THA Prioritises Climate Resilience In Budget Plans
Through its budget presentation, the Tobago House of Assembly is signalling that it is taking the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals seriously, particularly in the area of climate resilience.
During Thursday’s debate in the Assembly Legislature, several members outlined strategies aimed at strengthening the island’s ability to respond to climate change.
According to Legal Affairs Secretary Adanna Joseph-Wallace, the THA is developing a legal framework to enable environmental compliance, planning discipline, conservation enforcement and climate adaptation. This is to ensure the island is well prepared to mitigate the increasing challenges posed by climate change.
Going further, she said the THA is also finalising data collection strategies on carbon sequestration.
« This would allow us to quantify the climate value of the Main Ridge, mangroves, soil regeneration and other ecological interventions to support better budgeting, better project selection and better access to climate finance. »
Accessing climate financing from international agencies is difficult without relevant data. Without climate financing, funding for works such as the protection of coastlines is difficult. The THA was recently able to secure a US$15 million CAF loan, which Secretary of Environment, Climate Resilience and Energy Darren Henry says will be used for coastal work in south-west Tobago.
« The Pigeon Point to Sandy Point area, Grange Bay, and sections of Plymouth coastlines. »
However, he noted that urgent coastal work is needed in other areas, particularly in Roxborough, Argyle, Kendall and Goodwood, which the Division would address as far as possible.
While addressing plans for improving drainage in fiscal year 2027, Secretary of Infrastructure, Quarries and Urban Development Nathisha Charles-Pantin argued that future works must include grey and green infrastructure to effectively deal with more intense periods of rainfall.
« So greater attention would be given to land use planning, soil protection, vegetation management, slope stability and the design of public spaces that take into account the realities of increasing rainfall and changing climate conditions. »
Even though the THA’s first recycling initiative encountered challenges, Secretary Henry stated that they have learnt from that experience and announced a new plan to construct a recycling depot at Cove Eco-Industrial Park.
« The facility will provide a centralised location for the collection, sorting, processing and temporary storage of recyclable materials, thereby creating the operational foundation necessary for expanding recycling activities across the island. »
Already, the THA is adopting more energy-efficient policies, such as acquiring electric or hybrid vehicles where possible and finding ways to reduce energy consumption. It is also promoting the development of more green spaces and eco-sensitive practices.
