Dear partners, dear readers,
Over the past few months, PRCM has been heavily mobilised around the organisation of the 12th edition of the Regional Marine and Coastal Forum (FOMACO 2026), held from 27 to 30 April at the Mokhtar Ould Daddah Congress Palace in Nouakchott, Mauritania.
This edition represented a major challenge for our entire team, as the interest generated by this large-scale event continues to grow well beyond the borders of West Africa. Thanks to the commitment of our partners, all the participants, and the Mauritanian authorities, this challenge was successfully met.
FOMACO 2026 has reached a new milestone, becoming a decisive turning point in the regional mobilisation in favour of the oceans and coastline of West Africa. With more than 700 participants from across West Africa and beyond, the Forum confirmed its role as the primary regional space for dialogue, cooperation and action on coastal and marine issues.
Over four days, the Forum featured more than 150 side events, several high-level bilateral meetings including a ministerial roundtable and a donors’ roundtable, as well as an exhibition space allowing more than 20 organisations to showcase their expertise and initiatives. The event also benefited from extensive media coverage with the participation of more than fifty national and international media outlets. This collective mobilisation ultimately resulted in the adoption of the Nouakchott Declaration by the ministers present.
I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to the Mauritanian authorities, and in particular to the Ministry of the Environment and Sustainable Development, whose involvement greatly contributed to the success of this edition. Their mobilisation, alongside the technical and financial partners and all the stakeholders present, demonstrates the growing importance attached to the sustainable governance of our coastal and marine areas.
On the sidelines of FOMACO, we held the 5th General Assembly of PRCM – an important moment that allowed us to take stock of progress made and the prospects ahead. This meeting also saw the approval of 11 new membership applications.
Beyond the Forum, where you can revisit the recap video through the link and watch the session replays, the PRCM remains fully engaged and continues to advance its activities and commitments.
PRCM is moving forward. It is growing. And it is thanks to you: committed members, partners, donors and experts. May this wonderful collective adventure continue.
I wish you an excellent read of this newsletter and, in anticipation, wonderful holidays to one and all.
Dr Ahmed SENHOURY
