Seagrass Restoration Workshop: Development of Regional Guidance, Ecosystem Services and Economic Opportunities in the Caribbean

Convened under the framework of the Cartagena Convention and its Protocol concerning Specially Protected Areas and Wildlife (SPAW), and coordinated by the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC)through the project “Blue Growth through Green Restoration: Cartagena Regional Seas Convention’s Capacity Building on Seagrass Ecosystems”, funded by the SBE Technical Assistance Platform, the workshop provides a dedicated space to review the project progress to date, strengthen the scientific and technical foundations of seagrass restoration, and promote coordinated regional approaches.

Over two days, participants will engage in plenary sessions, breakout group discussions and interactive exercises to examine the draft regional guidance, explore approaches for assessing restoration effectiveness, and review case studies illustrating how seagrass restoration and recovery can be integrated into decision-making processes. Particular emphasis is placed on identifying key barriers and opportunities, strengthening monitoring and assessment frameworks, and ensuring that the guidance is practical, relevant and responsive to regional needs.

The workshop also explores the links between seagrass ecosystems, ecosystem services, and emerging economic opportunities. Through technical presentations and facilitated discussions, participants will assess current knowledge, global trends, limitations, and potential next steps to inform future restoration initiatives and support sustainable, evidence-based decision-making across the Wider Caribbean Region.