In a monumental advancement towards advancing the Blue Economy, the Centre of Excellence for Oceanography and the Blue Economy (COBE) was launched in May 2024 during the United Nations 4th Small Islands Developing States (SIDS) conference held in Antigua. This notable initiative is the result of a collaborative effort among the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, The University of the West Indies (UWI), and the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU). The centre is now operational at The UWI Five Islands Campus.

The Blue Economy - valued at a staggering US$1.5 trillion annually - offers immense opportunities for Caribbean nations. As these states seek to bolster their economies through marine- based activities, they must balance this development with the pressing need to conserve fragile marine ecosystems.

During the conference, Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister of State for Social Transformation and the Blue Economy, The Hon. Samantha Marshall, highlighted the urgency for SIDS to develop indigenous solutions for the sustainable management of marine resources. She expressed concern over the persistent oversight of ocean governance. She urged her fellow SIDS to explore innovative ways to utilise their marine spaces while establishing effective frameworks for ocean management.

Dr. Branson Belle, the Executive Director of COBE, spoke on the Centre’s promise as a pivotal resource for education and research, crucial for steering the region towards a sustainable blue economy. “This initiative will enable us to learn from each other and collaborate on addressing our shared ocean challenges in the Caribbean and beyond,”he stated, capturing the essence of international cooperation that COBE aims to foster.

Representatives from The UWI, Government of Antigua and Barbuda, and ACU at the launch of the new Centre of Excellence for Oceanography and the Blue Economy. L-R: Dr Nicholas Hardman-Mountford, Commonwealth Secretariat Head of Oceans and Natural, Resources Beth Button, Director of External Affairs, ACU, (4th from left) Professor Justin Robinson, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Campus Principal, The UWI Five Islands, (4th from right) The Honourable Samantha Marshall, Minister of State with responsibility for Social Transformation and Gender Affairs, Antigua and Barbuda (3rd from right) Dr Branson D Belle, Executive Director, Centre of Excellence for Oceanography and the Blue Economy.

With a diverse network of over 400 member universities from more than 40 Commonwealth countries, COBE is poised to support a collective goal of sustainable marine resource management. This innovative Centre offers a platform for sharing knowledge, conducting research, and developing strategies that embrace the rich potential of the Blue Economy while ensuring the preservation of precious marine environments.

As Caribbean states navigate the complexities of marine-based economic growth, the launch of COBE marks a hopeful new chapter in their journey towards sustainable development. By harnessing collaboration and knowledge across institutions, the region can transform its ocean resources into lasting prosperity for its people and the planet.