SGM1.2: Continuation of the 1st OCM Steering Group Meeting, 6 August 2025, Convened Virtually+
The Ocean Coordination Mechanism (OCM) successfully convened its Steering Group Meeting 1.2 (SGM1.2) virtually on August 6, 2025. The meeting aimed to advance the strategic direction of the OCM by addressing pending matters from SGM1 and considering new business relevant to its mandate, objectives, and functions. A total of 53 participants attended, representing 17 Steering Group Member States and Territories*, 6 Observer States and Territories, and 7 Executive Group Intergovernmental Organization Members.
During the meeting, the Steering Group approved significant outcomes that will strengthen the OCM’s governance and operational capacity. These include: (a) the adoption of the OCM Steering Group Rules of Procedure, (b) a formal mandate to establish OCM Working Groups, and (c) the adoption of the SGM1 Decisions & Recommendations, providing clear strategic guidance to advance thefor the OCM work. Additional discussions focused on enhancing OCM branding and visibility, opportunities for regional coordination on key issues such as sargassum, and engagement with ongoing international initiatives.
*Following the explicit request of the USA participant, it is to be noted that their participation was in a listening-only capacity.
SGM1: 1st OCM Steering Group Meeting, 13-14 May 2025, St George's, Grenada+
The inaugural Meeting of the Ocean Coordination Mechanism Steering Group was convened by the OECS Commission and celebrated in Grenada on 13 and 14 May. The primary objective of this meeting was to launch and operationalize the OCM, and to conduct a collective discussion leading to the provision of a general direction to further the OCM mandate.
The event brought together a total of 55 participants representing respectively 17 and 7 OCM Steering Group Member and Observer States and Territories and 8 and 1 Member and Observer Executive Group Intergovernmental Organizations. Key appointments made during the meeting include Grenada as Steering Group Chair, Panama as Vice Chair, and PROCARIBE+ PCMU as the formal secretariat of the Ocean Coordination Mechanism.
Additional outcomes include the provisional adoption of OCM SG rules of procedure, the adoption of the (preliminary) Steering Group Rules of Procedure and the adoption of the (preliminary) 2025-2028 Work Programme. Due to time constraints a number of matters on the agenda could not be addressed. For this reason the SG will convene virtually on the 6th of August to address the most urgent pending matters from SGM1.
Dr. Didacus Jules, Director General of the Organisation of the Eastern Caribbean States (OECS)
You can also find the opening remarks from the Director of the OCM Secretariat and PROCARIBE+ Coordinator, Patrick Debels here.
OCM Executive Group
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EGM1: 1st OCM Executive Group Meeting, 24 February 2025, Convened Virtually by the OECS Commission+
The First Meeting of the Executive Group of the Wider Caribbean Ocean Coordination Mechanism (OCM EGM1) was held virtually on February 24, 2025, convened by the OECS Commission. The meeting aimed to establish OCM Executive Group governance arrangements, facilitate strategic and tactical decision-making for the OCM's way forward (including support from the UNDP/GEF/UNOPS PROCARIBE+ Project), and develop recommendations for the OCM Steering Group's first meeting.
First Joint Workshop of the OCM Working Groups, 29 October, Cartagena+
The Joint Workshop is organized by the OCM Secretariat, with the First Regional Partnership Forum being co-organized by the: “PROCARIBE+” (OCM Secretariat), IW:LEARN, “BE CLME+”, “Gulf of Mexico SAP LME” and “Pacifico Sostenible” Project Units, IOCARIBE of the IOC of UNESCO, UNEP Cartagena Convention Secretariat, GCFI and the OCM Marine Data and Information Working Group.
The objectives of the OCM Working Groups Workshop include:
Developing (draft) roadmaps towards the delivery of the main elements/outputs of the OCM 2026-2028 Work Programme: State of the Marine Environment and (associated) Economies (SOMEE) periodic reporting mechanism, the new regional “Ocean” Strategic Action Programme (SAP), and a Blueprint for the region’s Marine Data and Information Infrastructure (MDII, including the OCM Knowledge Hub)
Aligning the preliminary draft roadmaps to consolidate an Integrated Roadmap for delivering on the overall OCM 2026-2028 Work Programme
Finalizing the OCM WGs Terms of Reference (ToRs)
Launch of the Working Groups of the Wider Caribbean Ocean Coordination Mechanism (OCM), 11 September 2025, Convened Virtually+
On September 11, the Wider Caribbean Ocean Coordination Mechanism (OCM) successfully launched its Working Groups with a welcome and introductory teleconference. The overarching objective of kick-starting the implementation of the OCM Work Programme was accomplished, with participants prepared for a swift initiation of OCM Working Group activities and urgent doubts clarified.
A total of 21 participants attended the meeting, representing the 4 OCM working groups: (1) Marine Data & Information (MDI), (2) State of the Marine Environment & associated socio-Economics (SOMEE), (3) Strategic Action Programme (SAP) and (4) Gender and Youth.
During the teleconference, all participating members gained insights into the mandate, structure, and Work Programme of the OCM, and acquired an understanding of the current status of OCM operationalization and the vital role of the OCM Working Groups.
