Canada and Jamaica Selected to Host the Our Ocean Conferences in 2027 and 2029

The international steering committee for marine conservation has announced that Canada and Jamaica will host the Our Ocean Conferences in 2027 and 2029, respectively. The conferences will focus on ocean conservation, marine pollution, and sustainable fisheries, with Jamaica's selection highlighting the role of island nations in marine governance.

1. History and Pillars of the Our Ocean Conference

The Our Ocean Conference was launched in 2014 by the United States Department of State to mobilize global commitments for ocean protection. The conference is structured around six key pillars of action:

1. Marine Protected Areas (MPAs): Establishing zones where human activity is restricted to conserve marine ecosystems.
2. Sustainable Blue Economy: Promoting economic growth through marine resources while preserving ocean ecosystem health.
3. Climate Change: Addressing ocean acidification, sea-level rise, and warming waters.
4. Maritime Security: Combating piracy, human trafficking, and illegal fishing.
5. Marine Pollution: Reducing plastic waste and chemical runoff.
6. Sustainable Fisheries: Combating Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing.

2. Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Ocean Governance

Jamaica's selection to host the 2029 conference highlights the critical role of Small Island Developing States (SIDS). SIDS are a distinct group of developing countries facing specific social, economic, and environmental vulnerabilities, particularly regarding climate change, natural disasters, and rising sea levels. Despite their small land area, these nations oversee vast Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs), making them central actors in global ocean governance.