The Case of the Green Fund Levy in The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago

Trinidad and Tobago are the southernmost islands of the Caribbean archipelago, and are geologically an extension of the South American continent. Trinidad is separated from Venezuela by the seven (7) mile straits of the Gulf of Paria. The area of Trinidad is 4828 km2 while Tobago is 300 km2. The economy of Trinidad is based on oil production and light manufacturing. The island of Tobago has an economy based largely on Caribbean beach-centred tourism and fishing. The per capita GDP of the twin island republic is US$9,500 (est. 20002).
Much of the flora and fauna of Trinidad is closely related to that of the mainland and its proximity to the mainland is responsible for the island having a larger flora and fauna per unit area than most other Caribbean islands. Though this is at the expense of a lower fraction of endemics in most taxa. The majority of the coral reefs in the state are found in Tobago, which is an excellent diving destination. Trinidad is very important for nesting turtles and has a large avian fauna. Both islands could develop major eco-tourism attractions. The Minister of Finance announced in his September 2001 budget speech, that a system of National Parks proposed in the late 1990s would be established in the next few years. Many of the state's environmental problems are caused by pollution from industrial activity and habitat degradation from inappropriate development.
This case study will focus on the steps taken to plan and implement the Green Fund Agency in Trinidad and Tobago to date3. It will give readers an explanation of the major tasks and the time required to achieve each task involved in developing the Green Fund, as well as providing information on the political and financial resources existing at the time.