The Department of Languages and Literatures Seminar Series

presents

Julia Sagebien

Dalhousie University

The case for a sustainable Cuba has existed on the Cuban side since the 1990s as a result of the 'Accidental Eden' brought about by the collapse of the Soviet Bloc, the tightening of the US embargo and the adoption of proactive national sustainability policies. In a post-embargo scenario, however, the rate of economic growth and the sheer heterogeneity of the business sector will necessitate the attraction of the right kind of sustainability-oriented partners and financing sources in order to preserve what has been attained and prevent the environmental degradation of the island. Future sustainability-oriented partners, however, will need more than solidarity motivations. Many will also require require a business case.

This evolving business case for a sustainable Cuba will have to achieve an optimum balance between business competitiveness, economic wellbeing, and the preservation of long-held social and environmental values. Five economic sectors show great promise in this regard: 1) sustainable tourism, 2) organic agricultural production, 3) renewable energy, 4) coastal zone development (tourism, ports, waste management, fishing, urban development, etc.), and 5) mining. However, the greatest triple-bottom line return for both Cuba and for foreign business partners lies in the emerging Post COP 21 global low-carbon reindustrialization.

This presentation will discuss the intersection between sustainability, economic development and business partnerships. The session will touch upon Cuba's long-term sustainability programming and on the sectors that lend themselves to commercially viable sustainability-oriented investments and business partnerships.

October 28, 2016

3:00 pm

BAC 237

Refreshments will be provided!