Eight African nations, Angola, Benin, Cameroon, Republic of Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, Liberia and Nigeria, have committed to sustainable management of 100% of the ocean areas under their national jurisdiction by 2030, under the Yaoundé Declaration.
The commitment, which was made at the International Conference on the Blue Economy in the Gulf of Guinea, held in Yaoundé, Cameroon, sees the eight countries commit to developing and implementing Sustainable Ocean Plans (SOPs) that will facilitate the sustainable use, protection, and restoration of marine and coastal ecosystems, as well as tackling illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.
‘Sustainable, inclusive blue economy’
Welcoming the commitment, Wanjira Mathai, director of World Resources Institute (WRI) Africa, said that it represents a “powerful signal of regional leadership, showing that countries across the Gulf of Guinea are not just willing, but determined to build a sustainable, inclusive blue economy together.
“With the Our Ocean Conference coming to Kenya next year, this commitment sets the tone for African leadership on the global stage. Transboundary cooperation like this also helps shift African wisdom, solutions and priorities to the forefront, steering ambitious, homegrown answers to ocean challenges.”
‘Under siege’
Elsewhere, Cynthia Barzuna, deputy director of the WRI’s Ocean Program, said that the Gulf of Guinea is one of the world’s “richest marine ecosystems”, and a lifeline for millions that rely on it. However the region is “under siege” from climate change, pollution, and overfishing, a situation that is being addressed by the new SOPs.
“This commitment positions the Gulf of Guinea as a driving force in a global wave for ocean sustainability,” she said. “It directly aligns with the goal of Ocean Panel, a coalition of 18 countries working towards 100% sustainable management of national waters.
“The Panel pioneered the concept of Sustainable Ocean Plans and, through the 100% Alliance, is urging all coastal and ocean states to follow suit.” Read more here.
