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2023-06-28 06:28:13
Information Note on the Strengthening of Ocean Protection in the Comoros Project (2021-2024) CONTEXT The Comoros archipelago lies at the heart of one of the global hotspots for biodiversity. However, this richness is poorly known and increasingly threatened. The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) has funded a project aimed at improving knowledge of marine biodiversity in the Comoros. This would lead to a better understanding of fish, sponges, deep-sea corals, and their role in maintaining coastal fisheries, while also strengthening national capacities in marine sciences and contributing to biodiversity conservation and sustainable fisheries management. Following the marine expedition conducted in Comorian waters in 2018, data processing and analysis are ongoing, and publications have been initiated. In 2019 and 2020, organizations such as WILDTRUST-WILDOCEANS, CORDIO East Africa, and IRD, along with local partners including the University of the Comoros, AIDE Comoros NGO, and UMAMA Association in Anjouan, discussed the implications of preliminary research results with stakeholders in the fisheries and environmental sectors. Additionally, a coral reef awareness and capacity-building session for teachers and trainers was organized on each of the three islands. Capacity development for local civil society organizations has received special attention over the past six months. Members of three local organizations have received targeted mentoring in communication, research administration, and organizational skills. These activities have included supervised interactive online learning sessions, participation in courses and tasks, as well as support for 2 researchers from the University of the Comoros in preparing their doctorates. Thus, the conclusions of this initial stage will be used to launch a new phase of the project aimed at improving knowledge of marine resources and their effective management. PROJECT OBJECTIVES The specific objectives of the project are: Raise awareness of the economic importance of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) for the national blue economy and promote the benefits that local communities living near MPAs can derive. Enhance technical capacities in research and training related to the marine environment. Promote and improve the effective implementation of Marine Protected Areas. EXPECTED RESULTS The expected results are: Improvement of knowledge about marine resources in the Union of the Comoros. Training of high-level researchers in marine-related professions and establishment of a Marine Resources Center at the Faculty of Sciences of the University of the Comoros. Awareness of local communities about the benefits of MPAs and the value of healthy marine ecosystems. Identification of benefits and opportunities associated with MPAs in terms of improving sustainable livelihoods, and development of a funding request for extended support. Constructive community participation in the management and monitoring of each of the four coastal MPAs. Small grants will be awarded to the Faculty of Sciences of the University of the Comoros, AIDE NGO, and UMAMA Association of Bimbini Anjouan for the implementation of this project, which is scheduled to launch at the end of January 2022.