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Biodiversity specialists in Africa have ramped up efforts to rollout strategies and frameworks aimed at unlocking the continent’s untapped potential in aquatic ecosystems and bolstering the blue economy to aid long-term economic growth and food stability.

Through the African Union’s InterAfrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) and its aquatic biodiversity conservation project they have lined up five key strategic objectives intended to strengthen the policy environment, regulatory frameworks, and institutional capacities of African Union member states (AU-MSs) and Regional Economic Communities (RECs).

The above initiatives are geared towards the sustainable use and conservation of aquatic biodiversity and ecosystems, with the view to salvage and shield the ecosystem from exploitation and ultimate depletion.

Addressing the third Project Technical Committee (PTC) meeting in Mombasa, where stakeholders gathered to review the project’s progress and plan for its future interventions, the Director of the African Union – Interafrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) Dr Huyam Ahmed Mohammed Elamin Salih said currently the key focus is on the significant progress made in Marine Spatial Planning (MSP), the establishment of Marine Protected Areas, and enhancing Monitoring, Control, and Surveillance systems.

Impact of mining
She said the project has also worked to address the negative impacts of mining, coastal development, and marine tourism, while also developing strategies to tackle plastic pollution.

She noted that the initiative is in its final year of implementation, with an additional 14-month extension granted by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), starting October 15, 2024.

This extension reflects the commitment of the project’s technical committee and SIDA to supporting Africa’s aquatic ecosystems. She further emphasized the impressive milestones achieved so far, which include raising awareness, strengthening institutional capacities, and advancing transboundary processes for the management of aquatic biodiversity, particularly fisheries resources.

“These accomplishments have been possible due to the willingness and unique collaborative approach of partners working in the same aquatic space,” Dr Salih stated.

Climate change
AU-IBAR’s Gender Policy Strategy expert, Stephanie Achieng pointed out that gender inclusivity could be a game-changer in unlocking the Blue Economy’s potential.

Empowering and involving women, youth, and other vulnerable groups at every stage of the process is critical. “Women, in particular, hold invaluable indigenous knowledge of aquatic environments, often working on farms and interacting closely with nature. Their involvement can significantly contribute to unlocking the sector’s full potential,” she said.

For too long, Achieng explained, women have been sidelined in environmental conservation efforts. “Their voices have not been heard, and they often lack the confidence, leadership, and training to participate effectively,” she said.

Capacity-building initiatives are essential to empower women in restoration projects such as mangrove planting and coral restoration, both vital to protecting ecosystems.

She said Africa’s aquatic ecosystems continue to face numerous challenges such as climate change, habitat loss, and pollution are growing threats. Achieng reckoned overfishing, particularly by industrial fleets, is depleting resources that millions depend on for food and employment.

“These challenges require collective action and strong policy implementation to ensure sustainable management of Africa’s aquatic resources.”

While acknowledging the vast potential of this emerging sector, Achieng emphasized the importance of regulatory measures to conserve aquatic biodiversity.

She said there is a need for increased awareness, political will, and broad participation in global forums to realize this potential fully.

She also stressed the importance of understanding and utilizing regional and global instruments, developing incentive programs, and implementing robust regulatory frameworks to rehabilitate degraded aquatic habitats and restore depleted species.

Environmental monitoring programs, she noted, will also be essential for tracking progress and ensuring sustainability.

A recent report on the progress of conserving aquatic biodiversity within the context of African Blue Economy Strategy (ABES) highlights Africa’s vast and productive marine ecosystems, including the seven African Large Marine Ecosystems (LMEs): Agulhas Current, Benguela Current, Guinea Current, Canary Current, Mediterranean Sea, Red Sea, and Somali Current.

Additionally, Africa is home to extensive networks of rivers and lakes, which support a rich diversity of life and provide livelihoods, food security, and economic opportunities.

However, the report warns that unsustainable exploitation of these resources is threatening biodiversity and undermining environmental sustainability.