Strengthening Cooperation and Sustainability in the Caribbean: A Transformative Meeting between INVEMAR and IOCARIBE

At the Ocean InfoHUB LAC Node (OIH LAC), a crucial web platform, INVEMAR and IOCARIBE assessed the state of information and agreed on a joint update of the seven information elements offered, including experts, documents, training, laboratories, institutions, geospatial information, and vessels, thus promoting more efficient and comprehensive access to crucial data for marine management.

INVEMAR presented the exciting Ocean Teacher Global Academy 2024 Course Plan as a regional training center for the OTGA. This program includes eight training courses in 2024. Additionally, the project ‘ADAPT: Adapting Ocean Best Practices to the Local Context is expected to deliver a training course in advanced oceanographic data management, to be integrated into OTGA. These efforts not only strengthen collaboration but also aim to prepare professionals to effectively tackle marine challenges.

Preparations for the International Oceanographic Data and Information Exchange (IODE) Assembly in February 2025 at INVEMAR, Santa Marta, are underway. IOCARIBE’s goal is to ensure active participation from its Member States in this crucial event for ocean science and knowledge exchange.

In the framework of the UN Ocean Decade, progress was analyzed for projects such as "Responding to Multiple Stressors" and the ‘Pollutants Observatory.’ The REMARCO project (Marine-Coastal Stressors Research Network in Latin America and the Caribbean)is aimed at addressing pollution, acidification, harmful algal blooms, eutrophication, and blue carbon. These concrete actions reflect the region's environmental commitment.

INVEMAR's facilities and capabilities for marine and coastal research were highlighted, solidifying its role as a center of excellence in the region. Additionally, an inventory of major national and international partnerships, including REMARCO, Partnership for Observation of the Global Oceans (POGO), Global Ocean Acidification Observing Network (GMA), Scientific Committee on Oceanic Research (SCOR), and the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), was discussed, with the aim of strengthening collaboration and exploring cooperation opportunities.

In summary, this meeting represents a significant step towards regional cooperation and sustainable management of marine resources in the Caribbean. These joint efforts, from training to project formulation, seek to contribute to the well-being of the region and the fulfillment of the objectives of the Ocean Decade.