OACPS reaffirms commitment to Ocean protection

The Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) has strongly reaffirmed its dedication to safeguarding the world's oceans. In a statement marking World Oceans Day, OACPS Secretary-General Moussa Saleh Batraki underscored the severe threats posed by climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss to marine ecosystems. He stressed that for the OACPS's 79 member states, many of which are Small Island Developing States or coastal nations, the ocean is intrinsically linked to their economies, food security, and cultural heritage.

Batraki highlighted that the OACPS's commitment is rooted in the Revised Georgetown Agreement and the Malo Declaration. These frameworks emphasize sustainable development, responsible resource stewardship, and enhanced international cooperation on climate action, biodiversity, and ocean governance. The Secretary-General noted that this year's World Oceans Day theme, "Awakening New Depths," serves as a crucial reminder of the urgent need to deepen our understanding of the oceans and bolster collective efforts to combat environmental challenges.

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For the OACPS, whose membership comprises 79 States across Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific, including 39 Small Island Developing States and 64 coastal nations, the ocean is at the heart of our economies, our food security, our cultures and our way of life. The sustainable management of marine resources is therefore fundamental to achieving resilient, inclusive and sustainable development for our peoples.

The organization aims to advance a sustainable and equitable blue economy, promoting the interests of its member states in global ocean governance. Batraki's statement reflects a unified stance among African, Caribbean, and Pacific nations on the critical importance of ocean health for their development and survival, calling for strengthened global action.

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The Secretary-General welcomes this year’s theme, ‘Awakening New Depths,’ which serves as a timely reminder of the need to deepen our understanding of the oceans and to strengthen collective action in addressing the growing challenges posed by climate change, marine pollution, biodiversity loss and the unsustainable exploitation of marine resources.