Economic Alternatives

Innovative models challenge dependent development:

Solidarity Economy

Cooperative movements growing: - Credit unions - Agricultural cooperatives - Artisan collectives - Community land trusts

"Together we're stronger," states cooperative leader Marianne Souquet. "Sharing resources, knowledge, risks—that's our tradition anyway."

Circular Economy

Waste-to-resource initiatives: - Sargassum fertilizer projects - Plastic recycling enterprises - Compost programs - Repair cafés

"Islands can't afford waste," insists environmental entrepreneur Philippe Palcy. "Everything must cycle. That's not just environmental—it's economic sense."

Blue Economy

Ocean resources beyond fishing: - Sustainable aquaculture - Marine biotechnology - Ocean renewable energy - Eco-tourism diving

"The ocean fed our ancestors and can feed our future—sustainably," advocates marine economist Dr. Claire Bisseck.