CASTRIES, St Lucia (CMC) — The Ocean Coordination Mechanism (OCM) for the wider Caribbean has been officially activated marking a significant achievement in advancing the sustainable management of marine resources in the region.

The Bahamas became the latest country to sign the agreement last month while the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) did so earlier this month, bringing the total to 17 signatories, including nine intergovernmental organisations (IGOs).

The signed Memorandum of Understanding will enable the creation of a coordination mechanism to support integrated ocean governance in the Caribbean and the North Brazil Shelf Large Marine Ecosystems.

The OCM is designed to facilitate enhanced collaboration among countries, IGOs, and other ocean stakeholders, promoting well-coordinated efforts to restore and preserve the region’s valuable marine ecosystems. By fostering synergies and improving efficiency, it aims to address critical environmental challenges while unlocking the economic, environmental and social benefits of a healthy ocean.

Key initiatives of the OCM include the development of a holistic ocean action programme, the launch of a periodic reporting mechanism on the “State of the Marine Environment and Associated Economies”, and supporting the strengthening of climate-resilient ocean-based economies — the latter being of key importance for the region’s many Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

Globally, there is growing recognition of the need for enhanced coordination among the many organisations and institutions dealing with marine resources. The wider Caribbean region has positioned itself as a leader by pioneering this unique mechanism.

With additional memberships expected later this year, the aim is that the OCM will ultimately bring together 11 IGOs, including several United Nations (UN) agencies, as well as the governments of the 32 states and territories from the region.

Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, EP Chet Greene said his government remains “committed to the goal of fostering partnerships and coordination to achieve and safeguard healthy marine and coastal ecosystems”.

“These ecosystems are key drivers for thriving, sustainable and climate-resilient ocean-based economies in the wider Caribbean region and hemisphere,” he said.

The Director General of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), Dr Didacus Jules, said the OECS is thrilled that the OCM has officially come into effect.

“This achievement reflects the tireless work and collaboration of intergovernmental organisations and countries dedicated to sustainable ocean governance. The OCM will undoubtedly strengthen regional cooperation, promote sustainable fisheries and contribute to the resilience of our coastal and marine environments, ultimately driving the prosperity and well-being of livelihoods and economies.

“As the first intergovernmental agency to sign the MOU, the OECS is honoured to serve as the convener of the inaugural executive group meeting and looks forward to providing initial leadership on this important initiative,” he added.

The director of Blue Economy at Belize’s Ministry of Blue Economy and Disaster Risk Management, Felicia Cruz, said “This endorsement underscores Belize’s commitment to the sustainable management and utilisation of our ocean resources, aligning with our broader objectives of fostering a resilient blue economy.”

“We look forward to strengthening collaborative efforts with our regional partners through the operationalisation of the OCM.”

Coordinator of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Cartagena Convention Secretariat, Christopher Corbin, noted that given the role of the Cartagena Convention and its protocols in supporting work on two of the major transboundary issues facing the wider Caribbean region —pollution and marine biodiversity loss — the formalisation of the Ocean Coordinating Mechanism is key to further strengthening of the relationship between the secretariat and other regional organisations involved in oceans governance.

“The OCM will enable more effective use of limited resources and ultimately the sustainable management and use of coastal and marine resources in the region. We look forward to playing a critical role as part of this governance framework moving forward,” he added.

Among the other Caribbean countries that have signed on to the OCM agreement are Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Haiti, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia and Suriname.