Our ocean is under threat from the triple planetary crisis of pollution, biodiversity loss, and climate change, weakening its ability to regulate climate, sustain marine life, and support coastal communities. The AGNES special program on marine, ocean and blue economy aims to respond to these challenges and drive evidence-based ocean climate action. Through a nexus approach, this program works to identify and bridge gaps in scientific research, policy and practice interface, by ensuring that ocean policies are informed by best available science and leads to meaningful action.
Through the Marine, Ocean and Blue Economy Special Program, the AGNES is providing support to decision makers such as policy makers and negotiators by providing a strong evidence base to support ocean climate action and demonstrate stronger synergies between biodiversity and climate change, ensuring its role is reflected in national, regional and continental policies.
Our focus is on building the resilience of coastal communities through healthy coastal and marine ecosystems and strong policies that are informed by a sound evidence base. At AGNES we believe that by bridging science, policy, and practice, we ensure Africa’s marine and coastal ecosystems remain central to climate action, sustainable development, and biodiversity conservation. One of the ways we aim to achieve ocean climate action is by building the capacity of African national experts and practitioners to access climate finance and develop robust proposals. Further, as part of our work, we consolidate evidence from across the continent to better inform the inclusion of ocean measures in national policies such as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) and Long-Term Low Emission Development Strategies (LT-LEDS). Our aim is to ensure a holistic approach to ocean science, conservation and policy by ensuring the inclusion of indigenous and local knowledge systems in policy formulation and conservation practices.
We also recognize the important role that the maritime and seaport industry plays in promoting global trade, economic growth, and connectivity throughout Africa and beyond. To protect this essential sector from the effects of climate change, AGNES aims to carry out climate risk and vulnerability assessments for select African seaports. These assessments examine the risks associated with rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and changing environmental conditions. The findings help shape adaptive strategies and resilient infrastructure for ports, ensuring that maritime operations remain safe, efficient, and sustainable as the climate evolves. By incorporating scientific data into port planning and policy, we strive to enhance the resilience of coastal economies, minimize disruptions to trade and livelihoods, and support the maritime sector’s role in fostering a sustainable ocean economy.