T&T CSOs Face Multiple Challenges
Funding challenges were a common refrain at Trinidad and Tobago’s CSO consultation leading to Stockholm+50.
Several participants spoke about the difficulty in getting funding support for projects critical to community development and the hardships caused by the ongoing problem of delayed release of funds.
Another issue raised by several representatives was the need for greater unity and collaboration among civil society organisations. For this, the CSOs were encouraged to visit the Cropper Foundation’s CSO Go platform, an online hub designed to create a virtual CSO community.
The value of digital technology in keeping CSOs informed of each other’s work and opportunities for collaboration and sharing of resources was emphasised. For some organisations, however, the lack of digital training remains an impediment to accessing digital technology.
In response to the significant technological divide within the sector, it was suggested that partnerships designed to achieve knowledge transfer could be a ready solution.
T&T’s Youth Out Front on Climate Change
Ideas flew thick and fast at Trinidad and Tobago’s Youth Forum in preparation for Stockholm+50. In a vibrant session on April 28, the gathering of young people staked their claim to a place at the national table and called for a more collaborative approach to dealing with the urgent threats of climate change and the disruptive impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
High on their agenda were partnerships among youth NGOs and between NGOs and the private sector.
T&T’s youth also want more funding to support their environmental and sustainable development projects; greater access to information residing within government agencies; more information about available grant funding and less bureaucratic red tape in the grant application process.
A widely-shared position was the need for transformation of the school curriculum to incorporate more indigenous knowledge and promote behavioural change anchored in the principles of sustainable development.
There was also strong advocacy for more effective communication to get across the message of climate change to the average person and to connect people’s lived experiences with the tangible impacts of climate change already evident in the country’s weather patterns.
The voice of our youth is essential to sustainable development. You can still access the content related to youth here.
Private Sector Concerned about Sustainability
The private sector focus group presented their views as both individuals from this sector as well as nationals of Trinidad and Tobago. They expressed the need for sustainability reports and transparency in institutions and processes to allow for discussion and scrutiny. Participants were also concerned about renewable energy and the need for a greater effort in converting to solar energy across the country. Lack of enforcement of policies and legislation was also seen as needing priority action to address our environmental issues. Other actions suggested included financing of innovative and green solutions, banning/regulating unsustainable practices, identifying measures of review or success to ensure accountability, and greater coordination among all sectors with a platform for constructive dialogue among stakeholders.
Women and Indigenous Peoples see Agriculture as a Way Forward
The women and indigenous peoples emphasized sustainable agriculture as a space we should be looking into. Women want to take part but don’t have land and if they have access to land, they may be able to earn more. The indigenous peoples highlighted the need for a heritage village showcasing all aspects of indigenous way of life e.g. nature trails, butterflies and hummingbirds, agriculture, indigenous buildings, green spaces and the use of solar energy. Single mothers raise the concern that they aren’t considered in conversations and decisions and the need for sustainability programs geared towards single mothers. The lack of funding for organizations and the need for networking and collaboration are key issues raised in all of the virtual discussions held. Other points raised included empowering people to be self-sustainable for a green future and to make valuable contributions to society, cutting down on our carbon footprint, encouraging food security, and partnering with government ministries to address food insecurity with the vulnerable.
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