Caricom Moves Forward with Initiative to Strengthen Ocean Governance and Blue Economy
Georgetown, Guyana (CMC) — In a bid to bolster ocean governance and sustainable management of marine resources, the Caribbean Community (Caricom) has launched an ambitious initiative, assisted by a £190,000 grant from the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (UK FCDO).
The project, aptly titled "Towards A Caribbean Community Framework for Strengthening Oceans Governance – Effective Engagement in the International Oceans Agenda," is set to transform the way Caricom member states manage their marine resources. By fostering a collaborative approach, this initiative aims to establish a comprehensive Caricom Blue Economy Policy.
David Prendergast, director of sectoral programmes at the Caricom Secretariat, highlighted the initiative as evidence of Caricom’s commitment to developing a sustainable blue economy that is advantageous for all member states. "The Caribbean Sea is vital to Caricom’s development goals, and this project underscores our dedication to utilizing this resource sustainably," he stated.
A key objective of the initiative is to formulate a policy that enhances governance and regional coordination, thereby improving member states’ capacity to manage both sovereign and shared marine resources effectively. This policy will resonate with international efforts such as the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for Small Island Developing States (SIDS), Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the Commonwealth Blue Charter.
Through this project, Caricom aims to leverage the progress made under the UK’s Sustainable Marine Economies Programme, while also upscaling national successes. Member states are increasingly looking at their exclusive economic zones (EEZs) to unlock various growth opportunities in sectors like fisheries, energy, nature tourism, and coastal services, including carbon sequestration.
In the coming months, the project will conduct a thorough assessment of existing policies and the institutional and legal framework within Caricom states concerning sustainable ocean-based economies. This will be complemented by a series of both virtual and in-person consultations designed to engage stakeholders, share national progress, and identify regional priority actions.
This initiative marks a significant step towards sustainable ocean management, reaffirming Caricom’s dedication to safeguarding its marine resources while fostering economic growth for its members. As the project unfolds, the region’s approach to ocean governance could set a global benchmark for sustainable maritime practices.
