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28 LOCAL NEWS AWEMainta
Aruba Hosts the 17th Conference of
Parties for the Cartagena Convention
THIS week, Aruba proudly takes on the role of hosting
the 17th Conference of Parties (COP) for the Cartagena
Convention for the Protection and Development of the
Marine Environment in the Caribbean Region.
The Cartagena Convention is an international treaty designed
to protect and preserve the marine and coastal environ-
ment in the Caribbean region. This treaty was adopted in
1983 in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, and is one of the
regional seas conventions developed under the auspices of
the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
The primary objective of the Cartagena Convention is to
prevent, reduce, and control pollution of the marine envi-
ronment in the Caribbean region while promoting sustain-
able development through the responsible management of
natural resources.
COP serves as the governing body of the Cartagena
Convention, convening periodically to oversee the imple-
mentation of the convention, make decisions regarding
its continued operation, and adopt measures to address
emerging environmental issues in the region.
As such, the Cartagena Convention covers a vast geograph-
ical area, encompassing the coastal waters of 28 Caribbean
countries and territories, extending from the Gulf of Mexico
Diaranson, 4 October 2023
and the Caribbean to the tropical Atlantic.
The convention includes several protocols that address
specific environmental concerns in the region. One of the
most well-known protocols is the Protocol Concerning
Specially Protected Areas and Wildlife (SPAW Protocol),
which focuses on the conservation and management of
biodiversity and protected areas.
COP 17, also known as the ‘17th Conference of the Parties
to the Cartagena Convention,’ is one of the periodic meet-
ings attended by the convention’s member states. These
conferences provide a platform for member countries to
discuss and coordinate efforts to address marine environ-
mental issues, including pollution, habitat conservation,
and sustainable fisheries management.
These conferences are essential for maintaining coopera-
tion among Caribbean nations and advancing the objectives
of the Cartagena Convention in protecting and developing
the marine environment and coastal resources of the region.
Minister Ursell Arends expressed pride in participating as a
country and the honor of presiding over these conferences
as a kingdom. Aruba is undoubtedly committed to contrib-
uting to the well-being of the environment in the Caribbean.