Inaugural Meeting of the Wider Caribbean Ocean Coordination Mechanism Held in Grenada

The inaugural meeting of the Steering Group for the Ocean Coordination Mechanism (OCM) of the Wider Caribbean, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at bolstering regional marine resource governance, convened in Grenada on May 13-14, 2025. This landmark event signifies the formal launch and operationalization of the OCM, a collaborative platform designed to foster a unified approach to ocean management within the Wider Caribbean region. The meeting, held at the Radisson Grenada Beach Resort, hosted representatives from eighteen states and territories, seven intergovernmental organizations, and various observers and regional institutions, demonstrating a strong regional commitment to collaborative ocean governance. Grenada solidified its leadership role in ocean affairs with the appointment of Ambassador Jerry Enoe, Special Envoy for Oceans, as the Chair of the OCM Steering Group.

The establishment of the OCM Steering Group marks a significant milestone in addressing the long-standing challenge of fragmented marine governance in the Wider Caribbean. Ambassador Enoe stressed the importance of the OCM as a vehicle for aligning regional efforts, strengthening national capacities, and unifying the region’s voice on global ocean issues. The meeting served as a critical step in translating a decade of groundwork under the CLME+ Strategic Action Programme into concrete action. The Steering Group achieved several key objectives, including the adoption of its Rules of Procedure, the designation of the PROCARIBE+ Project Management Coordination Unit as the OCM Secretariat, and the initiation of the development of a 2025-2028 Work Programme and Budget. These accomplishments lay the foundation for the OCM’s future operations and strategic direction.

Grenada’s unwavering commitment to collaborative ocean governance was further emphasized by the opening remarks delivered by Permanent Secretary Peron Johnson of the Ministry of Climate Resilience, the Environment and Renewable Energy, on behalf of Honourable Lennox Andrews, Minister for the Blue Economy and Marine Affairs. Johnson reiterated the urgent need for coordinated regional responses to shared challenges, including marine pollution, habitat and biodiversity loss, illegal fishing, and the escalating threat of sargassum influxes. He underscored the importance of equipping the OCM with a clear direction, robust participation, and adequate resources to effectively navigate the complexities of regional ocean governance. These sentiments highlight the recognition that collective action is crucial for addressing the transboundary nature of many marine issues.

The genesis of the OCM lies in a multilateral Memorandum of Understanding signed by regional governments and IGOs. This agreement establishes the OCM’s purpose: to promote a holistic and integrated approach to ocean governance, recognizing healthy marine and coastal ecosystems as fundamental to human well-being and thriving ocean-based economies. The formation of the Steering Group and its initial work represent a decisive step towards constructing a more strategic and results-oriented ocean governance architecture in the Wider Caribbean region. By fostering collaboration and coordination, the OCM aims to enhance the effectiveness of regional efforts to manage and protect shared marine resources.

Looking forward, the OCM has identified several key priorities. These include developing a new regional Ocean Action Programme, which will provide a framework for coordinated action. The OCM will also play a vital role in coordinating the reporting on the health of marine ecosystems, providing a regional overview of progress and challenges. Furthermore, the OCM will support national ocean governance processes, assisting individual countries in strengthening their capacity for effective ocean management. These priorities reflect the OCM’s multi-faceted approach to addressing the complex challenges facing the Wider Caribbean’s marine environment.

The OCM’s organizational structure comprises a Steering Group composed of signatory states and territories, an Executive Group consisting of regional IGOs, and a Secretariat to provide administrative support. The OCM’s work is facilitated by the UNDP/GEF/UNOPS PROCARIBE+ Project, which provides technical and financial assistance. This collaborative framework ensures that the OCM benefits from the expertise and resources of a diverse range of stakeholders, creating a strong foundation for effective regional ocean governance. The launch of the OCM Steering Group signifies a new chapter in ocean management in the Wider Caribbean, marking a transition towards a more coordinated and collaborative approach to safeguarding the region’s invaluable marine resources for present and future generations.