Description

To promote a common approach to ocean governance (i.e.: pursue a blue economy), the OECS has taken a first step through the adoption of the Eastern Caribbean Regional Ocean Policy (ECROP) and its Strategic Action Plan. Endorsed by the OECS’ Heads of Government in 2013, ECROP guides the future use of the region’s marine waters and provides a basis for enhanced coordination and management of ocean resources within the Eastern Caribbean. The OECS Commission operates within the regional mandate of ECROP which encourages the collaborative formulation of well-integrated governance frameworks capable of addressing marine user conflicts and protect the fragile legacy of their marine environment. With few spatial planning initiatives of smaller scale adopted so far, ECROP calls for multiple-use ocean planning and integrated management techniques for better decision-making over transboundary marine systems.