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African Marine and Coastal Biosphere Reserves Strengthen Collaboration for Sustainable Conservation
Building Strategic Partnerships
One of the significant outcomes of the training was the establishment of important collaborations, such as the partnership between the Western Indian Ocean Marine Protected Areas Network (WIOMPAN) and the Marine Protected Areas Network of West Africa (RAMPAO). Such collaborations are expected to enhance the collective capacity of biosphere reserves across Africa in addressing conservation challenges.
Representation and UNESCO鈥檚 Collaboration
Managers from 20 marine and coastal biosphere reserves across nine African countries participated in the training, which was spearheaded by the UNESCO/IOC Sub-Commission for Africa and the Adjacent Island States (IOCAFRICA), the Natural Science Sector of the UNESCO Regional Office for Eastern Africa, the UNESCO Dar es Salaam Office, and the UNESCO Multisectoral Regional Office for West Africa in Dakar.
Classroom Lectures: Laying the Foundation
During the first two days of the training (March 11-12), participants attended classroom lectures covering:
- Introduction to UNESCO biosphere reserves, their goals, functions, and designation processes.
- The ecological and socio-economic importance of marine biosphere reserves and harnessing economic opportunities.
- Promoting marine biosphere reserves as ocean literacy hubs.
- The role of biosphere reserves in achieving global targets, such as the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the Kunming-Montreal Biodiversity Targets, and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
Opening Address by Mr. Zahor Kassim Elkharousy
In his opening address, Mr. Zahor Kassim Elkharousy, Zanzibar's Deputy Permanent Secretary for the Blue Economy and Fisheries, highlighted the importance of UNESCO鈥檚 Biosphere Reserves as learning and socio-economic hubs. He commended UNESCO鈥檚 partnership with the United Republic of Tanzania and emphasized Zanzibar鈥檚 deep connection with the ocean, describing it as an ocean community that heavily relies on marine ecosystems for livelihoods.
鈥淶anzibar is honored to host this training, and I sincerely thank UNESCO/IOC for choosing this remarkable location. Here, you will not only gain valuable knowledge but also witness first-hand the unique conservation and management efforts in place.鈥
Field and Community Visit at Jozani-Chwaka Bay Marine Biosphere Reserve
On the third day, participants visited the Jozani-Chwaka Bay Marine Biosphere Reserve to gain practical exposure to various conservation efforts, including:
- Zonation of biosphere reserves.
- Community-led management practices.
- Community enterprises focused on socio-economic enhancement and gender mainstreaming.
The participants visited the Na Sisi Pia Tupo Cooperative in Bweeju village, learning about seaweed farming and value addition to produce cosmetic products and nutritional supplements. They also explored a mangrove restoration project that combines conservation with eco-tourism through boardwalks, enhancing community socio-economic resilience. Additionally, a sea turtle conservation and rehabilitation initiative within the biosphere was showcased.
鈥淭he training has been a great learning experience for me. I was not informed that we could do seaweed farming and manufacture products that can improve the livelihoods of our communities. These exchanges and interactions among Africans should be continuously facilitated as they offer an opportunity to replicate best practices from the different regions.鈥
Moving Forward
The three-day training was highly impactful. As a concrete outcome, participants developed action plans for replicating the training in their respective regions and practical activities for implementing the actions outlined in the Venice Declaration for Ocean Literacy in Action.
