COP17: Africa must connect science to action to tackle land degradation — Expert

The University of Cape Coast (UCC) has launched the Africa Ocean Institute to tackle rising coastal challenges across the continent. Acting Executive Director Prof. Precious Mattah explained that the initiative is crucial as Africa's coastal population continues to grow, placing increasing strain on resources amidst worsening climate change and environmental degradation.

Prof. Mattah highlighted that coastal communities in Africa are facing pressures from climate change, population expansion, pollution, coastal degradation, and growing demand for marine resources. The Africa Ocean Institute aims to bolster research, postgraduate training, and capacity development in coastal and ocean-related fields.

It builds upon the work of the Centre for Coastal Management at UCC, which has expanded its scope beyond Ghana to become a World Bank Centre of Excellence in 2019. This support enabled the Centre to train young Africans in postgraduate programmes and conduct research on coastal and maritime issues. Prof. Mattah emphasized that the experience gained from this World Bank project laid the groundwork for establishing the Africa Ocean Institute.

After the World Bank initiative concluded, the Centre recognized the need to leverage its achievements and create a platform capable of providing specialized expertise to countries across Africa. The Institute seeks to empower African nations in developing robust capabilities to address the multifaceted challenges confronting their coastal and maritime areas.

By promoting research and training, the Institute will contribute to sustainable management of Africa's oceans and coastal resources, thereby supporting the continent's ecological and economic well-being.