DECLARATION OF SALY
We, Actors and Partners involved in conservation and participants in the 10th Regional Coastal and Marine Forum in West Africa held in Saly (Senegal) from March 29 to April 1, 2022 on the theme ” The health of the oceans, a challenge for the sustainable development of West African coastal countries” :
- Considering the role of the ocean in the proper functioning of the climate system (oxygen production, CO2 absorption, temperature regulation, …);
- Concerned by the degradation of the oceans as a result of pollution, maritime activities related to blue growth, overfishing, plastification, destruction of coastal habitats and deep sea ecosystems, acidification, and climate change;
- Concerned about ocean degradation in the West African marine and coastal zone and its consequences on already vulnerable ecosystems and coastal communities;
- Recognizing the efforts and initiatives implemented at local and sub-regional levels for the preservation of ocean ecosystems and the sustainable management of their natural resources;
- Working within the framework of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in particular SDG 14 on the oceans and the African Strategy on Oceans and Seas, Horizon 2050;
- Recognizing the role of the Abidjan Convention and the relevance of its Additional Protocols for the protection of West African marine and coastal areas;
Declare our commitment to work towards the conservation and sustainable management of the oceans and natural resources of the West African coastal and marine area.
To this end, WE INVITE our Governments and the International Community to :
