Activities
ATLAFCO Workshop “For a better understanding of the role of fishing and marine protected areas in the Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biodiversity in Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) and its implementation in the COMHAFAT region”
BBNJ Agreement: ATLAFCO Strengthens Regional Consultation
As part of its commitment to the sustainable use of living marine resources, on the one hand, and to strengthening the capacities of its Member States, on the other hand, ATLAFCO organized, on 18 and 19 May 2026 in Casablanca, a regional meeting dedicated to understanding the role of fisheries and Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in the implementation of the BBNJ Agreement on marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction.
This strategic meeting took place in an international context marked by intensified efforts aimed at strengthening Ocean governance, preserving marine biodiversity and, for ATLAFCO, preparing the next steps related to the implementation of the BBNJ Treaty for its Member States that have ratified it.
Bringing together senior government representatives from its Member States, diplomats, international experts, regional fisheries organizations, the ATLAFCO network of African fisheries research institutes, as well as technical partners, this meeting served as a platform for understanding the challenges of this Treaty, exchanging views and reflecting on the strategic significance of this new international legal instrument for the ATLAFCO region and beyond.
Faced with the growing challenges confronting the oceans, notably overfishing, marine pollution, the effects of climate change, as well as the progressive degradation of marine habitats, participants emphasized that the BBNJ Agreement represents a major opportunity for Member States to strengthen their participation in international Ocean governance and to promote their priorities in food security, peace and stability.
All participants welcomed the regional momentum initiated by ATLAFCO on issues relating to marine biodiversity and Ocean sustainability. They reaffirmed the importance of scientific cooperation, technology transfer and capacity building in order to support effective participation in the implementation of this Treaty in favor of coordinated, sustainable and inclusive maritime governance.
The discussions also highlighted the need for stronger coordination among African States in order to promote a common vision and defend the continent’s interests during upcoming international negotiations on Ocean governance.
Session 1: Introduction to the BBNJ Agreement: Strategic, Legal and Technical Framework
Moderator: Mr. Iván López VAN DER VEEN, President of the Long Distance Advisory Council (LDAC)
The objective of this session is to help States and other stakeholders better understand the BBNJ Agreement, particularly the rights and obligations it sets out, in order to support States’ efforts to become parties to it and prepare for its implementation.
Session 2: Area-based management tools, including marine protected areas, and their implementation
Moderator: Mr. Maximilian Schwarz, International Affairs Officer, European Bureau for Conservation and Development (EBCD)
The objective of this session is to explore the opportunities and challenges related to the establishment and management of area-based management tools, including marine protected areas, for Member States that have ratified the BBNJ Treaty
Session 3: BBNJ Agreement and Fisheries Management
Moderator: Mr. Driss MESKI, Fisheries international policy expert
he objective of this session is to shed light on the impact of this treaty on the management of high seas fishing activities .
Session 4: Implementation of the BBNJ Agreement in the ATLAFCO region and COP1 process
Moderator: Dr. Ichiro NOMURA, Special Advisor, Fisheries Agency of Japan
The objective of this session is to take stock of the implementation of this Agreement at the level of Member States and to illustrate the level of implementation in other countries bordering the Atlantic Ocean.
