CARICOM coordination on ocean governance under BBNJ ramps up

Government representatives, policy experts, and key stakeholders from across the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) met in Miami, Florida, last week to chart a coordinated approach to implementing the Agreement on Marine Biodiversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ). The BBNJ Agreement, which focuses on conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction, is regarded as a landmark treaty in advancing equitable global ocean governance.

The officials also began shaping the Community’s approach to the inaugural Conference of Parties (COP) to the Agreement, which will be held following the entry into force of the Agreement.

The CARICOM Secretariat convened the workshop with support from Pew Charitable Trust, UN Foundation, Government of Ireland, and the Bloomberg Ocean Initiative and Arcadia.

Amrikha Singh, Programme Manager for Sustainable Development at the CARICOM Secretariat, delivered remarks at the workshop and noted that CARICOM has been actively coordinating the BBNJ since 2016. This is the first CARICOM preparatory meeting for BBNJ that attracted full participation of CARICOM Member States.

From 2-4 April, CARICOM leaders and experts delved into a range of priority issues, including secretariat arrangements, rules of procedure for the COP, and establishing subsidiary bodies to address capacity-building, technology transfer, and financial governance. Participants also addressed the key challenges and opportunities in navigating the complex procedural and institutional arrangements of the treaty. Emphasis was placed on identifying areas for enhanced cooperation with international frameworks and bodies (IFBs) and other multilateral organisations. CARICOM Member States also explored cross-cutting issues that could impact the successful implementation of the treaty, to achieve long-term sustainability and equity in ocean governance.

Ambassador Janine Felson of Belize, co-chair of the Preparatory Commission (PrepCom) for the entry into force of the BBNJ Agreement, led an interactive session that reviewed the overarching agenda and organisation of the Preparatory Commission Sessions.

There were also targeted discussions on the CARICOM Ocean Policy and Governance Framework, which Professor Judith Gobin facilitated. This framework aims to harmonise regional efforts and set a strong foundation for sustainable management of marine resources in CARICOM, contributing to the overall vision of CARICOM and developmental priorities of Member States.