Within the framework of the third United Nations Conference on Oceans (UNOC3), the region has a leading role to play in promoting innovative solutions and fostering a healthier, more respectful, productive, sustainable and equitable relationship with the oceans that includes the voices of local communities.

Latin America and the Caribbean is a region defined by its oceans: they cover half of its territory (up to 91% in island areas) and are fundamental for biodiversity, the economy and regional culture. However, they face critical threats such as climate change, overfishing and pollution.

The oceans of Latin America and the Caribbean are key to food security, global trade and renewable energies such as offshore wind and decarbonized transport. However, significant challenges remain:

• 2.6 million jobs depend on fisheries and aquaculture, but 85% correspond to artisanal fisheries, with limited access to technology and financing.
• The lack of regional integration and marine pollution require urgent action.

To overcome these barriers, UNOC3 has set four clear objectives: to establish systems to assess progress in marine conservation and sustainable fisheries; to mobilize funding for blue economy projects that balance protection and development; to strengthen global ocean governance with agreements against plastic pollution, acidification and illegal fishing; and to promote scientific and technological innovation for evidence-based marine management.

These efforts seek to transform commitments into concrete actions, especially in regions such as Latin America, where the oceans are vital for food security and climate resilience. The Conference represents a unique opportunity to align global strategies with local solutions, ensuring the protection of this key resource for future generations.

CAF and its commitment to ocean preservation

In line with its green bank strategy, CAF -development bank of Latin America and the Caribbean- announced an investment of USD 2.5 billion for ocean protection, doubling its initial goal of USD 1.25 billion, committed in 2023, which has already been met. These resources will be allocated to:

• Protection of marine ecosystems: Conservation of mangroves, coral reefs and marine protected areas.
• Sustainable fisheries: Support for coastal communities and transition to responsible practices.
• Blue economy: Financing projects in marine renewable energy, sustainable tourism and aquaculture.
• Ocean science and innovation: Research to combat plastic pollution and mitigate climate change.

This commitment reinforces CAF's leadership in the regional climate agenda, aligned with the Paris Agreement and the Global Biodiversity Framework.

Civil society's voice and the road to 2030

The Oceans Conference is an opportunity for the region to ratify its environmental commitment. In 2023, a global consultation driven by France and Costa Rica - “A Call to All Ocean Voices” - identified key priorities:

• Accelerate ocean governance.
• Assess progress on SDG 14 commitments.
• Plan beyond 2030 with ambitious targets.

The 125 participating NGOs highlighted the need for inclusive financing and science-based policies.

Following COP16 in Cali, Latin America and the Caribbean demonstrated their willingness to be part of the climate solution. The oceans are a central axis to:

Protect 30% of marine areas by 2030 (Kunming-Montreal Framework commitment).
Mobilize investments in the blue economy, with a focus on vulnerable communities.
Strengthen multilateral cooperation, integrating ancestral knowledge and technology.

The Oceans Conference should be translated into concrete projects, with the support of financial institutions, governments and civil society. CAF, with its historic investment in oceans, sets a precedent for the region to lead the transition to a model where sustainability and economic growth go hand in hand.