Antigua and Barbuda Joins Global Ocean Summit in Japan to Advance Blue Economy and Climate Resilience

The two-day summit, being held from June 3–4 under the theme “Sustainable Ocean Action for Resilient Islands,” is focusing on climate-resilient and science-based ocean planning amid growing environmental threats facing Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

Leading the Antigua and Barbuda delegation is Minister of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries and the Blue Economy, Anthony Smith Jr. Accompanying him are Climate Ambassador Ruleta Camacho-Thomas, Senior Operations and Policy Manager within the Department of the Blue Economy Marver Woodley, Deputy Chief Fisheries Officer Dr. Tricia Lovell, and Director of the Centre of Excellence for Oceanography and the Blue Economy at The University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus, Dr. Branson Belle.

During the High-Level Segment of the summit, Minister Smith delivered Antigua and Barbuda’s national statement, stressing the critical importance of the ocean to the country’s economy, food security, tourism sector and livelihoods.

He warned that Small Island Developing States continue to face mounting challenges linked to climate change, including sea-level rise, coastal erosion, coral reef degradation, marine pollution and increasing pressure on marine ecosystems and fisheries resources.

Minister Smith also highlighted Antigua and Barbuda’s ongoing efforts to strengthen ocean governance through the development of a national Blue Economy Bill and continued work on Marine Spatial Planning. According to the minister, these initiatives are designed to ensure the sustainable management of fisheries, tourism, maritime transport, conservation and coastal development.

The minister reaffirmed Antigua and Barbuda’s support for the global 30×30 target, which aims to conserve at least 30 percent of the world’s oceans and land by 2030. He also called for greater access to ocean science, research, data, financing, technology and technical support for Small Island Developing States.

As a newly appointed member of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission, Antigua and Barbuda welcomed the Sustainable Ocean Planning and Management Strategy as an important framework for integrated ocean governance and regional collaboration.

Minister Smith also participated in a High-Level Special Event on “Sea Level Rise and International Law,” where discussions centered on protecting the rights and interests of Small Island Developing States threatened by rising sea levels and climate change.

The summit will also see the launch of a Sustainable Ocean Planning and Management Support Platform aimed at improving technical assistance, partnerships and coordination among island nations.

While in Japan, the Antigua and Barbuda delegation is expected to participate in a series of bilateral meetings and technical discussions focused on ocean governance, sustainable fisheries, climate resilience and blue economy financing.

Officials say Antigua and Barbuda remains committed to working with regional and international partners to promote sustainable ocean management and build a resilient blue economy for future generations.