Regional negotiators met in The Bahamas in October to advance CARICOM’s preparations for the inaugural Conference of the Parties (COP1) to the Agreement on Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement). The Agreement, adopted under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, establishes an international framework for the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction. Its implementation presents an important opportunity for countries to strengthen international cooperation in addressing shared ocean challenges and safeguarding marine ecosystems.
The COP meeting will be convened at the United Nations Headquarters in New York from 11-22 January 2027.
The CARICOM Regional Preparatory Workshop was organised by the CARICOM Secretariat in collaboration with the Maritime and Ocean Affairs Bureau of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of The Bahamas. It was supported by The Commonwealth, The Pew Charitable Trusts, High Seas Alliance and the Government of The Bahamas, and brought together representatives from CARICOM Member States, regional institutions and international partner organisations.
The workshop provided a platform for regional negotiators and technical experts to deepen their understanding of the Agreement, exchange technical perspectives, clarify outstanding matters and identify opportunities for coordinated regional action ahead of COP1.
Her Excellency Senator Robyn Lynes, Ambassador and Plenipotentiary Representative of The Bahamas to CARICOM highlighted CARICOM’s critical role in ensuring that the rules, processes and institutions established under the BBNJ Agreement enable all participating countries, regardless of size or level of development, to engage meaningfully in decisions concerning the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction.
Ambassador Lynes also emphasised the close relationship between the health of the ocean and the well-being of Caribbean people. For the Region’s Small Island Developing States, a healthy and resilient ocean is fundamental to food security, livelihoods, economic stability and sustainable development. These shared priorities reinforce the importance of ensuring that Caribbean countries are well prepared to participate in the emerging global framework for the protection and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction.
