The MPA Europe team joined the EU–Caribbean Workshop on Marine Scientific Cooperation at the University of the West Indies, Bridgetown, Barbados last week, on the 14th and 15th November.

The Caribbean is considered one of the most exposed regions worldwide to the impacts of climate change, with coastal communities and low-lying areas being particularly vulnerable to the combined threats of sea level rise and extreme weather events.

Although Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) are key to increase climate resilience and achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals in the region, investment in STI has been relatively low. There is a need to foster marine research within the region, as well as enhancing its contribution to global knowledge production and strengthen the science–policy–society interface.

The workshop was able to gather multiple stakeholders, from regional organisations, research funding and performing organisations, private foundations, educational and research actors, policymakers, national and international donors, NGOs, to social entrepreneurs and grassroot organisations. Together we discussed the potentialities, needs, and gaps in marine research and cooperation for the Caribbean region and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in particular. Emphasis was given on the marine research topics: Coastal resilience, fisheries management, marine protected areas, ecosystems and biodiversity, ocean observation, research infrastructures.

The event showcased the opportunities for EU-Caribbean cooperation on marine research under the Horizon Europe programme. The outcomes of the workshop will be presented as basis for the debate on regional priorities and needs at the upcoming high-level meeting EU-CELAC Joint Initiative for Research and Innovation SOM scheduled for 28-29 November 2023 in Brussels, Belgium.