The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) is making significant strides towards enhancing ocean governance and sustainable management of marine resources. With the support of a £190,000 from the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (UK FCDO), the CARICOM Secretariat is embarking on a comprehensive initiative to develop a robust framework for sustainable ocean management.

The project, titled ‘Towards A Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Framework for Strengthening Oceans Governance - Effective Engagement in the International Oceans Agenda’, aims to support the collaborative development of a CARICOM Blue Economy Policy.

The primary objective of this project is to articulate a Policy that fosters improved governance, regional coordination and ultimately, enhanced capacity of Member States to sustainably manage both sovereign and shared marine resources. The policy will build on international momentum for sustainable ocean economic development, including the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS, Sustainable Development Goals, and the Commonwealth Blue Charter. The project also seeks to upscale national successes and progress made under the UK’s Sustainable Marine Economies Programme.

In the coming months, the project will undertake a comprehensive assessment of the policy, institutional, and legal landscape within CARICOM Member States concerning sustainable ocean-based economies. There will also be a series of virtual and in-person consultations to engage stakeholders, share national progress, and identify regional priority actions.

“This initiative is a testament to CARICOM’s dedication to fostering a sustainable blue economy that benefits all Member States in recognition of the significant contribution the Caribbean Sea makes to CARICOM’s development priorities,” said Ambassador David Prendergast, Director, Sectoral Programmes at the CARICOM Secretariat.

Impetus

The Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, which underpins the regional integration process within CARICOM, includes provisions that support sustainable development and the establishment of a blue economy framework. CARICOM Member States are increasingly focusing on their Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) to unlock growth and development opportunities. These opportunities span various sectors, including fisheries, energy, nature tourism, and coastal and ocean services like carbon sequestration. Strong sectoral management of marine resources exists, but comprehensive regional, cross-sectoral coordination remains a challenge. The Caribbean Community Common Fisheries Policy (CCCFP), for example, is a best practice in regional cooperation in conserving and sustainably utilising fisheries and related ecosystems, ensuring the welfare and well-being of Caribbean people.

CARICOM’s initiative to strengthen ocean governance and promote sustainable ocean management is a significant step towards realising a blue economy that benefits all Member States. With the collaboration of the CARICOM Member States, Regional Institutions and other key regional and international partners, the Region is poised to enhance its engagement in the international oceans agenda and ensure the sustainable use of marine resources for future generations.