PRCM-Regional Partnership for Coastal and Marine Conservation in West Africa

[#MarineTurtles] 🌊🐢 𝗠𝗮𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗮 𝗔𝗱𝗼𝗽𝘁𝘀 𝗮 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗧𝘂𝗿𝘁𝗹𝗲𝘀! 🚀 The validation workshop for the National Action Plan for the Conservation of Marine Turtles was officially opened this morning in #Nouakchott, with the participation of the representative from the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development, alongside technical and financial partners. 📃 Developed by the Parc National du Banc d'Arguin, the largest Marine Protected Area in West Africa and recognized by the scientific community as a critical habitat for the development of green turtles, this ambitious plan aims to strengthen efforts to protect these endangered species. 👏 The PRCM-Regional Partnership for Coastal and Marine Conservation in West Africa is proud to have financially supported the development of this plan. 🎙️ In his opening speech, the #PRCM Executive Director Senhoury Ahmed, emphasized that this initiative will help deepen knowledge about marine turtles and promote their sustainable conservation. #Conservation #Marine Turtles #Mauritania #Environment #Biodiversity BACoMaB Trust Fund Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) Association Naforé Djibril LY Djibril Diouck Oumar BA Hortensio Lima Mireille Perrin Nature Mauritanie Saleck Maïmouna

[#Bissau] 🌊🦈𝗞𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗶̈ 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗶𝗷𝗮𝗴𝗼𝘀 🌍 From November 24 to December 5, the PRCM-Regional Partnership for Coastal and Marine Conservation in West Africa, alongside a team from the IBAP Guiné-Bissau, the National Institute for Fisheries and Oceanographic Research (INIPO) of Guinea-Bissau, and Wageningen University & Research conducted a scientifically significant expedition in the #Bijagos Archipelago. 🎯𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻: Deploy satellite tags on guitarfish (𝙂𝙡𝙖𝙪𝙘𝙤𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙜𝙪𝙨 𝙘𝙚𝙢𝙞𝙘𝙪𝙡𝙪𝙨), a critically endangered species. Using Argos tags, we aim to track the movements of the largest specimens captured to identify critical habitats essential for their survival. 📊 The data collected over the next 7–8 months will provide valuable insights into the challenges this species faces and guide targeted conservation measures. Additionally, studying juvenile individuals will enhance our understanding of the threats endangering their existence. 🌱This initiative is part of the “𝙎𝙬𝙞𝙢𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙞𝙣 𝘿𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙨 𝙒𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙨” project, funded by the Shark Conservation Fund (SCF) and implemented by the PRCM-Regional Partnership for Coastal and Marine Conservation in West Africa #Biodiversity #Conservation #MarineResearch #Bijagos #SharkRays Guido Leurs Shark Conservation Fund (SCF) Rima Jabado Ariane van Marwijk Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) on Migratory Species(CMS) Heidrun Frisch-Nwakanma- National Geographic Society Senhoury Ahmed Bloomberg Philanthropies Commission Sous-Regionale des peches (CSRP)

[#GoodNews]✨🐢𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗮𝗱𝗼𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝗵𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗱! 💫 During the Steering Committee of the #STM Project in Sal, Cabo Verde, we symbolically adopted a loggerhead turtle nest. 🐢🤩Today, we’re thrilled to announce that this nest has hatched, giving birth to 𝟰𝟲 𝗯𝗮𝗯𝘆 𝘁𝘂𝗿𝘁𝗹𝗲𝘀 now swimming against the current before drifting into the vast Atlantic Ocean! 🌊 💪🏾This initiative reflects our commitment to protecting this iconic species, which continues to face threats such as poaching, habitat destruction, and other dangers. 💢 The PRCM-Regional Partnership for Coastal and Marine Conservation in West Africa leads the 𝗦𝗧𝗠 - 𝗦𝗲𝗮 𝗧𝘂𝗿𝘁𝗹𝗲 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 program, a wide-reaching initiative involving numerous national and international partners: NGOs, research centers, public administrations, and more. Together, we are working to secure a sustainable future for these vital marine species. 👏 A heartfelt thank you to all our partners for their incredible efforts. 🫵 And you? Why not join this wonderful initiative by 𝗮𝗱𝗼𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝘁𝘂𝗿𝘁𝗹𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘁?

📢 [#HappeningNow] The exchange visit program as part of the #SEDAD project kicks off today, bringing together participants from The #Gambia, #Senegal, and #Mauritania. 🌿 The visit begins with a training session to review key concepts before heading into the field to explore a concrete example of a project that implements nature-based solutions to tackle the challenges of climate change. An inspiring opportunity to share knowledge and foster regional resilience! 🌍💡 #NatureBasedSolutions #RegionalCollaboration #ClimateAction Cégep de la Gaspésie et des Îles Centre De Suivi Écologique Nicolas Mbengue Salla BA Honorine DIATTA Senhoury Ahmed Mintou FAYE Marieme soda Diallo Aliou Seydi

[#Bissau] 🦈 As part of two of our projects in Guinea-Bissau, namely the Raies & Requins Bijagós and Blue Bijagós initiatives, we collaborated with our partners, IBAP Guiné-Bissau, National Institute for Fisheries and Oceanographic Research (#INIPO), and Organization for the Defense and Development of Wetlands (#ODZH) — as well as the Department of Marine Sciences at the Lusophone University to organize an enriching knowledge-sharing session last weekend. Nearly 150 students had the opportunity to delve into fascinating topics such as the biology of rays and #sharks, #mangrove ecology, the importance of oceanographic campaigns, and many other areas of interest. Led by Guido Leurs, Francisco Gomes Wambar, Pierre Campredon, Issa Barri, and Antonio Pires, the session not only captivated the students but also fostered dynamic and engaging interactions. A heartfelt thanks to Ms. Claudia Morreira, Head of the Department, for her dedication and support in ensuring the continuation of these vital initiatives throughout the academic year. These collaborations not only enhance students’ knowledge but also contribute to ongoing efforts for the sustainable management of marine ecosystems. Shark Conservation Fund (SCF) Save Our Seas Foundation (SOSF) Bloomberg Philanthropies Moore Charitable Foundation Ariane van Marwijk Aissa Regalla

[#WorldFishingDay] 🐟The PRCM-Regional Partnership for Coastal and Marine Conservation in West Africa celebrated #WorldFisheriesDay today in #Toubacouta, #Senegal, alongside the network of women in artisanal fisheries - #REFEPAS. ✨Under the theme "The Contribution of Women in Artisanal Fisheries to the Sustainability of Marine and Coastal Ecosystems in Senegal," this event highlighted the indispensable role of women in promoting artisanal fishing. Unfortunately, their contributions are often overshadowed by persistent marginalization in decision-making bodies. 👏 The PRCM-Regional Partnership for Coastal and Marine Conservation in West Africa is proud to have supported this gathering, reaffirming its commitment to stakeholders in the sector, and especially to the women of #REFEPAS, who actively work toward sustainable fisheries management in Senegal. Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF) Blue Ventures Greenpeace Fisheries Transparency Initiative (FiTI) Oceans 5 Dr. Moustapha KEBE Senhoury Ahmed CAOPA FAO Dr Fatou Diouf

[#CopilSTM2024] 💫🐢On the sidelines of the Steering Committee for the Monitoring of Marine Turtles (STM), participants had the opportunity to visit one of the largest marine turtle hatcheries on Sal Island, Cabo Verde. ✨Located in the heart of the Ponta Sino Marine Protected Area, this visit highlighted the remarkable work carried out by our partner, Projeto Biodiversidade.   👌 We had the privilege of observing the meticulous process of nest protection, a key effort to ensure the safety of the eggs during incubation. 💪As part of our commitment to marine turtle conservation, PRCM-Regional Partnership for Coastal and Marine Conservation in West Africa symbolically adopted a turtle, which has been named after our #STM project. ✍ The adoption certificate was presented to Mr. Dr Demba MARICO, representing the Executive Director of #PRCM. 😍 We eagerly await a photo of our newborn turtle as soon as it emerges from its egg.   🐢For information, 75% of the archipelago's turtles lay their eggs on the islands of Sal and Boa Vista. Lantuna Associação Projecto Vitó IBAP Guiné-Bissau Hortensio Lima Albert Taxonera Dr Demba MARICO Eve J. Lambertine CABO

[#CopilSTM2024] 👏 End of the Steering Committee of STM – Monitoring Marine Turtles in West Africa! 🐢 The final day of this Steering Committee meeting in Cabo Verde was filled with fruitful discussions and promising prospects:  🌍 𝗦𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘀 from ecological monitoring in Guinea, Mauritania, and Senegal were shared, confirming the collective efforts to protect these species.  📘 𝗔 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗼𝗻 𝗪𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗔𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝘁𝘂𝗿𝘁𝗹𝗲𝘀 is in the works! This project brings together contributions from international researchers working in the region, highlighting the seven countries of the PRCM area. The book is set for release in 2026!  🎓 𝗔 𝗠𝗢𝗢𝗖 𝗼𝗻 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝘁𝘂𝗿𝘁𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝗼𝗼𝗻! This initiative aims to build capacity and spread knowledge to both the general public and experts.  🔍 𝗔 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆: Poilão Island in Guinea-Bissau may be the only site in West Africa where the critically endangered hawksbill turtle nests regularly. Thanks to IBAP Guiné-Bissau, this population is closely monitored, with a high hatching success rate for saved nests each year.  👏 Participants praised the quality of the discussions and presentations, which were followed by an excursion to conclude the event. Associação Projecto Vitó Lantuna Biosfera NGO Parc National du Banc d'Arguin Ispa - Instituto Universitário Rita Patricio Hortensio Lima Albert Taxonera Alberto Queiruga Maneiro Projeto Biodiversidade Ana Veiga Katia Freire Lopes Dr Demba MARICO Senhoury Ahmed leno Passos Kathryn Yeoman TURTLE FOUNDATION

[#JobAlert] 📢𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗿𝘂𝗶𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗮 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿 🌍The PRCM-Regional Partnership for Coastal and Marine Conservation in West Africa is launching an ambitious project in Guinea-Bissau: “Protecting Ocean Health for People and Nature in the Cacheu-Jeta-Pecixe Biosphere Reserve,” supported by the Oceans 5 🫵🏾We are looking for a passionate Project Coordinator to lead this exciting three-year initiative. 📅 Deadline: November 27, 2024 📩 Send your application now to prcm@prcmarine.org Please download the terms of reference below in #Portuguese⬇️ IBAP Guiné-Bissau Charlotte Karibuhoye Ong Palmeirinha Erikson Mendonça Sokhna Sophie Isabel NDIAYE Said Abilio Rachid Senhoury Ahmed

 [#CoPilSTM2024] 🐢The steering committee for the marine turtle monitoring project in West Africa has kicked off yesterday in Sal, Cabo Verde! 👏 This first day was filled with presentations and evaluations of the results achieved during the project’s second year, followed by a Q&A session to deepen discussions. 🎯Today, we’ll be addressing critical issues, including plastic pollution, poaching, turtle meat consumption, and bycatch. 📺Stay tuned, we'll be back with more updates!  Lantuna Associação Projecto Vitó IBAP Guiné-Bissau Biosfera NGO University of London Instituto Nacional de Gestão do Território Hortensio Lima Senhoury Ahmed Dr Demba MARICO