Caribbean nations launch joint marine conservation plan

Caribbean nations and conservation partners have unveiled the Caribbean Biological Corridor’s 30×30 Plus Marine Action Plan. Launched at the United Nations Biodiversity Conference (CBD COP17) in Yerevan, Armenia, the initiative aims to transition from fragmented national interventions to an integrated network of connected seas across the Greater Antilles.

The plan focuses on ensuring that marine protected areas are ecologically connected to support species that migrate across national boundaries. Key territories involved include Cuba, Jamaica, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico. By fostering regional cooperation, the framework seeks to meet the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework target of conserving 30% of the world’s land and oceans by 2030.

The initiative is supported by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund, and REV Ocean. Project leaders emphasized that regional cooperation is essential to overcome governance gaps, limited financial resources, and increasing pressure on ocean ecosystems.