Scientific Conference on Advancing the Blue Economy in Africa

May 5-6, 2025

Conference Begins in ...

Provisional Conference Agenda

Conference Registration

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Overview

Draft Concept Note: African Scientific Conference on Advancing the Blue Economy in Africa

  • The conference, organized by IOCAFRICA in collaboration with GOOS-Africa and KMFRI, will be held in Mombasa, Kenya, on May 5-6, 2025.
  • The theme is "Scientific Perspective for Sustainable Blue Economy in Africa," with registration available via a provided link.
  • The conference aims to address challenges hindering the full realization of Africa's blue economy potential.

Background and Context

  • Africa's blue economy faces challenges such as ineffective regulations, overfishing, habitat destruction, marine pollution, and climate change impacts.
  • Insufficient integration of scientific research into policy and practice is a critical barrier, exacerbated by underutilized scientific capacity and limited financial investments.
  • The conference seeks to bridge the gap between science, policy, and practice to foster sustainable and equitable economic models prioritizing environmental conservation.

Objectives

  • Objectives include knowledge sharing, capacity development, and providing evidence-based policy recommendations.
  • Fostering collaboration and networking among stakeholders to strengthen cooperation and enhance investment in the blue economy.
  • Identifying strategies to balance economic development with marine conservation and climate adaptation efforts, ultimately calling for adequate national ocean and coastal policies.

Scope of the Meeting

  • The meeting will focus on science, observations, technology, and innovation for blue economy development.
  • It will also address climate change, ocean health, and sustainable resource management, and governance, policy, regional and international cooperation for the Blue Economy.
  • Discussions will also include emerging opportunities for Africa's Blue Economy.

Expected Outcomes

  • The meeting aims to produce a summary report with key discussions and recommendations for sustainable practices.
  • It also targets practical policy recommendations to inform decision-makers and strengthen regional cooperation.
  • Furthermore, the meeting will identify research priorities, strengthen stakeholder networks, and propose follow-up actions.

Participants

  • The meeting will include scientists, researchers, policymakers, and government officials.
  • Representatives from regional and international organizations will be present.
  • Private sector actors, civil society organizations, and development partners will also participate.

Provisional Agenda

  • Day 1 includes an opening ceremony, keynote panels on African blue economy initiatives, and sessions on international and regional initiatives.
  • Thematic sessions will cover science, technology, and innovation for the blue economy, including in-situ observations and remote sensing.
  • Day 2 will feature sessions on high-performance computing, ocean modeling, climate change, ocean health, resource management, and governance,,.

Day 1: Setting the Stage for a Sustainable Blue Economy

  • Session 1 includes opening remarks from UNESCO, IOCAFRICA/GOOS-AFRICA, and the Ministry of Blue Economy, Mining and Maritime Affairs, Kenya.
  • Session 2 focuses on International and Regional Blue Economy Initiatives, with keynote speakers from the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs of Kenya.
  • Session 3A addresses Science, Technology, and Innovation for Blue Economy, with a keynote from Peter Haugan on global trends in marine governance.

Day 2: Science, Governance, and Strategic Actions

  • Session 3C continues on Science, Technology, and Innovation with a keynote from Prof Abiodun Babatunde on high performance computers and ocean modelling.
  • Session 4 discusses Climate Change, Ocean Health, and Resource Management and Finance in Africa.
  • Session 5 focuses on Governance, Policy, and Regional Cooperation for the Blue Economy.

Provisional Agenda & Meeting Documents

Day 1: Setting the Stage for a Sustainable Blue Economy

  • The opening ceremony includes remarks from UNESCO, IOCAFRICA/GOOS-AFRICA, and the Ministry of Blue Economy, Mining and Maritime Affairs, Kenya.
  • Keynote panel on the historical background and implementation of African initiatives in the Blue Economy.
  • Panel presentations on international and regional Blue Economy Initiatives.
  • Session 3A: Thematic Science, Technology, and Innovation for Blue Economy (Part 1 – In situ observations: Cruises)
  • Keynote presentation on global and regional trends in marine governance and sustainability.
  • Presentations on cruises around Southern Africa, the Mediterranean and Red Seas, the Gulf of Guinea, and Eastern Africa.
  • Session 3B: Thematic Science, Technology, and Innovation for Blue Economy (Part 2 – Remote sensing and space applications)
  • Keynote by Prof Kaudio AFFIAN, Chair IOCAFRICA and GOOS-Africa.
  • Presentations include topics from the African Regional Institute for Geospatial Information Science and Technology and the Regional Centre for Mapping of Resources for Development.

Day 2: Science, Governance, and Strategic Actions

  • Recap of Day 1 by Edwin Mwashinga, Project Officer IOCAFRICA.
  • Session 3C: Science, Technology, and Innovation for Blue Economy C’td. (Part 3 – High Performance Computers and ocean modelling).
  • Session 4: Thematic Climate Change, Ocean Health, and Resource Management and Finance in Africa
  • Keynote by Dr David Obura, CORDIO.
  • Presentations on advancing ocean climate action in Africa and the role of science and innovations in advancing the Blue Economy.
  • Discussion on exploring innovative business models, financing mechanisms, and sustainable investment strategies for ocean conservation.
  • Session 5: Thematic Governance, Policy, and Regional Cooperation for the Blue Economy
  • Keynote from Abidjan Convention, Nairobi Convention, and Bengual Current Convention on strengthening institutional frameworks.
  • Presentations on UNDP Ocean and Coastal Governance Programme and Africa Regional Ocean Governance Framework.

Closing Plenary

  • Summary, way forward, and funding opportunities.
  • Includes remarks from various experts and organizations such as the Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association and the African Academy of Sciences.

Members Participation

The blue economy in Africa faces several key challenges, including:

  1. Ineffective Regulatory Frameworks: There is a lack of enforcement of existing regulations which leads to unsustainable practices such as overfishing and habitat destruction.
  2. Overfishing: Unsustainable fishing practices continue to deplete marine resources, threatening biodiversity and the livelihoods of communities dependent on these resources.
  3. Habitat Destruction: Coastal development and pollution contribute to the degradation of crucial marine and coastal habitats, further impacting biodiversity and ecological health.
  4. Marine Pollution: Increased pollution from land and maritime activities poses significant threats to marine ecosystems and public health.
  5. Uncontrolled Coastal Urbanization: Rapid and unplanned development along coastlines leads to conflicts over resources and environmental degradation.
  6. Climate Change: Rising sea levels, increased coastal erosion, and extreme weather events exacerbate vulnerabilities for marine and coastal dependent communities.
  7. Lack of Integration of Scientific Research into Policy: There is insufficient integration of scientific advancements into policymaking, which hinders effective governance and decision-making.
  8. Inadequate Financial Investments: There is a deficiency of sustained national, regional, and international financial resources for ocean research, education, and conservation efforts.
  9. Limited Regional Collaboration: Existing capacities and expertise in Africa are underutilized due to limited collaboration across regions and institutions, hindering effective management and policy development.

Addressing these challenges is essential for realizing the full potential of the blue economy in Africa, promoting sustainable development, and enhancing food security and economic resilience in coastal communities.

Meeting Venues

Scientific Conference (5–6 May 2025)
📍 Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI)
Silo Road, English Point, Nyali
P.O. Box 81651–80100, Mombasa, Kenya
Tel: +254 41 475 151
Website: www.kmfri.go.ke

8th Session of IOCAFRICA (7–9 May 2025)
📍 PrideInn Paradise Beach Resort, Convention Centre and Spa
Shanzu Beach, Mombasa, Kenya
Tel: +254 709 532 000
Website: www.prideinnparadise.com

Accommodation

For Scientific Conference Participants:
🏨 CityBlue Creekside Hotel & Suites
Tudor Creek, Mombasa
Tel: +254 709 264 000
Website: www.citybluehotels.com

For IOCAFRICA-VIII Participants:
🏨 PrideInn Paradise Beach Resort (Session Venue)
Please indicate your affiliation with the event when booking to benefit from the negotiated rates.

Shuttle Services

Shuttle services will be available as follows:

  • Daily transfers between CityBlue Hotel and KMFRI during the Conference (5–6 May).
  • A dedicated shuttle will operate on the evening of 6 May from CityBlue Hotel to PrideInn Paradise Hotel for participants attending both events.
  • Airport transfers will be provided between Moi International Airport (MBA) and official hotels upon arrival and departure (until 10 May).

Registration

Participants must register online: https://rb.gy/fl4qgr (conference participants only)

Badges will be issued at:

  • KMFRI entrance (5 May from 08:00)
  • PrideInn Paradise lobby (6 May from 18:00 and 7 May from 08:00)

Badges must be worn at all times.

Languages & Documents

Working languages: English and French
Simultaneous interpretation will be available (IOCAFRICA Session only).


All documents for the IOCAFRICA Session will be available online: https://oceanexpert.org/event/4677#documents

Visa & Entry Requirements

Participants are responsible for obtaining their visa. Apply online: https://evisa.go.ke

Health & Safety

Standard health protocols will apply.

Reference hospital: Aga Khan Hospital, Mombasa


Emergency contact details will be provided in the final bulletin.

Currency & Time Zone

Currency: Kenyan Shilling (KES)


Time Zone: UTC +3 (East Africa Time)


International cards accepted. ATMs available at hotels and malls.

Contacts

IOCAFRICA Secretariat (UNESCO Regional Office for Eastern Africa)


📧 jn.ndarathi@unesco.org

📞 +254 735432360

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