Science Diplomacy: Strategic Initiative to Create a Buffer Zone in the Caribbean Colombian Marine Protected Area Seaflower

Abstract

It recognized the science diplomacy as a path to address national and common interest related to marine spaces declared as human heritage areas. Science diplomacy is an instrument that allows scientific cooperation between states and international organizations, and stakeholders interested in to obtain scientific evidence to the decision-making process at the political level in all senses. The Specially Protected Areas And Wildlife to the Convention for the Protection and Development of the Marine Environment of the Wider Caribbean Region (SPAW) Protocol is the main instrument to evaluate the possible course of action that allows us to propose the implementation of this initiative. To do so, it is necessary to consider aspects as sovereignty and maritime jurisdiction of state parties and non-state parties. Besides, are considered threats related to maritime transport. It analyzed the geographical conditions and the managerial institutions and stakeholders that participate in the management. Also, the uses of this strategic marine space within the Colombian Caribbean Sea are reviewed. The aim is to address the possibility to create a buffer zone in the boundary of the Marine Protected Area (MPA) Seaflower considering the borders of the Seaflower biosphere reserve.