ProCaribePlus launches Ocean Coordination Mechanism

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.
On January 23, the ProCaribePlus Project announced the activation of the OCM. The ProCaribePlus Project is a regional initiative for protecting and restoring the ocean’s natural capital, building resilience and supporting region-wide investments for sustainable, blue, socio-economic development in the Caribbean and North Brazil Shelf Large Marine Ecosystems (CLME+ region).
With the Government of the Bahamas signing on 19 December 2024 and the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) following on 14 January 2025, a total of 17 states and nine intergovernmental organisations (IGOs) have now endorsed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) establishing a coordination mechanism to support integrated ocean governance in the Caribbean and North Brazil Shelf Large Marine Ecosystems.
Designed to facilitate enhanced collaboration among countries, IGOs, and other ocean stakeholders, the OCM is aimed at promoting well-coordinated efforts to restore and preserve the region’s valuable marine ecosystems. By fostering synergies and improving efficiency, it 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 Programme, 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).
Globally, there is growing recognition of the need for enhanced coordination among the many organisations and institutions dealing with marine resources. The Wider Caribbean region has positioned itself as a leader by pioneering this unique mechanism.
With additional memberships expected in 2025, the aim is that the OCM will ultimately bring together 11 IGOs – including several United Nations (UN) Agencies – as well as the Governments of the 32 States and Territories from the region.
Director General of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), Dr Didacus Jules said. “The OECS Commission is thrilled that the Ocean Coordination Mechanism officially come into effect, marking a significant milestone in our collective efforts to safeguard the health of the Caribbean and North Brazil Shelf marine ecosystems. This achievement reflects the tireless work and collaboration of intergovernmental organisations and countries dedicated to sustainable ocean governance. 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. As the first intergovernmental agency to sign the MoU, the OECS is honoured to serve as the Convener of the inaugural Executive Group Meeting and looks forward to providing initial leadership on this important initiative.”
Foreign Affairs, Trade and Barbuda Affairs Minister, E.P. Chet Greene of Antigua and Barbuda, emphasised: “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. These ecosystems are key drivers for thriving, sustainable and climate-resilient ocean-based economies in the Wider Caribbean Region and hemisphere.”
Moreover, with CARICOM, efforts are also underway to strengthen ocean governance and management through the articulation of a regional sustainable ocean management policy to harmonise blue pathways to achieving the objectives of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas. The development and implementation of this policy will naturally synergise with the strategic actions of the wider Caribbean’s large marine ecosystem approach, strengthening the connections of national, subregional and regional management of our shared natural resources in the marine environment.