The Fisheries Committee for the West Central Gulf of Guinea (FCWC) participated in a significant workshop aimed at addressing the impacts of climate change on fisheries and developing economic adaptation strategies. The event, organized by the Ministerial Conference on Fisheries Cooperation among African States Bordering the Atlantic Ocean (ATLAFCO) in collaboration with the African Network of Women Operating in Fisheries (RAFEP), took place on February 6, 2025, in Agadir, Morocco, on the sidelines of the 7th edition of the Halieutis Show.
The workshop brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including government ministers, international organizations, fisheries experts, and representatives of women in fisheries. Among the notable participants were Mr. Sidi Tiémoko TOURE, Minister of Animal and Fisheries Resources of Côte d’Ivoire and President of ATLAFCO, and Mrs. Zakia DRIOUICH, Secretary of State for Maritime Fisheries in Morocco. The event was also attended by the Ambassadors of Japan and Angola to Morocco, representatives from UN Women (Rabat Office), and members of the Mohammed VI Foundation for the Environment. Additionally, the executive and permanent secretaries of regional fisheries bodies such as FCWC, SRFC, and COREP played a crucial role in the discussions, along with representatives from the African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR).
Under the theme “Raising Awareness of the Impacts of Climate Change and Economic Adaptation Strategies,” the workshop focused on the challenges posed by climate change to artisanal fishing communities. Key issues discussed included coastal erosion, shifting fish stocks, and the redistribution of fish species due to rising ocean temperatures. Participants examined how these changes are threatening food security and impacting the livelihoods of local fishing communities. The FCWC’s contribution highlighted the need for strengthened port infrastructure, improved surveillance systems, and the adoption of sustainable fishing techniques to build resilience among fishing communities in the West Central Gulf of Guinea.
A major component of the workshop was dedicated to the role of women in fisheries adaptation. RAFEP, alongside partners such as UN Women and AU-IBAR, emphasized the necessity of empowering women engaged in fisheries by improving their access to financial resources, training, and modern technologies. Discussions centered around strategies for economic diversification, the adoption of sustainable fishing practices, and the formation of cooperatives that would allow women to achieve greater market access and economic security. These efforts were seen as crucial in ensuring that women in fisheries could adapt to climate change while maintaining their livelihoods.
The role of scientific research in climate resilience was also a central theme of the workshop. Experts from institutions such as the National Institute for Fisheries Research (INRH) and the Regional Fisheries Commission of the Gulf of Guinea (COREP) provided insights into how climate change is altering marine ecosystems. They stressed the importance of using data-driven approaches to anticipate these impacts and develop sustainable adaptation strategies. Participants agreed that strengthening research, promoting climate-resilient business models, and fostering regional cooperation were key steps in ensuring the long-term sustainability of African fisheries.
The participants concluded workshop by outlined a series of strategic recommendations. Key takeaways include: the need to approach climate challenges through scientific research, ensuring that policies and adaptation measures are evidence-based, strengthening regional cooperation to tackle marine pollution with a focus on reducing plastic waste.
ATLAFCO announced plans to create an exchange platform where stakeholders can share insights on climate change impacts such as coastal erosion. ATLAFO also proposed organizing a symposium on pollution, bringing together international experts to explore solutions for mitigating environmental degradation in fisheries. The workshop underscored the importance of women’s empowerment, with a strong recommendation that RAFEP members engage with UN Women offices in their respective countries to benefit from capacity-building programs and financial assistance.
