Shaping regional marine protected area governance in Africa

Seeing conservation in practice

SENEGAL: Standing at the edge of the Somone lagoon in Senegal, participants of the regional Marine Protected Areas (MPA) training witnessed first-hand what effective conservation looks like in practice.

The view of thriving mangroves, rich birdlife, and a delicate balance between community livelihoods and ecosystem protection helped to ground delegates in the realities of governance, demonstrating how inclusive management systems can transform MPAs into living, productive systems rather than static conservation zones.

This experience formed part of the three-day regional training workshop held in Dakar, which convened experts from Member States of the Sub-Regional Fisheries Commission (SRFC), alongside partners including the African Union (AU-IBAR), FAO, and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida).

The training focused on strengthening regional capacity to implement and govern MPAs, positioning them as strategic tools for sustainable fisheries, biodiversity conservation, and the development of the blue economy.

A strategic imperative for Africa

Across Africa, marine ecosystems are under increasing pressure from overfishing, climate change, and environmental degradation. MPAs have emerged as a critical response, protecting biodiversity while sustaining fisheries and coastal livelihoods. Their significance aligns directly with continental priorities under the Africa Blue Economy Strategy and global commitments such as the 30×30 target under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

Colonel Momar Sow, Director of Senegal’s Community Marine Protected Areas, underscored this urgency. “Marine protected areas are no longer an option, but an absolute necessity. Creating a protected area is a first step; managing it in an inclusive, effective and sustainable way is far more complex.”

He further emphasised that MPAs must evolve beyond “parks on paper” to become “engines of blue growth,” capable of delivering ecological, economic, and social value.

Governance is key to effectiveness

A central theme of the workshop was governance, recognising that the success of MPAs depends not only on ecological design but on institutional coordination, stakeholder inclusion, and sustainable financing.

In his opening remarks, on behalf of the AU-IBAR Director, Dr Mohamed Seisay highlighted the continental dimension of this challenge.

“Strengthening governance systems for Marine Protected Areas is essential to conserving Africa’s aquatic biodiversity while enabling sustainable use. Through regional collaboration and knowledge exchange, we can ensure that MPAs contribute meaningfully to livelihoods, food security, and resilient ecosystems.”

The workshop emphasised that governance must integrate multiple actors, from governments and regional bodies to local communities and the private sector, ensuring that conservation efforts are both inclusive and adaptive.

Bridging policy, practice, and regional cooperation

Participants engaged in a structured agenda that combined technical sessions, policy dialogue, and practical learning. Key areas of focus included:

◼︎ Sustainable fisheries management within MPAs
◼︎ Conservation of aquatic biodiversity and ecosystem services
◼︎ Governance models and institutional frameworks
◼︎ Community participation and co-management approaches
◼︎ Financing mechanisms for long-term sustainability
◼︎ Regional policy harmonisation and transboundary collaboration

The presence of diverse institutions reinforced the multi-level nature of MPA governance. Representatives from AU-IBAR, FAO, Sida, national governments, and regional organisations contributed to a shared learning environment aimed at bridging policy frameworks with implementation realities.

Similarly, FAO highlighted persistent challenges in planning and financial sustainability, noting that inclusive management requires both coordination and adequate resources.

Towards a coherent regional approach

A recurring message throughout the workshop was that “the sea has no borders.” Marine ecosystems are inherently transboundary, requiring coordinated regional action to ensure effective protection and sustainable use.

Senegal’s ongoing efforts to validate its National Strategy on Marine Protected Areas (2026–2030), including ambitions for high seas and transboundary MPAs, signal a forward-looking approach aligned with continental and global commitments.

“For our African nations, the sea is not just a body of water—it is the lung of our economy, the guarantor of our food systems, and a pillar of our cultural identity,” noted Colonel Sow.

Advancing biodiversity conservation

This regional training directly contributes to AU-IBAR's mandate to promote the sustainable development and utilisation of Africa’s aquatic resources. By strengthening governance systems, enhancing technical capacity, and fostering regional collaboration, the initiative advances efforts to conserve aquatic biodiversity while supporting economic development.

The workshop reaffirmed that MPAs are central to achieving broader objectives of food security, climate resilience, and inclusive growth under Agenda 2063.

As participants concluded the training, the lessons from Somone and Dakar converged into a clear message: the future of Africa’s marine resources depends on how effectively MPAs are governed.

The challenge now lies in translating knowledge into action—strengthening institutions, mobilising resources, and ensuring that MPAs deliver tangible benefits for both people and nature.

PHOTO: Participants in the Marine Protected Areas (MPA) training witnessed first-hand what effective conservation looks like in practice.

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