A 5-day regional training, targeting early and mid-career scientists, seeks to address the shortage of experts specializing in marine geochemistry, biogeochemistry, and pollution science in West Africa.
The recently approved regional training on major aspects of marine sciences for the monitoring and management of marine protected area (MPA) is a significant POGO-approved initiative aimed at bolstering marine conservation efforts in the West African sub-region. MPAs are vital in preserving marine ecosystems and biodiversity, serving as refuges for marine life, supporting fish stock replenishment, and aiding in habitat recovery. Regular monitoring through studies in marine physico-chemistry, geochemistry, biogeochemistry, and pollution science is crucial to evaluating the effectiveness of these conservation efforts.
The 5-day regional training, targeting early and mid-career scientists, seeks to address the shortage of experts specializing in marine geochemistry, biogeochemistry, and pollution science in West Africa. By equipping participants with essential knowledge and skills, the training aims to enhance their capacity for sustainable MPA management, deepen their understanding of marine ecosystems, and improve their ability to identify pollution sources and develop effective mitigation strategies. Additionally, it will empower the trainees to contribute to informed policy decisions, better protecting marine environments and coastal communities.
International collaborations with POGO member institutions, including IRHOB (Benin), University of Ghana, CURAT (Côte d’Ivoire), University of Calabar (Nigeria), and the Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change (Italy), underscore the training’s emphasis on cost-effective coastal observing systems, citizen science, and the promotion of sustainable management practices. This initiative aligns with POGO’s mission to advance global operational oceanography and supports the CoastPredict program under the UN Ocean Decade initiative (2021-2030), aiming to inspire a new generation of ocean advocates in Africa.
Year: 2024
Members involved
