Caribbean Seminar Charts Ocean-Based Climate Action
On 30 September 2025, the Arthur Lok Jack Global School of Business in Mount Hope became the centre of regional collaboration and forward-thinking innovation. Experts from across the Caribbean and Latin America gathered for a one-day high-level seminar titled “Ocean-based Climate Action in Support of Blue Economy Advancement in Trinidad and Tobago and the Wider Caribbean Region – 2025.”
The seminar, hosted by the Institute of Marine Affairs in collaboration with the Embassy of the Republic of Korea and Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean, subregional headquarters for the Caribbean (ECLAC), explored pathways to strengthen climate resilience, drive economic diversification, and sustainably harness the region’s ocean resources.
In his keynote address, Senator Dr. the Honourable Kennedy Swaratsingh, Minister of Planning, Economic Affairs and Development, underscored the importance of partnerships in advancing ocean-based climate action. “Only through partnerships can we mobilise the knowledge, technology and financing required,” he noted. “The blue economy is about people, progress and the planet we all share together. The ocean is our common heritage and our common future.”
His Excellency Seijoong Kwon, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, also delivered remarks, reaffirming his country’s commitment to sharing technology and best practices to support sustainable blue economies. “Now is the time for action,” he urged. “The smallest steps carry more weight than any theoretical discussions. Today’s seminar strengthens our shared commitment to protecting marine ecosystems.”
Welcoming participants, Dr. Ava Maxam reminded attendees that the blue economy is more than a concept—it is a pathway for the region’s future. “The solutions we seek must be collaborative, equitable, and rooted in both science and traditional knowledge,” she said. “Oceans support the blue economy, which holds immense potential to drive employment in areas such as marine tourism, sustainable fisheries, shipping and renewable energy.”
Representing ECLAC, Ms. Miosotis Rivas-Peña, Director of the Subregional Headquarters for the Caribbean, highlighted the importance of empowering coastal communities through sustainable livelihoods. She emphasised that inclusion—particularly of youth, women, researchers and small enterprises—is vital to ensuring the blue economy benefits all.
Throughout the day, participants explored topics such as climate change and economic diversification, blue finance, marine renewable energy, and conservation strategies. The discussions drew on outcomes from global fora including the UN Ocean Conference (2025), the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (ABAS), and the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development.
One of the seminar’s highlights was the launch of the IMA–Republic Bank Blue Technologies Awareness Project, an initiative to raise awareness of emerging blue technologies. Ms. Kimberly Erriah-Ali, General Manager, Legal Services and Corporate Affairs of Republic Bank Limited signed a model agreement titled, ‘Empowering the Blue Economies with Technologies’ with Dr. Maxam, who signed on behalf of the IMA. This initiative aims to expose the national community to the role of smart technologies in propelling and conserving the blue economy that has the propensity to open up new job and livelihood opportunities. In delivering remarks on behalf of Republic Bank, Ms. Erriah-Ali stated, “As a financial institution, our role goes beyond capital – we create opportunities, support entrepreneurs, and equip high-potential sectors like agriculture and the Blue Economy to thrive. This is just the beginning of the transformation we envision for the Blue Economy. Technology has the potential to redefine how marine resources are managed-from smarter fisheries and advanced aquaculture to improved coastal monitoring and sustainable eco-tourism.”
Panel discussions were co-chaired by Dr. Maxam, Ambassador Kwon, and senior representatives of ECLAC, with contributions from The University of the West Indies, the University of Trinidad and Tobago, and UNESCO-IOC/IOCARIBE. The diversity of expertise created a unique space where science, policy, and finance converged to inspire tangible regional action.
By the close of the seminar, participants agreed on the next steps for advancing blue economy priorities—including renewable energy, sustainable fisheries, digital ocean innovation and community-based conservation. The discussions reaffirmed that while the challenges are great—rising seas, declining fish stocks, and increasing economic vulnerability—the Caribbean possesses the creativity, knowledge and partnerships needed to transform its ocean potential into sustainable prosperity.