Marine Ecosystems Conservation in Africa: Protected Area Management in Developing Countries

Healthy, resilient coastlines and marine ecosystems are vital to sustainable development–they are a source of energy, food, minerals, and transport, hence the need for marine ecosystems conservation. Regrettably, Africa’s rich and biodiverse marine ecosystem is increasingly threatened by various factors–for example, coastal and marine degradation, effects of climate change, erosion, and overfishing. 

To mitigate these problems, African governments and other stakeholders are formulating various strategies. Some schemes include partnering with multiple stakeholders to help protect the coastal ecosystems. 

North South Field Studies Safari (NSFSS) is also actively engaged in the fight against coastal and marine ecosystem degradation in African countries as well as other developing countries. So how do we do that? Our study abroad beach to bush program has modules that focus on land-ocean interactions. The program will help you understand the interactions between marine and terrestrial ecosystems. It will also empower you to evaluate the functionality and value of the marine-terrestrial interface. 

That said, let’s look at the challenges that African marine and coastal ecosystems face. We’ll also explore the impacts of these problems and the marine conservation measures that have been put in place to address them.  

Challenges Affecting African Marine Ecoystems Conservation Efforts in African and Coastal Regions

Africa boasts 32500 kilometres of coastline, spread across 38 countries. The Indian Ocean, the Atlantic Ocean, the Red Sea, and the Mediterranean Sea all encircle its coastline in the eastern, western, and northern halves, respectively.  

As mentioned earlier, Africa’s marine and coastal systems are vital. They are a source of food, energy, and minerals, among other resources. Despite its importance, the inhabitant communities and other factors threaten the ecosystem’s health and resilience. 

Here’s a look at the primary challenges affecting the Mother Continent’s coastal ecosystems:

1. Overpopulation

According to the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), about 37% of the global population lives within 100 kilometres of the coast. This increasing population results in a decline in environmental quality in some African coastal zones due to resource depletion and pollution.

2. Destruction of Benthic Habitats

Human activities along coastal areas are destroying benthic habitats such as sea beds and coral reefs. UNEP estimates that 20% of coral reefs have been killed as a result of human activity.  The destruction of these zones has led to a decline in aquatic animals that depend on them for food and homes.

3. Climate Change

Climate change has adverse effects on the coastal ecosystem. Examples of such impacts include the following:

• Heat shock, 
• Sea level rise, 
• Ocean acidification
• Ocean warming. 

When combined with ocean pollution, climate change may result in ocean deoxygenation, which in turn could lead to the extinction of various fish species and other marine animals.

4. Erosion

Erosion in coastal areas typically arises due to the action of currents and waves. Widespread erosion is ravaging Africa’s coastal zones, resulting in significant human misery. For instance, Kenya and other developing countries grapple daily with issues like the following:

• Loss of Livelihoods: Agricultural and fishing grounds wash away, robbing communities of their income and food sources. Good examples include the Niger Delta in Nigeria and Senegal’s coastline. In Kenya, where our beach-to-bush program is stationed, erosion has destroyed coral reefs, eroding the Kipipini fishing grounds. 
• Loss of Homes: Erosion and floods wash away communities’ homes, forcing them to relocate and, in turn, overcrowding urban areas.
• Infrastructure Damage: Roads and other transport means suffer from erosion, leading to economic losses. For example, Kenya’s commuter rail often suffers due to instability and erosion of some parts during the rainy season.
• Cultural Degradation: Some of the breathtaking tourist attractions we’ll take you to to enjoy and study sustainability are natural. Sadly, the abrasion washes them away, like the washing away of the Alexandria area on Egypt’s coast.
• Disruption of Habitats: Erosion destroys ecosystems, like mangrove forests, which, in turn, destroy marine life and lead to species extinction.

5. Overfishing  

Coastal ecosystems are among the most vulnerable areas to overfishing. The practice degrades the ocean’s ability to support sustainable ecosystems. It also threatens Africa’s food security, given that it has led to several fish species becoming extinct. A study found that fish stocks in coral reefs along the East African coastline have declined significantly due to this vice. 

NSFSS’s field study program, which features lessons on global mitigation at local places, will help you understand the challenges that African marine and coastal ecosystems face. In the end, we’ll empower you to develop a holistic, integrated policy and an ecosystem-based management strategy to help restore and protect these areas. 

Measures Put in Place to Address the Challenges Facing African Marine and Coastal Ecosystems 

The coastal ecosystem is vital both for economic and cultural reasons, as well as to ensure a sustainable climate. That’s why various measures are crucial to combat the challenges facing Africa’s coastal ecosystems. 

Interdisciplinary Interventions

For instance, African governments are partnering with multiple stakeholders, including local communities and the World Bank, in a bid to help conserve the coastal ecosystems. The World Bank offers financial and technical support to African nations. It helps them track the value of blue natural capital as well as sensitize the local communities on the benefits of conserving the coastal and marine ecosystems. 

Regulatory Policies

Most African governments are also instituting policies that require fishermen to acquire fishing licenses that determine where they can fish, which types of fish they can catch, and the daily bag and possession limit. This way, they ensure the protection of rare fish species. 

The Implementation of MPAs

Another step that has been taken to help conserve the African coastal ecosystem is the creation of marine protected areas (MPAs). These areas are vital to the conservation of the biodiversity of the coastal ecosystems, especially since they help regulate fishing. 

Education on Marine Systems Conservation

Change cannot happen with empowerment, which means understanding the need and implementing it. That’s where we come in, with a one-of-a-kind practical Study Abroad program. We’ll expose you to real-life scenarios and experiential learning that’ll help you understand both local problems and life-changing global solutions. 

Why Should You Ensure a Healthy Marine Ecosystem?

It is paramount to strive to achieve a healthy ecosystem. The benefits are endless, from ensuring a future to protecting species and the environment and enacting climate action. A healthy and resilient offers the following merits: 

• Economic Benefits: The African blue economy is among the drivers of the continent’s economic growth. In 2018 alone, Africa’s blue economy generated approximately US$300 billion, creating 49 million jobs in the process. 
• Food security: The ocean ecosystem provides roughly 20% of the global animal protein. Protecting the ocean ecosystem is vital to ensuring future food security. 
• Livelihood: The marine and coastal ecosystem is a source of livelihood for people living in these zones. These people engage in activities such as crop production, fishing, and seaweed farming. 
• Resilience to the Effects of Climate Change: Coastal and marine ecosystems play a crucial role in climate regulation. The ocean absorbs roughly 25% of carbon emissions and 90% of excess heat that arises due to global warming. 
• Preserving Energy and Minerals: Coastal ecosystems are also a source of tidal energy and minerals such as gypsum, limestone, and titanium. 

At NSFSS, our beach-to-bush program is geared towards helping you gain insights for sensitizing communities living in coastal zones on ways of conserving the coastal ecosystems. We’ll also teach you the benefits of doing so, not based on textbooks but on real-life occurrences. 

Marine Ecosystems Conservation Begins With You

In conclusion, are you ready to help conserve coastal ecosystems? Book a discovery call with us today to embark on your field study of exploring the African coastal regions. Our comprehensive courses will give you valuable insights about marine and coastal areas, including what animals live in them and how climate change affects these environments. In the end, you’ll be better placed to formulate effective policies geared towards conserving these ecosystems. 

References

Kelleher, G. (1999). Guidelines for Marine and Protected Areas. The World Conservation Union

Ocean Conference. (2022, July). Interactive  Dialogue 2: Managing, Protecting, Conserving, and Revitalizing Marine and Coastal Ecosystems.

World Bank Group. (n.d.). Coastal and Marine Biodiversity & Ecosystems.

N/B: This article is written by human writers and not automated AI system