Trinidad and Tobago Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs Sean Sobers M.P. has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) enabling the creation of a Coordination Mechanism to support Integrated Ocean Governance in the Caribbean and North Brazil Shelf Large Marine Ecosystems (CLME+ region).
The MoU, now endorsed by 17 States and nine intergovernmental organizations (IGOs), officially activates the Ocean Coordination Mechanism (OCM) under the ProCaribe+ Project. This regional initiative seeks to protect and restore the ocean’s natural capital, build resilience, and support investments for inclusive, sustainable blue socio-economic development across the CLME+ region.
Participation in the Coordination Mechanism advances Trinidad and Tobago’s blue economy in several ways including:
- Supporting the development of a resilient, ocean-based economy that balances environmental protection with economic opportunity. This includes promoting sustainable fisheries, marine spatial planning, eco-tourism, and innovation in ocean-based industries. By participating in the Coordination Mechanism, Trinidad and Tobago said, it will be better positioned to attract investment, foster job creation in coastal communities, and ensure long-term economic benefits from its marine resources—all while safeguarding biodiversity and ecosystem health.
- Facilitating national monitoring of ocean sustainability goals and supporting the implementation of the Strategic Action Program (SAP).
- Enabling data sharing with research and academic institutions to inform legislation on ocean pollution and climate change.
- Supporting cross-sectoral policy integration and access to funding for national ocean governance initiatives.
- Promoting alignment of institutional and policy frameworks across multiple governance levels.
- Strengthening collaboration among countries, IGOs, and stakeholders in the development and implementation of ocean-related programs.
