Fes, Morocco – March 26, 2024 – The online publisher and editor of the Mansa Banko Online Newspaper, Mr. Mamadou Edrisa Njie is in the Kingdom of Morocco, attending a regional workshop on Communication for a Sustainable and Inclusive Blue Economy.
The Ministerial Conference on Fisheries Cooperation Among African States Bordering the Atlantic Ocean (ATLAFCO/COMHAFAT English & French acronyms, respectively) and the Media Observatory for Sustainable Fisheries in Africa (MOSFA/OMPDA English & French acronyms, respectively) co-organize the workshop.
Today, 26 March, 20024 marks the beginning of the regional workshop on communication for a sustainable and inclusive blue economy in the COMHAFAT region, jointly organized by the Ministerial Conference for Halieutic Cooperation between African States bordering the Atlantic Ocean (COMHAFAT) and the Observatory of Media for Sustainable Fisheries in Africa (OMPDA). This workshop, taking place on March 26th and 27th, 2024 in the city of Fes, Morocco, brings together key stakeholders in the fields of fisheries, communication, and sustainable development to discuss the challenges and opportunities related to the blue economy in the region.
Context and Justification: As part of their partnership, COMHAFAT and OMPDA are organizing this workshop to raise awareness among OMPDA members about the challenges related to the blue economy and to provide them with the necessary tools to ensure effective communication around this dynamic. The blue economy, as an emerging concept, offers opportunities for economic growth while preserving marine resources and promoting sustainable development of coastal communities.
Objectives of the Workshop: The workshop aims to raise awareness among OMPDA members about the challenges of the blue economy, to support the effective implementation of regional and national strategies, and to encourage specialized press in sustainable fisheries development in the COMHAFAT region.
Themes of the Workshop: Discussions at this workshop will revolve around the challenges of sustainable and inclusive blue economy in Africa, the role of specialized media in raising awareness, and the conclusions and recommendations of the workshop.
Participants and Beneficiaries: OMPDA members, journalists, and communicators representing a variety of media outlets, as well as other stakeholders involved in fisheries and communication, are participating in this workshop.
Expected Outcomes: At the end of the workshop, it is expected that participants will have a better understanding of the concept of the blue economy, explore perspectives for strengthening the partnership between OMPDA and COMHAFAT, and develop strategic communication plans to promote a sustainable and inclusive blue economy in the region.
Workshop Format: The workshop will take place in a hybrid format, with plenary presentations and breakout sessions. Participants will also have access to simultaneous translation in French and English.
About ATLAFCO: In 1989, the Ministerial Conference on Fisheries Cooperation Among African States Boarding the Atlantic Ocean serves as Constituent Convention. The Protocol relating to the institutional framework of ATLAFCO/COMHAFAT adopted 15 Oct 1999, Conakry (Guinea).
The aims of ATLAFCO/COMHAFAT is to promote an effective and active cooperation between Member States for conservation and sustainable development of fisheries in the region.
ATLAFCO is a regional cooperation body, whose creation was prompted by the recognition of the importance of fishing activities of coastal communities in all the countries along the African Atlantic coast. Regional fisheries cooperation was needed to boost the economy of these countries, and to combat illegal fishing.
The regional body was created in 1989 and is the only regional cooperation organization dedicated to the fisheries sector in Africa with 22 states, from Morocco to Namibia. The institution encompasses countries of diverse customs and languages, in a common struggle for the sustainable management of the African continent’s fisheries resources.
