Togo holds workshops on BBNJ marine biodiversity agreement

The Haut Conseil pour la Mer (HCM), supported by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), held a national sensitization workshop in Lomé, Togo, regarding the BBNJ Agreement. This international treaty focuses on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction.

The workshop, part of the EU-funded West Africa Sustainable Ocean Programme 3 (WASOP3), aimed to equip local authorities, coastal communities, civil society organizations, and traditional leadership with the tools necessary for community mobilization and advocacy. Key objectives include preparing for the treaty's ratification and implementation in Togo, specifically regarding the establishment of marine protected areas, environmental impact assessments, and the transfer of marine technologies to developing states.