Seeking sustainable finance for and from

Protected spaces in T&T, whether savannah, forest, reef or wetland are facing increased pressure daily, forcing degradation to what could soon be a point of no return. It’s probably just as big a problem as the current shortage of money, but because nature doesn’t talk the latter issue is perceived as more critical to survival than the former. Interestingly the solutions to both problems may come down to a mere matter of management, not that any of its going to be simple, given the range of considerations that can arise where the making of money and the taking of natural resources are concerned.

Further, some of the major players arguing for protected spaces management have their collective and beady eye on the money that could be made from selling 'nature’. Although nothing’s wrong with that - if the locality itself doesn’t get lost in the process. Others and this is just opinion, are in it solely on the grant funds – money for nothing as the band said. This is something that may be true to a point though it’s too broad an accusation to pin on any one sector, what with grant-seeking proposals covering every desk from Civicus to Private Enterprise to State. 

Of even greater interest is the line of thought from a third grouping which is; Mandate, Legislate, Regulate, and achieving that, Borrow, Develop, Market the protected areas to every nook cranny and niche in the global tourism sphere. Thing is, at the end of the day this third approach - let’s call it Seeking Sustainable Financing, may prove the best way for Trinidad and Tobago to monetise our parks and forest reserves. It is this third approach we need to focus upon. If only because grant funding - the usual go to, should only come after the addressing of factors that negatively impact grant-driven hoped for outcomes. 

Common sense would argue anyway that borrowed money is better than grant money. In that the former lends an enterprise more than just a dollar. It forces the element of organic or natural growth, imbues the ethic that nothing is free. Last though hardly least, it embeds a culture of stewardship, of taking care of the things that matter for the longer run. Lest there is confusion as to our stance, we speak here in favor of the old-fashioned business model where all of the above is added to packaging a quality product. The economy pundits will say this more'n likely will translate into sales. Good sales foster growth – Search for Sustainability all but over. Simple right?