The Caribbean Protects Fishing, Ag Sectors from Climate Change

Caribbean nations have been working hard to protect their fishing and agricultural sectors from climate change while strengthening relations with South America.

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In light of last year’s onslaught of high-category hurricanes devastated parts of the region,

The Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) is working with the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to create fishing and aquaculture policies that help fishing communities adapt to climate change adaptation before the 2018 hurricane season begins.

The new protocol will be integrated into the Caribbean Community Common Fisheries Policy.

The FAO and CRFM are embarking on this project to ensure that "environmental, coastal and marine management considerations, in a way that safeguards fisheries and associated ecosystems from human-induced threats and to mitigate the impacts of climate change and natural disasters." Project leaders want to "increase resilience and reduce vulnerability to climate change in the eastern Caribbean fisheries sector."

It’s hoped that the suggested protocols, which will need to be approved by Caribbean nation agricultural and fishing ministers, will be approved by the various governments by June 1 when the region’s storm season begins.

Caribbean governments are also looking to Brazil and Argentina to increase their agricultural knowledge to mitigate the negative effects of climate change.

Ministers from St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Guyana, Haiti, Suriname, Antigua and Barbuda, St. Christopher and Nevis, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, Haiti and St. Lucia, as well as representatives from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and Brazilian agricultural leaders met with Argentine legislators to enhance bilateral cooperation and discuss how to use technology to stave off climate change.

"We see this initiative as an important first step in strengthening cooperation between the countries of the Organization of Caribbean States (OECS), the governments of Argentina and Brazil. The initiative provides a platform through which we may enhance south-south cooperation and knowledge and skills sharing," said Beverly Best of the OECS.

Prior to arriving in Buenos Aires, the entourage of Caribbean politicians went to Brasilia, Brazil, learn about agricultural technologies the country is using to be less vulnerable to climate change and ensure food security.