Friday, 03 May 2019
Welcome, Nairobi Convention Member States, partners, and friends, to this installment of the Weekly News Round-up! Please keep reading to find out what’s new in efforts to protect, conserve and develop the Western Indian Ocean region.
Upcoming Events
Mozambique to hold “Growing Blue” Conference on 23-24 May:In order to promote knowledge-sharing and best practices to achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14, Mozambique is holding its first “Growing Blue: Sustainable and Shared Exploitation of Oceans” conference. The objective of the conference is to promote the integration of Blue Economy developments, and Mozambique has identified four major themes: sustainable ocean governance; ocean innovation; clean highways (i.e. shipping, ports, tourism, etc.) and ocean power. Read the concept note here and watch a video about the conference here.
Science-to-Policy Platform, 27-29 May; Mauritius: At the fifth installment of this dialogue between Nairobi Convention Member States and experts, participants will have a chance to explore innovative policy options and management strategies required to inform science-based decision-making. Its policy decisions may be used as a basis for key decisions at the next Conference of Contracting Parties to the Nairobi Convention.
News
Development of Biodegradable Plastic in South Africa Can Help Country Reduce Pollution
Researchers at the Centre for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) have developed a 100% degradable plastic from sugar can bagasse and maize stalk. Plastics made from these plant extracts can by reused, recycled, and decomposed within three to six months on land and in water—in comparison to the 450 years it takes normal plastic to decompose. Read more.
Beyond a paper exercise: giving teeth to marine protected areas
UN Environment has just launched a practical guide for governments, planners and decision makers to support the effective design and active management of marine protected areas. Case studies and examples of best practice are taken from 34 marine protected areas around the world. No two areas are the same, so a flexible approach is necessary……Read more.
Check the Practical Guide here.
Nature Conservancy Launches “Blue Bonds” for Ocean Preservation
The bonds will refinance and restructure debt for coastal and island countries in exchange for a commitment to protect at least 30% of their near-shore ocean areas, including coral reefs, mangroves and other important habitats. Read more
We look forward to continuing our work with you to create a prosperous WIO region with healthy rivers, coasts, and oceans.
Do you have an event or story you’d like included in the weekly round-up? Write [email protected] to be featured next week!
