Wider Caribbean Region makes history in Marine resources management
By Samuel Ogunsona
A groundbreaking achievement has been made in the Wider Caribbean Region with the official activation of the Ocean Coordination Mechanism (OCM) with a total number of 26 international signatories.
This was contained in a press released by Procaribe made available to Irohinodua on Friday.
This historic milestone marks a significant step forward in advancing the sustainable management of marine resources in the region.
The OCM was formally activated with the signature of the Government of the Bahamas on December 19, 2024, and the IOC of UNESCO on January 14, 2025.
This brings the total number of signatories to 17 States and 9 Intergovernmental Organizations (IGOs), demonstrating a strong commitment to regional cooperation and sustainable ocean governance.
The OCM aims 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.
Key initiatives include the development of a holistic Ocean Action Programme, a periodic reporting mechanism on the “State of the Marine Environment and Associated Economies,” and supporting climate-resilient ocean-based economies.
Honourable E.P. Chet Greene, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Barbuda Affairs of Antigua and Barbuda, emphasized, “The Ministry and by extension the Government remain 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.”
Dr. Didacus Jules, Director General of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States, stated, “The OECS Commission is thrilled that the Ocean Coordination Mechanism (OCM) officially came into effect. This achievement reflects the tireless work and collaboration of intergovernmental organizations 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.”
Felicia Cruz, Director of Blue Economy at Belize’s Ministry of Blue Economy and Disaster Risk Management, noted, “This endorsement underscores Belize’s commitment to the sustainable management and utilization 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 operationalization of the OCM.”
Mr. Christopher Corbin, Coordinator of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Cartagena Convention Secretariat, added, “The formalization of the Ocean Coordinating Mechanism is key to further strengthening of the relationship between the Secretariat and other regional organizations 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.”
The activation of the OCM is a significant achievement for the Wider Caribbean Region, demonstrating a strong commitment to regional cooperation and sustainable ocean governance.
As the region moves forward with the implementation of the OCM, it is expected to have a positive impact on the sustainable management of marine resources, promoting a healthy and resilient ocean ecosystem for future generations.
