Gabon Hosts Blue Week and Central African Blue Forum

The Gabonese government, in partnership with the African Marine Conservation Organisation (AMCO), the Central African Blue Forum (FOBAC), the Economic Community of Central African States (CEEAC), and the European Union Delegation to Gabon, will host Blue Week and the Central African Blue Forum in Libreville from November 9-14. This event is a joint effort between the Ministry of the Sea, Fisheries and Blue Economy and the Ministry of Water and Forests.

Blue Week comprises two complementary events. It begins with the first meeting of the Strategic Orientation Committee (COS) on November 9-10, followed by technical workshops presenting projects and the official launch of the ODEBAC program. The Central African Blue Forum (FOBAC) will then take place from November 11-14. ODEBAC aims to promote a regional development model that balances the preservation of marine and coastal ecosystems with sustainable resource utilization.

The ODEBAC program, funded by the European Union under the Global Gateway strategy, focuses on three main areas: strengthening ocean governance, sustainable fishing, and marine biodiversity conservation. It is implemented in partnership with CEEAC and involves a network of operators, including Expertise France, the French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (UICN).

The Blue Week event brings together the program's steering bodies, operators, partners, representatives of regional states, and actors from the scientific community, civil society, and culture. Libreville was chosen as the host city for this gathering, which aims to promote a sustainable blue economy in Central Africa. The event is expected to facilitate dialogue and cooperation among stakeholders.

The Central African Blue Forum (FOBAC) is a key component of the Blue Week event. It provides a platform for stakeholders to discuss issues related to ocean conservation, sustainable fishing, and the blue economy. The forum aims to promote cooperation and coordination among regional actors and to identify solutions to common challenges.

The ODEBAC program has a significant budget and involves a range of partners. Its implementation is expected to have a positive impact on the region's marine ecosystems and the livelihoods of local communities. The program's success will depend on effective collaboration among stakeholders and the engagement of regional actors.

The Blue Week event in Libreville is an important opportunity for Central African countries to come together and discuss the future of the region's marine resources. The event has the potential to shape the region's blue economy and promote sustainable development. Key outcomes from the event are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

Key points

• The ODEBAC program focuses on strengthening ocean governance, sustainable fishing, and marine biodiversity conservation.
• The Blue Week event brings together stakeholders from across the region to promote a sustainable blue economy.
• The Central African Blue Forum (FOBAC) provides a platform for stakeholders to discuss issues related to ocean conservation and the blue economy.