The Caribbean Community (CARICOM), on 4 April 2025, began a series of regional thematic consultations dedicated to formulating the CARICOM Ocean Policy and Governance Framework. The consultation took place in Miami, Florida, in the margins of the Regional Preparatory Workshop for the first meeting of the Preparatory Commission on the Agreement on Marine Biodiversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement).
Professor Judith Gobin (Consultant) and Mr. Kareem Sabir, Senior Project Officer, Sustainable Development, CARICOM Secretariat, facilitated the session, which focused on the application of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and its integration into CARICOM’s Ocean Policy and Governance Framework.
Participants delved into how the Policy will align with global legal standards, highlighting its significance in strengthening CARICOM’s role in international maritime negotiations and seizing opportunities for sustainable ocean development, particularly from high seas activities. This approach seeks to harmonise efforts within the Region while fostering cooperation with international organisations and key partners.
The Law of the Sea, particularly the BBNJ Agreement and the Part XI agreement on resources of the seafloor beyond national jurisdiction came under the microscope during one of the sessions. The discussion allowed Member States to refine the findings of the status of regional blue economy efforts and provide input on critical maritime issues and regional support needs. It also emphasised the importance of inclusive policymaking, where regional coordination plays a central role in shaping solutions that balance environmental sustainability and economic development.
Discussions also centred on the role of the governance framework in addressing emerging challenges such as maritime security, knowledge management, marine pollution, climate change impacts on oceanic ecosystems, and equitable access to marine resources.
Participants underscored the importance of strengthening regional capacity to implement ocean-related multilateral agreements through enhanced access to resources, technology, and knowledge-sharing.
The engagement is part of a planned series of consultations supported by the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (UK FCDO) and executed by the CARICOM Secretariat as a comprehensive initiative to develop a robust framework for sustainable ocean management.
