The Ocean Coordination Mechanism (OCM) for the Wider Caribbean has been officially activated and will commence its activities this year, marking a significant achievement in advancing the sustainable management of marine resources in the region.
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. Globally, there is growing recognition of the need for enhanced coordination among the many organizations and institutions dealing with marine resources. By fostering synergies and improving efficiency, the OCM 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 Program, 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).
A total of 17 States and nine Intergovernmental Organizations (IGOs) have now signed the “Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) Enabling the Creation of a Coordination Mechanism to Support Integrated Ocean Governance in the Caribbean and NorthBrazil Shelf Large Marine Ecosystems.”
“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,” said Chet Greene, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Barbuda Affairs of Antigua and Barbuda. “These ecosystems are key drivers for thriving, sustainable and climate-resilient ocean-based economies in the Wider Caribbean Region and hemisphere.”
With additional memberships expected in 2025, the aim is that the OCM will ultimately bring together 11 Intergovernmental Organizations–including several UN Agencies–as well as the governments of the 32 States and Territories from the region.
“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,” said Dr. Didacus Jules, Director General of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States.
