Global Environment Facility Sub- Regional Workshop
October 11, 2007
 British Colonial Hilton Hotel.

Ms. Barbut, President and CEO of the Global Environment Facility (GEF),

Excellencies, GEF Operational Focal Points and Political Focal Points,

Council members

Representatives of GEF implementing agencies,

Other distinguished delegates,

Ladies and gentlemen,

Good morning.

On behalf of the Government and people of The Bahamas, it is my pleasure to welcome you to our beautiful country and to the Country Support Programme Sub-Regional Workshop of the Global Environment Facility.

The Caribbean Constituency consists of mostly Small Island Developing States (SIDS). As I recently pointed out while addressing the United Nations, for Small Island developing states such as The Bahamas, climate change is not just a matter of economics, but also a matter of survival. In the case of The Bahamas, an archipelago with over 700 islands, 80% of our landmass is within 5 feet of mean sea level – even a one degree rise in atmospheric temperature can have devastating ecological effects.

Considering our vulnerability as island nations, therefore, strengthening the support facility to access funding opportunities through the GEF at the regional and national levels is one that is timely and an emphasis well placed.

Climate change however, is only one of the environmental threats facing developing countries and small island states like The Bahamas. We also face the rapid loss of our Biodiversity in our efforts to bring about economic growth and development of our communities. The challenge for governments remains how to identify ways of increasing meaningful growth and development while maintaining the dignity of the people and the preservation of the environment.

In The Bahamas, the government is conscious of its responsibility in this regard and is determined to ensure that every effort is made to implement programmes and policies that will protect and preserve our environment, our culture and our people while facilitating development.

Indeed, what is special about The Bahamas is the still unspoilt environment: the clean, clear waters, the good fishing grounds, the vibrant pine forests, the rich flora and fauna, the small population concentrations, and of course – peace loving, friendly people. And this is what attracts tourists and investors to our country.

The world is experiencing the impacts of Climate Change and the loss of Biodiversity more and more each day. Our countries are encouraged to work together to provide programmes and mitigation measures needed to face the unique challenges of our fragile environment that arise daily.

For all of us in this region, resources for adaptation are essential. However, for a country like The Bahamas, even access to existing funds can prove difficult given our high Gross National Income (GNI).

It is vital therefore that the relevant financial instruments and mechanisms, be fully operationalised and/or improved, so that they become more accessible and better address the peculiar circumstances and special needs of different countries.

Further, there is need for greater international cooperation with respect to the development of new adaptation technologies, as well as the transfer of such technologies in support of the sustainable development of SIDS.

In the Caribbean, we have a history of successfully working together as a region. We are encouraged when we are afforded the opportunity to partner with organizations like the GEF, the World Bank, and other financial mechanisms which assist with sustainable development of our fragile nations.

I am truly encouraged by the presence of the GEF President and CEO, Ms. Barbut here today. This speaks volumes to the commitment of the GEF under her leadership in recognizing the needs of the SIDS. It also demonstrates that the Facility is taking timely and concrete steps to ensure that the concerns of our constituency are heard and subsequently addressed.

The fruit of the work of our countries in partnership with the GEF can been seen throughout our region over the past decade, from projects that have began to address issues under Adapting to Climate Change to those that have addressed Invasive Alien Species, all of which directly affect us as a region.

It is my hope today that such a strategic partnership with the members of our constituency and the GEF continue to flourish. By so doing it will provide new opportunities by which we can promote sustainable development, thus ensuring that the necessary strategies, mechanisms and programmes are in place for our future.

I say again, it is a great pleasure to host this meeting, to have so many of you from the region here in Nassau. We hope that your time here has been enjoyable and productive thus far, and it is our sincere wish that as you successfully conclude your activities today, you would be able to say, it was good to have come and participate in this experience in the Bahamas.

An experience we hope that would be second to none.