A delegation from St Helena recently returned from the Blue Belt Symposium 2024, held in London from February 26 to February 28. The event brought together partners and delegates from various UK Overseas Territories (OTs) to discuss ocean health protection.
Representing St Helena were Marine and Fisheries Conservation Officer Kirsty Jones, Marine Enforcement Officer Kelly Jonas, and Blue Belt Regional Coordinator Elizabeth Clingham. They attended and presented at the symposium under the theme "The Blue Belt Journey: Celebrating the Past, Charting the Future." The aim was to connect UK OTs and partners to share insights on enhancing global ocean health.
St Helena, a founding member of the Blue Belt initiative, played a significant role in discussions throughout the symposium. Elizabeth Clingham led a presentation titled "Highlighting and celebrating key Blue Belt programme outcomes to date on St Helena," covering fisheries science, marine tourism, enforcement functions of SHG, infrastructure improvements, and human capacity building.
Kirsty Jones delivered another presentation focusing on the social, cultural, and economic impacts of St Helena’s Marine Protected Area (MPA). She highlighted how a healthy marine environment contributes to local community life quality. Her presentation included videos from the 2023 Marine Awareness Week.
Elizabeth Clingham also facilitated networking sessions for better cross-OT collaboration and sustainable MPA financing. Additionally, work conducted in St Helena was showcased by organizations like CEFAS, MMO, and Plymouth University.
Reflecting on the symposium's impact for St Helena's conservation efforts, Elizabeth Clingham stated: “The symposium was a wonderful opportunity for St Helena to reflect... These will help to ensure the islands can support each other based on each other’s strengths and weaknesses.”
Kelly Jonas shared her positive experience: “This symposium was a brilliant experience that gave myself... I have had the pleasure of working with these colleagues closely over the past three years.”
Following her participation in technical discussions during the event's three days—featuring around 60 presentations—Elizabeth Clingham joined evening networking events at Fishmongers Hall and King Charles Street. She noted Foreign Secretary Lord David Cameron praised OT achievements in his address.
Afterward, Elizabeth participated in Global Oceans Wildlife Analysis Network activities and has been appointed chair of this network. More details are available online through government publications.
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