URBAN SUSTAINABILITY INDICATORS FOR CARIBBEAN SMALL ISLAND DEVELOPING STATES

Abstract

This research seeks to develop an urban sustainability framework specific to Caribbean Small Island Developing States (SIDS). This is relevant given the reality that Caribbean SIDS are becoming increasingly urbanised. The three most urbanised countries within the Caribbean region; namely, the Bahamas, Trinidad and Tobago and Suriname are more than 70 percent urbanised. If the built environment within urban areas is developed in an unsustainable manner this can result in a number of negative outcomes. For example, a major challenge faced in Caribbean SIDS is that of disaster risk and management due to the location of human settlements and critical infrastructure in low lying coastal lands. If more sustainable outcomes are to be attained in the face of increased urbanisation, there is a need for a change in the way spatial planning is practiced. Indicators can provide planners with an empirical basis for the examination and review of the relevant plans and policies which guide the way in which planning is practiced. There exist a number of urban indicator frameworks, which suggest useful indicators including the World Bank Urban Sustainability Framework (USF) and the Inter-American Development Bank Emerging and Sustainable Cities Initiative (ESCI). These two frameworks are critically examined and with the use of Trinidad as a case study island, the ways in which indicators can be useful in efforts toward increased urban sustainability within SIDS is discussed.