Samuda calls for simpler ocean governance at UN

Jamaica’s Minister of Water, Environment and Climate Change, Matthew Samuda, has called for a simpler and more coordinated international system to address challenges facing the world’s oceans.

Speaking at the United Nations’ Solutions Dialogue on Ocean Action and Leadership at UN Headquarters summit in New York on Tuesday, Samuda said, “The ocean is one connected system. Our governance should reflect that reality,” while arguing that countries should focus on improving coordination among existing institutions rather than creating additional bureaucracy.

He said communities experience climate change and biodiversity loss as interconnected issues, but are often required to navigate separate processes, reporting requirements and financing mechanisms.