Welcome to the Blue-Horizon Summit: Bridging Tides and Traditions, an international convening of marine sociologists, coastal planners, and community advocates. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Montego Bay, Jamaica, from June 14–18, 2026, this summit aims to tackle the human dimension of our changing oceans. As the Caribbean faces unprecedented shifts in coastline stability, we gather not just to analyze the data, but to understand the lived experiences of those whose identities, livelihoods, and heritages are inextricably linked to the sea.
The summit’s core focus revolves around the socio-economic impacts of rising sea levels on island nations. Through a series of interactive workshops and panel discussions, participants will explore the concept of “ocean-identity” and how the physical loss of coastal land translates to a loss of cultural history. We will examine the resilience of Jamaican fishing villages and the adaptive strategies being pioneered by local entrepreneurs. By centering the conversation on people rather than just bathymetry, we aim to develop a “Social Blueprint for Sea-Level Adaptation” that honors local wisdom while leveraging global expertise.
In addition to academic presentations, the 2026 event will feature the “Voices of the Shore” immersive exhibition. This curated space will showcase oral histories from elders across the Greater Antilles, paired with visual documentation of changing shorelines. These narratives serve as a critical reminder that policy decisions regarding coastal retreats or infrastructure fortifications carry profound emotional and psychological weight. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to engage in “sand-side dialogues,” where formal session barriers are broken down in favor of collaborative problem-solving right at the water’s edge.
As we look toward the future, the Blue-Horizon Summit serves as a catalyst for trans-disciplinary policy-making. Our goal is to ensure that by the time the final gavel falls, every attendee leaves with a renewed sense of urgency and a toolkit of social interventions. We invite you to join us in Jamaica to help rewrite the narrative of our relationship with the rising tide—from one of inevitable loss to one of proactive, community-led transformation. Together, we can ensure that the pulse of the Caribbean remains strong, even as the horizon shifts.
Focus: Establishing the connection between cultural heritage and coastal stability.
Focus: How shifts in the ocean affect the marketplace and the dinner table.
Focus: The legal frameworks required to protect citizens during coastal retreat.
Focus: Finalizing the action plan and committing to long-term collaboration.
