Commonwealth)_ High Commissioners and representatives from Commonwealth member countries convened recently at Marlborough House, London, for a crucial briefing on the implementation of the Apia Commonwealth Ocean Declaration. Adopted in Samoa during the 2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), the Declaration represents a historic political commitment to ocean conservation and sustainability. The briefing was held in anticipation of the upcoming United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, France, scheduled for June 2025.
The session aimed to inform and engage member states on progress made so far in advancing the objectives of the Declaration while offering a strategic vision for the Commonwealth’s role at the upcoming UN conference. The Commonwealth Ocean team highlighted the significant steps taken since the Apia Declaration was adopted and outlined next-phase activities to support practical implementation. These efforts include technical assistance projects, funding initiatives, and collaborative platforms that bring together diverse stakeholders committed to sustainable ocean governance.
Central to the implementation strategy are the Blue Charter Action Groups, which focus on targeted areas such as coral reef restoration, mangrove ecosystem protection, and sustainable coastal fisheries management. These groups are composed of member countries and institutions that work together to share expertise, pilot projects, and promote best practices that can be replicated across other regions.
In addition, the Blue Charter Incubator is providing catalytic funding to member governments and partner organizations to test and scale innovative ocean solutions. These small grants are particularly valuable for supporting early-stage projects that have the potential to be scaled up or replicated in other parts of the Commonwealth. The Blue Finance Working Group is another pillar of support, aimed at unlocking investment in sustainable blue economy ventures by helping countries design and implement bankable, environmentally sound projects.
Legal and policy support also plays a critical role in translating the Declaration into measurable action. The Secretariat is offering tailored technical assistance to help countries strengthen their ocean governance frameworks. This includes support on complex international agreements such as the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) treaty, issues related to maritime transport, and broader ocean governance frameworks. These efforts aim to empower countries to meet their international obligations while also safeguarding their maritime resources.
One of the key highlights of the briefing was the announcement of two Centres of Excellence designed to serve as regional hubs for capacity building, research, and innovation in ocean science and policy. The first centre, hosted by the Cyprus Marine and Maritime Institute, will focus on research innovation, partnerships, and knowledge-sharing to support inclusive and sustainable ocean development across the Commonwealth. The second, based at the University of the West Indies in partnership with the Association of Commonwealth Universities and the government of Antigua and Barbuda, aims to strengthen the Caribbean’s leadership in ocean science, finance, and policy. Both centres are expected to play a transformative role in turning high-level commitments into local impact through training, applied research, and stakeholder collaboration.
Throughout the briefing, the theme of partnership and collaboration emerged strongly. High Commissioners emphasized the importance of Commonwealth coordination in fostering effective ocean governance, particularly in the face of pressing environmental challenges such as marine pollution, climate change, and biodiversity loss. The Secretariat was widely acknowledged for its role as a knowledge broker, convenor, and technical partner, helping member countries align national actions with global ocean goals.
The Apia Commonwealth Ocean Declaration calls for bold, unified efforts to conserve marine biodiversity, reduce ocean pollution, build resilience against climate change, and support a thriving, sustainable blue economy. The recent briefing at Marlborough House demonstrated that Commonwealth nations are not only committed to these ideals but are actively pursuing innovative, collaborative pathways to achieve them.
As preparations continue for the UN Ocean Conference, the Commonwealth is poised to present a united front, backed by concrete actions and strong political will, reinforcing its position as a global leader in ocean sustainability and marine protection.
