International ocean science project strengthens North-West African countries’ capacity to sustainably use marine resources

UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission and partners in Cabo Verde (IMar, Ministry of Maritime Economy, OSCM) organised a 3-day workshop aimed at improving the capacity of North-West African countries to better understand the impacts of climate change on the Canary Current marine ecosystem with the goal of achieving the sustainable use of marine resources.

The training workshop addressed young researchers (postgraduate and postdoctoral students) from countries in the region (Cabo Verde, Gambia, Guinea, Mauritania, Morocco, Senegal and Spain), whose research focuses on the physical, biochemical or ecological processes of the Canary Current Eastern Boundary Upwelling System, with the aim to improve the capacities of a new generation of regional researchers through ad hoc scientific training and peer interaction.

In his opening speech, Paulo Lima Veiga, Minister of Maritime Economy of Cabo Verde said that Cabo Verde – a Small Island Developing State with specific limitations imposed by its small size and insularity – faces enormous challenges and is especially concerned by the harmful consequences of climate change, which include serious, negative economic, social and environmental impacts, such as threats to food security, which continue to undermine sustainable development.

“The fact that Cabo Verde is 99% sea, and has a privileged geographical position, highlights its obligation to adopt a collaborative approach with regard to the sustainable use of marine resources within its area of ​​jurisdiction”, affirmed the Minister.

This workshop is part of a project funded by the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID) and implemented by IOC-UNESCO in partnership with the Spanish Oceanographic Institute (IEO).