The GOAP Africa Community of Practice (ACoP) is a regional collaboration platform bringing together governments, international organisations and research institutions who are interested in learning about and developing ocean accounts in Africa.
Objectives
- Build interest in, and commitment to developing ocean accounting in Africa.
- Support countries with the development and implementation of ocean accounts.
- Assist countries to mainstream ocean accounting (including ocean economic accounts) into ocean governance tools, and national development planning.
- Provide a communication and collaboration platform for regional GOAP Members and local partners to engage in mutual capacity building and sharing of knowledge on ocean accounting.
- Showcase how ocean accounts can support evidence-based decision-making and policy development to underpin the sustainable development of the ocean.
- Demonstrate how information on the ocean and ocean resource-use can be utilised to produce statistics and indicators to aid sustainable development decision making.
- Promote learning, science diplomacy and the creation of new knowledge to advance the development and uptake of ocean accounting in Africa.
23 – 24 March 2022 | The First Africa Dialogue on Ocean Accounting | Online
This event introduced stakeholders in the region to ocean accounting and its potential use as an ocean governance tool. Presenters showcased ocean accounts pilot projects from the region and around the world, highlighting the challenges and successes. A Position Paper was developed in preparation for the 3rd Global Dialogue on Ocean Accounting. Read more here.
1-5 July 2024 | Africa Community of Practice Knowledge Exchange and Working Lunch | Bali, Indonesia
At the Global Dialogue on Sustainable Ocean Development in Indonesia, the Africa CoP convened during several regional events including a regional Knowledge Exchange and a Working Lunch. Members of the African CoP provided statements and perspectives to support the development of a draft Africa Ocean Accounts Strategy, outlining priorities to 2030. This strategy will be finalised through consultation in the latter half of 2024.
26-27 November 2024 | Africa Community of Practice Dialogue | Port Elizabeth, South Africa
The Africa Dialogue brought together over 50 scientists, economists, statisticians, and public servants from 7 coastal countries to progress ocean accounting as a key governance instrument for ocean sustainable development in Africa. Attendees (in-person and virtual) discussed innovative methods and approaches to strengthen the uptake of ocean accounts for ocean governance and ocean sustainable development, blue financing, social accounting, among others. The workshop further strengthened the Africa Community of Practice’s ocean accounting leadership on the continent, which will continue to drive uptake of ocean accounting into governance processes in support of ocean sustainable development aligned with relevant national priorities, and regional and global and multilateral environmental agreements.
Resources
- GOAP ACoP Position paper: Ocean Accounting in Africa
- Policy brief on opportunities for ocean accounting in Africa: Ocean Accounts – A Sea Change Approach in Ocean Decision Making
- Website: West Indian Ocean Governance Exchange Network
- Website: Africa Natural Capital Accounting Community of Practice
- Introductory webinar: African NCA Community of Practice Webinar: Ocean Accounting – Novel approaches to Ocean Governance
GOAP Members in Africa
Any organisation or individual can join the Africa Community of Practice without the need to be, or obligation to become, a GOAP Member. The CoP welcomes any and all interested individuals and organisations.
Contacts
For more information about the Africa CoP, for assistance with your ocean accounting projects, or for collaboration opportunities, please contact the GOAP Secretariat at info@oceanaccounts.org.
