On June 3, 2026, CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett represented the Caribbean at the Summit of Island States on the Ocean in Tokyo. Her remarks focused on ocean governance, climate, and biodiversity. This approach directly concerns the French territories in the Caribbean.
Tokyo, the Global Stage for the Caribbean Crisis
On June 3 and 4, 2026, in Tokyo, heads of state and representatives from the world’s island nations gathered. The event was dedicated to sustainable action for resilient islands. In this unprecedented diplomatic forum, CARICOM presented its regional approach to ocean governance.
This approach highlights the importance of incorporating three key elements. First, climate resilience. Second, biodiversity conservation. And third, sustainable development. These three pillars must form the foundation for strong blue economies.
The Challenges Facing Small Island States
Dr. Carla Barnett has led CARICOM since 2021. This Belizean economist has highlighted the major challenges. Small island developing states are facing severe impacts from climate change.
Five obstacles are hindering their efforts. Funding remains insufficient. Maritime safety issues persist. The lack of scientific data limits decision-making. Technical capabilities remain limited. Consequently, the Caribbean’s vulnerability is not merely environmental; it is also deeply institutional.
A Region on the Front Lines – Vision 30×30 Initiative
The Caribbean is already feeling the effects of a crisis it did not cause. Hurricanes are intensifying. Droughts are becoming more prolonged. Coastal erosion is accelerating. Coral bleaching is spreading. Economic losses are increasing.
These phenomena directly threaten five key sectors. Coastal infrastructure is at risk. Tourism depends on a healthy environment. Agriculture is directly impacted. People’s livelihoods are being eroded. Furthermore, global responsibility remains uneven: CARICOM contributes only marginally to global greenhouse gas emissions.
In response to this climate injustice, twelve Caribbean governments launched an innovative initiative at the summit. The «Actioning Blue: 30×30 Vision for the Caribbean» initiative has set an ambitious goal. It aims to achieve 30 % of marine protected areas by 2030. This goal aligns with the global biodiversity framework adopted in Montreal in 2022.
However, funding remains a major challenge. Sustainable Development Goal 14 concerns the conservation and sustainable use of the oceans. This goal remains one of the least funded at the international level.
A Regional Ocean Governance Mechanism in Action
This momentum is not limited to UN forums. Ahead of the Tokyo summit, a significant institutional step forward was taken. A total of 17 states and 9 intergovernmental organizations signed a memorandum of understanding.
This memorandum establishes a coordination mechanism. Its objective is to ensure integrated ocean governance. It covers the major marine ecosystems of the Caribbean and the North Brazilian Plateau. As such, this mechanism strengthens cooperation among countries.
Furthermore, CARICOM is promoting coordinated regional actions. Climate Finance is among the priorities. Ocean governance remains central. Protecting biodiversity is an urgent priority. For Dr. Barnett, the ocean is not merely a geographical reality. It represents the very identity, culture, and survival of the Caribbean peoples.
