Activities

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Objectives

Pursuant to the Protocol concerning cooperation in combating oil spills in the Wider Caribbean Region, we have the following objectives:

• Strengthen national and regional preparedness and response capacity of the States and Territories of the Wider Caribbean Region and to foster and facilitate cooperation and mutual assistance in cases of emergency in order to prevent, control and combat major oil spill incidents; and

• Strengthen the operational effectiveness of the implementation of the Cartagena Oil Spills Protocol, the International Convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Cooperation 1990 (OPRC 1990) and its plan, through the provision of technical services.

Services Offered

To promote the stated objectives, the Center has developed activities that are placed into a two-year work plan and distributed throughout the region. Additionally, the Center is mandated to operate in the three official languages of the region: English, French, and Spanish. The objectives and associated activities are as follows:

Strengthen National Capabilities

Facilitate Cooperation and Regional Assistance

• Fostering cooperation with UN specialised agencies, intergovernmental, governmental and non-governmental organisations and industry.

• Coordinating regional emergency response activities and mobilizing international assistance pursuant to the OPRC Convention on request.

• Establishing and maintaining liaison with competent regional and international organisations, including major oil producers, refiners, oil spill clean-up contractors and co-operatives, and oil transports.

• Promoting bi/multi-lateral agreements on oil pollution preparedness response and cooperation.

• Conducting sub-regional/regional exercises for testing of the regional OPRC Plans.

Exchange Information

• Organize specialized meetings to promote international organizations’ activities such as testing national contingency plans, sensitivity index mapping, risk assessments, monitoring and participation in Government/Industry projects.

• Expand regional communication and internet/web page as well as develop and maintain regional spill data.

Coordinate Response Resources for Emergencies

• Promote and conduct marine pollution education, training, and exercises. Conduct sub-regional and regional exercises for testing the Caribbean Island and the national OPRC Plans.

Assist in Establishing a Legal Response Framework

• Formulate national legislation to facilitate the implementation of international conventions (Cartagena Convention, OPRC (1990), OPRC-HNS (2000), Civil Liability and Fund Conventions, MARPOL 73/78, and other relevant legal instruments).

Key Strategies and Goals

For the Center to be considered effective, firm commitments are needed from the Cartagena Convention Contracting Parties, governments of the region, and relevant Intergovernmental Organizations, the petro-chemical and shipping industry, this should be achieved through governmental and intersectoral partnerships.

In fulfilling its mission statement, RAC/REMPEITC-Carib will adopt the following key goals over the next two years:

• Promote multi-country and multi-agency cooperation through shared visions, strategies and action programs;

• Develop management-related methodologies and working models to strengthen practical efforts in the field;

• Provide policy support and scientific advice to decision makers;

• Facilitate integrated implementation of relevant regional and international environmental instruments;

• Create investment opportunities, sustainable financing mechanisms and institutional arrangements for implementing relevant marine environment related international conventions and action programs;

• Strengthen the Center’s financial sustainability by seeking financial and in-kind support from governments, relevant Intergovernmental Organizations, civil society, academia, and the private sector;

• Provide Training courses for Spill Response (IMO Model Courses) in collaboration with institutions and industries, including in-kind support; and

• Promote governmental and intersectoral partnerships for the sustainable use and management of coastal and marine resources.