DECISION XI

Data and Information Management

1. Promotion of Knowledge Sharing
   The Secretariat and Regional Activity Centres (RACs) are requested to enhance efforts to facilitate the sharing of best practices, lessons learned, guidelines, manuals, and other knowledge management resources in the three working languages of the Convention. This initiative aims to strengthen science-based decision-making and harmonize monitoring efforts across the region.
2. Capacity Building for Data Management
   The Secretariat, in collaboration with regional and international partners as appropriate, is encouraged to support efforts that bolster national and regional capacity for data and information management. This includes activities focused on monitoring coastal and marine resources within the Wider Caribbean Region.

RECOMMENDATION V

Knowledge Management, Data, and Information Management

1. Strengthening Synergies and Sustainability
   The Secretariat should continue fostering synergies among various projects, including GEF IWEco, GEF CReW+, GEF LAC Cities, and PROMAR. These efforts should support the ongoing development of the regional data and information management platform. To ensure the platform's long-term sustainability, the Secretariat is encouraged to organize training courses and capacity-building activities for stakeholders.

• Goal: To create a robust network for data collection on marine litter and plastic pollution.
• Action: Engage in individual discussions to identify data needs and sources.

Goal: Develop an online platform that serves as a central hub for information on marine litter.

Features:

• Geospatial data
• Dashboards for data visualization
• Access to relevant documents and resources
• Updates on events and news related to marine pollution

The initial phase includes analyzing and inventorying existing programs to identify synergies, followed by consultations with countries and regional agencies to define essential data types, thereby creating a technical blueprint for the monitoring platform. Next, a framework paper will contextualize the platform within relevant standards and frameworks.

The project then moves to the development and launch of an online platform, scheduled from September 2024 to March 2025, enabling marine litter monitoring. Capacity building follows, with a workshop planned for the end of 2026 to train local partners on platform usage and tools, facilitating ownership transfer. Throughout, project administration will monitor progress, while IT maintenance will ensure data security and platform reliability. This comprehensive approach aims to ensure effective regional adoption and sustained impact.