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The Development Law Service (LEGN), in collaboration with the Fisheries and Aquaculture Division and in partnership with the EAF-Nansen Programme, delivered the first regional workshop on strengthening policy and legal frameworks for the ecosystem approach to fisheries (EAF), which was hosted at the Sub-Regional Fisheries Commission (SRFC), in Dakar, Senegal, from 6 to 8 May 2025.

Delegates from ministries and agencies responsible for fisheries, environment, and maritime affairs from seven francophone West African countries — Benin, Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea, Mauritania, Morocco, Senegal, and Togo (26 participants) as well as SRFC delegates were engaged to assess and identify needs for improving countries’ legal and policy frameworks vis-à-vis the EAF and opportunities to harmonise the framework at the subregional level. There was rich discussion and experience sharing on good practices and challenges in implementing legislation aligned with the EAF principles.

LEGN presented on its work in developing the Diagnostic tool for implementing an EAF through policy and legal frameworks, its previous training events, the application of the tool in 32 countries, and the policy and legal assistance provided to Sao Tome and Principe, United Republic of Tanzania, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, Sri Lanka, and the Republic of Congo for their legal frameworks.

In addition to updates on the status of EAF in their countries, participants highlighted the significance of appropriate policy and legal instruments to implement the EAF, as well as the challenges they face. Important issues raised were institutional coordination and stakeholder engagement in fisheries management. All the information and practices shared will be compiled into a report, in collaboration with the participants. This report will be instrumental to support ongoing processes of policy and legal review in these countries, contributing to the harmonization of legal frameworks in the region.

For more information, please contact: [email protected]