Antigua and Barbuda is participating in the Island States Ocean Summit 2026 in Tokyo, Japan, held from June 3 to 4 under the theme "Sustainable Ocean Action for Resilient Islands."
The delegation is led by Minister of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries and the Blue Economy, the Honourable Anthony Shamari Smith Jr., and includes Climate Ambassador Her Excellency Ruleta Camacho Thomas, Senior Operations and Policy Manager within the Department of the Blue Economy Ms. Marver Woodley, Deputy Chief Fisheries Officer Dr. Tricia Lovell, and Dr. Branson Belle of the Centre of Excellence for Oceanography and the Blue Economy at The University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus.
The Summit brings together island state representatives, development partners, scientists and international organisations to advance climate-resilient and science-based ocean planning.
During the High-Level Segment, Minister Smith delivered Antigua and Barbuda's national statement, emphasising the ocean's critical role in the country's food security, livelihoods, tourism and economic development. He highlighted the mounting pressures facing Small Island Developing States, including sea-level rise, coastal erosion, coral reef degradation, marine pollution and stress on marine resources.
Minister Smith outlined the country's ongoing efforts to strengthen ocean governance, including the development of a national Blue Economy Bill and work on Marine Spatial Planning — initiatives designed to support sustainable management across fisheries, tourism, conservation, maritime transport and coastal development.
He reaffirmed Antigua and Barbuda's support for the global 30×30 target and called for expanded access to ocean science, research, data, technology and technical assistance for Small Island Developing States.
As a new member of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO, Antigua and Barbuda welcomed the Sustainable Ocean Planning and Management Strategy as a practical framework for integrated ocean governance and regional cooperation.
Minister Smith also took part in a High-Level Special Event focused on "Sea Level Rise and International Law," which addressed the protection of rights and interests of Small Island Developing States.
The Summit includes the launch of a Sustainable Ocean Planning and Management Support Platform aimed at strengthening technical assistance, coordination and partnerships for island states. The Antiguan delegation is also engaged in bilateral meetings and technical discussions covering ocean governance, sustainable fisheries, climate resilience and financing.
The Department of the Blue Economy can be contacted for further information.
