Fourth OECS Blue Economy Roundtable

The Fourth OECS Blue Economy Roundtable took place in Saint Lucia on October 15 and 16, 2024. This year the OECS Commission partnered with UNEP Cartagena Convention Secretariat and other partners such as the World Maritime University, and International Conservation Caucus Foundation – ICCF to focus on identifying and navigating the diverse pathways needed to develop blue economies, ensure policy coherence, and meet both regional and international commitments.  There was a total of thirty-six participants including four Ministers, and one parliamentary representative, as well as the French Ambassador to the OECS countries and Barbados in attendance.

During the morning session on the first day, Programme Management Officer for the Cartagena Convention Secretariat’s Marine Pollution Sub-programme, Ms. Laverne Walker provided an overview of the Cartagena Convention and its three Protocols, outlining the benefits to Contracting Parties. She also provided a brief on several initiatives and projects which are supporting countries meet their obligations under the Convention and Protocols, including the ACP MEA III Project and highlighted opportunities for capacity building available to Contracting Parties under this project.