The importance of coastal and marine resources and environment in Africa is increasing, with the rapidly increasing coastal populations and the establishment and strengthening of industries such as fisheries, energy extraction, and tourism. The Sub Commission will endeavour to provide scientific information targeting different categories users, especially resource managers, research and academic institutions as well as regional and international programmes in order to facilitate the integrated management of the marine and coastal environment and resources.
The Sub Commission will develop and strengthen links between the scientific community and governments, regional and international bodies and programmes (including UN agencies and NGO’s) and other potential users of ocean science and research results.
IOCAFRICA will focus on:
- Organizations of activities to mark the World Ocean Day and the Africa Day of Oceans and Seas (including artwork and essay competitions for children and youth)
- Improving ocean science-policy interface (including preparation of technical reports and policy/media briefs on topical issues targeting different audiences
- Organizations of conferences, symposia and workshops to provide a forum for interactions between scientists and potential users of knowledge and information that they generate.
The aim is to ensure that marine issues are widely articulated and included in the national development plans of Member States.