News

San Andrés, Colombia – October 30, 2025.

The Association of Caribbean States (ACS) participated in the launch of the Japan–Colombia–Caribbean Triangular Cooperation Project for Coral Restoration and Disaster Risk Management (DRM), an initiative aimed at protecting the marine ecosystems of the San Andrés Archipelago and strengthening the capacity of coastal communities to face the impacts of climate change.

The ACS was represented by Ms. Elisabet Torres, Adviser for Cooperation and Resource Mobilization, who emphasized that coral reefs, in addition to being vital for the biodiversity of the Greater Caribbean, act as natural barriers that mitigate the impact of hurricanes and storms. She warned of the progressive deterioration of these ecosystems caused by climate change, pollution, and unsustainable practices, and stressed that their restoration is essential to protect both coastal populations and regional infrastructure.

“For the ACS, it is an honor to join these joint efforts in pursuit of a common goal: strengthening disaster resilience through the restoration and conservation of our marine ecosystems, in order to ensure the well-being of coastal communities,” she stated.

The project—led by UNGRD, JICA-Colombia, and APC-Colombia, with the support of entities such as Coralina and National Natural Parks of Colombia—includes the installation of marine nurseries, ecological restoration of degraded areas, and the development of local capacities in environmental management, with the active participation of fishers and community leaders.

Torres also highlighted that this initiative aligns with the ACS mandate on sustainability, protection of the Caribbean Sea, and disaster risk reduction, reinforcing the ongoing efforts of the Caribbean Sea Commission, the Sargassum Sub-Commission, and the Special Committee on Disaster Risk Reduction.

“Together, we are laying the foundations of shared resilience that protects our communities, our environment, and our Caribbean Sea — a common heritage and collective responsibility,” she concluded.