November 12-14, 2024, Libreville, Gabon
AU-IBAR and the Regional Fisheries Committee for the Gulf of Guinea (COREP) recently held a consultative meeting with national stakeholders in Gabon. This gathering, part of AU-IBAR's "Conserving Aquatic Biodiversity in the African Blue Economy" project funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), aimed to establish a clear roadmap and guidelines for the sustainable governance of Gabon’s Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).
Setting the Vision for Gabon’s Marine Conservation
Opening the meeting, Mr. Philippe Ouedraogo, speaking on behalf of AU-IBAR Director Dr. Huyam Salih, emphasized the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration for effective biodiversity and aquatic ecosystem management. "Managing biodiversity is inherently complex, requiring a broad spectrum of stakeholders," he stated. "Your participation in this workshop on MPA governance processes will be essential, as the outcomes here are expected to be replicated across COREP Member States to enhance regional aquatic resource governance."
The Executive Secretary of COREP, Mr. Emmanuel Sabuni highlighted the workshop’s mission to strengthen governance frameworks for MPAs in Gabon. "We are here to answer a critical question: How can we bolster Gabon’s MPA governance, integrating best practices in aquatic biodiversity conservation and environmental protection?" he noted.
Building on a Regional Legacy
This consultative meeting in Libreville follows three previous regional gatherings across the Congo Basin aimed at harmonizing conservation practices and improving governance:
1. Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo (May 14-15, 2024) - Experts discussed joint management plans and protocols for shared marine ecosystems.
2. Brazzaville, Republic of Congo (July 23-24, 2024) - Representatives developed a roadmap for establishing a transboundary MPA (TMPA) between the Republic of Congo and Gabon.
3. Pointe-Noire, Republic of Congo (October 21-23, 2024) - Representatives from COREP’s seven coastal Member States participated in a training on Monitoring, Control, and Surveillance (MCS) for sustainable fishing practices.
These regional workshops have collectively strengthened the foundation for MPAs across West, Central, and North Africa, fostering transboundary cooperation and establishing governance mechanisms for shared ecosystems.
Workshop Goals and Regional Commitments to the Blue Economy
This workshop marks a significant step toward the African Union's Blue Economy Strategy. AU-IBAR, through initiatives like this, is helping African Union Member States and Regional Economic Communities, such as COREP and the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), to advance transboundary aquatic resource management in alignment with AU Agenda 2063. By fostering sustainable blue economies, these efforts aim to boost coastal economies and ensure environmental resilience across the continent.
The workshop also aligns with the findings of an AU-IBAR commissioned study on existing MPAs in West, Central, and North Africa. The study recommended prioritizing national MPA governance as a precursor to regional transboundary frameworks. Mr. Ouedraogo acknowledged Gabon’s existing MPAs, stating, “The Republic of Gabon has several MPAs that require strengthened governance frameworks. This workshop will help clarify the essential steps needed to achieve a vision of improved national aquatic resource management.”
Maximizing the Potential of Gabon’s Marine Ecosystems
Gabon, like many coastal nations, is encouraged to maximize the economic potential of its marine territories by developing a sustainable, prosperous, and environmentally respectful blue economy. The First ECCAS Maritime Conference (COMAR 1) highlighted priorities, including sustainable fisheries, aquaculture, and conservation of marine and freshwater ecosystems. COREP, aligned with these goals, emphasizes improving governance structures and utilizing shared inland waters to support sustainable development in the blue economy.
Participants included representatives from Gabon’s Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries; AU-IBAR and COREP officials; ECCAS representatives; and various other blue economy stakeholders. These diverse voices from Gabon’s government ministries, departments, and agencies underscore the importance of a unified national approach to sustainable marine governance.
Moving Forward: Sustainable Blue Economy for Future Generations
As the Convention on Biological Diversity advocates for MPAs covering 10% of the ocean’s surface, Gabon’s commitment to these governance structures reflects a broader goal: securing livelihoods and ensuring environmental sustainability for future generations. The outcomes of this workshop will shape policy and operational guidelines that will, over time, strengthen MPA governance not only in Gabon but across all COREP Member States. In addition, the meeting contributes to realizing the African Union's vision for a sustainable Blue Economy, contributing to both regional cohesion and Gabon’s national efforts to sustainably manage and protect its valuable marine ecosystems.
