11th Coastal and Marine Regional Forum in Guinea-Bissau: A key meeting for the conservation of marine resources in Africa
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The President of the Naforé Association participated in the 11th edition of the coastal and marine regional forum, a key meeting for the conservation of marine resources in Africa, which took place from April 23 to 26, 2024, in Guinea-Bissau, with its capital Bissau serving as the nerve center for marine resource conservation in West Africa. Organized by the Regional Partnership for the Conservation of the Coastal and Marine Zone in West Africa (PRCM), this international event brought together experts, decision-makers, NGO representatives, and donors to discuss the challenges and opportunities related to the conservation of coastal ecosystems. The coastal and marine regional forum is an essential opportunity to strengthen collaboration and cooperation for the preservation of coastal and marine ecosystems.
Under the theme ‘Conservation, Resilience, and Sustainable Development in the Face of Global Changes’, the Forum highlighted the importance of mobilizing stakeholders and partnerships to strengthen the resilience, conservation, and sustainable development of the coastal and marine areas. This meeting allowed for the exchange of ideas, collaboration, and concerted action to preserve marine and coastal resources in West Africa.
The opening ceremony was presided over by the President of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau, Umaro Embalo Sissoco, thus demonstrating the high-level commitment of the state to the preservation of marine ecosystems. The Ministry of Environment, Biodiversity, and Climate Action of Guinea-Bissau played a key role in organizing this event.
The Forum brought together nearly 400 participants, including experts, decision-makers, representatives from NGOs, research institutes, civil society members, and donors. Over the course of these few days, participants had the opportunity to engage in conferences, technical workshops, exhibitions showcasing the latest advancements in coastal conservation, as well as excursions to discover the specifics of the coastal area of Guinea-Bissau.
At the end of the event, strategic recommendations were recorded in the Bissau Declaration. This declaration will serve as a roadmap to guide future actions and will testify to the commitment of the participants to the protection of the West African coastline, its resources, and its biodiversity.
Let us recall that the Regional Partnership for the Conservation of the Coastal and Marine Zone in West Africa (PRCM) is a platform that brings together about 90 partners committed to the preservation of the sea and the coastline. It covers seven West African countries (Cape Verde, Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Guinea-Conakry, Mauritania, Senegal, and Sierra Leone) and aims to coordinate interventions, advocate for conservation, and mobilize technical and financial resources to support the integrated management of the coastal zone.
