Climate and sustainability specialist Professor Donovan Campbell of The University of the West Indies (The UWI) played a leading role in the United Nations’ Third World Ocean Assessment (WOA III), a landmark report that provides a comprehensive evaluation of the world’s oceans.
The assessment, launched on World Oceans Day, June 8, 2026, is the only global review that examines the marine environment as an interconnected system, as per a university press release. The press release noted that more than 580 scientists and experts from 86 countries contributed to the report, which is designed to provide governments, policymakers, and international organizations with scientific evidence to guide decisions on marine and coastal issues. Professor Campbell was among 25 experts selected to provide leadership, scientific oversight and strategic direction throughout the assessment process.
“It was a tremendous honour to help steer a process of such global importance,” Professor Campbell said. “What sets WOA III apart is that it treats the ocean as a single connected system, weighing its environmental health alongside the economies and societies that depend on it. That is the only way to see clearly what is at stake and what must be done.”
According to the release, the report identifies several growing threats to the world’s oceans, including rising ocean temperatures, degradation of marine ecosystems, shifts in fisheries, sea-level rise and increasing pressures on coastal communities. It also highlights the importance of science-based policymaking, ecosystem conservation, sustainable resource management and enhanced international cooperation.
The findings are particularly relevant to Jamaica and the wider Caribbean, where tourism, fisheries, maritime transportation, coastal development and emerging blue economy industries rely heavily on healthy marine ecosystems. The UWI further noted that Caribbean countries remain especially vulnerable to climate-related ocean impacts, including coral reef degradation, coastal erosion, stronger tropical cyclones and rising sea levels.
“The Caribbean has a profound stake in the future of the ocean,” Professor Campbell noted. “For Jamaica and other Small Island Developing States, ocean sustainability is an economic, social, and developmental imperative. The assessment reinforces the need for evidence-based policy, stronger ocean governance, sustainable ocean planning, and sustained investment in resilience, conservation, and sustainable ocean industries.”
Reportedly, WOA III is expected to serve as a key reference for policymakers, researchers, development agencies and international organizations as countries pursue the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals over the coming decade.
Professor Campbell, a Professor of Geography at The UWI Mona Campus and Director of the Western Jamaica Campus, is recognized for his work in climate action, sustainability and social equity.
His participation in WOA III, the university noted, underscores The UWI’s continued contribution to global scientific and policy initiatives focused on climate change, ocean sustainability and sustainable development.
