The iCOAST project seeks to drive change in the tourism sector by creating an enabling policy and regulatory environment – supported by financial mechanisms and products – that supports and incentivizes sustainable tourism practices in Trinidad and Tobago.
Its main objectives are to:
- Reduce pollution of water, soil and air
- Reduce the over-consumption of natural resources, products and materials
- Reduce emissions of greenhouse gases
- Reverse the sector’s impact on biodiversity loss, while creating equitable livelihoods and jobs for local communities.
The Project Preparation Grant (PPG) Phase
The BCRC-Caribbean, in collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and national Technical Focal Points in the Ministry of Trade, Investment and Tourism, the Ministry of Planning, Economic Affairs and Development and the Environmental Management Authority (EMA), collected the necessary information to develop a well-rounded project proposal which addresses the challenges the sector faces in implementing sustainable practices.
The iCOAST Project will predominantly focus on driving change at the national level with a particular focus on the hospitality industry located in coastal (beach to water) zones, and its supply chains (accommodation, construction, food and beverage, agriculture, retail, textiles and furnishings, electronics and services).
The project has four (4) key components:
- Increasing investment in cohesive policies and regulations that support sustainable tourism
- Increasing access to financing and financial incentives for tourism facilities and their supply chains
- Increasing awareness and access to knowledge on sustainable options and best practices
- Increasing solutions for sustainable tourism facilities, procurement and supply chains.
For more information, please have a look at the project brief: