IMA Shapes the Future of Blue Carbon in Science
The IMA participated in the International Blue Carbon and Wetlands Conference (IBCWC), held from February 2–3, 2026, at the Radisson Hotel Trinidad. Representing the Institute were Dr. Rahanna Juman (Deputy Director-Research), Hamish Asmath (GIS Officer), and Nikia Gooding (Remote Sensing Officer).
The conference brought together scientists, policymakers, conservation practitioners, communities and climate financiers from Latin America and the Caribbean to share research and explore the role of blue carbon ecosystems in addressing climate change, biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation. It also marked the culmination of the IDB Blue Carbon MRV Regional Project, implemented by The St. Augustine Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship of The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine (STACIE-UWI), highlighting achievements while advancing discussions on monitoring, science, policy and sustainable financing for wetlands management.
Dr. Juman chaired Session Two, ‘Bridging Science, Policy and Practice in Blue Carbon’, featuring Dr. Preeya Mohan of the Sir Arthur Lewis Institute of Social and Economic Studies at The University of the West Indies (SALISES, UWI.) Discussions focused on increasing Caribbean participation, financing, capacity building, governance, innovation and partnerships, alongside a panel with representatives from the IDB, Caribbean Climate-Smart Accelerator and Mora Carbon.
Mr. Asmath took the floor on Day two to deliver a presentation titled, ‘Harmonizing MRV Across LAC: Enabling Transparency and Scientific Rigor’, on integrating new methodologies into established frameworks. The session, chaired by Ms. Gooding, explored improving consistency, transparency and scientific rigor in regional monitoring and reporting.
Participation in the conference reinforces the Institute’s commitment to advancing blue carbon research, strengthening partnerships and supporting evidence-based policies to protect and restore coastal and wetland ecosystems.