Senator Kendra Chimberlain Beazer formally represented Antigua and Barbuda at the China Oceanic Development Foundation (CODF) 4th Marine Spatial Planning Cooperation Workshop for Maritime Silk Road Partner Countries, strengthening the nation’s international leadership in sustainable ocean governance and Blue Economy development.
The workshop convened ocean‑focused institutions, government representatives, and technical experts from across the Maritime Silk Road to advance cooperation in Marine Spatial Planning (MSP)—a science‑based approach to managing marine spaces, reducing user conflict, and supporting long‑term ocean sustainability.
In his address, Senator Beazer highlighted Antigua and Barbuda’s significant progress in MSP, supported by the landmark Blue Economy & Marine Spatial Planning Technical Cooperation Agreement with the People’s Republic of China. The agreement, backed by a USD $14 million development grant, has enabled direct collaboration with China’s National Ocean Technology Centre (NOTC), enhancing national capacity to map marine resources, protect underwater assets, and plan for emerging Blue Economy industries such as deep‑sea aquaculture, wave energy generation, and blue carbon development.
Senator Beazer emphasized that Antigua and Barbuda’s Exclusive Economic Zone—over 200 times larger than its landmass—requires modern, data‑driven management to ensure sustainable use and long‑term resilience. He reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, regional ocean governance frameworks, and the shared vision of strengthening coastal economies across the Maritime Silk Road.
Discussions also explored future cooperation opportunities, including renewable ocean energy, advanced desalination technology to address sargassum impacts, and expanded academic exchanges through the University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus Center of Excellence for Oceanography and the Blue Economy.
Senator Beazer noted that international partnerships of this nature are essential to safeguarding marine ecosystems, supporting coastal livelihoods, and building climate resilience for small island developing states.
Antigua and Barbuda continues to position itself as a regional leader in sustainable ocean management, leveraging global partnerships to advance national development priorities and protect its marine heritage for future generations.
This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Senator Kendra Beazer Represents Antigua and Barbuda at Ocean Planning Workshop in China.