1.28. The Region’s Maritime space is increasingly being exploited by transnational organised crime syndicates. The global shipping network is the dominant method of transporting illicit goods, in particular illegal narcotics and weapons. 1.29. Maritime security cooperation is therefore a necessary step in dealing with transnational organised crime. Increased security depends on enhanced coordination and collaboration to ensure effective maritime and airspace security awareness and border management. Impact of Globalisation 1.30. Globalisation has brought new opportunities such as the unprecedented acceleration of information exchange and the free flow of people, goods, services, information, ideas and capital. However, CARICOM nations have also suffered a number of significant external developmental challenges, as globalisation has also created major opportunities for criminals to prosper. The effect of the trade and proliferation in illegal weapons is particularly devastating, although no CARICOM states manufacture weapons and ammunition. 1.31. The Member States are small, in terms of population and territory, with limited capacity and structure, and so are relatively vulnerable to external events. The Region cannot isolate itself from global trends, but must strengthen its resilience and adaptability, and find ways to make globalization serve the Community’s interests. Impact of Natural Disasters 1.32. The Caribbean is vulnerable to earthquakes and hurricanes. These can increase vulnerability to criminal activities, and exacerbate other problems such as increasing migration, both of which give rise to pressing security concerns. The catastrophic earthquake that affected Haiti on January 12th 2010 killed at least 80,000, left many more homeless, caused extensive damage to the infrastructure, resulted in a breakdown of law and order, and caused nearly US$8 billion in economic damage, illustrates the potential threat of natural hazards. 1.33. The Community must ensure that it has the capacity to mitigate, respond to and recover from disasters and their consequential security implications. The threat of natural disasters must be factored into national and regional security planning. Vital Industries  Tourism 1.34. The World Travel and Tourism Council has ranked the Caribbean Region first (among 12 regions) in the relative contribution of tourism to the regional economy, making it the most tourist dependent area in the world. In 2011 Tourism and Travel accounted for 13.9% of total GDP in the Caribbean, 12.1% of total employment and 11.8% of total investment. 1.35. As the most tourism-dependent region in the world, the sector is the largest contributor to employment and gross domestic product throughout most Member States. CARICOM must make safety and security an integral component of tourism development, which will require more assertive and proactive policies. Tourist destinations that can offer safety and security as key components of the tourism product are more likely to attract and retain tourist customers. 18