FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire – May 17, 2024 – The African Union-InterAfrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) in collaboration with the Ministry of Animal and Fisheries Resources of Côte d'Ivoire will hold a workshop from May 22-24, 2024, in Abidjan. The workshop aims to improve understanding of AU-IBAR's gender mainstreaming strategy, identify national priorities for gender integration, establish mechanisms for gender mainstreaming in conservation initiatives, and formulate a national gender strategy for aquatic biodiversity conservation and environment for Cote d’Ivoire. The Ministry of Animal and Fisheries Resources is hosting this event involving representatives from various ministries, departments, and agencies related to Blue Economy, Fisheries, Aquaculture, Gender, Environment, and Climate Change.

Background
This initiative is being implemented under the 'Conserving Aquatic Biodiversity and Ecosystems in the context of the Africa Blue Economy Project, that is funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA). The Project focuses on supporting African Union Member States (AU-MS) in incorporating gender perspectives into aquatic biodiversity conservation. 

A comprehensive study identifying key issues and actions for enhancing women's roles in the conservation of aquatic biodiversity and environmental management was validated by AU stakeholders in December 2022. AU-IBAR facilitated the development of a Continental Strategy for Gender Mainstreaming in Aquatic Biodiversity and Environmental Management in Africa, with Malawi and Ethiopia developing national strategies for gender mainstreaming in these areas. As one of the three selected countries to receive targeted support on gender mainstreaming, Côte d'Ivoire is receiving targeted support under this initiative.

Rationale
Côte d'Ivoire, located on the western edge of the Gulf of Guinea, has rich aquatic ecosystems crucial for livelihoods, food security, and job opportunities. The fisheries sector, although contributing a modest 0.8% to the agricultural GDP, supports over 400,000 people, mainly through artisanal fishing. These ecosystems face threats such as pollution, increased dam construction, and overexploitation of mangroves. Recognizing these challenges, the national consultative workshop aims to bolster Côte d'Ivoire's efforts in environmental management and gender inclusivity, aligned with both the Abidjan Convention and national biodiversity strategies.

Methodology
The workshop will include presentations on vital strategies and policies such as the Policy Framework and Reform Strategy for fisheries and aquaculture in Africa (PFRS) and the African Blue Economy Strategy (ABES). Discussions will be facilitated by a national consultant who will review existing policies, and participants will collaborate in focus groups and plenaries to develop the national strategy.

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About AU-IBAR
AU-IBAR is a technical office within the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment, aims to support African Union member states in harnessing animal resources for human well-being and economic development. The 'Conserving Aquatic Biodiversity and Ecosystems in the context of the Africa Blue Economy Project', funded by SIDA, focuses on four strategic objectives: aligning international instruments related to blue economy themes, optimizing conservation and sustainable biodiversity, mitigating negative impacts of tourism, oil, gas, and climate change, and strengthening gender inclusivity in aquatic biodiversity conservation. The initiative to develop the continental and national gender strategies for aquatic biodiversity conservation and environment falls under the framework of the fourth pillar - Strengthening gender inclusivity in aquatic biodiversity conservation and environmental management.

AU-IBAR 
Ms. Stephanie Achieng
Gender Policy and Strategy Expert - Aquatic Biodiversity Conservation Project
African Union InterAfrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR)
stephanie.achieng@au-ibar.org; and 
ibar.office@au-ibar.org

www.au-ibar.org
Access Continental Gender Strategy for Aquatic Biodiversity Conservation and Environment: repository.au-ibar.org/handle/123456789/1534