About
The African Union's agenda 2063 identifies the blue economy as "Africa's Future," emphasizing its role in socioeconomic transformation. The Gulf of Guinea and the waters off Tanzania are crucial marine regions for biodiversity and livelihoods, with the concept of the blue economy holding immense potential for Africa.
However, some African countries have not fully utilized the potential of the blue economy due to the triple planetary crises of climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, illegal fishing practices, and rising maritime insecurity.
The Conference aims to address these challenges and chart a sustainable path forward for harnessing the full potential of the blue economy in Africa. It will provide a platform for stakeholders to collaborate on innovative solutions to maximize the benefits of marine and coastal resources, reduce ocean conflicts, and enhance maritime security. The conference will also identify strategies to combat marine pollution and promote sustainable livelihoods along the fisheries value chain.
By addressing these challenges holistically, the conference will contribute to building resilient economies and communities that can thrive in harmony with the marine environment. The University of Cape Coast, through the Centre for Coastal Management - Africa Centre of Excellence in Coastal Resilience (ACECoR), will work with key stakeholders to contribute to food security, employment, and poverty alleviation in the Gulf of Guinea.
The conference will mobilize private and public investments for improved governance, infrastructure, and technical and scientific networking opportunities across the continent, influencing policy to sustainably manage marine and coastal resources.
The conference will feature panel discussions, keynote presentations, and presentation of abstracts (Poster or Oral Presentations).
Conference
Goal
The goal of the conference is to provide a platform to discuss and influence policy actions towards addressing the triple planetary crises in the context of the blue economy in Africa.
Objectives
Engage stakeholders to discuss prospects for maximising the benefits from fisheries and other marine and coastal resources within the context of the blue economy.
Explore options for reducing ocean conflicts, especially around IUU fishing, maritime boundaries dispute, and other exploitation rights.
Identify opportunities to improve security at sea and ports with the emergence of maritime crime.
Provide a platform to discuss and identify solutions to address marine pollution within the African region.
Explore livelihood opportunities along the fisheries value chain and manage expectations within the blue economy sectors.
