West Africa Ocean Climate Innovations Hub

This Oral Presentation is to address UN Ocean Decade Challenges 5 & 6 to unlock ocean based solutions to climate change ,   and community resilience 

It focuses on SDGs 9, 13 & 14 which is centred on industry , innovation and infrastructure,  Climate change and life below water.

 

The oral presentation is Ocean Visions - Ocean Rock Base Hub aims to fill a crucial gap in the Ocean Decade by focusing on nature and ocean-based solutions for climate remediation in West Africa, with a specific emphasis on Ghana. This initiative seeks to identify and collaborate with relevant stakeholders from diverse backgrounds, including scientists, corporate executives, government agencies, civil society groups, NGOs, academia, and community organisations actively involved in nature-based solutions (NBS) activities in Africa. By bringing together these stakeholders, the project will establish a dedicated task force that can effectively implement NBS strategies in the region. This aligns with the current call for decade actions as it addresses the urgent need for climate remediation and recognizes the significance of harnessing the potential of the ocean and nature-based approaches. The proposed actions will contribute to the overall goals of the Ocean Decade by promoting sustainable and inclusive solutions that protect and restore the ocean and its ecosystems while addressing climate challenges in West Africa.

 

The Ocean Innovation Hub has the potential to bring a multitude of benefits to the West Africa region. These benefits include economic growth through job creation and innovation, improved resilience to climate change impacts, enhanced knowledge sharing and research collaboration, and the preservation of vital marine and coastal ecosystems. It's not just about addressing climate change; it's also about creating a more sustainable and prosperous future for the people and ecosystems of West Africa. By working together on this initiative, West Africa can make significant strides toward achieving its climate and sustainability goals. It can become a leader in the development and implementation of nature-based solutions, setting an example for other regions facing similar challenges. This, in turn, can improve the quality of life for its residents, protect coastal communities from the ravages of climate change, and help preserve the region's rich biodiversity.