC) Model, consultancy and implementation of methodologies to set up an ACS Business Angel Network, program for integration of MSMEs on E-commerce Platform, Programme of ongoing training and technical assistance for MSME.

Improved procedures and access to resources, an established regional financing guarantee system for MSMEs, determined level of development of MSMEs, developed Public-Private Partnerships to support Business Development Centres/ Networks, developed e-commerce platforms and trained and equipped MSMEs with the necessary skills to build competitiveness and adaptability. duration

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objective

To increase marketability and visibility of Caribbean festivals by enhancing air and sea connectivity and providing a platform for cultural trade and exchange. It includes increasing cultural trade linkages and exchanges, stimulating tourism for Caribbean festivals, enhancing entrepreneurship and innovation amongst artisans (especially youth, women and ethnic minorities) and preserving natural and cultural resources of the region. Border security arrangements, promotional campaigns, a sustainability/ continuity plan, cultural exchange programmes, workshops.

OUTPUTS

OUTCOMES

Develop the “One Caribbean Cultural Zone” (CCZone) and promote its travel zone, establish the “ACS’ Regional Network of Artisans Exchange Programme”, and export the “ACS’ Regional Network of Artisans”.

2021-2023 duration

3 years CLICK HERE TO SEE MORE ONLINE >>

Management of Sargassum arrivals in countries of the Wider Caribbean Region

Increasing the Competitiveness of Tourism in the Greater Caribbean through the Implementation of Sustainable Tourism Destination Evaluation System

STATUS: In preparation

STATUS: Pending Financing

To enhance competitiveness of tourist destinations in the Greater Caribbean. The project will strengthen national tourism development efforts and the beneficiaries to adopt the Sustainable Tourism Zone of the Caribbean (STZC) indicators. objective

objective

OUTPUTS

Streamlining of STZC Destination Evaluation System; Create communication platform for participation in STZC, support for members in promoting audited STZC destinations, help members mobilise resources to support tourism destination projects and development. OUTPUTS

Fully-established Sustainable Tourism Zone of the Caribbean, strengthened destination development.

OUTCOMES

OUTCOMES duration

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To manage Sargassum Seaweed landings that affect the Caribbean Sea through short, medium and long-term planning, monitoring, mitigation measures and advancing technology.

IMPACT

Greater prediction of Sargassum landings to take early action, reduced instances of Sargassum affecting lives and livelihoods, economic activity related to Sargassum technology and innovation

Design and implement plans of action, per country, that will feed into a regional plan as a strategy to mitigate the impacts of Sargassum in the region, strengthen institutional capacities and train human resources involved in the management of Sargassum in the Caribbean region, elaboration and development of environmental, economic and social assessments and plans. National and regional Sargassum plan, early warning system for Sargassum landings, advanced sargassum technology research and data-based information on impacts of Sargassum.

3 years duration

2020-2023 CLICK HERE TO SEE MORE ONLINE >>

Mitigating the effects of climate change on Caribbean coral reefs: cultivation and propagation of petrous corals and longspine sea urchins for reef restoratioN

Terms of Reference to Analyse the Implications of Designating the Caribbean Sea as a “Special Area in the Context of Sustainable Development”

STATUS: Pending Financing

To complete coral reef restoration projects in the Greater Caribbean. IMPACT

objective

OUTPUTS

Training and acquisition of knowledge on coral reproduction, developing education and training programmes, setting up research, development and innovation centres.

Reduced coral mortality and increased resilience. OUTCOMES

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Restoration of coral reefs around the region, maintenance of marine environment, seascapes and livelihoods associated with coral reefs.

STATUS: Pending Financing

To identify the legal and financial implications of designating the Caribbean Sea as a special area in the context of sustainable development while considering the environmental, social, cultural and economic parameters involved. objective

Generate a proposal for the definition of the concept of Special Area in keeping with the UN Resolution “Toward the Sustainable Development of the Caribbean Sea for present and future generations.”

2021-2023 duration

OUTPUTS

ACS Membership will consider the recommendations of the consultant to determine a way forward. OUTCOMES

To have the Caribbean Sea Designated as a Special Area by the United Nations. IMPACT

duration

6 months CLICK HERE TO SEE MORE ONLINE >>

The Communications Unit Association of Caribbean States 5-7 Sweet Briar Road St. Clair Port-of-Spain Trinidad and Tobago +1 868 622 9575 communications@acs-aec.org www.acs-aec.org #ACS #AEC