European Union pledges €59 million under WASOP to support sustainable ocean governance in West Africa

The European Union pledged €59 million under WASOP to support sustainable ocean governance in West Africa. This funding, provided under the West Africa Sustainable Ocean Programme (WASOP), is expected to support 13 countries in the region as they confront growing threats including declining fish stocks, illegal fishing, pollution, and climate change. The announcement was made in Accra during a regional workshop focused on Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs) and strategies to track progress towards the global biodiversity target of conserving at least 30 per cent of land and ocean areas by 2030.

Paulina Rozycka, Head of Infrastructure and Sustainable Development at the EU Delegation to Ghana, stated that the investment demonstrates the EU's commitment to improving ocean governance, supporting a sustainable blue economy, and building resilience among coastal communities. A major component of the programme, with a budget of €17 million and implemented by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), is dedicated to protecting and restoring marine and coastal ecosystems. The EU also praised Ghana's establishment of the Greater Cape Three Points Marine Protected Area, describing it as an important step towards restoring fish populations and preserving marine biodiversity. Stakeholders warned that significant challenges remain, including illegal fishing, pollution, and environmental impacts associated with activities such as gold mining.