OECS and Commonwealth Secretariat Strengthen Regional Capacity on Maritime Boundary Delimitation and Ocean Governance

The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission, in collaboration with the Commonwealth Secretariat, convened a Regional Training Workshop on Maritime Boundary Delimitation in Grenada from October 5–8, 2026, to strengthen regional capacity in the legal, technical and practical aspects of maritime boundary delimitation and ocean governance.

Held at the Radisson Grenada Beach Resort, the 3.5-day workshop brought together participants from across the OECS to deepen their understanding of maritime boundary delimitation and its implications for ocean governance, sustainable marine resource management and regional cooperation.

The training covered the international legal framework governing maritime boundaries, delimitation methodologies, the role of technical experts in negotiations, and strategies for preparing for and conducting negotiations, supported by practical exercises.

Participants also explored provisional arrangements, dispute resolution and emerging developments under the Agreement on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ).

Maritime boundary delimitation is particularly important to small island developing States, whose maritime spaces are central to economic development, food security, livelihoods and the sustainable use of ocean resources.

The OECS Commission and Commonwealth Secretariat express their appreciation to the Government of Grenada for hosting the workshop and supporting efforts to strengthen regional capacity in maritime boundary delimitation and ocean governance.

Opening the workshop, Susanna De Beauville-Scott, OECS Programme Director – Sustainable Ocean Management, emphasised the importance of strengthening national expertise and regional capacity.

“This workshop provides an important opportunity to strengthen our individual technical capacity while also building the region’s collective ability to address maritime boundary matters in a way that is informed, practical and cooperative.”

Dr Daniel Wilde, Head of Oceans at the Commonwealth Secretariat, highlighted the importance of clearly defined maritime boundaries to sustainable ocean management and regional cooperation.

“Maritime boundaries are far more than lines on a map. They provide the legal certainty that enables States to exercise their sovereign rights, manage marine resources sustainably and maintain good relations with their neighbours.”

The workshop supported ongoing OECS efforts to strengthen ocean governance and clarify maritime spaces for the effective exercise of jurisdiction and sustainable resource management. At its 74th Meeting in February 2024, the OECS Authority reaffirmed the importance of delimiting, monitoring and managing Member States’ coastal and maritime areas, including securing their access to and rights to utilise marine resources. Outstanding intra-OECS maritime boundaries were identified as an initial priority.

The training was followed by the 25th Meeting of the OECS Ocean Governance Team (OGT25) on October 8, 2026. The meeting considered key findings from an assessment, supported by the Commonwealth Secretariat, of the effectiveness of the Ocean Governance Team and National Ocean Governance Committees/National Ocean Coordinating Mechanisms. It also explored opportunities to strengthen these mechanisms in support of ocean governance and blue economy development at both national and regional levels.

The assessment highlighted the Ocean Governance Team’s role in advancing implementation of the Eastern Caribbean Regional Ocean Policy (ECROP), recognising its contribution to ocean governance across the region while clarifying that its role is to support, rather than lead, blue economy development. It also identified gaps in national coordination, with some Member States lacking functioning national ocean governance mechanisms. Where such mechanisms exist, links with the Ocean Governance Team are not always clearly defined or operational.

The meeting also reviewed progress during the first five years (2020–2025) of implementation of the ECROP Strategic Action Plan. The review found progress in establishing regional frameworks, strengthening partnerships and advancing technical initiatives, particularly through externally funded projects. However, implementation has been uneven across Member States, with delays in policy adoption, and limited financial and human resources affecting delivery.

These findings underscore the need for sustained coordination, adequate resourcing and stronger national institutions to advance regional ocean governance priorities and realise the full potential of the blue economy.

Together, the training and OGT25 reinforce the importance of stronger legal, technical and institutional capacity in advancing effective ocean governance. As the Eastern Caribbean pursues its blue economy ambitions, clearly defined maritime boundaries, effective coordination and evidence-based decision-making will be essential to the sustainable management of marine resources and the region’s long-term resilience.

The OECS Commission and the Commonwealth Secretariat remain committed to supporting Member States through capacity development and knowledge exchange on ocean governance and maritime affairs.