DAR ES SALAAM: KEY stakeholders from across Eastern and Southern Africa are meeting in Dar es Salaam to address critical data gaps hindering effective marine seascape ecosystem management.
They are meeting in a two-day workshop organised by the Regional for Mapping of Resources for Development (RCMRD) as part of regional initiative supported by the European Union, to foster collaboration, identify priority data needs and develop strategies for data collection and analysis.
An RCMRD Forest, Biodiversity and Seascape specialist, Josephat Gacoki told the ‘Daily News’ the workshop is crucial to raising awareness about the importance of data and information in conserving our marine ecosystems.
“When a natural resource lacks formal management, it often falls victim to the ‘tragedy of the commons,” said Mr Gacoki, noting the workshop is part of wider regional initiatives to help countries improve on conservation of the forests, biodiversity and seascape.
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Mr Gacoki said the workshop in Dar es Salaam followed another workshop done in Nairobi in August which focused also on sensitisation of key stakeholders about the importance of data and information in forests and biodiversity conservation.
He said the Dar es Salaam workshop focuses on seascape conservation. Dr Zakaria Ngereja of Ardhi University said data sharing is a critical tool in regional initiatives to conserve forests, biodiversity and seascape ecosystem.
“Data sharing is a critical tool in this endeavour, as it empowers us to make informed decisions across regional boundaries. Instead of hoarding data, we must utilise it to benefit society and our regional economy.”
“Countries that share coastal borders are particularly interconnected. What happens in one nation can significantly impact its neighbours. By sharing data, we can anticipate potential threats and take proactive measures to protect our marine ecosystems.”
“This collaborative approach is essential for ensuring the long-term health of our oceans and the communities that depend on them,” he said.
The workshop brought together a diverse group of participants including government officials, scientists, researchers, NGOP representatives and community members from countries such as Tanzania, Kenya, South Africa, Mozambique, Seychelles and Namibia.
By sharing knowledge and expertise the participants aim to develop a comprehensive understanding of the region’s marine ecosystem and the data required for their sustainable management. By working together, the participants hope to create a more sustainable future for southern Africa’s marine ecosyste
