The start-up of the GEF-funded CLME Project on 1 May 2009 represents the culmination of over a decade of preparatory work involving experts from over the region. The Project was created in response to the serious challenges facing the marine ecosystems of the Caribbean. Most fish stocks are over-exploited while levels of pollution have reached dangerously high levels threatening entire marine habitats and the livelihoods of coastal communities. Climate change has added to these pressures.

CORALINA / R. Robinson / Programa Green Market

There is urgency for the countries of the Caribbean to work together to address these challenges and to develop a common position on the protection and sustainable use of marine resources. The CLME Project aims to do exactly that - bring countries and communities together to jointly identify and prioritize key regional actions that will result in tangible improvements.

The Caribbean is more advanced than many other LME regions. Regional fisheries institutions, together with national governments, civil society and other regional bodies, already have significant fisheries data, knowledge, and experience. In partnership with the existing regional network, the CLME Project will concentrate on a new, comprehensive governance framework for Caribbean marine resources focused on the most important fish stocks.

Given this head-start, the Project will fast-track governance issues through consultative and participatory processes built into the LME modular approach and the GEF strategy for LMEs.

Since its inception, the Project has established a Coordination Unit (PCU) in Cartagena, Colombia with a team of 6 staff members. You can find out much more about the Project and its activities by visiting the links on this page.