Unlocking the Ocean Decade: SEAWARD Africa’s Coordinated Framework for Sustainable Implementation — Insights from Akpan on Environmental Progress

Mr. Anthony Akpan, president of the Pan African Vision for the Environment (PAVE), recently highlighted the importance of the Ocean Decade in Africa and the SEAWARD Africa program. He noted that these initiatives aim to create a unified approach to address ocean-related issues and sustainability in the region. This is essential, given the challenges many African nations face due to climate change and ocean degradation.

During a talk at the Ondo State Environmental Protection Agency (OSEPA) Stakeholders Forum on March 27, Akpan emphasized the need for collaboration among various stakeholders. He pointed out that the upcoming United Nations Conference on the Oceans (UNOC-3), happening in Nice in June 2025, will address the pressing issue of rising sea levels.

French President Emmanuel Macron has entrusted the Mayor of Nice, Christian Estrosi, with forming the “Ocean Rise & Resilience Coalition.” This coalition aims to gather 1,000 leaders from around the world to discuss solutions for the approximately one billion people who will face challenges from rising seas by 2050. The Coalition’s launch aligns with the overarching goals of the Ocean Decade, which has seen growing support and attention on social media platforms as environmental awareness rises globally.

The forum also served to tackle environmental issues specific to Ondo State, especially the pollution affecting its coastal waters. In attendance were around 250 participants, including government officials, academic voices, and representatives from NGOs and environmental organizations.

Knowing the gravity of these discussions, it’s crucial to acknowledge that, according to a 2023 report from the World Bank, nearly 800 million people will be displaced by climate change-related factors by 2050. This underscores the need for immediate action and collaboration, as Mr. Akpan suggested.

As part of this drive, the coalition’s first summit focused solely on sea-level rise and coastal resilience is set for June 7, 2025, coinciding with the UNOC-3. This special event will pave the way for innovative policy recommendations to help adapt our coasts to changing conditions, ensuring that both people and ecosystems thrive despite ongoing challenges.

Bringing together voices from diverse sectors, such as government, academia, and local communities, is essential. Together, they can create a robust platform to advocate for a healthier ocean environment while addressing the local issues affecting Ondo State’s water courses. The collaborative efforts ignited at this forum are vital for the success of the Ocean Decade’s vision and the well-being of coastal communities.

For more information on the Ocean Decade, visit the UN Ocean Decade. The time to act is now.

Check out this related article: Unlock Your Inner Activist: Overcoming Despair to Drive Positive Change for Our Planet

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