Advancing Ocean Protection: Commonwealth Nations Unite
In a significant stride towards ocean conservation, delegates from across the Commonwealth have pledged to carry forward their commitment to ocean protection and sustainable management at the inaugural Commonwealth Ocean Ministers Meeting held in Cyprus. The assembly, which took place on April 19, saw representatives from 28 countries and 12 observer organizations unite under the theme ‘Our Resilient Common Ocean: From Cyprus to Samoa.’
The discussions culminated in a consensus on spearheading initiatives under the Commonwealth Blue Charter and a proposed Commonwealth Ocean Declaration. This declaration, expected to be ratified at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa this October, aims to set a precedent by delineating their collective priorities and actions for sustainable ocean governance.
Commonwealth Secretary-General, The Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, underscored the urgency of addressing the challenges faced by member states, including climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. She stressed the importance of the ocean as “a critical pillar of climate stability” and called for immediate action to mitigate the pressures on marine ecosystems.
Adding to the momentum, the UK Government and the Commonwealth Secretariat announced a new project to expedite the ratification of the UN Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement. This initiative is aimed at bolstering marine biodiversity conservation efforts, especially for countries in the Global South.
In a collaborative move, an MoU was signed with the Cyprus Marine and Maritime Institute (CMMI) to establish a Blue Charter Centre of Excellence. The centre will focus on policy creation to assist Commonwealth and other island and coastal nations in managing and restoring marine environments, combating marine pollution, and sustainably utilizing marine resources.
Trinidad and Tobago volunteered to co-lead the Blue Charter Action Group on Mangrove ecosystems with Sri Lanka, while a Ministerial Steering Committee was formed to guide the strategic direction of Commonwealth ocean programs. Additionally, a Commonwealth Working Group on Sustainable Ocean Finance was established to address the lack of funding for Sustainable Development Goal 14 – Life Below Water.
To ensure inclusivity in ocean sectors, a toolkit titled ‘Turning the Tides of Inclusion: A Toolkit for Gender Equality in Ocean Sectors’ was launched. This resource aims to promote gender-responsive practices across various marine-related industries.
The meeting wrapped up with updates on the Commonwealth’s ocean-related activities and an announcement that Kenya will host the next Commonwealth Ocean Ministers Meeting. The continuous dialogue and partnership efforts are set to further the cause of ocean conservation within the Commonwealth nations.
