The Regional Partnership for the Conservation of Coastal and Marine Areas in West Africa (PRCM) opened, on Wednesday 28 January in Dakar, a two-day workshop dedicated to the General Assembly of the Research and Education Network on Marine and Coastal Sciences.
The meeting brings together researchers, academics, experts and institutional partners from several West African countries. It marks a key step in efforts to better structure regional scientific research focused on marine and coastal ecosystems.
A shared assessment
In West Africa, research on marine and coastal environments remains fragmented. Studies are often conducted in isolation, depending on locations or disciplines. Despite the strategic importance of these ecosystems, there is still no strong regional framework linking research, education and training.
The establishment of a Research and Education Network aims to address this gap. Its objective is to strengthen coordination among institutions, promote knowledge sharing and create lasting synergies at the regional level.
Science facing coastal challenges
Discussions during the first day highlighted the central role of research and training in addressing current environmental challenges. Scientific panels provided an overview of the state of knowledge on marine and coastal ecosystems, biodiversity, climate change, coastal uses and governance issues.
According to PRCM Executive Director Ahmed Senhoury, this momentum is essential:
“Given the growing complexity of the challenges facing our marine and coastal areas, it is essential to strengthen links between research, education and public action in order to produce knowledge that is both useful and grounded in West African realities.”
Beyond scientific exchanges, this General Assembly aims to lay the foundations for a structuring regional network. A framework for cooperation designed to enhance coordination among stakeholders, promote the value of knowledge produced, and contribute sustainably to the resilience of marine and coastal areas in West Africa.
The network’s ambition
The future network seeks to become a reference platform for the production and dissemination of knowledge on marine and coastal sciences in West Africa. It aims to promote applied research rooted in local realities and capable of informing public decision-making.
It builds on the experience of PRCM’s “Research and Higher Education” College, active for more than two decades, as well as on several regional programs developed in partnership with universities and specialized organizations. Concrete actions have already been undertaken, particularly in training, applied research and the development of educational resources.
This General Assembly is held within the framework of the WACA ResIP 2 program, to which PRCM contributes as an implementing partner for the regional integration component.
