Progressing a sustainable marine economy: Protection and sustainable development of Antigua and Barbuda’s blue resources

Antigua and Barbuda is a Small Island Developing State (SID) in the Eastern Caribbean committed to global commitments on sustainable development and keen to explore new sustainable marine economy opportunities. Antigua and Barbuda has recognised the benefits blue growth can bring to the Eastern Caribbean SIDS, but uptake is currently low. The Government of Antigua and Barbuda is keen to accelerate and promote sustainable blue economy opportunities in Antigua and Barbuda and the Eastern Caribbean and has sought support from UK Government Ministers and senior officials to co-host a Ministerial Roundtable event for Eastern Caribbean countries. This event will tackle barriers to long term, sustainable blue growth and lay the foundations for Eastern Caribbean SIDS to realise the opportunities presented by the Blue Economy. This programme will support the hosting of such event, but will also progress a number of support activities in the run up to the event using world-class UK expertise. Other work as part of this programme includes the implementation of a biodiversity and community vulnerability risk assessment due to climate change. This builds on work undertaken through the Commonwealth Marine Economies Programme and Green Climate Fund National Adaptation Planning preparation funds. This programme will lead to progress in the development of sustainable ocean based activities whilst demonstrating UK leadership working in partnership with a regional leader.