IOC-UNESCO gathered experts and leaders in Brasilia to discuss maritime challenges in the Tropical Americas and Caribbean region.
ORANJESTAD—From April 22 to 25, 2025, scientists, government authorities, and regional participants came together in the Brazilian capital and via the internet for two important marine science events organized by UNESCO's Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC-UNESCO): the Caribbean Region and the Eighteenth Intergovernmental Meeting of IOCARIBE (SC-IOCARIBE-XVIII).
The Science Technical Meeting, held on April 22, brought together experts and high-level representatives from all over the region to discuss the scientific realities of a warming sea and its impact on coastal communities, ecosystems, and economies. Presenters emphasized national efforts to adapt to climate change, strengthen early warning systems, and promote knowledge and sustainable marine care.
During the Science Technical Meeting, the Kingdom of the Netherlands was well represented by four speakers:
- Dr. Marck Oduber of Aruba introduced the meeting where he indicated that urgent action is needed to address the rise in sea temperature in the region and highlighted the need for integrated science, inclusive governance, and solutions aligned with the SDGs to ensure a future for our regional seas that is resilient and sustainable.
- Former Minister of the Environment of Aruba, Ursell Arends, BSc, highlighted the benefits of including the Rights of Nature in the National Constitution.
- Dr. Ryan Peterson of Aruba gave an update on the CORVI (Climate and Ocean Risk Vulnerability Index) initiative for Aruba.
- Jonathan Zoetrum, MSc of Curacao, gave an update on the Artificial Intelligence (AI) initiative in the tasks of Meteo Curacao.
In addition to the speakers from Aruba, there were several other speakers from other countries and/or agencies who summarized the regional climate state, and the forecast related to climate change, highlighted the importance of strengthening early warning systems and responses to sea warming and dangerous algae blooms, and emphasized the need for resilience solutions for natural areas near the sea.