分类： environment

St. John’s Taxi Association Conducts Clean-up and Beautification Exercise at Ffryes Beach

On Saturday, October 17, 2026, the Antigua and Barbuda St. John’s Taxi Association Inc. (ABSJTA) organized a large-scale volunteer clean-up and beautification campaign spanning Big Ffryes Beach, Little Ffryes Beach, and their adjacent coastal zones. The event was specifically timed to get the island nation’s iconic shorelines ready for the 2026/2027 cruise tourism season, bringing together association members and community volunteers to upgrade the coastal environment for both local residents and the thousands of incoming tourists expected over the coming months.

By the end of the day, participants had filled 40 full-size 48-gallon biodegradable garbage bags with a wide range of discarded waste, including single-use plastic bottles, aluminum cans, paper products, and assorted plastic debris. Beyond small litter, crews also cleared accumulated fallen leaves and oversized natural and man-made debris from the beach sands and surrounding green spaces, leaving the shoreline far cleaner and more welcoming than before the initiative began.

For the ABSJTA, the clean-up effort is far more than a one-off community project: it reflects the association’s deep understanding that Antigua and Barbuda’s postcard-perfect beaches are not only beloved public gathering spaces for local communities, but also the core attraction that draws millions of tourists to the nation each year. Maintaining these natural assets directly supports public recreation and quality of life for residents, while also boosting the overall visitor experience that underpins the livelihoods of thousands of people employed across the country’s tourism sector.

Association leadership went on to express sincere gratitude to every member, volunteer, and community partner that contributed to the event’s success. In addition to on-the-ground labor from participants, the initiative benefited from donated supplies and refreshments, as well as the free provision of a dump truck to haul away collected waste for proper disposal, resources that were critical to pulling off the large-scale operation smoothly.

Following productive conversations between ABSJTA representatives and local business leadership, the management of Dennis Beach Bar has already pledged long-term support for future clean-up events. The popular beachside business has committed to donating rakes and other essential clean-up equipment to volunteer crews, a contribution that will allow future clean-up teams to work more efficiently while supporting safe, hygienic handling and disposal of collected waste.

Looking ahead, the ABSJTA has made a formal commitment to host these coastal clean-up and beautification exercises twice every year: one round held before the official start of the annual cruise season, and a second round held once the season draws to a close. The association is also actively calling on other local tourism businesses and service providers to join coordinated, sector-wide preservation initiatives to protect the nation’s natural assets.

“Through sustained, collaborative action across the entire tourism sector, we can protect our incredible beaches, enhance the beauty of our coastal areas, and keep Antigua and Barbuda one of the most attractive and sought-after tourism destinations in the Caribbean,” said ABSJTA’s President in a statement following the event.

17 10 月, 2026
Vaguada forecast will cause rain starting this afternoon: Over which provinces?

The Dominican Institute of Meteorology (Indomet) has released a detailed daily weather forecast for the Dominican Republic, outlining shifting conditions across the country through the day and night, alongside critical heat safety guidance and an update on a potential low-pressure system off the U.S. coast.

According to Indomet’s prediction, Sunday will open with generally favorable atmospheric conditions across most of the nation. Early morning hours will be marked by clear, mostly cloudless skies and steadily building warm temperatures that set the tone for the day. But the calm morning pattern is expected to shift as the afternoon progresses. A combination of a weak atmospheric trough and wind shear will trigger localized weather activity across three key regions: the southwest, the central mountainous Central Cordillera, and the southeastern portion of the country. These areas can expect sudden heavy downpours, a chance of scattered thunderstorms, and isolated bursts of strong wind gusts.

As night falls, weather conditions will diverge across the northern border and coastal provinces. Persistent rainfall is forecast to continue through the overnight hours in Valverde, Santiago Rodríguez, Dajabón, and Monte Cristi. For all other regions of the Dominican Republic, skies will return to mostly clear conditions with minimal cloud cover and no expected measurable precipitation.

Temperature-wise, the country will see sustained warm to hot conditions through the entire day. Maximum temperatures are projected to range between 31°C and 35°C across most territories, prompting Indomet to issue public heat safety recommendations. The agency advises residents and visitors to maintain consistent hydration by drinking sufficient water throughout the day, opt for lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored garments that support heat dissipation, and avoid unprotected exposure to direct sunlight between the peak heating hours of 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. It also reminds the public to stay in cool, well-ventilated spaces during the hottest parts of the day.

Indomet specifically highlighted that children, older adults, and pregnant people face higher vulnerability to heat-related illness, urging communities and caregivers to monitor these groups closely for any signs of heat stress.

Beyond the daily forecast, Indomet also shared an update on a potential tropical system developing in the Atlantic. A non-tropical low-pressure system is expected to form Sunday off the U.S. East Coast, originating from a trailing cold front. The system is projected to move slowly and follow an unpredictable path over the coming week, and it has the potential to develop subtropical characteristics as it interacts with warmer ocean waters.

Current forecasts put the odds of cyclonic development very low: the chance of formation within the next 48 hours is near 0%, rising to just 30% over the full seven-day window. Crucially, Indomet confirmed that the system poses no immediate threat to the Dominican Republic at this time.

To ensure the public has access to the latest updates, Indomet is encouraging all residents to monitor changing weather conditions via its official website, indomet.gob.do, and its verified social media channels for real-time alerts and forecast adjustments.

17 10 月, 2026
Excessive Rainfall Warning: Another 2 to 4 Inches Possible in the Next 24 Hours

Belize is bracing for another period of heavy precipitation this weekend, as national weather authorities issued an urgent excessive rainfall warning early Saturday, October 17, 2026, forecasting an additional 2 to 4 inches of rain could fall across vulnerable regions over the next 24 hours. This new alert builds on a broader flood warning released one day earlier by the country’s Ministry of Sustainable Development and Climate Change, which had already projected 2 to 4 inches of total rainfall across a four-day window and warned of the imminent threat of flash flooding in low-lying, flood-prone communities across the nation.

Meteorologists attribute the persistent wet conditions to a lingering trough of low pressure, which is maintaining moist, unstable atmospheric conditions ideal for continued shower activity across the Belize region. Through Saturday, the sky will remain mostly overcast through both daytime and overnight hours. Saturday morning will see most precipitation—including scattered showers, light steady rain, and a handful of thunderstorms—remain concentrated offshore, but this wet activity is expected to push inland and spread across most of the country by Saturday afternoon. Overnight Saturday into Sunday, the bulk of the showers, light rain, and isolated thunderstorms will shift back to focus on coastal areas and offshore waters.

In addition to the flood and rainfall warnings, authorities have also enacted a small craft caution for all marine operators along Belize’s coast. Gusty winds that accompany heavy showers and thunderstorms can create sudden locally rough sea conditions that pose a hazard for small vessels. Current forecasts predict winds will blow from the northeast to east at 5 to 15 knots, generating a light to moderate chop with wave heights ranging between 2 and 4 feet, creating the risk of unexpectedly rough conditions during passing storm activity.

Looking ahead to Sunday, the cloud cover is expected to thin slightly, with forecasts calling for partly to mostly cloudy skies across the country. A limited number of showers, extended periods of light rain, and isolated thunderstorms will still impact most regions Sunday, before precipitation shifts primarily to coastal areas Sunday night. For temperature expectations, coastal areas will see daily highs of 86 degrees Fahrenheit (30 degrees Celsius) and overnight lows dropping to 78 degrees Fahrenheit (26 degrees Celsius). Inland regions will see warmer afternoon highs reaching 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius) with cooler overnight lows of 74 degrees Fahrenheit (23 Celsius). The cooler hill regions of Belize will see temperatures ranging between a high of 78 degrees Fahrenheit (26 Celsius) and an overnight low of 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 Celsius).

Officials are urging all Belize residents to closely monitor changing weather conditions over the coming days and keep up to date with official emergency management and weather updates to stay safe amid ongoing flood and storm risks.

17 10 月, 2026
Antigua and Barbuda Concludes Successful Green Climate Fund Mission, Advancing Climate Investment and Resilience Opportunities

A recent high-level working mission between government stakeholders of Antigua and Barbuda and the Green Climate Fund (GCF) has identified a suite of priority sectors poised to receive targeted climate investment, marking a key milestone for the small island developing state’s climate adaptation and mitigation efforts. Among the most promising areas flagged for future GCF funding are climate-resilient housing and public infrastructure, utility-scale renewable energy development, zero-emission electric mobility systems, natural and engineered coastal protection infrastructure, and national water security initiatives. A central focus of the discussions was expanding domestic institutional capacity to design, secure approval for, and execute projects that deliver direct, measurable benefits to local communities across the country.

Honourable Michael Joseph, who serves as Minister for Health, Wellness, Environment and Civil Service Affairs, emphasized that the mission represents a critical forward step in boosting Antigua and Barbuda’s capacity to attract large-scale climate financing and advance projects aligned with the nation’s long-term development goals. “For small island developing states like ours, climate change is not a distant threat—it is an immediate, existential challenge that disrupts livelihoods and threatens our national survival,” Joseph stated. “Access to affordable, reliable climate financing is the single most critical factor in building our national resilience against climate shocks. Our ongoing engagement with the Green Climate Fund creates a unique opportunity to translate our national climate priorities into concrete, on-the-ground investments that protect our people, reinforce critical infrastructure, and secure a sustainable future for generations to come.”

Beyond exploring new investment opportunities, the mission also created space for stakeholders to address bottlenecks and accelerate the execution of projects already backed by GCF funding. These include the regional Enhanced Direct Access initiative, a cross-border collaboration that includes Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica and Grenada, as well as the GCF BUILD project, which provides targeted support for the development of climate-resilient public infrastructure across the country.

Ambassador Ruleta Camacho-Thomas, Acting Director of Antigua and Barbuda’s Department of Environment, welcomed the mission as a foundational step in deepening the long-standing collaborative partnership between the nation and the GCF. The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has formally reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to working closely with GCF leadership to mobilize accessible, financially sustainable climate financing, and speed up the nation’s transition to a low-carbon, climate-resilient development pathway that protects vulnerable communities and ecosystems.

17 10 月, 2026
Warm en zonnig, kleine kans op onweersbuien

Dutch weather authorities have issued a forecast for this coming Saturday warning of unseasonably extreme heat across most of the country, paired with a small risk of isolated thunderstorms in inland and western regions. The day is expected to start with a mix of bright sunshine and scattered cloud cover, holding steady through the early part of the afternoon. As mid-afternoon approaches, cloud cover will gradually build in localized areas, opening the door for rare, isolated rain showers or thunderstorms that will be concentrated primarily in inland zones and the western half of the Netherlands.

What makes this forecast particularly notable is the projected feels-like temperature, which is set to surge to between 37 and 40 degrees Celsius across affected areas. This extreme apparent heat will create uncomfortable and potentially dangerous conditions for residents, especially vulnerable groups including the elderly, young children, and people with pre-existing health conditions. By early evening, forecasters expect cloud cover to thin out again across most regions as the heat begins to gradually ease.

For any thunderstorms that do develop, the public has been warned to prepare for hazardous associated conditions: lightning strikes and wind gusts reaching speeds of 35 to 40 kilometers per hour. In response to the extreme heat event, public health advisors have issued practical guidance to help residents stay safe. They urge all people in the region to drink plenty of water throughout the day to avoid dehydration, and to limit prolonged exposure to direct, intense sunlight as much as possible. For anyone caught outdoors when a thunderstorm hits, officials strongly advise moving immediately to a secure, covered shelter to avoid risks from lightning and high winds.

17 10 月, 2026
Surinaamse huishoudens verspillen naar schatting ruim 56.000 ton voedsel per jaar

As the world observes World Food Day on October 16, new data from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)’s 2024 Food Waste Index Report has put a stark spotlight on the massive scale of global food waste — a crisis that runs parallel to persistent widespread hunger across the globe. Even as hundreds of millions face chronic food insecurity, nations from small developing states to large economies throw away staggering volumes of edible food every year, including Suriname, where new estimates show domestic food waste totals 56,630 tonnes annually.

That national figure translates to an average of 91 kilograms of food thrown away per Surinamese resident each year. UN researchers note that due to limited available data for the country, these estimates should be interpreted with caution, but they still underscore a widespread trend of unnecessary food waste that exists at every income level worldwide.

Against the backdrop of World Food Day 2024, which carries the theme “Innovate today, nourish tomorrow”, the UN is amplifying calls for global action to boost food security, build more sustainable food systems, and cut back on pervasive food loss and waste across supply chains. Global statistics published by UN bodies paint a devastating picture: in 2022, approximately 1.05 billion tonnes of edible food was discarded by households, food service businesses, and retail outlets. This accounts for nearly 20% of all food available to consumers globally. Of this total waste, households are responsible for 60%, followed by food service and catering operations at 28%, and retail grocers and stores at 12%. Projections also indicate that by 2025, 645 million people around the world will experience chronic hunger.

While global hunger has declined for three consecutive years according to UN data, current rates still remain significantly higher than pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels. By 2025, an estimated 7.8% of the global population will face undernourishment. Africa bears the heaviest burden of this crisis: 309 million people on the continent are projected to be undernourished in 2025, equal to roughly one in every five African residents. Asia follows with approximately 292 million undernourished people, while Latin America and the Caribbean account for 32 million.

Beyond post-retail consumer waste, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimates that 13% of all food produced globally is lost between harvest and retail sale. Poor storage infrastructure, inadequate transportation networks, and processing losses are the primary drivers of this early-stage waste, with fresh produce like fruits and vegetables particularly vulnerable to spoilage before reaching consumers.

Per capita food waste varies dramatically across countries, the UNEP report confirms. The global average per capita annual food waste totals 132 kilograms, 79 kilograms of which comes from household waste. The Maldives tops the global ranking with an estimated 260 kilograms of per capita annual food waste. Syria, the Dominican Republic, the Seychelles, Mexico, and Tunisia also rank among the nations with the highest per capita food waste, while Spain stands out as one of the countries with relatively low per capita waste levels. Researchers emphasize that these are preliminary estimates, and variations in measurement methods, dietary habits, food supply structures, climate, and refrigeration access must be factored into comparisons between nations.

Beyond the direct human impact of food waste amid widespread hunger, the crisis carries massive economic and environmental costs that are often overlooked. Wasted food represents not just the direct cost of the product itself, but also all the embedded resources that went into growing, processing, and transporting it: land, water, energy, and labor. The UN estimates that global food loss and waste costs the world economy more than $1 trillion annually. Furthermore, roughly 28% of the world’s total agricultural land is used to produce food that is ultimately never eaten. The climate impact is equally severe: food loss and waste accounts for between 8% and 10% of total global greenhouse gas emissions. When discarded food decomposes in landfills, it releases methane, a greenhouse gas 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide over a 100-year period, driving further climate change.

While systemic change across global food systems is needed to address the crisis, experts note that meaningful action starts at the household level, where most waste originates. There are multiple simple steps consumers can take to cut back on household food waste: planning meals in advance, making and sticking to a shopping list, taking inventory of existing food before buying new items, and storing food properly to extend its shelf life. Leftovers can be repurposed into new meals, and items like bread, meat, and prepared dishes can be frozen before they spoil to avoid unnecessary discarding. Carefully portioning food and using older products before newer purchases also cuts down on avoidable waste.

Public education around expiration date labeling is another key step to reduce confusion that leads to waste. Many consumers do not distinguish between “best before” (minimum durability) dates and “use-by” (expiration) dates: a “use-by” date relates directly to food safety, while a “best before” date only indicates when the product is at its peak quality, not when it becomes unsafe to eat. For example, the “best before” label on Heinz baby food referenced in this reporting does not mark when the product becomes unsafe, only when it is no longer at optimal quality. Consumers can still check products with expired “best before” dates for spoilage and consume them safely if they show no signs of going bad.

While reducing food waste alone will not solve global hunger — poverty, armed conflict, unequal access to food, and broken supply chains remain the core root causes of food insecurity — cutting waste can still deliver major benefits. Reduced food waste creates more efficient global food systems, lowers consumer and producer costs, eases pressure on natural ecosystems, and cuts greenhouse gas emissions, building a more food-secure future for all.

17 10 月, 2026
Flood Alert in Effect: Up to 4 Inches of Rain Possible Over the Next Four Days

A national flood alert has been activated across Belize starting October 16, 2026, as the country braces for heavy, sustained rainfall that could trigger widespread flooding and flash flooding over a four-day period. The official warning was issued by the country’s Ministry of Sustainable Development and Climate Change, which projects that affected regions of Belize will see between two and four inches of total accumulated rainfall through the forecast window. According to the ministry, intermittent bouts of locally concentrated downpours will likely cause fast water runoff, creating sudden flash floods in vulnerable areas. Low-lying and historically flood-prone zones are at particular risk, alongside communities along riverbanks that could see steadily or rapidly rising water levels. Currently, most of Belize’s major river systems are sitting at or below normal water levels. However, the incoming precipitation is expected to trigger quick water level surges in smaller streams and tributaries, while larger river networks will see a more gradual water level increase as rainfall accumulates. Officials have emphasized that extra vigilance is required for any waterways that are already at elevated levels or close to reaching their bankfull capacity. In its detailed evening forecast, the ministry outlined current conditions for the country’s key water bodies: the main stretch of the Belize River is projected to rise above normal levels by the following day, though levels will remain below normal as the river approaches the coast, including at Crooked Tree Lagoon. Gales Point Lagoon, the Moho River, and the Temash River are already above normal levels and continuing to rise, while the Sarstoon River is also holding above normal levels. The Sittee River is steadily climbing toward bankfull capacity. Other major waterways are seeing moderate shifts from lower baseline levels: the Mopan River has recorded a moderate increase from its previous below-normal state, while the Sibun River is also rising up from below-normal levels. The Macal River remains well below its spillway capacity. The Rio Hondo, Monkey River, and Deep River are all hovering near normal levels, while the New River ranges from below normal to normal, and the Rio Grande sits below normal. All other unlisted rivers across the country are currently at below-normal levels. Ministry officials have issued clear guidance for residents in at-risk communities, urging people living in low-lying, flood-prone, and riverside areas to remain on high alert and regularly check official updates for evolving weather and flood conditions. The alert notes that flood risk can shift rapidly in response to heavy rain, so continuous monitoring is critical. Officials are also reminding the public to exercise extreme caution when near rivers, streams, and low-lying road crossings, and strongly warn against attempting to cross flooded roads or waterways, even if the water appears shallow.

16 10 月, 2026
2027 ITALY–AOSIS Fellowship Programme

For Small Island Developing States (SIDS), which stand on the frontlines of the climate crisis despite contributing the least to global greenhouse gas emissions, building domestic capacity to shape international climate policy has long been a critical unmet need. Addressing this gap, the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) and Italy have jointly launched the Italy–AOSIS Fellowship Programme, a targeted one-year initiative designed to lift up early-career professionals from AOSIS member nations and equip them with the skills to drive climate action and sustainable development at home and on the global stage.

The programme is structured to deliver both foundational knowledge and hands-on practical experience that directly translates to tangible impact for participating governments. Unlike generic training programs, it combines three core pillars of learning tailored to the unique challenges SIDS face. First, fellows will gain comprehensive interdisciplinary training covering cutting-edge legal, policy, and scientific frameworks for climate change mitigation and adaptation, environmental conservation, cross-sector sustainable development, and ocean governance — issues that are existential for many low-lying and coastal small island nations. Second, participants will complete specialized media training, building the communication skills needed to share their communities’ climate priorities with broad international audiences and elevate SIDS’ voices in global conversations. Finally, the programme offers unrivaled on-the-ground experience: fellows will gain firsthand negotiation experience at United Nations climate and development talks, and earn access to participate in high-profile international conferences that shape global policy.

The overarching mission of the year-long fellowship extends far beyond individual professional development. By investing in emerging leaders, the programme aims to build long-term, resilient institutional capacity within SIDS governments, empowering these nations to participate meaningfully and confidently in all international climate and sustainability processes that directly impact their future.

To qualify for the programme, applicants must meet a clear set of eligibility requirements. Candidates must hold citizenship of an AOSIS member state, be between the ages of 25 and 32 at the start of the programme, and hold an academic degree in a relevant field, including but not limited to international relations, international law, environmental science, climate studies, sustainable development, fisheries science, ocean affairs, and climate finance. Applicants are required to have between 1 and 5 years of professional experience working with a national government, regional body, or international organization, and must commit to continuing their service in their home country’s national government upon completing the fellowship. Additional requirements include proven sound judgment and discretion when working with politically sensitive issues in diplomatic settings, a track record of strong academic achievement and advanced writing skills, and fluency in both written and spoken English.

For prospective candidates, the application process follows a structured official pathway. All submissions must be processed and submitted through the Permanent Mission to the United Nations of the applicant’s home country. Interested individuals are advised to reach out directly to their national Permanent Mission to initiate their application; contact details for all Permanent Missions are available via the United Nations’ official e-delegate bluebook at bluebook.e-delegate.un.org. The deadline for all applications is 11:59 pm Eastern Standard Time on Friday, 20 November 2026.

16 10 月, 2026
Antigua and Barbuda distributes over 30,000 seedlings to farmers for World Food Day

Against a backdrop of ongoing national efforts to shore up domestic food production and reduce reliance on foreign agricultural imports, the Caribbean nation of Antigua and Barbuda has launched a major seedling distribution initiative tied to 2026 World Food Day celebrations, delivering more than 30,000 edible crop seedlings to small-scale commercial farmers and backyard home growers across the country.

Two senior cabinet members — Agriculture Minister Anthony Smith Jr. and Minister Randy Baltimore — publicly spotlighted the community-focused project during a public event held Friday, framing the distribution as a tangible, actionable measure to expand local output of fresh produce and cut the country’s long-standing dependence on food imported from overseas. The event brought together a broad cross-section of stakeholders invested in Antigua and Barbuda’s agricultural future, including working smallholder farmers, education professionals, K-12 and university students, leading agricultural industry partners, and government representatives from multiple relevant agencies.

The range of seedlings delivered covers a wide selection of crop varieties well-suited to small-scale backyard growing: common table vegetables including eggplant, cucumbers, bell peppers, tomatoes, and Chinese cabbage, legumes such as beans, fruiting crops including melons, and a selection of popular culinary herbs and spices. This diversity of offerings ensures participating households can grow a varied selection of fresh produce to support their own nutritional needs.

Designed to serve both small-scale agricultural producers who rely on farming for income and ordinary households seeking to grow food for family consumption, the initiative aligns with long-standing national policy goals to strengthen Antigua and Barbuda’s agricultural sector, grow the volume of food produced domestically, and encourage greater household-level participation in small-scale farming. Speaking at the celebration, the two joint ministers emphasized the project’s cumulative impact, noting that “Every seedling planted is another step towards a more food-secure Antigua and Barbuda.”

Visual records from the event show curated displays of a range of fresh, fully mature locally grown produce, including large watermelons, nutrient-dense root crops, and multiple varieties of seasonal vegetables, alongside participating students and agricultural officials taking part in World Food Day activities. A core secondary goal of the distribution drive is to highlight the critical need to engage young people in the agricultural sector, and build broader public awareness around the economic and food security benefits of supporting local food production.

This national seedling distribution initiative aligns with guidance and programming from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, which has scheduled Antigua and Barbuda’s national distribution drive for the official World Food Day date of October 16. The FAO-endorsed program centers specifically on expanding home gardening and school garden projects across the country, extending the impact of the initiative beyond commercial and hobbyist home growers to educational institutions that can teach younger generations basic farming skills.

16 10 月, 2026
Regional training workshop on Maritime Boundary Delimitation

### Regional Collaboration Takes Center Stage for Eastern Caribbean Ocean Governance
In a pivotal move to strengthen regional capacity for sustainable ocean management and blue economy development, the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission, in partnership with the Commonwealth Secretariat, will host a four-day Regional Training Workshop on Maritime Boundary Delimitation in St. George’s, Grenada, running from October 5 to 8, 2026.

Housed at the Radisson Grenada Beach Resort, the 3.5-day interactive training will bring together policymakers, technical experts, and government representatives from across OECS member states. The core goal of the workshop is to deepen participating stakeholders’ mastery of maritime boundary delimitation and its far-reaching implications for cross-regional cooperation, sustainable marine resource stewardship, and inclusive ocean governance.

The workshop curriculum is structured to cover a full spectrum of critical topics, from the foundational international legal framework that governs maritime boundaries and leading delimitation methodologies, to the role of technical experts in cross-border negotiation processes and actionable strategies for preparing and conducting productive negotiation talks. Participants will also engage in hands-on practical exercises to reinforce learning, and explore emerging regulatory developments under the landmark Agreement on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ), alongside frameworks for provisional arrangements and alternative dispute resolution.

For Small Island Developing States (SIDS) like those that make up the OECS, clear maritime boundary delimitation is not merely a bureaucratic exercise: these expansive maritime zones are the backbone of national economic development, food security, community livelihoods, and long-term sustainable ocean resource use. The OECS Commission and Commonwealth Secretariat have both publicly extended their gratitude to the Government of Grenada for its role in hosting the workshop and backing regional capacity-building efforts for ocean governance.

Opening the training, Susanna De Beauville-Scott, OECS Programme Director for Sustainable Ocean Management, underlined the urgency of building both national expertise and regional collective capacity. “This workshop provides an important opportunity to strengthen our individual technical capacity while also building the region’s collective ability to address maritime boundary matters in a way that is informed, practical and cooperative,” she noted.

Dr Daniel Wilde, Head of Oceans at the Commonwealth Secretariat, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that clearly defined maritime boundaries are a prerequisite for productive regional cooperation and sustainable ocean management. “Maritime boundaries are far more than lines on a map. They provide the legal certainty that enables States to exercise their sovereign rights, manage marine resources sustainably and maintain good relations with their neighbours,” Dr Wilde explained.

The workshop is a core component of the OECS’s ongoing efforts to strengthen ocean governance frameworks, clarify maritime jurisdiction, and enable sustainable resource management across the region. Back in February 2024, the OECS Authority reaffirmed the priority of delimiting, monitoring, and managing member states’ coastal and maritime areas at its 74th Meeting, including securing sovereign rights and access to marine resources. Resolving outstanding intra-OECS maritime boundaries was named an immediate top priority for the bloc.

Immediately following the conclusion of the training on October 8, 2026, the 25th Meeting of the OECS Ocean Governance Team (OGT25) will convene to review key institutional progress and next steps. A core agenda item for the meeting is consideration of findings from a Commonwealth Secretariat-supported assessment of the effectiveness of the Ocean Governance Team (OGT) and national-level ocean governance coordinating mechanisms across member states. Participants will also discuss opportunities to strengthen these institutions to support blue economy growth and ocean governance at both national and regional levels.

The assessment recognizes the OGT’s critical contributions to advancing implementation of the Eastern Caribbean Regional Ocean Policy (ECROP) across the bloc, while clarifying that the OGT’s mandate is to support, rather than lead, national blue economy development efforts. It also highlights key gaps: several member states lack fully functional national ocean governance mechanisms, and where these institutions do exist, their lines of coordination and collaboration with the regional OGT are often poorly defined and not fully operational.

OGT25 will also conduct a midpoint review of the first five years (2020–2025) of ECROP’s Strategic Action Plan. Early progress has been recorded in establishing regional regulatory frameworks, building cross-sector partnerships, and advancing key technical initiatives, many of which have been supported by external donor funding. However, the review finds that implementation progress has been uneven across member states. Delays in national policy adoption, paired with persistent shortages of financial and human resources, have slowed delivery of key priorities. These findings underscore the ongoing need for sustained intergovernmental coordination, adequate resourcing, and stronger national institutional capacity to advance regional ocean governance goals and unlock the full economic potential of the Eastern Caribbean’s blue economy.

Taken together, the training workshop and OGT25 meeting reinforce the centrality of robust legal, technical, and institutional capacity to advancing effective ocean governance in the region. As OECS member states work to realize their blue economy growth ambitions, clearly defined maritime boundaries, streamlined cross-institutional coordination, and evidence-based decision-making will be foundational to sustainable marine resource management and long-term climate and economic resilience across the Eastern Caribbean. The OECS Commission and Commonwealth Secretariat have reaffirmed their ongoing commitment to supporting member states through targeted capacity development and continuous knowledge exchange on ocean governance and maritime affairs.

16 10 月, 2026