Ambassador Lynes Highlights The Bahamas’ Hosting of CARICOM Regional BBNJ Preparatory Workshop During Diplomatic Week 2026

NASSAU, THE BAHAMAS — During Diplomatic Week 2026, held from 18 to 22 October at Margaritaville Beach Resort in Nassau, The Bahamas, Her Excellency Senator Robyn Lynes, Ambassador and Plenipotentiary Representative to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), highlighted The Bahamas’ role in advancing regional cooperation on ocean governance through its hosting of the CARICOM Regional Preparatory Workshop ahead of the inaugural Conference of the Parties (COP1) to the Agreement on Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement).

Held from 7 to 9 October 2026 at the Courtyard by Marriott in Nassau, the workshop marked the first time The Bahamas hosted this important regional preparatory meeting. It brought together representatives from CARICOM Member States, regional institutions and international partner organisations to strengthen coordination, build technical capacity and advance preparations for the effective implementation of the BBNJ Agreement at the national and regional levels.

In her opening remarks, Ambassador Lynes underscored the importance of Caribbean unity and coordinated regional engagement in shaping the implementation of the Agreement. She highlighted CARICOM’s critical role in ensuring that the rules, processes and institutions established under the BBNJ Agreement enable all participating countries, regardless of size or level of development, to engage meaningfully and effectively in decisions concerning the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction.

Ambassador Lynes also emphasised the close relationship between the health of the ocean and the well-being of Caribbean people. For the region’s Small Island Developing States, a healthy and resilient ocean is fundamental to food security, livelihoods, economic stability and sustainable development. These shared priorities reinforce the importance of ensuring that Caribbean countries are well prepared to participate in the emerging global framework for the protection and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction.

Organised by the CARICOM Secretariat in collaboration with the Maritime and Ocean Affairs Bureau of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of The Bahamas, the workshop provided a platform for regional negotiators and technical experts to deepen their understanding of the Agreement, exchange technical perspectives, clarify outstanding matters and identify opportunities for coordinated regional action ahead of COP1, scheduled to take place at United Nations Headquarters in New York from 11 to 22 January 2027.

The workshop was supported by the Commonwealth, The Pew Charitable Trusts, the High Seas Alliance and the Government of The Bahamas, with participation from CARICOM Member States and regional and international partners. This collaboration reflected a shared

commitment to capacity-building, technical cooperation and information-sharing as Caribbean countries prepare for the Agreement’s implementation.

The BBNJ Agreement, adopted under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, establishes an international framework for the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction. Its implementation presents an important opportunity for countries to strengthen international cooperation in addressing shared ocean challenges and safeguarding marine ecosystems for present and future generations.

The Government of The Bahamas recognises that effective regional preparation and sustained cooperation will be essential to ensuring that CARICOM Member States can engage constructively in the work of COP1 and contribute to the development of practical, inclusive and effective approaches to implementing the Agreement.

The Bahamas’ hosting of the October workshop underscores its commitment to regional partnership, multilateral cooperation and the advancement of ocean governance priorities that are central to the sustainable development and long-term resilience of the Caribbean.

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