On Tuesday St. Kitts and Nevis took a significant step toward advancing regional ocean governance and environmental conservation by becoming a signatory to the Ocean Coordination Mechanism (OCM) for the Wider Caribbean. The historic move was formalised by Senator Dr. Joyelle Clarke, Minister of Environment, Climate Action, and Constituency Empowerment, during a ceremony that highlighted the Federation’s unwavering commitment to the sustainable use and protection of the marine environment.The OCM is a critical initiative aimed at enhancing regional collaboration and coordination among Caribbean nations that focuses on sustainable fisheries and the responsible stewardship of marine resources. By becoming a signatory, St. Kitts and Nevis join a concerted effort to improve the management of the region’s oceans and coasts, thereby contributing to a prosperous and climate-resilient future.This comprehensive mechanism covers the combined area of the Caribbean and the North Brazil Shelf Large Marine Ecosystems which are both vital to the economic and environmental health of the wider Caribbean. The OCM’s framework includes mandates, membership guidelines, structured work plans, and periodic meetings to ensure that participating nations can effectively collaborate on ocean governance.The 10-year CLME+ Strategic Action Program (2015-2025), which underpins the OCM, has identified weaknesses in ocean governance as a primary root cause of the ongoing degradation of the marine environment. The creation of the OCM was finalised during the UNDP/GEF CLME+ Project Steering Committee Meeting in October 2021, marking a pivotal moment in the region’s efforts to address these challenges.The OCM is expected to play a crucial role in fostering greater cooperation among intergovernmental organisations and countries in the region, ultimately leading to more effective ocean governance. As St. Kitts and Nevis continues to champion environmental sustainability, this new partnership with the OCM represents a vital component of the Federation’s ongoing efforts to protect its marine resources and promote a more sustainable future for all.Photo:Senator Dr. Joyelle Clarke signing the OCM agreementClick this link to join the SKN Source WhatsApp group for the latest news and updates right on your mobile device! You can also follow us on Facebook here.
St. Kitts and Nevis joins Ocean Coordination Mechanism for the Wider Caribbean
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