The primary purpose of the Roadmap for the implementation of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development 2021-2030 (‘Ocean Decade’) in the Tropical Americas and the Caribbean (TAC) Region is “to provide a coordinated framework for just, inclusive and impactful action, that meets the strategic ambition of the Ocean Decade Challenges in the TAC region, while recognizing its diversity. This includes identifying and responding to regional priorities, addressing emerging issues, fostering collaboration and use of science and knowledge among partners and stakeholders.”
It builds on the priorities and recommendations of the Vision 2030 process, as summarised in the Barcelona Statement (2024 Ocean Decade Conference, 10-12 April 2024, Barcelona, Spain).
There is a growing number of Ocean Decade Actions led by and implemented in the TAC Region. The region is of great importance regionally and internationally, demonstrated by the dedicated Call for Decade Actions No. 06/2023 which facilitated the development of Decade Actions led by organisations based in the TAC Region through a co-design process.
This Roadmap, also available on the OceanExpert platform here, has been developed through a multiyear preparatory, consultative and co-designed process including TAC Region countries and territories, with a concerted effort to involve Small Island Developing States (SIDS). The actions set out within will be adapted for regional and national implementation. This process has ensured alignment with the Ocean Decade allowing the region to contribute to global objectives and local needs, simultaneously.