International Symposium: Sharing Knowledge for Sustainable Management of the CCLME

Bissau, 17 November 2023, "International Scientific Symposium on the Sustainable Management of the Canary Current Large Marine Ecosystem (CCLME) in Bissau".

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in collaboration with the Government of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau, is organizing the International Scientific Symposium on the Canary Current Large Marine Ecosystem (CCLME). This major event will be held from 20 to 22 November 2023, in Bissau, under the theme: "Sharing Knowledge for the Sustainable Management of the CCLME".

The CCLME Scientific Symposium promises to be an important meeting place for exchanging knowledge and promoting the sustainable management of this vital marine ecosystem. The event will bring together around a hundred people, including renowned experts, researchers and decision-makers. Its aim is to bring together experts from various disciplines to share their knowledge, experience and scientific research findings. It will focus on solving urgent cross-border problems linked to the decline in fisheries resources, habitat degradation, marine biodiversity and water quality, based on solid scientific data.

The symposium will assess current knowledge of marine resources, biodiversity, habitats and water quality in the CCLME, and present advanced scientific methodologies for monitoring the health of this ecosystem in the face of anthropogenic impacts and climate change.

Of the nearly 150 abstract proposals received, only 50 were selected for presentation at the symposium. These two figures testify to the enthusiasm and commitment of researchers in the region. Presenters will have the opportunity to present the results of their research work in the form of oral presentations or posters, covering a wide range of disciplines.

The CCLME is recognised as one of the world's most significant marine ecosystems. It plays an essential role in providing food and economic resources for communities and beyond in West Africa. However, this precious ecosystem is facing serious challenges such as overfishing, habitat modifications and changes in water quality. In response, a Strategic Action Programme has been developed to reverse the degradation of the CCLME.