Recycle OECS, ReMLit, conclude regional initiatives

From March 26 to March 28, 2025, the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission collaborated with the European Union (EU), the Agence Francaise de Developpement (AFD), and the Government of Norway to host close-out meetings in Grenada. An OECS statement shared that the significant gathering marked the end of two innovative environmental initiatives: ReMLit (Building Resilience in the Eastern Caribbean through Reduction in Marine Litter) and Recycle OECS.

The event gathered delegates from several OECS member states, including Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, Montserrat, Saint Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, alongside representatives from the EU, AFD, the Government of Norway, and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). The sessions included both virtual and face-to-face interactions focused on evaluating the outcomes of the projects, sharing insights, and discussing strategies for the sustainable management of waste in the Eastern Caribbean.

Coinciding with the close-out meetings were two globally recognized environmental observances: Global Recycling Day on March 18, which underscores the significance of recycling for the conservation of natural resources, and International Day of Zero Waste on March 30, which promotes sustainable consumption and effective waste management practices. These global themes are at the core missions of both ReMLit and Recycle OECS, aimed at combating plastic pollution, improving waste management, and safeguarding marine ecosystems, says the OECS.

The event provided a platform for representatives from participating nations to present their findings, showcasing the achievements of the ReMLit and Recycle OECS projects in tackling issues related to marine debris and plastic waste while discussing challenges faced and lessons learned. The ReMLit initiative, backed by a grant of 27 million Norwegian Kroner (approximately US$ 3 million) from Norway, was launched in 2019 to combat the escalating problem of marine litter in the region.

Luca Trinchieri, Team Leader of the Green Deal at the EU Delegation to Barbados, Eastern Caribbean, and OECS,  stated, “When the program was conceived it was the first major initiative by the European Union in the region on waste.”

She went on to note the extensive impact of the initiatives, via UNEP and Europen Union agency GlZ.

“We applaud and recognise the development of the OECS model that provides the framework for and guidance for future efforts in the waste sector,” Trinchieri added.

Counsellor at the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Havana, Susanne Gjønnes, emphasized Norway’s dedication to promoting environmental resilience, asserting that, “Since 2019 Norway has worked together with the OECS to strengthen efforts against marine litter and water waste management.”

On the other hand, Recycle OECS focuses on more than just recycling; it aims to develop a viable model for waste separation, collection, and recycling, while also educating stakeholders about the environmental and health implications of plastic pollution.

Grenada’s Permanent Secretary Ministry of Climate Resilience, the Environment and Renewable Energy, Peron Johnson, stressed the regional impact of the project, explaining, “This OECS Model is built on five fundamental pillars in showing financial sustainability and strong governance. Through each demonstration in Dominica and Grenada, we have seen first-hand the positive impact of structured waste separation, collection, and recycling efforts. These initiatives not only reduce environmental pollution but also contribute to the shift in behavioral change and policy improvement for long-term sustainability.”

With the conclusion of ReMLit and Recycle OECS, the OECS Commission stated that it remains committed to championing sustainable waste management practices, supporting the Blue Economy, and enhancing regional collaboration in efforts to minimize marine pollution.

“This was an excellent example of pooling limited resources across projects and sources towards a unified capacity at the commission and synergistic implementation in and by our member states,” stated Head of The Environmental Sustainability Division, OECS Commission, Chamberlain Emmanuel.