The Fisheries Committee for the West Central Gulf of Guinea (FCWC), in collaboration with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and with funding support from the Global Environment Facility (GEF), concluded a national workshop in Lomé to present and validate spatial and environmental data for marine spatial planning in Togo.
The workshop, held from 3rd to 5th June 2026 at the Conference Room of the High Council for the Sea, formed part of the MarEcoPlan project, “Use of marine spatial planning in the Gulf of Guinea for the implementation of payment for ecosystem services and nature-based coastal solutions.” The three-year project, running from 2024 to 2027, aimed to strengthen transboundary cooperation and improve the management of coastal and marine resources and ecosystems across the FCWC region.
Over the three days, participants reviewed and validated key spatial and environmental information collected by national consultants supporting the development of marine spatial planning processes in Togo. The data covered marine habitats, natural resources, economic activities, environmental conditions, infrastructure, and the legal, regulatory and institutional governance framework related to marine and coastal space.
The workshop also provided an opportunity to examine interactions among different users of the marine and coastal environment, identify potential conflicts of use, and assess cumulative pressures affecting Togo’s marine space. Thematic maps showing current uses of the marine and coastal environment were presented, discussed and validated by stakeholders.
Participants included representatives of relevant sectoral ministries, including fisheries, environment, maritime transport, tourism, mines and energy, as well as local authorities, professional organisations, civil society organisations, technical partners and financial partners. Their participation helped ensure that the data and maps reflected national realities and benefited from the technical knowledge and experience of institutions and resource users.
The workshop resulted in the consolidation and validation of data and analysis that will support the next stages of marine spatial planning in Togo. It also strengthened stakeholder ownership of the process by creating a shared understanding of marine uses, sensitive ecosystems, economic activities and governance considerations.
Speaking through the workshop process, FCWC underscored the importance of reliable data, inclusive dialogue and regional cooperation in supporting sustainable ocean governance. The validated information will contribute to better planning of marine and coastal areas, helping to reduce conflicts, protect ecosystems, support food security and promote sustainable livelihoods.
The activity was implemented under the MarEcoPlan project, which focuses on four key components: marine spatial planning, payment for marine ecosystem services, nature-based coastal and marine solutions, and capacity building, regional coordination and knowledge management.
By bringing together national institutions, technical experts and coastal stakeholders, the workshop marked an important step in Togo’s efforts to strengthen marine spatial planning and contribute to sustainable management of the Gulf of Guinea’s coastal and marine resources.
Lomé, Togo
Tina Nkansah Akuamoah, Communication Officer
