Experts from the region and IOCARIBE-UNESCO focal points from Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, El Salvador, Guatemala, Martinique, Mexico, Panama, and Venezuela, presented the most significant advances in research, monitoring and capacity development, achieved at the national level during the last two years. Additionally, they identified the main needs and proposed actions framed in the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, highlighting the need to advance in the co-design of early warning systems for multiple marine threats.

During the four-hour workshop, the urgency of carrying out joint actions with the public health sector of the different IOCARIBE member countries was emphasized. It was also agreed to strengthen regional training in taxonomy of potentially toxic microalgae through the IOC-UNESCO HAB program; increase efforts in the registration of toxic events in the HAIS-HAEDAT platform and participate in the HAB-S solutions program against the proliferation of harmful algae proposed by the IPHAB. This latest initiative is presented in four thematic axes: Prevention and mitigation of harmful algal blooms; observation technology; data access and literacy in HABs.

It was agreed to participate in the Call for Actions of the Decade # 6 that presents financing opportunities and is aimed at the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) of Africa and the Caribbean, and which has a deadline of December 10, 2023.

Finally, it was proposed that the next regional workshop be in person during the first semester of 2024 in Panama.