(NEWS) WMU Delivers Blue Economy High-Level Engagement and Marine Spatial Training for the Eastern Caribbean Region

April

2023

WMU Delivers Blue Economy High-Level Engagement and Marine Spatial Training for the Eastern Caribbean Region

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From 3-5 April, the World Maritime University’s WMU-Sasakawa Global Ocean Institute convened a workshop in St. Lucia on Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) that was followed by a High-Level Roundtable Event. In addition, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the World Maritime University (WMU) and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). The workshop was delivered within the framework of the “Closing the Circle" Programme: Marine Debris, Sargassum and Marine Spatial Planning, generously funded by The Nippon Foundation.

The MSP training event on Blue Planning in Practice was attended by the OECS Ocean Governance Team (OGT) which is comprised of designated high-level technical officers of the governments of the member States, who serve as focal points to work closely with the OECS Commission to support the implementation of the OECS Sustainable Ocean Management (SOM) Programme. Observers from the OECS member States, as well as general stakeholders, were also in attendance. In preparation for the in-person event, the participants and observers attended four, half-day online workshop sessions which provided a comprehensive knowledge base for the in-person workshop component. The elements of the training incorporated the various steps of a plan-making process, plan implementation, legal dimensions of MSP as well as sessions on Blue Leadership. Focus was placed on active discussions and activities which were framed by lectures. In closing the workshop, WMU President, Dr. Cleopatra Doumbia-Henry remarked that: “Among the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) across the world, experts from the Caribbean are leaders in the development of MSP and I hope that this event will guide the next steps in operationalizing the plans you already have in place or will develop shortly.”

Following the workshop, the WMU and OECS Roundtable Event brought together Ministers and senior government officials to discuss the topic of “Transitioning to a Model Blue Economy Region – Engagement, Acceleration, Impact”. Panel speakers included: the Honorable Minister Quincia Gumbs Marie (Anguilla), Honorable Minister Jullan Defoe (Dominica), Honorable Minister Adrain A. Thomas (Grenada), Honorable Minister Shawn Edward, (Saint Lucia), Honorable Minister Carlos James (Saint Vincent and the Grenadines), Honorable High Commissioner Karen Mae Hill, Ambassador to the UK for Antigua & Barbuda, and Ms. Camilla Rossaak from the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. WMU was represented by President Doumbia-Henry and Professor Ronán Long, Director of the WMU-Sasakawa Global Ocean Institute.

In her address, President Doumbia-Henry remarked that WMU is a dedicated centre of excellence for research and education on blue economy approaches. She highlighted the awareness of living in nature in the region, which underpins the on-going stellar approaches undertaken within the OECS. Professor Ronán Long stated that the Eastern Caribbean region has leaders with a fantastic range of legal and technical skills. Moreover, that WMU is looking forward to the next phase of collaboration with the OECS.

The Event closed with President Doumbia-Henry and H.E. Dr. Didacus Jules, Director General of the OECS signing of an MoU between the two organizations.. Through the MoU, the partners commit to working together to develop and promote educational programmes on sustainable ocean governance. The collaboration also aims to create a network of educators, researchers, and students who can share knowledge and best practices, as well as collaborate on innovative approaches to ocean governance.

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About the World Maritime University

The World Maritime University (WMU) in Malmö, Sweden is established within the framework of the International Maritime Organization, a specialized agency of the United Nations. The mission of WMU is to be the world centre of excellence in postgraduate maritime and oceans education, professional training and research, while building global capacity and promoting sustainable development. WMU is an organization by and for the international maritime community and is committed to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Agenda.

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About the WMU-Sasakawa Global Ocean Institute

The WMU-Sasakawa Global Ocean Institute was inaugurated in May 2018 and is an independent focal point working at the interdisciplinary interface between science, industry, policy, ocean governance and law. Faculty, staff and students at the Institute undertake challenge-led and evidence-based research, as well as educational and capacity-building training, with a particular focus on the implementation of Goal 14, Life Below Water, as well as multiple interconnecting goals among others such as Goal 5 concerning Gender Equality, and Goal 13 on Climate Action under the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

For this purpose, the Institute efforts are contributing to international processes such as the development of an international legally binding instrument on marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ), the United Nations World Ocean Assessment as well as the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030) as an endorsed Ocean Decade Action. The work programme is focused on a broad range of initiatives including: Land-to-Ocean leadership; the empowerment of women in ocean science for the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development; marine debris, sargassum and marine spatial planning in the Eastern Caribbean, as well as robotics and automation in an ocean and maritime industry context. These initiatives are supported by The Nippon Foundation of Japan, Sweden, Germany, Canada, the European Commission and the City of Malmö. Learn more about the Institute on https://www.wmu.se/goi

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About the Closing the Circle Programme

The "Closing the Circle" Programme: Marine Debris, Sargassum and Marine Spatial Planning, is hosted at the WMU-Sasakawa Global Ocean Institute with the generous funding by The Nippon Foundation. The programme team consists of the Project Principal Investigators, a Research Fellow and 4 PhD candidates whose research on respective projects explore challenges and advance potential solutions to marine debris, sargassum threats and marine spatial planning (MSP) in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) with a particular focus on the Eastern Caribbean region. The Region is facing a mounting problem from vast beach strandings of the normally oceanic seaweed Sargassum. The combination of marine debris and Sargassum seaweed is resulting in an untold ecological impact and socioeconomic hardship for these SIDS that are highly dependent on tourism. Marine spatial planning (MSP) has emerged as a new approach to holistically plan and manage ocean space and resources.

Learn more about the Closing the Circle programme on https://closing-the-circle.wmu.se/

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My decision to enroll in the doctoral program at WMU was heavily influencedby my prior experience as a Master's student at the institution. Initiallyintroduced to me as a preeminent global institution for maritime education,WMU's stellar reputation was further substantiated by the exceptional qualityof education I received during my Master’s studies. This experience became acompelling factor in my determination to return to WMU as a doctoral student.Recognizing the synergies between my research aspirations and the institutionalofferings at WMU, I concluded that continuing my educational journey at thisesteemed institution was not only beneficial but also aligned perfectly with myacademic and professional goals.

My research explored thetheoretical foundations of governance, placing a particular emphasis onmaritime governance. Going beyond mere theoretical frameworks, the studyconducted a comprehensive examination of a crucial aspect within maritimegovernance—specifically, the implementation of International MaritimeOrganization (IMO) instruments, exploring the contextual factors that affectthe implementation process. Applying the grounded theory methodology, theresearch aimed to understand these theoretical underpinnings, as well as firmlyanchor insights in the practical context of maritime governance; unveiling theintricacies and challenges associated with the effective implementation of IMOinstruments in the maritime domain. The selection of this topic was motivatedby a personal interest that was cultivated during my Master’s studies inmaritime law and policy. Furthermore, it was driven by the recognition of ascarcity of scientific research on this specific topic. This gap in theexisting body of knowledge served as a catalyst for my exploration,underscoring the significance of contributing valuable insights to an area ofmaritime governance that has been relatively underrepresented in scholarlyresearch.

Undoubtedly, a highlight of myeducational journey at WMU was the opportunity to forge connections withinfluential change-makers and thought leaders hailing from every corner of theglobe. This invaluable chance to engage with individuals on an internationalscale has not only enabled me to expand my global network but has also servedas a conduit for immersing myself in the rich tapestry of diverse cultures.Through these global interactions, I've gained a profound understanding ofdifferent perspectives, traditions, and approaches, contributing significantlyto my personal and academic growth. This experience goes beyond mere networkingand has also played a pivotal role in fostering stronger connections within theCaribbean region from which I hail.

Embarking on my professional path,my foremost aim is to establish myself as an authority in the field of maritimegovernance. I aspire to leave a significant and enduring mark on the globalmaritime landscape. Beyond the academic sphere, my drive is fuelled by apassionate interest in pursuing diverse opportunities within the maritimedomain and the broader educational sector and contributing significantly topositive transformations in the global maritime sector.

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Maritime Governance: Contextual Factors affecting Implementation of IMO Instruments

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When I made the decision to embark on the journey of pursuing both my MScand PhD degrees, the World Maritime University (WMU) beckoned me for severalcompelling reasons. Foremost among these was WMU's sterling reputation as aworld-class institution within the maritime sphere, a factor that wieldedsignificant influence over my choice. Given my extensive background as a seniorprofessional in the maritime operational field, having held the role of acaptain, I was in search of an academic environment that could serve as a nexusfor both enriching my knowledge and providing a platform for the disseminationof my wealth of industry experience.

WMU's unwavering commitment tomaritime education, coupled with its resolute emphasis on bridging the realmsof academia and industry, deeply resonated with me. It became evident that WMUwas the perfect crucible for my transformation from a career entrenched inmaritime operations to one flourishing within academia. The University'sstoried tradition of nurturing and producing experts and leaders within themaritime sector further solidified its standing as the ideal choice for myeducational pursuits.Furthermore, WMU's distinctive interdisciplinary approachto maritime studies served as an irresistible attraction.

My research focus during my tenureat WMU was centered on the pivotal subject of achieving net-zero emissions inthe maritime sector, encompassing both offshore and onshore infrastructures,including ports and shipyards. This particular research avenue held greatappeal for me due to its unique capacity to amalgamate my extensive practicalexperience as a captain within the maritime operational field with the rigorousacademic environment provided by WMU. The maritime industry is inherentlydynamic, constantly undergoing transformative changes, and I was deeplyconvinced that my research endeavors could significantly contribute toenhancing sustainability within this vital sector. The prospect of influencingpositive change by addressing contemporary challenges and emerging trends inthe maritime industry, all closely aligned with my professional background,served as a compelling motivation for my choice of research focus.

One of the most memorable aspectsof my WMU experience has undoubtedly been the University's vibrant andinclusive interdisciplinary environment. Engaging with both faculty members andfellow students hailing from diverse backgrounds and nationalities has been anincredibly enriching facet of my academic journey. This inclusive atmospherehas offered me a unique opportunity to gain fresh insights and perspectivesthat would have remained undiscovered within the confines of a purely industry-focusedsetting. The collaborative exchange of ideas across various maritimedisciplines has proven to be invaluable, expanding my horizons and enriching myeducational experience. Additionally, the regular involvement in thoughtfuldiscussions, seminars, and workshops focused on globally relevant maritimetopics has served as a consistent source of inspiration throughout my time atWMU. The University’s unwavering dedication to cultivating a global network ofmaritime experts has allowed me to establish meaningful connections withprofessionals and scholars from across the world. These connections have notonly broadened my academic horizons but have also added a global dimension tomy educational journey, enhancing its depth and significance.

Upon graduation, I was awarded aprestigious research fellowship in sustainability, energy, and the pursuit ofnet-zero emissions within the maritime industry at the esteemed University ofSouthampton in the United Kingdom. This exciting opportunity marks the nextphase of my academic and maritime journey. I remain passionately committed tocontinuing my exploration of academia and the maritime sector, building uponthe invaluable knowledge and experience I acquired during my time at WMU. Myprimary objective is to contribute significantly to the advancement of thezero-emission maritime industry, a pivotal and transformative sector within ourglobal community.

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