On Tuesday 21st June 2022, the Cartagena Convention Secretariat was pleased to welcome its focal points, representatives of governments, UNEP staff, partner agencies and members of the wider public to the virtual launch of its 35th anniversary video. A total of 76 persons joined the celebratory event, hailing from various countries across the globe, including Barbados, Belize, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Curacao, France, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Kenya, Martinique, Nicaragua, Panama, Spain, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Saint Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos, Venezuela and United States of America.
In October 2021, the Secretariat celebrated the 35th anniversary of the entry into force of the Convention for the Protection and Development of the Marine Environment of the Wider Caribbean Region (Cartagena Convention). The video traces the legacy of the Convention, from its adoption in the 1980s amidst increasing attention on environmental challenges, to its continued role for achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, supporting policymakers and legislators, protecting livelihoods that depend on marine resources, and responding to new and emerging threats and challenges.
Below are some of the highlights from the Secretariat and our guest speakers:
Mr. Christopher Corbin, Acting Coordinator, Cartagena Convention Secretariat: “The last few years have been challenging for all of us. We continue to battle the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the triple planetary crises of pollution, biodiversity loss and climate change, while also coping with external events beyond our control.. Despite these challenges, we have much to be proud of as a region and we have been pleased as a Secretariat to be part of those collective achievements over the last 35 years. None of what we would have achieved would have been possible without the support of our governments and Contracting Parties, donors and several regional and international partners who have worked so closely with us over the last 35 years. I have had the privilege of being with the Secretariat as you have heard for 18 of those 35 years and it has been a pleasure, an honour, to work with so many of you for the betterment of the Wider Caribbean Region.”
Mr. Anthony McKenzie, Director responsible for Environmental Management and Conservation, National Environment and Planning Agency of Jamaica: “On behalf of the Government of Jamaica, I extend congratulations to the Secretariat and indeed to the countries of the Wider Caribbean on this the 35th anniversary of the entry into force of the Cartagena Convention which today is being commemorated. The video being screened today demonstrates our collective action to protect the Caribbean Sea. Let me on behalf of the Government of Jamaica thank the Secretariat for the tremendous work being done at the regional unit and we look forward to even increasing our efforts over the next decade.”
Ms. Kerstin Stendahl, Head of the Ecosystems Integration Branch, United Nations Environment Programme: “We gather here to celebrate the strong commitment to the multilateral regional collaboration demonstrated by the 26 countries of the Wider Caribbean. We are acutely aware that we need to rethink the use and level of protection of our oceans drastically to save it for future generations. The Cartagena Convention provides us with an opportunity to address marine pollution, biodiversity loss and climate change…and to make our voice in the region heard at the highest level possible…The Convention continuously is bettering itself to be ready to address the current issues.”
Dr. Balakrishna Pisupati, Programme Manager- ACP MEAs III Programme, United Nations Environment Programme: “The Cartagena Convention stands at the cross-roads during its 35th anniversary to focus on its mandate and objectives that are increasingly influenced by the need for multi and transdisciplinary approaches ranging from conservation to finance to behavioural change in securing the regional seas of the region.”
Lieutenant Commander Floyd Patterson, IMO Consultant, Regional Marine Pollution Emergency, Information and Training Centre – Caribe: “With the recent sinking of the oil vessel off the northern coast of Aruba a few weeks ago, we can confirm and remind ourselves that accidents will happen. And [with] you, the Secretariat, RAC REMPEITC, and other parties, the insurance policy is already properly crafted for our protection…RAC REMPEITC and the Government of Curacao are committed, and we salute you and the team for the 35 years of stalwart performance. “
Ms. Marlén Pérez Hernández, Assistant Researcher and RAC CIMAB Coordinator, Centre for Research and Environmental Management of Transport (CIMAB): “In these moments of reflection, please allow me to recognize two people, who have already retired, but played an important role in the entry into force of the Cartagena Convention and its Protocols: Mr. Nelson Andrade Colmenares, the first Regional Coordinator of the Caribbean Environmental Programme and Mr. Antonio Villasol Núñez, who was, until a few years ago, the Director General of RAC CIMAB. To them and to all the people that who have succeeded their legacy, we extend our most sincere congratulations. We take this opportunity to reaffirm the commitment of RAC CIMAB to continue working to protect the marine environment of the Wider Caribbean Region in full collaboration with all of you and with other key regional representatives and institutions.”
Dr. Darryl Banjoo, Deputy Director (Acting), Institute of Marine Affairs, Regional Activity Centre in Trinidad and Tobago: “As a Regional Activity Center (RAC) for the LBS Protocol, we can attest to the immense support given by the Secretariat of the Cartagena Convention throughout the years. Although the official LBS RAC –IMA agreement was only signed in 2018, RAC IMA had partnered with the Secretariat and operated in principle as a RAC since 2002 to provide technical support and assistance in the implementation of regional projects and/or activities in meeting the objective of the LBS Protocol- all geared towards the sustainable development of the Caribbean Sea...I take this opportunity to congratulate you once again for your 35 years of excellence and with this successful video launch.”
Ms. Eurica Douglas, General Manager, Clarendon Parish Development Committee Benevolent Society: “As you host this ceremony celebrating the launch of the Secretariat video, I must congratulate the implementing partners. We in the parish of Clarendon remain resolute as we seek “to build climate change and disaster resilience, provide adequate physical infrastructure, and ensure the sustainable management and use of the parish’s environmental resources.” Further, we are excited about continuing to work with UNEP and all our partners to continue to play our part in contributing to creating a healthy and natural environment in Jamaica.”
The Hon. Adrian Forde, M.P., Minister of Environment, National Beautification and the Blue and Green Economy of Barbados: “As we look to the future, we need to remember these achievements, we need to tell these stories, and we need to expand our community of practice..It has been my pleasure, though a brief one, to be the Chair for this Convention during this challenging time. I commend the passion, determination, and commitment of the staff in the Regional Coordinating Unit, Regional Activity Centers, Regional Activity Networks and the National Focal Points who all love this Region. To the many faceless warriors who have worked tirelessly within the Cartagena Convention and the Secretariat, we appreciate you, we honour your dedication to the Region and we are here to support you for many more years to come. Cheers to 35 years and more!”
The video production was made possible thanks to financial support from the European Union-funded project Capacity Building Related to Multilateral Environmental Agreements in African, Caribbean, and Pacific Countries. The video will support the efforts of the UNEP Cartagena Convention Secretariat to encourage ratification of the Convention and its Protocols by Non-Contracting Parties.
