By SA'AH SIONA IKEI
Delegates at the meeting
The Republic of Cyprus played host to the inaugural Commonwealth Ocean Ministers Meeting, where representatives from around the world gathered to address the critical issues surrounding ocean management. Under the theme "Our resilient common Ocean: from Cyprus to Samoa," this multilateral conference provided a unique platform for Commonwealth member countries to exchange experiences, share progress, and discuss their collective ambitions in safeguarding the world's oceans.
Delegates from Cameroon, including officials from the Ministry of Environment, Protection of Nature and Sustainable Development, the Ministry of External Relations, and the National Port Authority, actively participated in the event. The meeting aimed to consolidate a comprehensive Declaration on the Commonwealth Oceans, which will be presented for adoption at the upcoming Meeting of Commonwealth Heads of Government (CHOGM) scheduled for October 2024 in the Samoa Islands. This declaration is set to establish clear principles, prioritize key areas of action, and serve as a guiding framework for ocean governance across the Commonwealth.
Throughout the conference, the Plenary Session brought together Heads of Delegations, creating a space for fruitful dialogue and high-level exchanges. Co-chaired by esteemed representatives from the Republic of Cyprus, the session focused on discussions surrounding the Draft Declaration on the Oceans, as well as the objectives related to the oceans that will be presented at the forthcoming CHOGM.
Moreover, the second day of the conference witnessed a compelling round table discussion centered on scaling access to blue finance. Ministers from various countries engaged in constructive conversations, exploring strategies to protect and preserve vital marine ecosystems, such as coral reefs and mangroves. The discussions also delved into addressing ocean acidification and transitioning towards sustainable blue economies. Notably, a significant milestone was achieved with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Commonwealth, represented by its Secretary-General, Hon. Patricia Scotland, and the Government of the Republic of Cyprus.
This MoU paves the way for the establishment of a groundbreaking Blue Charter Centre of Excellence in Larnaca, Cyprus. The center will serve as a hub for enhancing governance in sustainable blue economies and conducting impactful scientific research to protect the world's oceans.
As the conference drew to a close, delegates convened in insightful round table sessions, focusing on the fundamental principles and priorities of effective ocean management. Hon. Patricia Scotland, in her address to the attendees, emphasized the urgency of their collective task, highlighting the Commonwealth's role as a unifying platform for addressing pressing global challenges.
The gathering also witnessed the launch of a remarkable Gender Equality toolkit for the ocean sector, aimed at promoting inclusivity and equal opportunities within the field. In a special gesture, Hon. Patricia Scotland received a copy of the MINEPDED magazine, dedicated to celebrating the influential female figures driving positive change in Cameroon's environmental sector, from Priscilla SONG, the Commonwealth's focal point for Cameroon.
By Sa'ah Siona Ikei,
Creative Storyteller.
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