Building an EITI community of practice in the Caribbean

Across Latin America and Caribbean, limited public trust and access to clear, timely information are significant barriers to effective governance in the extractive sector. Reduced data literacy, unequal access to technology and privacy concerns often hinder public understanding of how natural resources contribute to economies. These gaps can lead to project delays, inefficiencies and missed economic opportunities.

To address these challenges, transparency efforts must prioritise end-users by presenting data in accessible formats and enabling public participation in decision-making. Collaboration with journalists, civil society and policymakers is vital to translate technical data into narratives that inform and empower communities.

Transparency efforts must prioritise end-users by presenting data in accessible formats and enabling public participation in decision-making.

These issues and strategies were explored at a recent regional symposium in Port of Spain, co-organised by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and Trinidad and Tobago’s Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries. Here are the key takeaways.

Leveraging digital tools and technology

Access to information is essential for building trust and accountability, yet much of it remains fragmented and difficult to use. Researching a single license often requires navigating multiple platforms. Even when data is available, it can be overly technical and difficult for the public to interpret.

The international gathering at Port of Spain proved that innovative digital tools are helping to close these gaps. A civil society organisation in Mexico developed a map that integrates data on mining, oil and gas operations with environmental impact assessments and indicators, such as water usage and greenhouse gas emissions. By centring end-users during design, this tool ensures the data meets the needs of policymakers, communities and advocacy groups.

Another innovation is the IDB’s InvestmentMap initiative, which promotes transparency in 14 Latin American and Caribbean countries. This tool integrates and visualises government data on public spending, investments and procurement through user-friendly digital platforms. New features, including a chatbot for natural language queries, further enhance access to information, accountability and efficiency in governance processes.     

In Trinidad and Tobago, a surveying company showcased how drones and satellite imagery are being used for environmental monitoring. These technologies provide high-resolution data to track extraction development and impacts. However, deploying these technologies requires careful planning, including consideration of adherence to regulatory standards, and tailoring data collection to specific monitoring objectives.

These technologies provide high-resolution data to track extraction development and impacts.

These examples highlight the importance of accessible, user-friendly data sharing to enable stakeholders to analyse extractive operations effectively. Leveraging such tools can strengthen oversight, enhance public understanding, and drive more sustainable practices across the region.

Representatives from Argentina, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago exploring Cartocritica's Map.

Knowing the terms and owners

Contract disclosure remains a challenge in many Latin American and the Caribbean countries, leaving citizens and investors in the dark about agreements governing extractive activities. However, countries like the Dominican Republic, in which contract disclosure is mandated by law, demonstrate how institutionalised transparency fosters trust and stability.

Contracts outline key obligations between parties but are often complex and inaccessible. Yet the more detailed the contract, the more it can increase stability, predictability and compliance. Open contracts allow investors to align with market trends and ensure financial security, while also providing the public with greater insight into how extractive activities are regulated. Key aspects, such as tax and environmental commitments, can be disclosed without compromising commercially sensitive information, aligning with anti-corruption efforts and public expectations.

Stakeholders have emphasised the need for robust transparency measures, particularly for large and foreign entities, to combat corruption and organised crime.

Beneficial ownership transparency is another critical issue in the region. While many Caribbean countries comply with Financial Action Task Force (FATF) standards, and though some countries like Trinidad and Tobago have already innovated in collecting this information under EITI implementation, the 2023 EITI Standard sets a higher bar. Challenges such as capacity limitations, privacy concerns and low public awareness persist, but stakeholders have emphasised the need for robust transparency measures, particularly for large and foreign entities, to combat corruption and organised crime.

Supporting the energy transition

Small island states in the Caribbean face unique challenges in balancing economic growth with the shift to renewable energy. For nations like Trinidad and Tobago and Suriname, highly dependent on oil and gas, the transition requires tailored solutions.

For nations like Trinidad and Tobago and Suriname, highly dependent on oil and gas, the transition requires tailored solutions.

Trinidad and Tobago's industrial sector accounts for 75% of the country’s emissions. As a pioneer in emissions disclosure, it now has 10 companies reporting emissions and is analysing how declining energy revenue could affect social services. Meanwhile, the Dominican Republic aims to meet 30% of its energy needs through renewables by 2030. Expanding EITI disclosures to include energy transition policies and the renewable sector would help stakeholders track progress towards climate goals and enable informed, accountable policymaking.

Promoting sustainability and inclusivity in mining

Sustainability in mining, a priority topic in the region, requires stronger frameworks that address the full project lifecycle, from development to closure. Countries like the Dominican Republic and Suriname are revising mining laws to include stronger environmental protections and alignment with the EITI Standard.

In Trinidad and Tobago, civil society has pushed for better environmental disclosures, highlighting the need for digitised, standardised data to support oversight. Stakeholders agreed that meaningful community consultations are essential to responsible mining. Genuine engagement builds trust, ensures that benefits are shared equitably and fosters long-term sustainability.

Countries like the Dominican Republic and Suriname are revising mining laws to include stronger environmental protections and alignment with the EITI Standard.

Transparent, inclusive processes yield better social outcomes and environmental stewardship. The EITI plays a crucial role by ensuring data availability and promoting accountability in decision-making.

Building a community of practice

The symposium underscored the importance of transparency, data accessibility and public dialogue in improving natural resource governance. Regional collaboration, supported by key partners like the IDB, is enabling countries such as the Dominican Republic, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago to enhance environmental disclosures and develop more inclusive frameworks.

As the Caribbean addresses the complexities of the energy transition, EITI disclosures and continued support from organisations like the IDB will be essential. By building a community of practice, stakeholders can advance responsible resource management, ensuring that the benefits of extractive industries are shared equitably across the region.