Summary

The IOCARIBE Capacity Development Working Group (CD-WG) plays a central role in advancing ocean science and governance across the Wider Caribbean Region. Its mission is to implement the IOC-UNESCO Capacity Development Strategy (2023–2030) by coordinating efforts in human resource development, technology access, policy support, ocean literacy, and sustainable resource mobilization.

For that purpose, IOCARIBE is pleased to organize the 2nd Session of the Capacity Development Working Group (CD-WG-II) on Tuesday, 30 September, from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm (GMT-5, Colombia time). The session will review and approve the CD-WG Terms of Reference (ToRs), discuss the Biennial Work Plan, and propose to Member States the establishment of two new Task Teams: a Marine Spatial Planning Task Team (MSP-TT) and the Deep-Sea Research Task Team (TT-DSR). The Task Team on Deep-Sea Research (TT-DSR) will focus on building regional capacity, fostering collaboration, and generating scientific knowledge aligned with the UN BBNJ Agreement and the UN Ocean Decade. Meanwhile, the Marine Spatial Planning Task Team (MSP-TT) will serve as a collaborative platform to advance MSP efforts across the region, promote best practices, and strengthen national and regional capacities on MSP. The meeting will also highlight recent achievements in ocean literacy and explore collaboration with the Latin American Academies of Science. The session is virtual and open to Members of the IOCARIBE Capacity Development Working Group as well as relevant experts.