Specially Protected Areas and Wildlife (SPAW)

What is the SPAW Protocol?

A regional agreement for the protection and sustainable use of coastal and marine biodiversity in the Wider Caribbean Region.

Our SPAW programme supports countries to implement their national obligations under the SPAW Protocol.

The SPAW Protocol text can be accessed here.

What are SPAW’s areas of focus? 

How can SPAW support my marine biodiversity work in the Caribbean?

  • Improve management of protected areas
  • Conserve threatened and endangered species
  • Assist with other regional and global biodiversity agreements and commitments 

What are the recent achievements of our SPAW Programme?

SPAW Protocol ratification

Last updated: May 2021

What are the benefits to my Government by becoming a party to (ratifying)* the SPAW Protocol?

  • Increased recognition and awareness of national marine protected areas
  • New employment and income generating opportunities
  • Access to Small Grants and other sources of financing 

*Ratification is the process when Governments formally sign on to a regional or international agreement and commit to various national obligations.  

How can my country ratify the SPAW Protocol? 

How to ratify our conventions and protocols.

The national focal point in each country should:  

  1. Consult with other government and non-governmental organizations about the importance of ratification.
  2. Prepare justification letter for ratification. Countries may utilize the submission templates here - EN | ES | FR.
  3. Obtain cabinet /parliament approval for ratification.
  4. Submit instruments of ratification to: Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Colombia. 

SPAW Projects and Initiatives