The African Consultation Meeting in Tangier, Morocco, is underway, preparing the continent for the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference set for June 2025.
The conference gathers regional and international stakeholders to discuss the sustainable management of Africa’s marine ecosystems.
Malawi’s Vice President, Dr Michael Bizwick Usi, is attending on behalf of President Dr Lazarus Chakwera.
Key issues being addressed include the protection of ocean resources and the challenges posed by climate change, rising sea levels, and overexploitation.
The meeting aims to formulate Africa’s priorities and recommendations for the upcoming global conference. There is also an emphasis on enhancing scientific research and cooperation to better understand the threats to Africa’s oceans.
The UN’s Special Envoy for the Oceans, Peter Thomson, highlighted Africa’s key role in ocean conservation, stressing the importance of collaborative efforts to protect marine ecosystems. He urged African nations to take the lead in ensuring sustainable management of the continent’s oceans.
With Africa’s coastal regions increasingly under threat, this consultation sets the stage for stronger partnerships and capacity-building efforts. It aims to ensure that Africa’s interests are well-represented at the 2025 UN Ocean Conference, paving the way for a more sustainable future for the continent.
