Sustainable development policies and strategies in Guadeloupe and Martinique : the missing social and human dimension

Abstract

The French Caribbean island territories of Guadeloupe and Martinique are still searching for their path to hitherto elusive sustainable development. They both still face serious challenges, among which is a high dependency on a few economic sectors, high levels of unemployment and other social inequalities. While protecting the environment is of critical importance, human well-being, decent work, and access to clean air and water, are equally crucial to achieve sustainable development. In the mid-1940s, Guadeloupe and Martinique demanded better living conditions and social justice. Ten years ago, in a vastly different context, similar issues contributed to a major social breaking point. This paper looks at some of the ways in which the complex relationship between these two islands and mainland France has impacted their path to development. Their smallness may only be relative, while the environmental pillar of sustainable development seems to have been prioritised, to the detriment of their social dimension. Not having been able design their own development strategies may also account for various lingering societal challenges.