Sustainable Investment in the Future of the Turks and Caicos Islands' People and Environment
The Covid-19 pandemic demonstrated the fragility of the global economy to unforeseen disruption. The pandemic caused significant losses of revenue from tourism in the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI), which had lasting economic, social, and environmental impacts. Withstanding future shocks to the economy and environment will require broadening employment and investment opportunities to strengthen the islands’ community and economy without compromising the environment.
To address this JNCC partnered with the TCI Government, Turks and Caicos National Trust, Invest Turks and Caicos, TCI Fishing Cooperative, and stakeholders from key sectors within the islands to support a recovery from Covid-19 that is economically, socially, and environmentally robust, through the development of skills that create sustainable livelihood opportunities and highlight long-term sustainable investment options. This initiative was part of the RESEMBID Programme, implemented by the European Union and Expertise France.
Introduction
By asking how communities and businesses have been impacted by Covid-19, this project provided insights into how TCI can build resilience to future shocks by identifying new economic activities and opportunities for skills' development that support the natural environment and deliver widespread benefits to communities across TCI.
The project tackled immediate challenges, such as disrupted livelihoods and environmental pressures, while developing long-term strategies to support sustainable economic recovery, protect natural assets, and strengthen community capacity.
Project Highlights
Over 300 individuals participated in practical training sessions led by local experts.
Community Resilience Training and Capacity Building
A core component of the project was the establishment of a Community Resilience Hub, which provided training and resources to empower local people through:
Hydroponic Crop Production and Composting:
Participants learned techniques to grow crops using hydroponic systems, improve soil health through composting, and establish sustainable small-scale agricultural practices.
Two participants developed their skills to trainer level, laying the foundation for a self-sustaining, locally-led agricultural sector.
Sustainable Fisheries Management
The project partnered with the TCI Fishing Cooperative to enhance the skills and knowledge of fishers across the islands.
Over 80 local fishers received training on sustainable fisheries management to balance economic growth with responsible resource use.
A dedicated group of "Community Hub Champions" from the Fishing community were supported to lead further training sessions, fostering community-led resilience.
The programme promoted small-scale fisheries management and aligned practices with environmental stewardship to protect marine biodiversity and ensure long-term viability.
Innovative Waste Management Solutions
To address growing waste management challenges, the project introduced practical solutions through targeted training.
Led by Green VI, workshops on Providenciales focused on waste reduction, reuse, and eco-friendly practices.
Topics included transforming waste into resources, creating eco-friendly cleaning products, and developing social business models to tackle waste issues sustainably.
Participants were encouraged to identify and implement innovative waste management initiatives within their communities.
These efforts have contributed to raising awareness and fostering local solutions to manage waste while supporting a cleaner, more sustainable TCI.
Development of a Natural Capital Investment Plan (NCIP)
The project developed a Natural Capital Investment Plan (NCIP) to guide sustainable investments that safeguard TCI’s environment and economy.
Key features of the NCIP include:
Identifying pathways for sustainable finance to support natural capital assets such as coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass beds.
Highlighting investment opportunities in blue and green economies, such as eco-tourism, sustainable agriculture, and renewable energy.
Setting priorities for protecting ecosystems that provide critical services, such as:
Storm protection through mangrove conservation.
Carbon sequestration and climate regulation.
Sustainable fisheries and food security.
Access Key Project Resources
Impacts of COVID-19 in the Turks and Caicos Islands
Development of a Natural Capital Investment Plan for the Turks and Caicos Islands
Continuation of the Community Resilience Hub in the Turks and Caicos Islands: Business Case
Partners and Support
The Defining a Post Covid-19 Resilient Recovery project is being implemented with the support of the European Union RESEMBID Programme and Expertise France.
and in partnership with:
- Turks and Caicos Islands Government Department of Environment and Coastal Resources (DECR).
- Turks and Caicos National Trust.
- Invest Turks and Caicos.
- Turks and Caicos Islands Fishing Cooperative.
This project is funded by the Caribbean Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs) Resilience, Sustainable Energy and Marine Biodiversity Programme (RESEMBID), a programme financed by the European Union and implemented by Expertise France, the development cooperation agency of France.
Related Work
The Defining A Post-Covid-19 Resilient Recovery in the Turks and Caicos Islands project builds on previous projects delivered by JNCC in partnership with the Turks and Caicos Islands Government, including:
- Greening the Economy of TCI (2015)
- Sustainable Finance in EU Overseas Territories (2017)
- TCI Natural Capital accounting project (2019)
- COT Regional Natural Capital Accounting Programme (2020-23)
- TCI technical assistance for coastal-marine management (2020-23)
The project was implemented alongside the JNCC-led and RESEMBID-funded project: Sustaining queen conch fisheries and livelihoods in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
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