In News:

Recently, the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (UNESCO-IOC) announced the signature of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) enabling the creation of the Ocean Coordination Mechanism (OCM).

What is the Ocean Coordination Mechanism (OCM)?

• It is a collaborative governance initiative aimed at the sustainable management of marine resources in the Caribbean and North Brazil Shelf region.
• Conceived under the 10-year CLME+ Strategic Action Programme (SAP)—endorsed in 2014—it represents a transformative step toward integrated ocean governance.

Key Objectives of OCM:

• Promote sustainable fisheries
• Advance ecosystem restoration and marine spatial planning
• Establish marine protected areas (MPAs)
• Encourage pollution control and blue carbon development
• Foster cross-country and cross-institutional cooperation

It builds on lessons from earlier efforts like the Pacific Islands Regional Ocean Policy (PIROP), aiming to avoid past pitfalls such as vague targets, lack of integration, and funding shortfalls.

Significance of the Caribbean and North Brazil Shelf Region:

• Coral reefs and fisheries contribute ~$610 million annually to local economies
• The North Brazil Shelf is home to over 500 fish species
• Acts as a natural barrier against storms, crucial for climate resilience

Blue Carbon and Climate Action:

The OCM promotes blue carbon projects that utilize coastal ecosystems (like mangroves and seagrasses) for carbon storage, enhancing climate resilience and providing livelihoods to local communities.

Funding Details:

• $15 million from Global Environment Facility (GEF) via the UNDP/GEF PROCARIBE+ Project (2024–2028)
• Additional $126.02 million in co-financing mobilized
• However, the funding is modest compared to initiatives like the Global Fund for Coral Reefs (targeting $3 billion by 2030), raising concerns about OCM's long-term financial sustainability.

Role of IOC-UNESCO:

Established in 1961, the IOC of UNESCO promotes international cooperation in ocean science and policy. Key functions include:

• Marine scientific research (climate, biodiversity, sustainability)
• Tsunami warning systems
• Oceanographic data collection and dissemination
• Leading the UN Ocean Decade (2021–2030) for global marine conservation

Why OCM Matters:

• Addresses the Ocean–Climate–Biodiversity nexus
• Aims to ensure equitable access to marine resources
• Prioritizes local and vulnerable communities
• Integrates traditional knowledge with scientific research for culturally inclusive conservation