The Ocean Acidification (OA) Workshop for the for the Western Indian Ocean was successfully organized in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania on 27 January 2025. The review meeting of the proposed Ocean Acidification Action Plan by the Nairobi Convention was supported by the Nairobi Convention component in the ACP MEA Phase 3 Programme. The technical meeting will lead to a validation and endorsement of the regional ocean acidification action plan by the contracting Member States to the Nairobi Convention.
Technical experts, government officials, and OA stakeholders amplified the greater need for stronger regional collaboration to address the impacts of emerging environmental and economic challenges posed by ocean acidification. The OA review workshop addressed local drivers, and the significant impacts of OA on fishery resources amongst ocean dependent coastal livelihoods.
Ocean Acidification workshop in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
The OA action plan highlighted the region’s ocean acidification monitoring data and existing data gaps, notable trends that are enhancing ocean acidification, and the necessity for regional, national, and community advocacy. Participants called for the urgent need to integrate OA into climate change policies, strategies, into nationally determined contributions, and to enhance measures to mitigate ocean acidification.
The Western Indian Ocean (WIO) region is especially vulnerable to the impacts of ocean acidification because its coastal communities rely heavily on these marine and coastal resources for their livelihoods. Ocean acidification is projected to pose a significant threat to marine organisms, and ecosystems exacerbated by pollution, habitat loss, and over-exploitation of resources. The review meeting asked that the OA Action Plan should make further efforts to embolden resilience, mitigation, and adaptation strategies that align with both regional and international priorities.
The proposed 10-year implementation plan aims to ensure that policymakers and communities are aware of the risks posed by ocean acidification. It encourages the integration of ocean acidification into policies and management strategies to safeguard marine biodiversity and enhance livelihood resilience. Additionally, it incorporates funded efforts for improved monitoring and communication on ocean acidification.
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For further information about the project please contact theuri.mwangi@un.org
Winni Akiso, Nairobi Convention, 1 February 2025. Full Article.
