Coastal communities in West Africa were placed at the center of discussions during the first Blue Ventures Regional Partners Forum, held on the Petite Côte in Saly, Senegal, focusing on the challenges of sustainable artisanal fishing and marine conservation.

Bringing together representatives from Senegal, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau and Cape Verde, the meeting highlights the essential role played by local populations in the preservation of fishery resources and marine ecosystems.

The regional director for West Africa of the NGO Blue Ventures, Prudence Wanko Nono - Djiodio, stressed the crucial contribution of communities in the sustainable management of fisheries.

"Across West Africa, coastal communities are demonstrating every day that community-based fisheries management and locally driven marine conservation work. An inspiring dynamic is underway throughout the region, and it is important today to take the time to celebrate these advances together," she said.

According to her, initiatives carried out in several countries show that coastal populations are not only beneficiaries of conservation policies, but true agents of change.

In artisanal fishing areas, community organizations actively participate in the collection of fisheries data, the monitoring of marine resources, the co-management of fishing areas, and the strengthening of fishermen's and processors' associations.

"These successes are not isolated achievements. They are the result of a collective effort. They are the result of trust and partnerships rooted in communities. The challenges facing our oceans and coastal communities do not stop at borders, whether it be overfishing, climate change, biodiversity loss, or pressures on artisanal fisheries and food systems. But just as the challenges are shared, so can the solutions. Your work matters. Your voices matter," emphasizes the West Africa Regional Director of Blue Ventures.

Thus, over five days, this forum will also highlight efforts undertaken to diversify the livelihoods of coastal communities facing resource scarcity, the effects of climate change and increasing pressure on marine ecosystems.

For the participants, the experience of local communities today constitutes a concrete response to the challenges linked to overfishing and ocean degradation.

The discussions will also cover community governance mechanisms, the protection of marine biodiversity, food security and the transmission of good practices between countries in the sub-region.

The meeting will serve as a platform to strengthen regional cooperation between actors in artisanal fishing and marine conservation.

In total, 73 representatives from 42 community organizations, NGOs, federations, marine protected area management structures and public institutions are taking part in this first regional Blue Ventures Partners Forum in West Africa.

The organizers hope that this momentum will strengthen the voice of African coastal communities in major international discussions on the future of the oceans, particularly in view of IMPAC 6 scheduled to take place in Dakar in March 2027.