In 2007, the island government, which takes pride in the islands beauty and nature preservation, agreed to a multi-faceted project to reduce its dependence on fossil fuel energy by developing an energy system comprised of an 11MW wind farm, 14MW biodiesel plant, and a 3MW backup battery. Ecopower Bonaire BV, a consortium consisting of Evelop, Enercon, and MAN, is spearheading this project that is expected to complete its first phase by the end of 2009.

The project developers have already completed the installation of a pilot 330KW wind turbine, whose current energy production exceeds any initial expectations. Accordingly, 12 additional 990 KW wind turbines are being installed on the north coast of the island, where wind and surf conditions are most ideal. By the end of 2009, these wind turbines should produce 44% of the islands energy. The remaining 56% will be produced by the planned 14MW biodiesel generators, utilizing fuel derived from algae, which will enable the island to shift to 100% sustainable energy supply within five years.

All electricity generated will be delivered to WEB (Water and Energy Bonaire). After completion of the entire project, Ecopower Bonaire BV will remain owner of the wind-biodiesel system.

Located eighty-six miles east of Aruba, the Dutch Caribbean island of Bonaire offers year-round sunshine, low annual rainfall, pristine coral formations and the most thriving fish population in the Caribbean. Ideal for adventurers, explorers and sun-worshippers alike, Bonaire offers myriad eco-adventure activities including world renowned scuba diving and snorkeling, windsurfing, kiteboarding, mountain biking, sea and mangrove kayaking, horseback riding, nature tours, hiking, bird watching, sailing and deep sea and bone fishing. And with a selection of accommodations ranging from full-service oceanfront resorts and condominiums to guesthouses and small inns, Bonaire has something for every lifestyle and budget.

Bonaire is the recipient of the prestigious Islands Magazine/Caribbean Tourism Organization 2008 Sustainable Tourism Award and continues to be recognized as one of the top destinations worldwide for its sustainable tourism as reported by National Geographic Traveler magazine (March 2004) and Islands Magazine (December 2007), and as one of the top diving destinations in the Atlantic/Caribbean for seven years in a row in the Scuba Diving magazines Readers Choice Awards (2003-2008). It was designated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) as having the healthiest reefs in the Caribbean (January 2008), and as the Favorite Dive Destination in the World by About.com (June, 2008).

In 2009, the island will be Celebrating Bonaire’s Commitment to Conservation, commemorating the 40^th Anniversary of Washington-Slagbaai National Park and the 30^th Anniversary of the Bonaire National Marine Park. There will be a variety of festivities and events throughout the year, celebrating these combined years of nature protection for the island.

In determining the targets and ratios that will condition disbursement, the Board took into consideration the current level of CDF capital fund which now stands at US$77.7 million. It also considered the sustainability of the capital fund, the need to turn around project requests within three months, and issues of equity which will ensure that all eligible Member States have a reasonable expectation of accessing CDF resources. The CDF Board was also mindful of the global financial crisis and the increased challenge of raising donor funding in this environment.

To be eligible for consideration of grant or loan funding Member States must be fully paid up in accordance with the Agreement.

The governance rules and procedures will be posted on the CSME website on 21 August 2009.

The CARICOM Development Fund, which was established under Article 158 of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas Establishing the Community including the CSME, will provide technical and financial assistance to those countries, regions and sectors so designated by the Community as “Disadvantaged Countries, Regions and Sectors”. ]]> http://sustainablecaribbean.com/2009/08/caricom-development-fund-to-commence-full-operations-next-week/feed/ 1 http://sustainablecaribbean.com/2009/08/grenada-tells-the-commission-on-sustainable-development-small-island-developing-states-are-strongly-dependent-upon-sustainable-development/ http://sustainablecaribbean.com/2009/08/grenada-tells-the-commission-on-sustainable-development-small-island-developing-states-are-strongly-dependent-upon-sustainable-development/#comments Tue, 25 Aug 2009 04:12:25 +0000 admin http://sustainablecaribbean.com/?p=65 The current session of the Commission on Sustainable Development is taking place during an unprecedented global economic crisis unraveling before us. That’s what Grenada’s representative Ambassador Dessima Williams told the Commission this week as it opened a two-week session attempting to chart a sustainable course of action to strengthen long-neglected agricultural sectors and ensure that more food could be grown in a smarter and greener way, especially in Africa. Speaking on behalf of the Alliance of Small Island States – AOSIS, Ms. Williams says at the same time, the impacts of climate change are already occurring in our communities, with plainly observable impacts and at a rate faster than existing scientific models can even assess.