In a significant show of political unity and regional ambition, Caribbean governments today officially launched the Actioning Blue: Caribbean 30×30 Vision for the Ocean, a comprehensive political declaration unveiled during a high-level event at the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3).
A joint OECS and Caribbean Biodiversity Fund release issued earlier stated that the event took place aboard the Art Explorer vessel at Port Lympia in Nice, France, and was co-hosted by the Government of Grenada, the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund (CBF), the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), and the Ocean Coordination Mechanism Secretariat/ProCaribe+ Project Unit. This launch marks a historic milestone in advancing marine conservation, governance, and financing efforts across Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in the Caribbean region. It gathered ministers and senior officials from OECS member states, Latin America, and Caribbean territories, reflecting widespread regional commitment.
The Organization noted that Actioning Blue articulates a bold Caribbean regional 30×30 Vision and Roadmap for the Ocean, representing an urgent call by Caribbean political leaders to enhance collective advocacy aligned with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and Sustainable Development Goal 14.
This declaration builds upon the legacy of the 2008 Caribbean Challenge Initiative, which successfully protected approximately 49,000 square kilometers of marine protected areas in the region, as reported by the OECS. Launched on the opening day of UNOC3, the event coincided with the conference’s ambitious theme. The initiative also coincides with the implementation of the regional OECS 30×30 Transformation Project, currently underway under the OECS Council of Ministers of Sustainability framework and supported financially by the SPACES coalition.
Through coordinated action, technical assistance, and strategic partnerships, the OECS aims to ensure that Caribbean marine ecosystems are preserved and can contribute significantly to climate resilience, food security, and the well-being of local communities. The initiative emphasizes enhancing inter-governmental cooperation, strengthening institutional capacities, driving policy reforms, and fostering science and research platforms that recognize the vital role of local communities in marine conservation.
“This is a moment worth celebrating, as it is evidence of what we can achieve through collaboration, persistence and the expertise of our people. Caribbean countries are proving that we are not defined by vulnerability—we are defined by our capacity to lead,” stated Hon. Senator Dr. Joyelle Clarke, Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment and Climate Action and Constituency Empowerment for St. Kitts and Nevis.
UNOC3, co-hosted by France and Costa Rica, brought together global leaders under the theme “Scaling up Ocean Action Based on Science and Innovation for the Implementation of Goal 14.” With the launch of Actioning Blue and the Ocean Coordination Mechanism, Caribbean nations are bolstering their collective influence in shaping global ocean governance, offering a unified regional approach to influence international priorities, funding, and cooperation.
“Our strength lies in our unity—and our shared recognition that the triple planetary crises demand a response rooted in regional solidarity and governance that reflects who we are. Let it be known: the Caribbean is not just participating in the global ocean agenda—we are shaping it,” declared H.E. Safiya Sawney, Special Envoy and Ambassador for Climate for the Government of Grenada.
The event also highlighted the vital work of the Ocean Coordination Mechanism (OCM), a voluntary, government-led platform comprising 19 Wider Caribbean nations and nine intergovernmental organizations. The OCM is designed to improve coordination and collaboration for the sustainable development of the blue economy.
Featuring these two regional initiatives at UNOC3 exemplifies the kind of south-south collaboration and coordinated effort needed to achieve ambitious global ocean goals.
Mrs. Karen McDonald Gayle, CEO of Caribbean Biodiversity Fu d, emphasized the importance of unity by noting, “I am pleased to note the agreement not only in words but in efforts demonstrated through joint events like these that the Caribbean Sea and its ocean needs are front and centre – that the waters are bridging the gaps and breaking the silos. So we are working on Marine Management, Governance and financing collectively.”