Grenada signs historic MoU to safeguard world’s oceans

In a significant development, Grenada proudly joined forces with regional partners to sign a historic Memorandum of Understanding on the ‘Ocean Coordination Mechanism for the Wider Caribbean.’

Minister for Climate Resilience, the Environment, and Renewable Energy, Kerryne James emphasised that this significant milestone is a crucial step towards ensuring the sustainability of the region’s ocean-based economies.

During the official signing ceremony, Minister James said that it was his distinct honour as they convene to sign the Memorandum of Understanding for the Ocean Coordination Mechanism and added that this initiative represents a significant stride toward ensuring the sustainability and resilience of the ocean-based economies such as Grenada.

“Together with Carriacou and Petite Martinique, we are an island state that forms a tri-island state with a profound and enduring connection to the ocean,” she further noted.

She highlighted that for the residents of all islands, the ocean is a vital source of livelihood and the fishers embark on extensive journeys across the Atlantic while supplying tuna that reaches the tables of restaurants in New York, Miami as well as London.

While talking about the work of fishers, she added that the unwavering dedication of the fishers, including the remarkable contributions of the female fishers and boat owners, underscored the oceans’ essential role in the community.

She added that the government of Grenada has already acknowledge the immense value of the ocean and coastal resources and these resources form the cornerstone of our tourism industry and provide essential benefits to the citizens.

Minister Kerryne James further noted that during the COVID 19 pandemic, as tourism revenue decline, many of the citizens turned to the sea to sustain their livelihoods and added, “And I’m sure it’s not only a phenomenon that’s happened in Grenada, but in other islands as well.”

She continued to say that the country’s long standing connection to the ocean is the driving force behind Grenada’s early commitment to ocean coordination mechanism.

“We recognize the critical importance of regional collaboration in addressing the challenges that impact our coastal and marine ecosystems. As island states, we have a unique perspective on the necessity of managing the ocean that unites us. The ocean represents a model of regional integration,” said the Minister.

She called on everyone to work together to foster climate resilient, thriving, ocean based economies that are sustainbel for future generations.