Building a Sustainable Blue Economy: Barbados’ Legislative Approach

The blue economy has emerged as a key pillar of sustainable development for many Caribbean countries, offering opportunities to promote economic growth, strengthen trade, create jobs, and enhance climate resilience. Realizing this potential, however, requires governance frameworks that balance economic development with environmental sustainability and the long-term stewardship of marine resources. In this episode, you will hear the Honourable Reginald Farley, President of the Senate of Barbados, share his country’s recent efforts to modernize its legal framework for fisheries management and sustainable development. He explains how the legislation seeks to provide economic certainty for investors while protecting traditional fishing communities, supporting local entrepreneurship, maintaining access to international markets, and ensuring compliance with sustainability standards. The conversation also examines the interconnected relationship between international trade, climate resilience, and sustainable development, as well as the importance of regional collaboration.  This episode was recorded during the 22nd ParlAmericas Plenary Assembly and 10th Gathering of the Open Parliament Network, titled Parliamentary Leadership for Shared Prosperity: Advancing Trade, Innovation, and Security in a Changing World, held in Ottawa, Canada, from May 19 to 22, 2026. You can access the meeting content here.