Experts from across Africa are gathering in Lomé, Togo, to harmonize national laws protecting aquatic biodiversity and improve implementation of international legal frameworks governing marine resources. The two-day workshop, which opened Tuesday and runs through March 12, is part of broader efforts to strengthen Africa’s blue economy while tackling environmental and food security challenges.
The meeting is organized by the African Union’s Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) in collaboration with the Togolese government. It brings together specialists, policymakers, and legal consultants from approximately 15 African Union member states. The workshop is conducted under the project “Conserving Aquatic Biodiversity in Africa’s Blue Economy,” with support from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA).
Participants are reviewing key international frameworks, including the Convention on Biological Diversity, the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, and the United Nations Fish Stocks Agreement. These instruments provide guidance for the protection of marine ecosystems, sustainable fishing practices, and the conservation of endangered species.
Philippe Ouedraogo, representing AU-IBAR, emphasized the need to accelerate national legislative alignment. “All states should harmonize their legislation to strengthen the fight against illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing,” he said. Experts stressed that fragmented regulations across countries have hampered enforcement efforts, allowing overfishing and illicit practices to continue unchecked.
The workshop also examines strategies to foster the blue economy, which refers to the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and environmental health. Fisheries, aquaculture, and marine-based industries are vital for income and food security for millions of Africans, particularly in coastal communities.
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Konlani Dindiogue, chief of staff at Togo’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Animal Resources and Food Sovereignty, highlighted the stakes. “Protecting these ecosystems is not only an environmental imperative but also an economic and food security issue,” he said. Participants are exploring regional coordination mechanisms to ensure that policies are consistent, enforceable, and conducive to sustainable resource use.
Africa’s aquatic resources face growing threats from habitat degradation, pollution, climate change, and overfishing. Rising coastal populations and expanding industrial activities have intensified pressure on marine ecosystems, underscoring the need for robust regulatory frameworks. Experts say harmonization of laws is essential to curb illegal fishing, protect biodiversity, and secure the livelihoods of millions who depend on fisheries.
The workshop also emphasizes capacity building for national authorities. By equipping policymakers and regulators with the knowledge and tools to apply international agreements, AU-IBAR aims to ensure that African nations can meet global standards for marine conservation while fostering sustainable economic development.
Delegates are expected to produce recommendations for aligning domestic legislation with global standards, improving monitoring and enforcement mechanisms, and fostering regional collaboration. These measures are intended to strengthen the continent’s ability to respond collectively to illegal, unregulated, and unreported fishing while promoting responsible management of aquatic resources.
As Africa looks to expand its blue economy, experts note that legal harmonization is only one piece of the puzzle. Investments in research, technology, and community-based conservation programs are also critical to achieving sustainable outcomes. The Lomé workshop provides a platform for sharing best practices, building partnerships, and developing strategies to balance economic development with the preservation of fragile marine ecosystems.
With fisheries and aquaculture contributing significantly to food security, employment, and trade, the decisions taken in Lomé could have lasting impacts on Africa’s environmental, social, and economic landscape. Participants hope that stronger legal frameworks, combined with regional cooperation and innovative policy measures, will help secure the future of Africa’s aquatic biodiversity for generations to come.
