[Experts] FW: Invitation to the Virtual Webinar: Review of the status of ocean observation platforms in Africa and the Adjacent Island States

[Odido, Mika]

Dear colleagues,

We invite you to a meeting to deliberate on the Status of Ocean Observation Platforms in Africa and the Adjacent Island States, on Wednesday 23 March 2022 from 14h00-16h00 Hrs. EAT.

Please register at the following Zoom link:
https://unesco-org.zoom.us/j/94460431469

Simultaneous interpretation (English/French) will be available.

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Background

In 2016 and 2021, the UNESCO/IOC’s Sub Commission for Africa and the Adjacent Island States (IOCAFRICA) undertook comparative studies to assess the status of ocean observation network in Africa and the Adjacent Island States. The studies covered the Western Indian Ocean and Red Sea regions, the Benguela Current Large Marine Ecosystem (BCLME) and Guinea Current Large Marine Ecosystem (GCLME), the Canary Current LME and Mediterranean regions. Specifically the studies focused on:
ü  Undertaking an inventory of the existing ocean observation capacity, including the state / functionality of existing stations and platforms, both coastal and offshore;
ü  Identifying the gaps that need to be filled;
ü  Outlining the key ocean and coastal processes that need to be addressed;
ü  The core variables to be observed/measured and at what frequency, possible cruise lines to cover the processes and during what period of the year

The subsequent reports of the studies outlined a list of proposals, which could potentially be adopted to improve the ocean observation network in the region.
Further, in the recently concluded Pre-Conference Workshops for the African Kick-Off Conference for the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (January 2022), the participants proposed a list of actions/areas for intervention, aimed at improving the functionality and efficiency of the region’s ocean observation network.
This webinar session is a culmination of the aforementioned studies. It will provide a platform for different stakeholders in the region to discuss the reports of the studies, while incorporating the recommendations of the preconference workshops to develop region-specific actions that will contribute towards addressing ocean-observation needs, challenges and opportunities in the region.

The Objectives of the Webinar are to:
ü  Share the findings of the two surveys, with a description of existing ocean observation capacity, including the state / functionality of existing stations and platforms in the region
ü  Provide a platform for stakeholders to share experiences and deliberate on ways to improve the ocean observing network in the region and address existing gaps
ü  Generate and support discussions and collaboration between stakeholders engaged in ocean observation

Please refer to the attached document for additional details, including the programme, of the webinar.

Best regards,


[cid:image001.png at 01D83D40.3AC43C90]Mika ODIDO
IOC Coordinator in Africa
IOC’s Sub Commission for Africa & the Adjacent Island States (IOCAFRICA)
UNESCO Regional Office for Eastern Africa
P.O. Box 30592-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
Tel: +254 20 7621244
http://ioc.unesco.org<http://ioc.unesco.org/>


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