Nassau, The Bahamas | October 2026 – The Association of Caribbean States (ACS) brought a regional perspective to the Diplomatic Week 2026 organised by the Government of The Bahamas from 18 to 23 October under the theme “Orange, Blue and Green Economies: New Frontiers for Trade and Economic Development.”

Speaking at the panel “Charting the Blue Horizon,” ACS Secretary-General H.E. Noemí Espinoza Madrid presented initiatives in sustainable multi-destination tourism, sargassum management and coastal ecosystem restoration, inviting governments, businesses and international partners to support projects that connect markets, strengthen regional capabilities and generate lasting benefits for Caribbean communities.

“The success of the blue economy cannot be measured solely by the amount of capital we mobilize. It must also be measured by its ability to protect ecosystems, improve people's well-being, and ensure that future generations can continue to live from the sea and alongside it,” the Secretary-General stated.

Investment opportunities for the Greater Caribbean

Building on the ACS Strategic Plan Greater Caribbean 2035, the Secretary-General presented three regional initiatives offering concrete opportunities for investment and cooperation:

• Sustainable multi-destination tourism linked to cultural heritage. The ACS is advancing a regional framework to connect tourism experiences, strengthen air and maritime connectivity, and create opportunities for local businesses through regional partnerships and investment.
• Sargassum management. Through its Sargassum Subcommission, the ACS is advancing a five-year initiative focused on early warning systems, scientific cooperation, pilot projects and sustainable productive uses of sargassum.
• Coastal ecosystem restoration. The ACS is advancing mangrove and seagrass restoration initiatives to attract climate finance, strengthen coastal resilience and protect biodiversity.

These projects are part of the ACS Futures Initiative 2035.

Building partnerships that deliver for the Greater Caribbean

Addressing private-sector representatives directly, the Secretary-General called for partnerships capable of translating regional initiatives into tangible outcomes.

“We need companies that can contribute technology, investors willing to finance pilot projects, operators who can connect our markets, and partners who can help expand opportunities for local businesses,” she said.

She also recognised The Bahamas' experience in developing ocean-related financial instruments as a valuable reference for exploring new approaches to financing sustainable development.

A stronger regional voice for the Caribbean Sea

Beyond investment, the ACS emphasised that the Greater Caribbean must lead decisions shaping its shared sea, while the international community must share responsibility for its protection.

The Secretary-General reiterated the ACS' advocacy at the United Nations for the recognition of the Caribbean Sea as a Special Area in the context of sustainable development, calling for stronger international cooperation and support.

Through its participation, the ACS reaffirmed its commitment to a blue economy that combines economic opportunities, environmental protection and lasting benefits for the peoples of the Greater Caribbean.