Engagement addresses governance issues for MPAs
Stakeholders consult to conserve aquatic biodiversity
GABON: Maritime stakeholders gathered to discuss the development of a roadmap to establish clear guidelines for the sustainable governance of Gabon’s Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) last week in a consultative meeting hosted by AU-IBAR and the Regional Fisheries Committee for the Gulf of Guinea (COREP).
This event forms part of AU-IBAR's "Conserving Aquatic Biodiversity in the African Blue Economy" project funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), and follows three previous regional gatherings held in Kinshasa (May 2024), Brazzaville (July 2024) and Pointe-Noire (October 2024).
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.
Opening the meeting in Gabon, Philippe Ouedraogo, speaking on behalf of AU-IBAR Director Dr Huyam Salih, emphasised 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 explaining that the outcomes would be replicated across COREP Member States to enhance regional aquatic resource governance.
The Executive Secretary of COREP, 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?”
Gabon, like many coastal nations, is being encouraged to maximise 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, emphasises improving governance structures and utilising shared inland waters to support sustainable development in the blue economy.
A commitment to Africa’s 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 prioritising national MPA governance as a precursor to regional transboundary frameworks.
“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.”
Acknowledging Gabon’s existing MPAs, Ouedraogo acknowledged noted the need for strengthening governance frameworks.
“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,” he said.
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.
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.
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