Africa-Europe cooperation in ocean governance strengthened – In a world increasingly characterised by environmental challenges, the oceans are of immense importance, especially for Africa and Europe. The recent report of the Africa-Europe Ocean Strategic Group highlights the need to strengthen collaboration between the two continents. Set up by the European Commission and the African Union Commission, the group has worked to improve ocean governance and promote sustainable blue growth.
The oceans cover more than 70% of the earth’s surface and sustain the lives of millions of people. However, they are under severe pressure from overfishing, pollution and climate change. For Africa and Europe, the oceans are not only a critical source of biodiversity, but also a lifeblood for the economy. This partnership aims to address common challenges while harnessing the oceans’ potential for sustainable development.
The report describes how Africa and Europe can work together more effectively.
Key areas of focus include increasing mutual understanding of ocean-related priorities, sharing indigenous and modern knowledge, and promoting stronger global ocean governance. These efforts are crucial given the current state of the oceans and the need for accelerated collective action to achieve the goals of the UN 2030 Agenda.
The roadmap for strengthening Africa-Europe cooperation is based on three main pillars: ocean governance, capacity sharing and investment. Within these pillars, the group identified 17 priority actions, which include strengthening regulatory frameworks, expanding scientific collaborations and increasing financial investments in blue economy sectors, such as fisheries and aquaculture.
One of the most notable aspects of the report is the focus on finance and investment. Through sustainable investments in aquaculture and fisheries, Africa and Europe can create jobs and promote food security, especially in coastal communities. Furthermore, the focus on sharing cutting-edge technologies and improving regulatory frameworks will enable both regions to fully exploit marine resources.
In the coming months, the European Commission will examine the group’s recommendations with a view to incorporating them into its future work programmes. With upcoming milestones such as the 7th Africa-Europe Summit and the 3rd United Nations Conference on Oceans, the time is crucial to strengthen this strategic partnership.
The partnership between Africa and Europe on ocean issues comes at a time when the international community is involved in several key processes. These include negotiations on a global plastics treaty, discussions on fisheries subsidies at the World Trade Organisation (WTO), and the ratification of the BBNJ biodiversity agreement beyond national jurisdictions. As these discussions progress, the Africa-Europe ocean partnership could play a key role in shaping global ocean policies.
With the oceans under threat as never before, Africa and Europe must act decisively. This renewed partnership holds the promise of not only protecting the marine environment, but also promoting sustainable economic growth for both continents. The future of the blue economy depends on collaborative action, and this partnership marks a significant step towards that goal.
Africa-Europe cooperation in ocean governance strengthened
