The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (UNESCO-IOC) has recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish the Ocean Coordination Mechanism (OCM) for the Wider Caribbean Region. This initiative aims to enhance regional cooperation, promote sustainable marine resource management, and support the development of the blue economy.
What is the Ocean Coordination Mechanism (OCM)?
Objective
The primary goal of the OCM is to ensure a sustainable future for marine ecosystems in the Wider Caribbean Region by facilitating regional cooperation and resource management.
Key Functions
Promoting Regional Cooperation: The OCM brings together multiple stakeholders, including countries and international organizations, to foster a collaborative approach to marine resource management.
Developing the Blue Economy: By supporting sustainable fisheries, marine tourism, and coastal industries, the OCM seeks to maximize economic benefits while minimizing environmental damage.
Efficient Resource Utilization: It ensures effective allocation of limited marine and coastal resources to avoid overexploitation and ecosystem degradation.
Structure
The OCM comprises:
Executive Group: Represents international organizations responsible for implementation and coordination.
Steering Group: Includes representatives from participating countries, guiding policy decisions and regional strategies.
Funding
The Global Environment Facility (GEF) provides financial support to OCM, ensuring its long-term sustainability and successful implementation.
Significance of OCM for the Wider Caribbean Region
Protecting Marine Biodiversity: The Caribbean is home to diverse marine ecosystems, including coral reefs, mangroves, and fisheries. OCM focuses on preventing overfishing, habitat destruction, and marine pollution.
Tackling Climate Change: Rising sea levels, ocean acidification, and extreme weather events threaten the region. OCM promotes climate adaptation strategies such as coastal protection and sustainable resource management.
Boosting the Blue Economy: Sustainable practices in shipping, tourism, and fisheries can generate employment, improve livelihoods, and strengthen economic resilience.
Alignment with International Goals:
SDG 14 (Life Below Water): Focuses on the conservation and sustainable use of oceans.
UN Decade of Ocean Science (2021-2030): Enhances scientific research and innovation for marine sustainability.
UPSC Relevance
GS-2 (International Relations): Regional cooperation and environmental agreements.
GS-3 (Environment & Ecology): Marine resource management, blue economy, and conservation.
Essay Topics: Sustainable development, climate action, and ocean governance.
UPSC Practice Question
With reference to the Ocean Coordination Mechanism (OCM), consider the following statements:
The OCM was established under the Global Environment Facility (GEF).
Its primary objective is to regulate international fishing quotas in the Pacific Ocean.
It includes both an Executive Group of international organizations and a Steering Group of participating countries.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3
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