World Oceans Day 2025: CARICOM leaders pledge continued action on sustainable ocean use

As the international community observes World Oceans Day 2025 on June 8, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) reaffirms its solidarity and deep commitment to collective action in the sustainable management of our ocean; a vital and expansive natural resource, central to the Region’s identity, economy, and future.
In recognition of the importance of sustainably managing its marine resources, CARICOM is advancing the development of a CARICOM Ocean Governance Framework: a regional policy initiative aimed at guiding ocean management and maximising the economic, environmental, and social benefits of marine resources.
While the Region has made progress with sustainable management of ocean resources in the past, momentum has been building in member states to exercise greater care, responsibility, and sovereignty over the Caribbean’s marine and coastal environments. The Community has begun to embrace the tremendous potential of its marine space which, in most cases, is significantly larger than terrestrial territory, but far less is known of its untapped value and potential.
Recognising this, CARICOM and the United Kingdom (UK) Government have entered into an agreement to strengthen ocean governance in the region, which came into force on March 6, 2024.
At the opening ceremony ahead of the 118th Special Meeting of the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) on the Environment and Sustainable Development in April 2025, Mr Alexader Gozney, Climate and Environment Attaché for the Caribbean of the British High Commission, Bridgetown, Barbados, had noted:
“Halting and reversing biodiversity loss is one of the UK’s top priorities on our international climate and nature work. So, we are delighted to have supported the development of CARICOM’s Natural Resources and Environment Policy Framework, and to be supporting the development of a CARICOM Oceans Policy Framework. These policies should build on the good work already taken place to protect and restore ecosystems in the region, while also providing sustainable livelihoods.”
“The UK recognises the Caribbean’s position as both a biodiversity hotspot, as well as a highly climate-vulnerable region, and has been and will continue to support the Caribbean, both through global advocacy and programmatic support.”
As the Region observes World Oceans Day, CARICOM stands united in its efforts to develop a cohesive, resilient, and inclusive framework for ocean governance: — one that safeguards biodiversity, fosters sustainable livelihoods, and reflects the unique realities and aspirations of CARICOM.
World Oceans Day, celebrated every year on June 8, is a global observance aimed at raising awareness about the critical role the ocean plays in our lives and the urgent need to protect it. Established by the United Nations (UN) in 2008, the day highlights issues such as marine pollution, overfishing, climate change, and biodiversity loss. It serves as a platform for Governments, environmental organisations, coastal communities, and individuals to promote sustainable ocean management, advocate for marine conservation policies, and encourage collective action to preserve ocean health for future generations.