In a remarkable stride towards enhancing knowledge exchange, an esteemed team from two African Union Centres of Excellence in Fisheries & Aquaculture embarked on an illuminating learning visit to AU-IBAR). Dr. Noble Kwame Asare and Prof. John Blay from the University of Cape Coast's Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences (DFAS), and the African Centre of Excellence in Coastal Resilience (ACECoR); respectively undertook a one-month learning visit to AU-IBAR from 15th July 2023 to 11th August 2023. The visit marked a significant step forward in building their capacity in international project administration, policy formulation and other relevant areas whilst contributing to the goals of AU-IBAR. The scholars from the University of Cape Coast had the privilege of engaging with AU-IBAR's seasoned experts, whose in-depth knowledge and vast experience offered invaluable insights on issues surrounding AU-IBAR’s Strategic Plan and Monitoring Process; AU Instruments relevant to fisheries, aquaculture and blue economy; and the Preparation for the Specialized Technical Committee and process documentation.
The visiting scholars learned and participated in the preparation of documentation for submission to the Fifth Ordinary Session of the Special Technical Committee (STC) on Agriculture, Rural Development, Water and Environment (ARDWE), as well as the review of policy briefs, information notes guidelines for a Think Tank Executive Council (TTEC) meeting of the African Union Commission. The discussions between the two institutions also revolved around key areas of support being provided by the University of Cape Coast's Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences (DFAS), to AU-IBAR; notably discussions moving forward on the development of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Database (AFADATA), by incorporating feedback on the enhancement of the database from the regional trainings on AFADATA previously held in Senegal, Madgascar and Cairo. ACECoR and AU-IBAR also agreed to collaborate closely in the upcoming blue economy conference and proposed Ocean Institute, and to develop an MoU with the Department of Zoological Sciences, Kenyatta University on a number of areas for mutual benefit. In addition to familiarising themselves with fisheries and aquaculture programme at AU-IBAR, the two scholars familiarised themselves with AU-IBAR’s other work on innovative livestock practices, disease control, and the intricate balance between environmental conservation and livestock-based economies.
A close-out meeting was held on 11th August 2023, where the two scholars were presented with certificates of attendance. Speaking during the close-out meeting held between the AU-IBAR and the scholars from the University of Cape Coast, AU-IBAR’s Director, Dr. Huyam Salih noted that the learning exchange between AU-IBAR and the Centers of Excellence in Fisheries and Aquaculture offered significant benefits to both entities. She highlighted that such a collaborative initiative fosters a synergistic relationship that enhances their respective missions and contributes to the sustainable development of the African continent. She noted that such synergies lay the foundation for a future characterized by shared projects, joint research, and the development of innovative solutions to the challenges facing the continent.
Dr. Noble Kwame Asare noted that the learning visit was not just confined to the exchange of technical knowledge; it also served as an opportunity to build relationships, foster goodwill, and strengthen ties between the Centre of Excellence and the African Union. He noted that this newfound camaraderie sets the stage for future collaborations on a regional scale, leveraging each other's strengths to address the pressing challenges of fisheries management and sustainable development and resource management as a whole.
In addition, Prof Blay noted that as they return to Ghana from this enriching journey, they will take back with them not only a wealth of knowledge but also a renewed sense of purpose. He observed that lessons learned, the collaborative potential unlocked during this visit have ignited a spark that will illuminate the shared path towards a more sustainable, prosperous, and harmonious Africa.
Dr. Seisay, Senior Fisheries Officer at AU-IBAR noted that the visit exemplifies the incredible strides that can be made when experts come together, share their knowledge, and commit to a future of collaborative excellence. He implored that this should be just the beginning of a promising alliance that holds the potential to reshape the landscape of resource management, fisheries and aquaculture management and sustainable development across the African continent through such visits. He particularly noted that the upcoming collaboration on the blue economy conference is an example of such collaborations between AU-IBAR and the Centres of Excellence.
Photos: Dr Noble Kwame Asare (in top photo) & Prof John Blay (above) being presented with certificates of attendance by AU-IBAR's Director, Dr. Huyam Salih.
In conclusion, the learning visit to AU-IBAR was a resounding success, leaving an indelible mark on the journey of both institutions. The visit was a testament to the power of collaboration, where both institutions realized the immense potential of pooling their resources and expertise. The Centre of Excellence, renowned for its ground-breaking research in fisheries management and ecosystem preservation, found common ground with AU-IBAR's initiatives. Moreover, the learning visit facilitated cross-fertilization of ideas, enabling the Centre of Excellence staff to incorporate the livestock sector's valuable lessons into their fisheries management approach and vice versa. This interdisciplinary exchange not only broadened perspectives but also paved the way for holistic solutions that in animal resources development that both institutions are collectively striving to achieve.
The FishGov 2 Project, with funding from the European Union, a follow-up initiative to the original FishGov Project, aims to enhance governance and management of fisheries and aquaculture in African countries. As part of this project, The African Union Centers of Excellence in Fisheries and Aquaculture were established to play a crucial role in advancing the project's objectives. These Centers of Excellence serve as focal points for capacity building, research, knowledge dissemination, and policy support within the fisheries and aquaculture sector.
