Grenada hosts Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Treaty workshop

The Government of Grenada, in collaboration with the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission and the World Maritime University-Sasakawa Global Ocean Institute, officially launched the High-Level Roundtable and Training Workshop on the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement, under the theme “From Agreement to Action: Strengthening Eastern Caribbean SIDS Leadership in the BBNJ Ratification Process.”

The event, held from 7–10 April 2025 in St George’s, Grenada, is part of the Ireland World Maritime University–Sasakawa Global Ocean Institute (WMU–GOI) BBNJ Clinic Programme and is supported by Irish Aid, the Nippon Foundation, and other international partners.

Delivering the keynote address, Minister for Climate Resilience, the Environment, and Renewable Energy Hon. Kerryne James emphasised the importance of the BBNJ Treaty for Small Island Developing States (SIDS):

“This is not an abstract legal instrument we are working on. It is a treaty that, when implemented well, can help protect the Sargasso Sea, rebuild tuna stocks, safeguard coral ecosystems, and enhance the resilience of our coastal communities.”

Minister James reaffirmed Grenada’s commitment to the BBNJ process, stating that the country is in the final stages of ratifying the agreement, which was signed in December 2024. She further called for regional coordination to ensure Eastern Caribbean representation in key treaty bodies such as the Scientific and Technical Body, Compliance Committee, and Access and Benefit Sharing Committee.

Ambassador Jerry Enoe, Grenada’s Special Envoy for Oceans and a key architect of the country’s BBNJ strategy, added: “This treaty is not just about conservation — it is about justice, equity, and ensuring that Caribbean states have a rightful seat at the table when decisions are made about global ocean resources. Grenada will continue to work with OECS and Caricom partners to ensure our collective voice shapes the future of high seas governance.”

The workshop brought together regional government officials, negotiators, legal experts, and marine scientists to strengthen the capacity of Eastern Caribbean SIDS, ahead of the first Preparatory Commission (PrepCom) for the BBNJ Treaty, scheduled to take place at the United Nations from 14–24 April 2025 in New York.

The PrepCom will begin laying the institutional groundwork for implementation of the treaty, including decisions on rules of procedure, financial arrangements, and the election of the Conference of the Parties (COP) Bureau.

Grenada’s hosting of the BBNJ Clinic further reflects its growing leadership in ocean governance. The government has established a Ministry of Blue Economy and Marine Affairs, expanded its domestic marine protected areas, and is advancing a Blue Growth Coastal Master Plan. The BBNJ Treaty is expected to enhance these efforts by extending conservation and benefit-sharing frameworks to the high seas — ensuring a more equitable, science-based global ocean regime.

Adapted from a Prime Minister’s Office release