SVG Pushes Ocean Protection on Global Stage

By S.Browne. Updated 12:54 p.m., Wednesday, June 10, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).



Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has renewed its call for stronger global action to protect the world’s oceans following participation in the Inaugural Island State Ocean Summit held in Tokyo, Japan from June 3-4, 2026.

According to a press release from the Ministry of Fisheries, Marine and Land Conservation and Climate Resilience, the summit was convened by the Nippon Foundation in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan and the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO. The high-level meeting brought together more than 300 participants from over 35 countries, including heads of state from island nations and representatives of the United Nations.

The summit focused on advancing global cooperation to address the deterioration of the marine environment, particularly as a result of climate change and marine pollution.

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines was represented by Minister of Fisheries, Marine and Land Conservation and Climate Resilience, Conroy Huggins, alongside Senior Fisheries Officer Mr. Kris Isaacs.

In his address to the summit, Minister Huggins underscored the critical importance of the ocean to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, describing it as a foundation of the nation’s economy, food security, culture, and identity. He also urged stronger stewardship of the world’s oceans, particularly by island nations.

The Minister acknowledged the growing challenges posed by climate change and recent extreme weather events affecting the country, while reaffirming the Government’s commitment to addressing these issues through science-based and climate-resilient solutions.

“Saint Vincent and the Grenadines remains committed to working towards climate-resilient, science-based solutions for our people, not as an aspiration, but as a national and global imperative,” Minister Huggins said, according to the release.

The Ministry noted that the summit provided a platform for island states and global partners to strengthen dialogue on protecting marine ecosystems and advancing sustainable ocean governance.

END